TTC Gold Silver vs. Gateron Smoothie

Overview

When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the TTC Gold Silver and the Gateron Smoothie offer distinct characteristics that cater to different typing preferences. The TTC Gold Silver is celebrated for its rapid responsiveness, with a shortened travel distance that delivers a satisfying bottom-out sensation upon each keystroke. This switch is designed for those who seek precision and speed, complemented by a resonant, thocky sound that adds a layer of tactile feedback. In contrast, the Gateron Smoothie shines with its all-POM construction, offering superior smoothness and a lighter touch, making it an excellent choice for users who prioritize a creamy typing experience without sacrificing sound quality. Both switches fall under the linear category, providing a fluid typing experience, yet they evoke different sensations; one leans towards rapidity and decisiveness while the other emphasizes smoothness and subtlety. 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 Gold Silver Linear

Gateron Smoothie Linear

$6.11

$2.90 per 10

$3.00

$2.60 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

When comparing the housing materials of the TTC Gold Silver and the Gateron Smoothie, distinct differences arise in terms of the chosen plastics for each switch's top housing. The Gold Silver employs a polycarbonate top, which is known for its stiffness and translucency, contributing to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This makes it particularly suitable for RGB lighting, allowing for a vibrant display of colors as light passes through the clear housing. In contrast, the Smoothie's top housing is made from POM, which is renowned for producing a deeper, more muted sound. The inherent properties of POM lend a different acoustic quality, favoring a unique but less energizing auditory experience, thus creating a more subdued typing environment. If one aims to achieve vibrant RGB lighting effects with similarly bright sound clarity, the polycarbonate of the Gold Silver would be preferable.

The bottom housing materials further accentuate the differences in the overall sound profile. The Gold Silver features a nylon bottom housing, which is softer and contributes to a fuller, deeper sound when typing. This softness absorbs sound waves better than harder materials, resulting in a duller and rounder auditory experience, which balances the sharper sounds from the polycarbonate top. Conversely, the Gateron Smoothie also opts for a POM bottom housing, promoting a muted sound profile, similar to its top housing. This consistency in material between the Smoothie's top and bottom units leads to a harmonious, albeit quieter sound experience. Thus, while the Gold Silver has a split dynamic with its polycarbonate and nylon combination, the Gateron Smoothie maintains a cohesive sound profile grounded in the same material.

Ultimately, the overall effects of the different materials will manifest in their respective acoustic signatures when typing. The Gold Silver, with its polycarbonate top providing a crisper tone and nylon bottom yielding a fuller sound, creates a unique auditory experience that balances both clarity and depth. In contrast, the Gateron Smoothie's reliance on POM for both the top and bottom results in a sound profile that leans towards a deeper and more muted quality throughout. Therefore, while both switch designs offer engaging typing experiences, those who prefer a sharper tonal quality may lean toward the Gold Silver, while the Gateron Smoothie might be favored by users who appreciate a smoother, more consistent sound across the board.

Weight

The TTC Gold Silver linear switch and the Gateron Smoothie linear switch exhibit notable differences in their actuation forces, which can influence user preference based on typing habits. The Gold Silver requires an actuation force of 45 grams, making it slightly heavier than the Smoothie, which has an actuation force of 40 grams. This means that users who favor a lighter touch and longer typing sessions might prefer the Gateron Smoothie, while those who enjoy a more substantial feel with a stronger push might lean towards the TTC Gold Silver. Both switches have undetermined bottom out forces, which limits the ability to compare that aspect directly. However, given the known actuation forces, it is clear that the Gold Silver is the heavier option, potentially appealing to users who prefer a stronger tactile feedback, whereas the Smoothie would be more suitable for those seeking ease of use.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distances of the TTC Gold Silver linear switch and the Gateron Smoothie linear switch, we find that the Gold Silver measures 3.5 mm, while the Smoothie has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.6 mm. This means that the Gold Silver is the shorter option, which may appeal to those who favor a more responsive keystroke, particularly useful for gamers seeking faster response times. On the other hand, the Gateron Smoothie, with its longer travel distance, may provide a more substantial feel for users who prefer a depthier typing experience, thus catering to those who find shorter travel distances too abrupt. Ultimately, your choice may depend on your preference for either responsiveness or a more traditional feel.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When considering the sound profile of the TTC Gold Silver and Gateron Smoothie switches, both produce a thocky, low-pitched sound that resonates with deeper tones, giving a rich auditory feedback with each keystroke. The Gold Silver’s sound is characterized by a neutral quality, allowing it to adapt to various environments, making it a versatile choice for both home and office settings. In contrast, the Smoothie adds a subtle nuance with its subdued sound signature, which provides a dampened experience. This combination results in a sound that is satisfying yet not overly intrusive, suitable for shared spaces while maintaining a robust feel.

In terms of feel, the TTC Gold Silver is designed to deliver a polished and silky experience. Its refined finish results in reduced friction, contributing to smooth key travel and a mild resistance that makes typing comfortable for prolonged periods. This mild quality ensures that the experience is approachable for users of all skill levels. On the other hand, the Gateron Smoothie also emphasizes a silky and creamy feel, offering a buttery typing experience that feels effortless and smooth as fingers glide over the keys. While both switches provide a smooth typing experience, the Gold Silver leans towards a more polished sensation, while the Smoothie features a richer buttery feel.

In conclusion, both the TTC Gold Silver and Gateron Smoothie switches offer high-quality tactile experiences, albeit with their unique characteristics. Users can expect a satisfying thocky sound from both, complemented by distinctly smooth and fluid typing experiences. The Gold Silver's polished and mild nature contrasts with the Smoothie’s creamy, buttery feel, allowing enthusiasts to choose based on personal preference for sound and touch. Ultimately, achieving a smooth and pleasant typing experience is assured with either option, making both switches excellent choices for newcomers exploring mechanical keyboards.

Conclusion

To conclude, your choice between the TTC Gold Silver and the Gateron Smoothie linear switches ultimately hinges on your specific preferences for responsiveness and sound profile during typing. If you prioritize rapid responsiveness and a decisive bottom-out feel with each keystroke, the TTC Gold Silver is your go-to option. This switch is tailored for users who appreciate precision in their typing and enjoy the resonance it brings, making it an excellent choice for both gaming and fast-paced typing environments. On the other hand, if you are drawn to a smooth, buttery typing experience with a thocky sound that is both satisfying and slightly more subdued, the Gateron Smoothie may be the better pick for you. Its creamy feel and low-pitched sound make it suitable for those who seek a refined typing experience without overpowering noise, particularly in shared spaces. In essence, consider the TTC Gold Silver when speed and tactile feedback are key, whereas the Gateron Smoothie is ideal for users seeking smoothness and a satisfying auditory experience.

Mentioned in this article

TTC Gold Silver Linear

$6.11

$2.90 per 10

Learn more

Gateron Smoothie Linear

$3.00

$2.60 per 10

Learn more