Know the switch

Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie Linear Switch: how to choose it

Sea Salt Smoothie, sometimes listed as Sea Salt Milkshake, is a mechanical linear switch with full-POM construction, a 20mm spring and a removable light guide. It is a standard-height mechanical design—not low-profile Sea Salt Chocolate or the faster Smoothie Silver variant.

Choose confidently

Best fit and trade-offs

What you should know first

• It is not a silent switch; sound depends on plate, keycaps and acoustic treatment.
• The source promotional word Mahjong-sound is subjective, not a measured or guaranteed acoustic result.
• A small pack is useful for trying the switch, but replacing a whole board requires enough switches for every key and optional spares.

Design and experience

What makes this switch different?

• 48±10gf nominal actuation and 3.7±0.2mm total travel give a moderate linear option rather than a fast-trigger HE switch.
• Full POM housing and stem give a materials-based reason to consider this model, without promising a specific typing sound on every build.
• Gateron specifies a removable light guide and SMD support for lighting-oriented setups.
• Factory lubrication provides an out-of-box baseline; actual smoothness and pitch still depend on the keyboard build.

Check before you build

Compatibility, pins and pack planning

Confirm your keyboard uses compatible MX-style mechanical switches and check plate, PCB socket and the available pin holes. Do not confuse mechanical switches with Hall Effect switches. If your board uses a hot-swap socket, confirm the socket type before ordering; trim pins only when this is supported and appropriate for your build.

To replace every switch on a keyboard, count the keys in your exact layout and add optional spares. A 10-switch trial pack is useful for comparing feel before a full-board replacement. Switch packs are not complete keyboard kits and do not include a keyboard, keycaps or tools unless the selected offer expressly says so.

Technical reference

Detailed specifications

Type

Linear, MX mechanical

Operating force

48±10 gf

Pre-travel

2.0±0.6 mm

Total travel

3.7±0.2 mm

Stem and housing

Full POM

Spring

20mm (this supplier version)

Factory lube

Yes

Mount

5-pin

LED

SMD, removable light guide

Specifications follow the supplied product material for this version, including its 20mm spring; they are not KeebPilot laboratory measurements. For a model family, use only the specification of the exact selected color/variation.

Buying advice

How it compares with nearby choices

A useful comparison starts with switch type, exact model generation, operating force, total travel, pin format, factory lubrication, illumination structure, and actual pack quantity. Sound claims remain subjective until tested with the same board, keycaps and recording setup.

Package notes

What is included?

Each pack contains 10 switches. Keyboard, keycaps, tools, lubricants and retail packaging are not included unless explicitly stated. Photos may show a different number of switches for illustration.

Answers before checkout

Frequently asked questions