Gateron Ink Yellow vs. Gateron Smoothie
An in-depth look at the Gateron Ink Yellow and the Gateron Smoothie switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Gateron Ink Yellow and the Gateron Smoothie mechanical keyboard switches, both being linear switches, it's clear that they each offer unique benefits for different preferences. The Ink Yellow is praised for its shorter travel distance, providing a typing experience that falls between that of a laptop and a standard mechanical keyboard. With a smooth and clacky feel, this switch is perfect for those looking for a polished typing experience. On the other hand, the Smoothie stands out for its all-POM construction, offering a thocky sound signature, exceptional smoothness, and a light touch. Catergorized as 'Buttery', 'Thocky', 'Low-pitched', 'Creamy', 'Subdued', and 'Silky', the Smoothie is a great choice for those seeking a more subdued and silky 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
60g
Actuation force
40g
Bottom-out force
67g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
1.50 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Proprietary INK blend
Top housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
Proprietary INK blend
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated
Spring
22mm extended double-stage spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Gateron Ink Yellow and the Gateron Smoothie are different, with the Ink Yellow featuring a proprietary INK blend top and bottom housing, while the Smoothie has POM top and bottom housing. The INK blend top housing of the Ink Yellow produces a thin, higher-pitched sound that is described as clacky, while the POM top housing of the Smoothie creates a deeper, more muted sound. This difference in sound profile between the two switches can result in varying typing experiences for users.
In terms of the bottom housing, the INK blend of the Ink Yellow once again offers a pointed and high-pitched sound profile that is characterized as clacky. On the other hand, the POM bottom housing of the Smoothie contributes to a more muted, deeper sound. These differences in sound profiles can impact the overall typing experience, with the bottom housing material playing a significant role in the sound and feel of bottoming out a key. Depending on personal preferences, users may find one housing material more appealing than the other based on the sound profile they prefer.
While the housing materials of the Gateron Ink Yellow and Gateron Smoothie differ in their sound profiles, they both offer unique typing experiences. The Ink Yellow's INK blend housing provides a sharper, clackier sound, while the Smoothie's POM housing produces a deeper, more muted sound. Despite these differences, both switches are designed to enhance the overall typing experience and offer users a variety of sound profiles to choose from. Ultimately, whether you prefer the INK blend or POM housing will come down to personal preference and the type of sound profile you find most satisfying.
Weight
When comparing the Gateron Ink Yellow linear switch and the Gateron Smoothie linear switch, there is a clear difference in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Gateron Ink Yellow has a higher actuation force of 60 grams compared to the Smoothie's lighter actuation force of 40 grams. However, the bottom out force of the Ink Yellow is also higher at 67 grams, while the bottom out force of the Smoothie is unknown. This means that the Ink Yellow provides a more substantial typing experience with its medium-heavy force requirements, while the Smoothie offers a lighter touch for those who prefer a gentler keystroke. Overall, the choice between the two switches comes down to personal preference based on whether one prefers a lighter or heavier actuation and bottom out force.
Travel distance
The Gateron Ink Yellow linear 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 ideal for those looking for quick response times, such as gamers. However, the Smoothie offers a slightly longer travel distance, which may provide a bit more of a tactile feel compared to the Ink Yellow. In terms of difference, the Ink Yellow is the shorter option, but the variation is minimal and users are likely to get similar results with both switches. Ultimately, the choice between the two would depend on personal preference for the feel of the switch when typing or gaming.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron Ink Yellow has an MSRP of $7.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Ink Yellow for $7.35.
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 Gateron Ink Yellow linear switch offers a neutral and clacky sound profile, providing a moderate actuation force requirement along with a crisp and bright sound when pressed. On the other hand, the Gateron Smoothie linear switch presents a thocky, low-pitched, and subdued sound signature, offering a deep and satisfying thud-like sound when the key is pressed. Depending on your preference, the Ink Yellow may be more suitable for a variety of purposes and settings, while the Smoothie provides a more bass-heavy and mellow tone for a different auditory experience.
Turning to the tactile feel of these switches, the Gateron Ink Yellow is described as feeling mild and polished, offering a gentle typing experience in a safe middle-ground zone, with reduced friction and smooth key travel. In contrast, the Gateron Smoothie linear switch is highlighted for its buttery, creamy, and silky typing sensation, providing a smooth and fluid keystroke experience that feels seamless and effortless. If you prefer a polished and gentle typing experience, the Ink Yellow may be the way to go, whereas the Smoothie offers a luxurious and smooth typing feel that is bound to delight your fingertips.
Considering all the available information, both the Gateron Ink Yellow linear switch and the Gateron Smoothie linear switch offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Ink Yellow presents a more neutral and clacky sound, along with a mild and polished typing experience, while the Smoothie delivers a thocky and subdued sound, combined with a buttery, creamy, and silky keystroke feel. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on personal preference for sound and feel, with both switches providing a satisfying and engaging typing experience that is sure to enhance your overall keyboard usage.
Conclusion
To sum up, when considering whether to choose the Gateron Ink Yellow linear switch or the Gateron Smoothie linear switch, think about your preferences regarding typing experience, sound profile, and feel. If you prefer a medium-heavy bottom out force and a shorter travel for a typing experience between a laptop and a standard keyboard, with a smooth and clacky sound, the Ink Yellow may be the better choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer an all-POM switch with a thocky sound signature, remarkable smoothness, and a lightweight touch, the Smoothie may be more suited to your preferences. Ultimately, your decision should be based on what feels most comfortable and enjoyable to you while typing.
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