TTC Bluish White vs. Gateron Smoothie Silver
An in-depth look at the TTC Bluish White and the Gateron Smoothie Silver switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between the TTC Bluish White tactile switch and the Gateron Smoothie Silver linear switch, it ultimately boils down to personal preference and typing style. The Bluish White switch offers a satisfyingly poppy and tactile typing experience, with a snappy sound profile that is categorized as 'Buttery', 'Mild', 'Stepped', 'Subtle', 'Polished', 'Low-pitched'. On the other hand, the Smoothie Silver switch boasts lightning-fast actuation due to its short travel distance, along with a thocky sound, unparalleled smoothness, and a feather-light touch. While the Bluish White switch is ideal for those who enjoy a tactile feedback while typing, the Smoothie Silver switch is perfect for those who prefer a linear and smooth keystroke. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
42g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.20 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
22mm extended double-stage spring
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the TTC Bluish White and the Gateron Smoothie Silver, one noticeable difference is in the material used for the top housing. The Bluish White utilizes polycarbonate, known for its stiffness and ability to produce a sharp and crisp sound profile. This is ideal for those looking for a more resonant sound, especially when paired with RGB lighting. On the other hand, the Smoothie Silver features a POM top housing, which creates a deeper and more muted sound profile. While both materials have their own unique qualities, the choice between the two will ultimately depend on the sound profile preferences of the user.
Moving on to the bottom housing, the Bluish White utilizes nylon which is known for creating a deeper and fuller sound profile. The softer nature of nylon allows it to absorb more sound, resulting in a rounder and duller sound. In contrast, the Smoothie Silver also utilizes POM for its bottom housing, providing a similarly deep and muted sound profile. Despite the differences in material composition, both switches offer a pleasing typing experience with their bottom housing materials contributing to the overall sound profile.
When considering the overall typing experience, it is important to note how the qualities of the top and bottom housings impact the sound and feel of the switch. While the bottom housing material affects the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing down on a key, the top housing material plays a significant role in the sound when releasing the key. Therefore, even though the Bluish White and the Smoothie Silver may use different housing materials, the end result in terms of sound profile and typing experience may be quite similar due to the unique characteristics of each material.
Weight
The TTC Bluish White tactile switch is lighter in terms of actuation force at 42 grams compared to the Gateron Smoothie Silver linear switch at 45 grams. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Bluish White requires 50 grams while the Smoothie Silver's bottom out force is unknown. This means that the Bluish White switch is lighter overall in terms of both actuation and bottom out force compared to the Smoothie Silver. For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the Bluish White would be the better choice, allowing for longer typing sessions without causing strain. On the other hand, those who prefer a more substantial push feel may opt for the Smoothie Silver, although its bottom out force is unknown which may affect the typing experience. In general, the actuation and bottom out forces play a significant role in determining the typing experience and overall feel of a switch, so it is important to consider these factors when choosing between different switch options.
Travel distance
The TTC Bluish White tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Gateron Smoothie Silver linear switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.4 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances that are becoming more popular in the market, especially among gamers looking for quicker response times. The slight difference in travel distance may not be noticeable to most users, but for those who prefer a slightly deeper key press, the Bluish White may provide a slightly more substantial feel. Overall, both switches offer a relatively short travel distance compared to traditional switches, making them suitable choices for those seeking a more responsive typing experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The TTC Bluish White has an MSRP of $6.60 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Bluish White for $4.63.
The Gateron Smoothie Silver has an MSRP of $3.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Smoothie Silver for $2.60.
Here at Milktooth, we offer the best prices on switches (on average, 27% lower the competition). In addition, we offer free shipping on orders over $49.00. We also offer free returns and exchanges, so you can shop with guaranteed satisfaction.
That said, while price is an important piece of the puzzle, our opinion is that you should ultimately pick the option that most suits your unique preferences since you’ll be using these switches for years to come. In other words, finding something perfect for you is, in our view, the most important criteria.
Typing experience
In terms of sound, the Bluish White tactile switch is known for its low-pitched sound profile, providing a more bass-heavy and mellow tone during typing compared to higher-pitched switches. On the other hand, the Gateron Smoothie Silver linear switch offers a thocky sound, which is typically described as a deep and satisfying thud-like noise. Both switches offer unique auditory experiences, with the Bluish White providing a snappy sound and the Smoothie Silver offering a more tactile thock.
When it comes to the feel of the switches, the Bluish White is known for its buttery and mild typing experience, offering smooth and fluid keystrokes that feel effortless and uniform. Additionally, the switch is described as stepped, providing a two-stage tactile sensation where you can feel some pre-travel and/or post-travel. On the other hand, information on the Gateron Smoothie Silver's tactile feel is unknown. However, given its designation as an all-POM switch with a short travel distance and feather-light touch, it can be assumed to offer a smooth and quick typing experience with a gentle actuation.
Overall, the TTC Bluish White tactile switch and the Gateron Smoothie Silver linear switch offer distinct sound and feel profiles to cater to different preferences. While the Bluish White provides a low-pitched sound and a buttery, stepped typing feel, the Smoothie Silver offers a thocky sound and a smooth, lightning-fast linear typing experience. Both switches have their unique qualities that can enhance the typing experience for users, and selecting between them will ultimately depend on personal preference and typing style.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the TTC Bluish White tactile switch and the Gateron Smoothie Silver linear switch, consider your preference for typing experience. If you enjoy a tactile switch with a light bottom out force and a satisfying poppy typing experience, the Bluish White may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a smooth and fast actuation with a feather-light touch, the Smoothie Silver could be the perfect fit. Ultimately, it all comes down to personal preference and the type of typing experience you are looking for. So, take into account your sound and feel preferences when making your decision between these two switches.
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