TTC Light Cloud V2 vs. Gateron Smoothie Silver
An in-depth look at the TTC Light Cloud V2 and the Gateron Smoothie Silver switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, the TTC Light Cloud V2 and the Gateron Smoothie Silver both offer unique features that cater to different preferences. The Light Cloud V2 is praised for its silent operation and refined typing feel, making it an ideal choice for those who prefer a delicate and nuanced typing experience. On the other hand, the Smoothie Silver stands out for its lightning-fast actuation and thocky sound, providing unparalleled smoothness and a feather-light touch for a different typing sensation. 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
45g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
58g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
1.20 mm
Pre-travel
1.20 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Nylon
Top housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated double-staged spring
Spring
22mm extended double-stage spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the TTC Light Cloud V2 and the Gateron Smoothie Silver, both switches use different materials for their top and bottom housings. The Light Cloud V2 features a nylon top housing, which provides a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer plastic composition that absorbs more sound. In contrast, the Smoothie Silver utilizes a POM top housing that offers a unique and pleasing sound profile on the deeper and more muted side. Despite this difference, both switches aim to enhance the overall typing experience through their distinct sound characteristics.
Moving on to the bottom housing, the Light Cloud V2 and the Gateron Smoothie Silver continue to exhibit variations in their housing materials. The Light Cloud V2 incorporates a nylon bottom housing, contributing to a deeper and fuller sound profile similar to its top housing. On the other hand, the Smoothie Silver employs a POM bottom housing, which also creates a pleasing and unique sound that is deeper and relatively more muted. While the bottom housing may have a more significant impact on the bottom-out sound and feel of the switch, the top housing influences the sound when releasing a key.
In conclusion, the housing materials of the TTC Light Cloud V2 and the Gateron Smoothie Silver bring distinct qualities to their respective switches. The nylon top and bottom housings of the Light Cloud V2 offer a deeper and fuller sound profile, while the POM top and bottom housings of the Smoothie Silver provide a unique and more muted sound experience. Despite these differences, both switches aim to enhance the typing experience through their sound characteristics, showcasing the importance of housing materials in achieving desired sound profiles in mechanical keyboards.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the TTC Light Cloud V2 linear switch and the Gateron Smoothie Silver linear switch, we can see that both switches have the same actuation force of 45 grams. However, the Light Cloud V2 has a bottom out force of 58 grams, while the Smoothie Silver's bottom out force is unknown. In terms of weight, the Light Cloud V2 is heavier due to its higher bottom out force, providing a more substantial typing experience for those who prefer it. On the other hand, the Smoothie Silver's bottom out force being unknown means it could potentially be lighter, allowing for longer typing sessions or extended gaming sessions without fatigue. Ultimately, those looking for a lighter typing experience may prefer the Smoothie Silver, while those who prefer a heavier push feel may opt for the Light Cloud V2.
Travel distance
The TTC Light Cloud V2 linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Gateron Smoothie Silver linear switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, making them ideal for those who prioritize faster response times. The Light Cloud V2 has a slightly longer travel distance than the Smoothie Silver, which may provide a slightly more pronounced key press feel. However, the difference of 0.1 mm is minimal and may not be noticeable to the average user. Ultimately, both switches offer a similar experience in terms of travel distance, with the choice between the two likely coming down to other factors such as overall feel and sound.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The TTC Light Cloud V2 has an MSRP of $6.80 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Light Cloud V2 for $5.49.
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
When it comes to sound, the TTC Light Cloud V2 offers a muted and neutral experience, producing softer and quieter sounds compared to regular mechanical switches. This makes it suitable for various environments, as it minimizes the noise typically associated with mechanical keyboards. On the other hand, the Gateron Smoothie Silver is known for its thocky sound, providing a unique and satisfying auditory feedback that is unmatched in smoothness. Depending on your preference, the Light Cloud V2's muted sound may be more suitable for those who prefer a quieter typing experience, while the Smoothie Silver's thocky sound may appeal to those who enjoy a more pronounced and satisfying click.
In terms of feel, the TTC Light Cloud V2 offers a mild and easy-to-press typing experience, with a feather-light touch that reduces finger fatigue during extended typing sessions. The light actuation force makes typing effortless and comfortable, enhancing the overall typing experience. On the other hand, the Gateron Smoothie Silver's feel is not described in the provided information, but given its short travel distance and feather-light touch, it is likely to provide a similarly low-impact and comfortable typing experience as the Light Cloud V2.
Overall, both the TTC Light Cloud V2 and the Gateron Smoothie Silver offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences. The Light Cloud V2 excels in providing a delicate and nuanced typing experience with muted sounds and easy-to-press keys, making it a great choice for those who prefer a quieter and lighter touch. On the other hand, the Smoothie Silver stands out with its lightning-fast actuation, thocky sound, and smooth feel, appealing to those who enjoy a more pronounced auditory feedback and a feather-light touch. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on your personal preference for sound, feel, and typing experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the TTC Light Cloud V2 linear switch and the Gateron Smoothie Silver linear switch, consider your preferences for typing experience. If you value a refined and delicate typing feel with a medium bottom out force, the Light Cloud V2 is an excellent choice. On the other hand, if you prioritize lightning-fast actuation with a feather-light touch and a thocky sound, the Smoothie Silver is the way to go. Ultimately, your decision should be based on whether you prefer a muted and mild typing experience or a switch that offers unparalleled smoothness and a short travel distance. Choose wisely based on your personal typing preferences and needs.
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