Keygeek Keylin vs. Gateron Smoothie Silver

Overview

When comparing mechanical keyboard switches, two noteworthy options are the Keygeek Keylin and the Gateron Smoothie Silver, both linear switches that cater to different user preferences. The Keylin is celebrated for its premium typing experience, distinguished by rich acoustics and exceptional smoothness, owing to its innovative molds from Keygeek. This switch is ideal for those who value a refined tactile feel and an engaging sound profile while typing. On the other hand, the Gateron Smoothie Silver is designed for speed, characterized by its short travel distance that provides lightning-fast actuation. Composed entirely of POM, the Smoothie Silvers deliver a thocky sound, unparalleled smoothness, and a feather-light touch, making them perfect for gamers and typists who prioritize rapid response times and softly cushioned feedback. Both switches present unique advantages: whether you're drawn to the Keylin's rich auditory and tactile experience or the Smoothie Silver's swift performance, your choice will depend on your specific typing needs. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the right switch for you.

By the numbers

Keygeek Keylin Linear

Gateron Smoothie Silver Linear

$3.50

$3.29 per 10

$3.00

$2.60 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

When comparing the housing materials of the Keygeek Keylin and the Gateron Smoothie Silver, it is apparent that each switch employs a different plastic: nylon for the Keylin and POM for the Smoothie Silver. The nylon used in the Keylin's top and bottom housings provides a classic feel that many enthusiasts appreciate. It is known for producing a deeper, fuller sound profile, absorbing sound effectively due to its softer nature. This characteristic not only contributes to the auditory experience but also influences the overall typing sensation, giving it a rounder and fuller feel during use. In contrast, the Smoothie Silver’s POM housing is also designed to generate a pleasing and unique sound. Although its sound profile leans towards the deeper side, it is characterized by a more muted quality. The distinction in materials introduces subtle variances in acoustic performance, even if both ultimately provide satisfying typing experiences.

In terms of sound profile, although both switches achieve deeper and fuller sounds, the mechanisms of their respective materials create unique auditory nuances. The nylon in the Keylin excels in sound absorption, resulting in a notably rounder sound that is enjoyable for prolonged typing sessions. On the other hand, the POM found in the Gateron Smoothie Silver, while still effective in creating a muted sound, generates its tone through different acoustic properties inherent to its harder plastic structure. Thus, while both switches deliver desirable sound profiles, the Keylin may appeal more to those who prioritize warmth and fullness, whereas the Smoothie Silver may attract users seeking clarity and subtlety.

When considering how the housing materials influence the typing experience, it's important to recognize how the combination of top and bottom housings works in each model. Both switches feature their own unique materials for the upper and lower sections, thereby creating distinct sound dynamics as the switch is engaged. With the Keylin, the nylon top and bottom work in harmony, emphasizing the softer characteristics and allowing for a snug acoustic interaction. Meanwhile, in the Smoothie Silver, the POM top and bottom housings balance against one another, with the top featuring a less absorptive material which may lead to different acoustic behaviors while bottoming out and releasing the key. Ultimately, the auditory and tactile characteristics that both switches offer share similarities in their deeper tone, yet distinguish themselves through the intrinsic qualities of their specific housing materials.

Weight

The Keygeek Keylin linear switch and the Gateron Smoothie Silver linear switch present distinct characteristics in terms of actuation force and bottom out force. The Keylin boasts a notably lightweight actuation force of 38 grams and a bottom out force of 48 grams, making it a great choice for users who prefer a lighter touch, allowing for extended typing sessions without fatigue. In contrast, the Smoothie Silver has a heavier actuation force of 45 grams, which may appeal to users seeking a more substantial typing experience. However, its bottom out force remains unknown. As a result, while the Keylin provides a more tactile and less strenuous typing experience due to its lighter force, the Gateron Smoothie Silver may cater to those who enjoy a firmer key press. Thus, if you value comfort for long periods of typing, the Keylin is the lighter option, while the Smoothie Silver leans towards a heavier feel.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distances of the Keygeek Keylin linear switch and the Gateron Smoothie Silver linear switch, we find that the Keylin has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Smoothie Silver measures 3.4 mm. This makes the Smoothie Silver the shorter option, appealing to gamers or individuals who favor quicker response times. In contrast, the Keylin's 3.6 mm travel distance may provide a more substantial feel during use, which some users prefer for a more satisfying typing experience. Ultimately, while both switches cater to different preferences, selecting the Keylin will give you a deeper key press, whereas the Smoothie Silver will deliver a snappier response.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When considering the sound profile of the two switches, the Keygeek Keylin linear switch is noted for its rich acoustics, which suggests a deep and resonant tone that enhances the overall typing experience. On the other hand, the Gateron Smoothie Silver linear switch is characterized by its thocky sound—a deep, satisfying "thud" accompanied by a low-pitched resonance that offers a unique auditory feedback. Additionally, the Smoothie Silver provides a subdued sound signature that is less jarring compared to more traditional switches. Together, these attributes imply that while both switches provide enjoyable sound experiences, the Smoothie Silver leans toward a more bass-heavy, softer auditory presence that may resonate well with those seeking a quieter typing session.

In terms of feel, the Keygeek Keylin linear switch is renowned for its smoothness, but specific details about its tactile feedback are not available. Conversely, the Smoothie Silver excels with descriptors like buttery and creamy, suggesting a seamless keystroke experience that feels effortless and fluid. Users can expect a silky sensation while typing on the Smoothie Silver, which is often enhanced by the switch's materials and construction. This makes it a compelling choice for those who prioritize a comfortable and uniform typing experience. While the Keylin's exact tactile qualities remain unspecified, it is reasonable to expect a similarly smooth operation, though the distinct buttery feel of the Smoothie Silver stands out.

In conclusion, both the Keygeek Keylin and Gateron Smoothie Silver linear switches offer distinct acoustic and tactile experiences. The Keylin provides rich sound and exceptional smoothness, while the Smoothie Silver captivates with its thocky, low-pitched sound and buttery feel. While some characteristics of the Keylin remain unknown, it's likely to deliver similar smoothness, contributing to an overall satisfying typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on personal preference for sound and feel dynamics, but either option promises a high-quality typing experience.

Conclusion

To conclude, the choice between the Keygeek Keylin linear switch and the Gateron Smoothie Silver linear switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences and typing style. If you prefer a light actuation force and are looking for a premium typing experience with exceptional smoothness combined with rich acoustics, the Keylin switch might be your best bet. Its 48-gram bottom-out force ensures that you can type comfortably and swiftly, making it ideal for prolonged typing sessions or general use where tactile feedback is valued. On the other hand, if you're after an ultra-responsive switch with a lightning-fast actuation and a unique sound profile, the Smoothie Silver could be your go-to choice. These switches are designed for speed and offer a delightful "thocky" sound, which enriches your typing experience, especially for gaming or rapid input scenarios. Their buttery and creamy feel translates to a nearly effortless keypress, perfect for those looking to enhance their performance during fast-paced activities. In essence, consider your priorities—whether it’s smoothness and acoustic satisfaction with the Keylin or speed and tactile thockiness with the Smoothie Silver—as both switches track well in their respective attributes, catering to different needs in the mechanical keyboard world.

Mentioned in this article

Keygeek Keylin Linear

$3.50

$3.29 per 10

Learn more

Gateron Smoothie Silver Linear

$3.00

$2.60 per 10

Learn more