TTC Bluish White vs. Gateron Smoothie Silver

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

TTC Bluish White Tactile

Gateron Smoothie Silver Linear

$6.60

$4.63 per 10

$3.00

$2.60 per 10

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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

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.

Mentioned in this article

TTC Bluish White Tactile

$6.60

$4.63 per 10

Learn more

Gateron Smoothie Silver Linear

$3.00

$2.60 per 10

Learn more