Jerrzi Coral vs. Gateron Smoothie Silver
An in-depth look at the Jerrzi Coral and the Gateron Smoothie Silver switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options to compare and contrast are the Jerrzi Coral and the Gateron Smoothie Silver, both of which are linear switches. The Jerrzi Coral is best known for its distinctively crisp typing feel and lower-pitched resonance, creating a sophisticated and high-performing typing experience. On the other hand, the Gateron Smoothie Silver boasts a lightning-fast actuation with its short travel distance, thocky sound, smoothness, and feather-light touch. While the Coral offers a nuanced sophistication and stellar performance, the Smoothie Silver focuses on speed and smoothness. 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
40g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.20 mm
Total travel
3.70 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
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
22mm extended double-stage spring
Housing materials
The Jerrzi Coral and Gateron Smoothie Silver both feature unique housing materials that contribute to their distinct sound profiles. The Coral's polycarbonate top housing creates a sharp, higher-pitched sound that is clear and resonant, especially when paired with RGB lighting. In contrast, the Smoothie Silver's POM top housing produces a deeper, more muted sound that is equally pleasing in its own right. While the Coral's nylon bottom housing creates a fuller, deeper sound due to its softer material, the Smoothie Silver's POM bottom housing also contributes to a similar deep and muted sound profile.
Despite their differences in housing materials, both the Jerrzi Coral and Gateron Smoothie Silver offer a unique typing experience that is characterized by their respective sound profiles. The split between the top and bottom housing materials allows for a combination of qualities that impact the overall sound and feel of the switch. When pressing down on the switch, you will feel the qualities of the bottom housing, which has a greater impact on the bottom-out sound and feel. Conversely, the top housing material influences the sound when releasing a key, providing a well-rounded typing experience overall.
Ultimately, the choice between the Jerrzi Coral and Gateron Smoothie Silver will depend on personal preference in terms of sound profile and typing feel. Both switches offer a unique and pleasing typing experience, with the Coral leaning towards a sharper and crisper sound, while the Smoothie Silver offers a deeper, more muted sound profile. Whether you prefer the stiffer polycarbonate top housing of the Coral or the softer POM top housing of the Smoothie Silver, both switches provide a high-quality typing experience with their respective housing materials.
Weight
The Jerrzi Coral linear switch has a lighter actuation force of 40 grams compared to the Gateron Smoothie Silver linear switch, which has an actuation force of 45 grams, making it slightly heavier. Both switches have an unknown bottom out force, so it is unclear how much force is needed to press the keys all the way down. When it comes to weight preferences, some users may prefer the lighter actuation force of the Coral for longer typing sessions or gaming, while others may prefer the heavier actuation force of the Smoothie Silver for a more substantial typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preference for actuation force and bottom out force.
Travel distance
The Jerrzi Coral linear switch has a travel distance of 3.7 mm, while the Gateron Smoothie Silver linear switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm. This means that the Coral has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Smoothie Silver. A shorter travel distance is often preferred by gamers for faster response times, making the Smoothie Silver a good choice for those looking for quick key presses. On the other hand, the Coral may be better suited for individuals who prefer a bit more depth and feedback when typing. Ultimately, both switches offer a similar experience in terms of travel distance, so you can expect to get comparable results with either of them.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Jerrzi Coral has an MSRP of $2.79 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Coral for $2.30.
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
When it comes to sound, the Jerrzi Coral linear switch is known for its low-pitched resonance, providing a bass-heavy and mellow tone that adds a sophisticated touch to every keystroke. On the other hand, the Gateron Smoothie Silver linear switch is described as having a thocky sound, which is smooth and satisfying, creating a unique typing experience. Keep in mind that the sound produced by a switch can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard and keycaps used.
In terms of feel, the Jerrzi Coral linear switch is praised for its silky smooth typing experience, offering minimal resistance and enhancing the overall smoothness of each keystroke. Conversely, the Gateron Smoothie Silver linear switch boasts a feather-light touch and unparalleled smoothness, providing a lightning-fast actuation with a satisfying feel. Both switches offer a unique and enjoyable typing experience, catering to different preferences in terms of tactile feedback.
Overall, the Jerrzi Coral linear switch stands out for its balanced and nuanced typing feel, combined with a lower-pitched resonance that adds sophistication to every keystroke. On the other hand, the Gateron Smoothie Silver linear switch excels in providing a thocky sound and a feather-light touch for a lightning-fast typing experience. Depending on your preference for sound and feel, both switches offer distinct qualities that can enhance your typing experience. Ultimately, choosing between the Jerrzi Coral and Gateron Smoothie Silver switches will come down to personal preference and the specific typing experience you are looking for.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Jerrzi Coral linear switch and the Gateron Smoothie Silver linear switch, you should consider your typing preferences and priorities. If you value a distinctively crisp typing feel with a lower-pitched resonance and nuanced sophistication, then the Coral switch would be a great choice for you. On the other hand, if you prioritize lightning-fast actuation, a thocky sound, unparalleled smoothness, and a feather-light touch, then the Smoothie Silver switch would be more suitable for your needs. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches comes down to your personal preferences in typing experience.
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