Bsun Hutt vs. Gateron Smoothie Silver
An in-depth look at the Bsun Hutt and the Gateron Smoothie Silver switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Bsun Hutt, a tactile switch, and the Gateron Smoothie Silver, a linear switch, it becomes evident that they offer unique qualities for different preferences. The Hutt switch is recognized for its medium-heavy spring and prominent tactile bump, providing a satisfying typing experience with a balanced sound profile. On the other hand, the Smoothie Silvers stand out for their all-POM construction, short travel distance for quick actuation, thocky sound, smooth operation, and feather-light touch. Choosing between these switches may come down to personal preferences for tactile feedback and sound profiles. 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
49g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.20 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
3.40 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
In comparing the housing materials of the Bsun Hutt and the Gateron Smoothie Silver, both switches showcase unique characteristics in their top housing. The Hutt's polycarbonate top housing boasts a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to its stiffness, while also being translucent for RGB lighting effects. On the other hand, the Smoothie Silver's POM top housing produces a deeper and more muted sound, offering a different auditory experience. While both materials excel in providing distinct sound profiles, the Hutt's polycarbonate offers a brighter and more resonant tone compared to the Smoothie Silver's POM.
Moving on to the bottom housing, the Hutt's nylon material contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile, attributed to its softer nature that absorbs more sound for a duller and rounder sound. Similarly, the Smoothie Silver's POM bottom housing also produces a pleasing and unique deep sound with muted qualities. Despite their differences in material, both switches offer a deeper sound profile with unique characteristics attributed to their respective housing materials. The use of nylon in the Hutt and POM in the Smoothie Silver showcases how different materials can influence the sound profile of a switch.
While the top and bottom housings of the Bsun Hutt and the Gateron Smoothie Silver offer contrasting sound profiles, it is important to note that the qualities of each housing material are distributed differently throughout the switch. The bottom housing's characteristics have a more significant impact on the bottom-out sound and feel when pressed, while the top housing influences the sound when a key is released. This distribution ensures that both switches deliver a balanced sound experience, with each housing material playing a crucial role in shaping the overall typing experience. Despite their differences, both switches aim to provide users with a unique and satisfying typing experience through the combination of their housing materials.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Bsun Hutt tactile switch and the Gateron Smoothie Silver linear switch, it is evident that the Hutt is lighter in both aspects. With an actuation force of 40 grams and a bottom out force of 49 grams, the Hutt provides a light typing experience. On the other hand, the Smoothie Silver has an actuation force of 45 grams, but the bottom out force is unknown. The weight of a switch is a crucial factor to consider, as lighter switches allow for longer typing sessions and extended gaming comfort, while heavier switches provide a more substantial typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches would depend on the individual's preference for a lighter or heavier typing feel.
Travel distance
The Bsun Hutt 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, making them suitable for those looking for faster response times, such as gamers. The difference of 0.1 mm between the two may not be noticeable to most users, but for those who prefer a slightly more pronounced key press, the Bsun Hutt may be the better option. On the other hand, those who appreciate a slightly shallower key press may lean towards the Gateron Smoothie Silver. Ultimately, both switches offer a relatively short travel distance compared to traditional switches, catering to the preferences of users who prioritize quick and responsive keystrokes.
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 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
In terms of sound, the Bsun Hutt tactile switch is known for its resonant sound profile, offering a higher-pitched and clean auditory experience. On the other hand, the Gateron Smoothie Silver linear switch features a thocky sound that provides a unique and smooth typing experience. While the Hutt switch offers a distinctive typing sound, the Smoothie Silver switch excels in providing a satisfying and feather-light touch with its sound profile.
When it comes to feel, the Bsun Hutt tactile switch is characterized by its snappy and invigorating nature, offering a responsive typing experience with a pronounced tactile bump. The switch provides a sharp and accented tactile feedback that enhances the overall typing sensation. On the other hand, information regarding the feel of the Gateron Smoothie Silver linear switch is unknown. However, based on the provided description of a short travel distance for lightning-fast actuation, it can be expected that the Smoothie Silver switch offers a quick and smooth typing experience.
In conclusion, the Bsun Hutt tactile switch stands out for its resonant sound profile and sharp tactile feedback, providing a distinctive and enjoyable typing experience. On the other hand, the Gateron Smoothie Silver linear switch offers a smooth and feather-light touch with a thocky sound, making it a unique option for those seeking a lightning-fast actuation. Depending on personal preference, both switches offer different qualities that cater to various typing styles. Regardless of the choice, users can expect a satisfying typing experience with either the Bsun Hutt tactile switch or the Gateron Smoothie Silver linear switch.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the Bsun Hutt tactile switch and the Gateron Smoothie Silver linear switch, you should consider your personal preference for typing experience. If you prefer a light bottom out force with a medium-heavy spring and a prominent tactile bump, along with a resonant sound profile and a snappy, invigorating, sharp, or accented feel, then the Bsun Hutt switch would be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you value lightning-fast actuation with no specified bottom out force, along with a thocky sound, unparalleled smoothness, and a feather-light touch, then the Gateron Smoothie Silver switch would be more suited to your typing style. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches comes down to your individual preferences for typing feel and sound.
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