Kailh Box White vs. Gateron Smoothie Silver
An in-depth look at the Kailh Box White and the Gateron Smoothie Silver switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Kailh Box White clicky switch and the Gateron Smoothie Silver linear switch, it is clear that both offer unique features that cater to different preferences. The Box White is favored for its clicky nature, providing maximum audio feedback with a satisfying "stepping on autumn leaves"-like crunch and accented tactility while typing. On the other hand, the Smoothie Silver stands out for its lightning-fast actuation due to a short travel distance, accompanied by a thocky sound, unparalleled smoothness, and a feather-light touch. While the Box White may appeal to those who enjoy the audible and tactile feedback of a clicky switch, the Smoothie Silver appeals to those seeking a fast and smooth typing experience. 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
50g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Pre-travel
1.20 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
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
Kailh Box spring
Spring
22mm extended double-stage spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Kailh Box White and Gateron Smoothie Silver, we see that they both offer unique characteristics in terms of sound profiles. The Box White features a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile, while the Smoothie Silver's POM top housing produces a deeper and more muted sound. In terms of aesthetics, the translucency of the polycarbonate top housing of the Box White is ideal for use with RGB lighting, while the POM top housing of the Smoothie Silver offers a more classic look.
Moving on to the bottom housing materials, the Box White utilizes a nylon bottom housing which results in a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer plastic absorbing more sound. Similarly, the Smoothie Silver's POM bottom housing also contributes to a deeper and more muted sound profile, creating a unique typing experience. Despite the differences in material, both switches offer a notable impact on the overall sound and feel of typing.
In conclusion, while the Kailh Box White and Gateron Smoothie Silver may have different housing materials, they ultimately provide similar results in terms of offering a unique typing experience. The Box White's polycarbonate top housing and nylon bottom housing work together to create a sharp and clear sound profile, while the Smoothie Silver's POM top and bottom housing offer a deeper and more muted sound. Whether you prefer a crisper sound profile or a deeper one, both switches provide distinct qualities that cater to individual preferences.
Weight
Comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Kailh Box White clicky switch and the Gateron Smoothie Silver linear switch reveals some differences. The Box White has an actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams, providing a medium resistance level. In contrast, the Smoothie Silver has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams, but the bottom out force is unknown. This means that the Box White switch requires slightly more force to trigger a keystroke and fully press down compared to the Smoothie Silver. Both switches offer a satisfying typing experience, but the Box White may provide a bit more feedback and resistance for those who prefer a stronger push feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for actuation and bottom out force.
Travel distance
The Kailh Box White clicky switch has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.6 mm compared to the Gateron Smoothie Silver linear switch with a travel distance of 3.4 mm. Both switches fall within the range of the more modern, shorter travel distances that are preferred by many gamers for their quicker response times. However, the Box White offers a slightly deeper key press experience, which may be appealing to those who prefer a more substantial feel when typing. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will come down to personal preference and whether you prioritize a shorter travel distance for speed or a longer one for a more satisfying key press.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
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.
The Kailh Box White comes in at $2.76 per 10 switches.
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
The Kailh Box White clicky switch is known for its resonant, high-pitched, and crunchy sound profile, providing users with an immersive auditory experience reminiscent of walking on autumn leaves. The accented tactility of the Box White switch also gives typists a satisfying feedback with each keypress. On the other hand, the Gateron Smoothie Silver linear switch offers a thocky sound and unparalleled smoothness, making it ideal for fast and precise typing. With a feather-light touch, the Smoothie Silver switch provides a seamless typing experience with its short travel distance for lightning-fast actuation.
When it comes to feel, the Kailh Box White switch is described as polished, offering typists a smooth and refined typing experience due to reduced friction and smooth key travel. On the other hand, information on the feel of the Gateron Smoothie Silver switch is not available. Typists who prefer a switch with a polished feel may lean towards the Box White for a sleek typing experience.
Overall, the Kailh Box White clicky switch and the Gateron Smoothie Silver linear switch offer unique sound and feel qualities for typists to consider. While the Box White provides a resonant and crunchy sound with an accented tactility and polished feel, the Smoothie Silver offers a thocky sound with unparalleled smoothness and a feather-light touch. Depending on individual preferences for sound and feel, users can choose between the two switches to enhance their typing experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you're looking for a keyboard switch that provides maximum audio feedback and a tactile typing experience, the Kailh Box White clicky switch would be the ideal choice for you. The Box White offers a unique "stepping on autumn leaves" crunch sound and a medium bottom out force of 60 grams. On the other hand, if you prefer a lightning-fast actuation with a thocky sound and feather-light touch, the Gateron Smoothie Silver linear switch would be more suitable for your needs. The Smoothie Silver features an all-POM construction and a bottom out force that is not disclosed. Ultimately, your choice between these two switches will depend on whether you prioritize sound and tactility or smoothness and speed in your typing experience.
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