Durock Light Tactile vs. Gateron Smoothie Silver
An in-depth look at the Durock Light Tactile and the Gateron Smoothie Silver switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Durock Light Tactile, a tactile switch, to the Gateron Smoothie Silver, a linear switch, there are some distinct differences to consider. The Light Tactile from Durock is praised for its gentle tactility and jelly-like sound signature, offering a unique typing experience. On the other hand, the Smoothie Silver stands out for its lightning-fast actuation thanks to a short travel distance and a feather-light touch. While the Light Tactile provides a more subtle and polished typing experience, the Smoothie Silver offers unparalleled smoothness and a thocky sound profile. 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
52g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
67g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.20 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
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
Gold-plated spring
Spring
22mm extended double-stage spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Durock Light Tactile and the Gateron Smoothie Silver both offer unique sound profiles, with the Light Tactile featuring a polycarbonate top housing and nylon bottom housing, while the Smoothie Silver has a POM top and bottom housing. The polycarbonate top housing of the Light Tactile creates a sharper and crisper sound profile, ideal for those looking for a more distinct typing experience. In contrast, the POM housing of the Smoothie Silver produces a deeper and more muted sound, offering a different sensory experience to users.
While the top housing materials of the Light Tactile and the Smoothie Silver differ, both switches share the characteristic of creating a pleasing and unique sound profile. The nylon bottom housing of the Light Tactile provides a deeper and fuller sound when typing, thanks to its softer plastic composition that absorbs more sound. Similarly, the POM bottom housing of the Smoothie Silver contributes to its deep and muted sound profile, enhancing the typing experience in a different way than the Light Tactile.
In terms of overall typing experience, the housing materials of both switches play a crucial role in the sound and feel of each key press. The split between top and bottom housing materials allows users to feel the impact of each material distinctly, with the bottom housing influencing the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing affects the sound when releasing a key. Whether you prefer the sharper, crisper sound of polycarbonate in the Light Tactile or the deeper, more muted sound of POM in the Smoothie Silver, both switches offer a unique typing experience that caters to different preferences.
Weight
In comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Durock Light Tactile tactile switch and the Gateron Smoothie Silver linear switch, we can see that the Light Tactile has a heavier actuation force of 52 grams compared to the Smoothie Silver's lighter 45 grams. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Light Tactile requires a heavier 67 grams while the Smoothie Silver's bottom out force is unknown. The Light Tactile provides a more substantial typing experience with its medium-heavy forces, which could be preferred by those who like a stronger push feel. On the other hand, the Smoothie Silver's lighter actuation force may be more suitable for those who prefer a lighter typing experience for extended periods of time. Despite the differences in force, both switches offer unique benefits that cater to different preferences, providing users with a variety of options to choose from based on their individual typing preferences.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Durock Light Tactile tactile switch and the Gateron Smoothie Silver linear switch, the Light Tactile has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Smoothie Silver has a travel distance of 3.4 mm. This makes the Smoothie Silver the shorter option and the Light Tactile the longer option. The Light Tactile's 4 mm travel distance offers a bit more depth when pressing down on the key, which may appeal to those who prefer a more substantial feel. On the other hand, the Smoothie Silver's 3.4 mm travel distance provides a quicker response time, making it a preferred choice for gamers looking for faster keystrokes. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference regarding travel distance and desired typing experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Durock Light Tactile has an MSRP of $5.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Light Tactile for $4.25.
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 Durock Light Tactile switch offers a neutral sound profile that is suitable for a wide range of users and environments. The sound is described as jelly-like, providing a unique auditory experience while typing. On the other hand, the Gateron Smoothie Silver switch features a thocky sound that is characterized by its deep and satisfying thud. Both switches offer distinct sound profiles that cater to different preferences, with the Light Tactile being more neutral and the Smoothie Silver offering a deeper sound experience.
In terms of feel, the Durock Light Tactile switch provides a mild typing experience that is gentle on the fingers. The polished finish of the switch contributes to a smooth and refined typing experience, with reduced friction and smooth key travel. In contrast, information regarding the feel of the Gateron Smoothie Silver switch is not available. However, based on its all-POM construction and feather-light touch, it can be inferred that the Smoothie Silver switch offers a light and responsive typing experience.
Overall, the Durock Light Tactile and Gateron Smoothie Silver switches offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the Light Tactile switch provides a more neutral sound profile and a mild, polished typing experience, the Smoothie Silver switch offers a thocky sound and lightning-fast actuation. Depending on personal preferences for sound, feel, and typing speed, users can choose between these two switches to customize their mechanical keyboard to their liking.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Durock Light Tactile and the Gateron Smoothie Silver switches, consider the type of typing experience you are looking for. If you prefer a gentle tactile feedback with a medium-heavy bottom out force and a jelly-like sound, the Light Tactile switch may be the best choice for you. On the other hand, if you value lightning-fast actuation, a thocky sound, unparalleled smoothness, and a feather-light touch, the Smoothie Silver switch might be more suitable. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preference for typing feel and sound profile. Happy typing!
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