Bsun Hutt vs. Gateron Smoothie
An in-depth look at the Bsun Hutt and the Gateron Smoothie switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options to compare are the Bsun Hutt, a tactile switch, and the Gateron Smoothie, a linear switch. The Hutt switch is renowned for its medium-heavy spring and significant tactile bump, providing a distinctive typing experience with a balanced sound profile. On the other hand, the Smoothie switch stands out for being an all-POM switch that offers a thocky sound signature, remarkable smoothness, and a lightweight touch, all while maintaining an affordable price point. The Hutt switch is described as 'snappy,' 'invigorating,' 'sharp,' 'accented,' and 'resonant,' whereas the Smoothie switch is characterized as 'buttery,' 'thocky,' 'low-pitched,' 'creamy,' 'subdued,' and 'silky.' Each switch has its unique appeal, catering to different preferences and typing styles. 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
40g
Bottom-out force
49g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POK
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
20.5mm single-staged spring
Spring
22mm extended double-stage spring
Housing materials
The Bsun Hutt and the Gateron Smoothie both offer unique qualities in terms of their housing materials, albeit with some key differences. The Hutt utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, which results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to the relatively stiff nature of polycarbonate, creating a more clear and resonant sound. On the other hand, the Smoothie's POM top housing produces a deeper and more muted sound profile, offering a different auditory experience compared to the Hutt. While both materials offer distinct sound profiles, the Hutt's polycarbonate top housing is ideal for those looking for a switch with RGB lighting due to its translucency, while the Smoothie's POM top housing provides a more subdued and unique sound.
In terms of bottom housing materials, the Hutt features a nylon bottom housing that provides a deeper and fuller sound profile. This is due to nylon's softer nature, which absorbs more sound compared to harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. Similarly, the Smoothie's POM bottom housing also contributes to a deep and muted sound profile, offering consistency with its top housing material. Both switches provide a cohesive sound profile through the combination of their top and bottom housing materials, with the nylon and POM materials each bringing their own unique characteristics to the typing experience.
Overall, the choice between the Bsun Hutt and the Gateron Smoothie ultimately comes down to personal preference in terms of sound profile. The Hutt offers a sharper and clearer sound due to its polycarbonate top housing, while the Smoothie provides a deeper and more muted sound with its POM top housing. Additionally, the bottom housing materials of nylon and POM respectively contribute to the overall typing experience, creating a cohesive sound profile for each switch. Whether you prefer a crisper sound with RGB lighting capabilities or a deeper, more unique sound, both switches offer distinct qualities that cater to different preferences in the mechanical keyboard community.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Bsun Hutt tactile switch and the Gateron Smoothie linear switch, it is clear that both switches have the same actuation force of 40 grams. However, the Bsun Hutt has a bottom out force of 49 grams, while the Gateron Smoothie's bottom out force is unknown. This means that the Bsun Hutt is the heavier of the two switches in terms of bottom out force. The actuation force of both switches being the same means that users can expect a similar typing experience in terms of the initial force required to register a keystroke. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will come down to personal preference regarding weight and typing feel.
Travel distance
The Bsun Hutt tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Gateron Smoothie linear switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, making them suitable for those seeking a more responsive typing experience. Gamers may find the shorter travel distance of the Hutt switch appealing for faster response times. On the other hand, individuals who prefer a deeper keypress may lean towards the slightly longer travel distance of the Smoothie switch. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on personal preference for key feel and typing style.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Bsun Hutt has an MSRP of $6.20 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Hutt for $5.39.
The Gateron Smoothie 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 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 Bsun Hutt tactile switch is known for its resonant and immersive auditory experience, offering a clean and sharp sound profile. On the other hand, the Gateron Smoothie linear switch delivers a thocky sound signature, with deep, rich, and satisfying tones when pressed and released. While the Hutt switch provides a higher-pitched sound, the Smoothie switch offers a low-pitched and subdued sound compared to most switches, depending on your choice of board and keycaps.
In terms of feel, the Bsun Hutt tactile switch is described as snappy, invigorating, sharp, and accented, providing super responsive feedback, pronounced tactile response, and a distinctive tactile bump with each keypress. Conversely, the Gateron Smoothie linear switch offers a buttery, creamy, and silky typing experience, with smooth and fluid keystrokes that glide effortlessly across the keys. The Smoothie switch is known for its seamless, effortless, and uniform typing sensation, ensuring a satisfying and comfortable typing experience.
Overall, both the Bsun Hutt tactile switch and the Gateron Smoothie linear switch offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences. If you prefer a switch with a prominent tactile bump and a resonant sound profile, the Hutt switch would be the ideal choice. On the other hand, if you enjoy a smooth and buttery typing experience with a thocky sound signature, the Smoothie switch would be a great option. Regardless of your choice, both switches guarantee a satisfying typing experience, with the Hutt providing a more tactile feedback and the Smoothie focusing on a smooth keystroke. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches would depend on your personal preference for tactile response and sound profile.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the Bsun Hutt tactile switch and the Gateron Smoothie linear switch, consider your preferences for typing experience. If you prefer a medium-heavy spring with a prominent tactile bump and a balanced sound profile, opt for the Hutt switch. This switch offers a snappy, invigorating feel with a sharp and accented tactile experience. On the other hand, if you prefer a switch with a thocky sound signature, remarkable smoothness, and a lightweight touch, the Smoothie switch is a great choice. It provides a buttery, creamy, and silky typing experience that is smooth and seamless. Ultimately, the decision should be based on your personal preferences for sound, feel, and typing style.
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