Outemu Lime (V3) vs. Gateron Smoothie
An in-depth look at the Outemu Lime (V3) and the Gateron Smoothie switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Outemu Lime and Gateron Smoothie are two popular options that cater to different preferences. The Lime switch is praised for its lightweight feel, approachable tactility, and silencing features, making it a perfect choice for tactile enthusiasts who enjoy a gentle typing experience with a touch of feedback. On the other hand, the Gateron Smoothie stands out for its affordability without compromising on quality, offering a thocky sound signature, exceptional smoothness, and a light touch. Both switches have unique characteristics that cater to different preferences, but ultimately, the choice between them depends on personal taste and typing style. 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
35g
Actuation force
40g
Bottom-out force
45g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.30 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
Nylon
Top housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
22mm extended double-stage spring
Housing materials
The Outemu Lime and the Gateron Smoothie both feature unique housing materials that significantly impact the sound profile of the switch. The Lime utilizes a nylon top housing, which creates a deeper and fuller sound due to its softer plastic that absorbs more sound. In contrast, the Smoothie features a POM top housing that produces a more muted sound with a deeper tone. While both materials result in a pleasing sound profile, they offer slightly different experiences for users, with the Lime providing a duller and rounder sound compared to the Smoothie's relatively more muted profile.
Moving on to the bottom housing of these switches, the Outemu Lime and the Gateron Smoothie continue to showcase their distinct characteristics. The Lime's nylon bottom housing contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile, thanks to its softer plastic that absorbs more sound. Similarly, the Smoothie's POM bottom housing creates a unique and pleasant sound that leans towards the deeper side and is relatively more muted. Both housing materials enhance the overall sound experience of the switch, with the bottom housing playing a significant role in the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing influences the sound upon releasing a key.
Although the housing materials for the top and bottom of the Outemu Lime and the Gateron Smoothie differ, their impact on the overall sound profile of the switch is divided between the two parts. The qualities brought by each housing material are distinct, as the bottom housing affects the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing has a greater influence on the sound when releasing a key. Despite these differences, both switches offer a unique and satisfying typing experience, with the Lime's nylon housing providing a duller and rounder sound compared to the Smoothie's relatively more muted profile. Ultimately, the choice between the two will come down to personal preference for sound and feel.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Outemu Lime tactile switch and the Gateron Smoothie linear switch, the Lime is lighter with an actuation force of 35 grams compared to the Smoothie's 40 grams. The Lime also has a bottom out force of 45 grams, while the Smoothie's bottom out force is unknown. Those who prefer a lighter typing experience may lean towards the Lime switch, as it requires less force to actuate and bottom out. On the other hand, individuals who enjoy a more substantial typing feel may opt for the Smoothie switch, as it has a slightly higher actuation force. Both switches offer different levels of tactile feedback and typing experiences, catering to varying preferences among users.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the Outemu Lime tactile switch is 3.3 mm, while the Gateron Smoothie linear switch has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.6 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, making them suitable for gamers looking for faster response times. However, the Lime offers a slightly quicker actuation due to its shorter travel distance, while the Smoothie provides a bit more depth in each keystroke. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for responsiveness versus a more substantial feel.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
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.
The Outemu Lime (V3) comes in at $3.40 per 10 switches.
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
The Outemu Lime tactile switch is known for its muted sound, offering a softer and quieter typing experience compared to regular switches. This makes it suitable for those who prefer a more subdued sound profile and want to minimize noise distractions. On the other hand, the Gateron Smoothie linear switch is famous for its thocky sound signature, producing a deep, rich sound when pressed. It also has a low-pitched and subdued sound, offering a more bass-heavy and mellow tone that is satisfying to the ears. Both switches provide unique sound qualities that cater to different preferences, so choosing between them would depend on whether you prefer a muted and quiet sound (Lime) or a thocky and satisfying sound (Smoothie).
When it comes to feel, the Outemu Lime tactile switch offers a feathery typing experience with a gentle resistance that reduces finger fatigue. It provides a light actuation force, making it comfortable for extended typing sessions. The switch has a subtle feel and a polished finish, resulting in a smooth and refined typing experience. On the other hand, the Gateron Smoothie linear switch is described as buttery, offering a smooth and fluid keystroke experience. It provides a seamless and effortless typing sensation, similar to gliding your fingers across the keys with ease. The creamy and silky feel of the Smoothie switch enhances overall smoothness and minimizes resistance when pressing and releasing keys. Both switches offer unique tactile experiences, with the Lime being feathery and polished, while the Smoothie has a buttery and creamy feel.
In conclusion, the Outemu Lime tactile switch and the Gateron Smoothie linear switch offer distinct sound and feel qualities that cater to different preferences. The Lime switch provides a muted and gentle typing experience, perfect for those who prefer a softer sound profile and feathery feel. On the other hand, the Smoothie switch offers a thocky and buttery typing sensation, ideal for those who enjoy a deep and smooth sound with minimal resistance. Ultimately, choosing between these switches would depend on whether you prioritize a quieter and lighter typing experience (Lime) or a rich and fluid keystroke feel (Smoothie). Nonetheless, both switches promise a satisfying typing experience, ensuring that you'll get similar results in terms of quality and performance regardless of your choice.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a light and tactile typing experience, the Outemu Lime switches would be a great choice. With a bottom out force of 45 grams, these switches offer a feathery light touch with just the right amount of tactility for a comfortable typing experience. On the other hand, if you prefer a smooth and linear typing feel with a thocky sound signature, the Gateron Smoothie switches would be ideal for you. With a bottom out force of None grams, these switches provide a buttery and creamy typing experience that is smooth and effortless. Ultimately, your choice between the Outemu Lime tactile switches and the Gateron Smoothie linear switches will depend on whether you prioritize tactility or smoothness in your typing experience.
Mentioned in this article
