Keygeek Keygeek Raw vs. Gateron Smoothie
An in-depth look at the Keygeek Keygeek Raw and the Gateron Smoothie switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When looking for a mechanical keyboard switch, two options that stand out are the Keygeek Raw and the Gateron Smoothie, both linear switches with unique characteristics. The Keygeek Raw switch is known for its blend of Nylon, UMPE, and Silicon materials, resulting in a delightfully creamy yet lightweight feel. On the other hand, the Gateron Smoothie offers a more affordable option with its all-POM construction, providing a thocky sound signature, remarkable smoothness, and a lightweight touch. While the Keygeek Raw is described as textured, mild, and neutral, the Gateron Smoothie is buttery, thocky, and low-pitched. 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
N/A
Actuation force
40g
Bottom-out force
57.5g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
1.40 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
No
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Nylon & UPE blend
Top housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
UMPE & Si blend
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm single-stage spring
Spring
22mm extended double-stage spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Keygeek Keygeek Raw and the Gateron Smoothie switches offer unique characteristics that affect the sound and feel of the switches. The Keygeek Raw features a Nylon & UPE blend top housing, while the Smoothie boasts a POM top housing. Both materials contribute to creating a distinct sound profile, with the Raw's blend offering an exclusive experience and the Smoothie's POM creating a deep and muted sound. However, the Keygeek Raw's UMPE & Si blend bottom housing contrasts with the Smoothie's POM bottom housing, with each providing a different impact on the overall feel and sound of the switch.
One key difference between the Keygeek Raw and the Gateron Smoothie lies in their bottom housing materials. The Raw's UMPE & Si blend bottom housing offers a unique experience exclusive to Keygeek switches, while the Smoothie's POM bottom housing contributes to its deep and muted sound profile. Despite this difference, both bottom housings play a crucial role in determining the overall feel of the switch when pressed down. The qualities of the bottom housing material are especially prominent in the bottom-out sound and feel of the switch, showcasing the importance of a well-designed bottom housing for a satisfying typing experience.
While the top and bottom housing materials of the Keygeek Raw and Gateron Smoothie switches may differ, they both contribute to creating a distinct sound profile that enhances the overall typing experience. The blend of Nylon & UPE in the Raw's top housing provides an exclusive and unique sound, while the POM material in the Smoothie's top housing offers a deep and muted sound profile. Whether you're pressing down on a key or releasing it, the housing materials play a crucial role in determining the sound and feel of the switch. In this case, the differences in housing materials between the two switches offer users the opportunity to experiment with various sound profiles and find the one that best suits their preferences.
Weight
The Keygeek Raw linear switch and the Gateron Smoothie linear switch have different actuation and bottom out forces. The Keygeek Raw has a bottom out force of 57.5 grams, while the Gateron Smoothie has an actuation force of 40 grams. This means that the Keygeek Raw switch is heavier to press down fully, while the Gateron Smoothie switch requires less force to trigger a keystroke. Both switches offer a different typing experience based on the weight required to press the keys. Some users may prefer the lighter actuation force of the Gateron Smoothie for longer typing sessions, while others may enjoy the heavier bottom out force of the Keygeek Raw for a more substantial typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on the individual's preference for typing feel.
Travel distance
The Keygeek Raw linear switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm, while the Gateron Smoothie linear switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm. In this case, the Smoothie has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Raw. Both switches fall into the category of shorter travel distances, which are becoming more popular, especially among gamers looking for quicker response times. Those who prefer a more responsive feel may lean towards the Keygeek Raw with its slightly shorter travel distance. On the other hand, those who prefer a bit more depth in their typing experience may find the Gateron Smoothie more to their liking with its slightly longer travel distance. Either way, both switches offer a relatively short travel distance compared to more traditional switches.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Keygeek Keygeek Raw has an MSRP of $5.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Keygeek Raw for $3.51.
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
In terms of sound, the Keygeek Raw switch offers a neutral sound profile that is suitable for various purposes and environments. On the other hand, the Gateron Smoothie switch provides a thocky, low-pitched, and subdued sound that delivers a deep, rich, and satisfying tone. The choice between these switches will ultimately depend on personal preference and the overall sound profile desired in your keyboard setup.
When it comes to feel, the Keygeek Raw switch provides a textured and mild typing experience with a subtle resistance that is suitable for shared spaces. In contrast, the Gateron Smoothie switch offers a buttery, creamy, and silky typing sensation that promotes a smooth and fluid keystroke experience. Both switches aim to deliver a comfortable typing feel, but the choice between them will depend on whether you prefer a more textured or smooth typing experience.
Overall, the Keygeek Raw and Gateron Smoothie switches offer distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Keygeek Raw switch leans towards a neutral sound profile and a textured typing feel, making it a versatile option for various users. On the other hand, the Gateron Smoothie switch excels in providing a thocky sound signature and a buttery, creamy typing experience that enhances the overall smoothness of typing. Ultimately, the decision between these switches will depend on individual preferences for sound, feel, and overall typing experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Keygeek Keygeek Raw linear switch and the Gateron Smoothie linear switch, it really comes down to your preferences in terms of typing experience. If you value a slightly textured feel, a medium actuation force, and enjoy the process of hand-lubing your switches, then the Keygeek Raw switch may be the perfect choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a thocky sound signature, remarkable smoothness, and a lightweight touch provided by an all-POM switch, then the Gateron Smoothie might be more suitable for your needs. Ultimately, your decision should be based on factors such as sound, feel, and bottom out force that align with your personal typing preferences. So, consider these aspects carefully before making your final choice between these two switches.
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