Dareu Master vs. Gateron Smoothie Silver
An in-depth look at the Dareu Master and the Gateron Smoothie Silver switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between the Dareu Master and the Gateron Smoothie Silver mechanical keyboard switches, there are a few key differences to consider. The Master switch from Dareu boasts a medium weight that provides a classic clacky sound and exceptional smoothness during operation. On the other hand, the Smoothie Silver from Gateron features a short travel distance for quick actuation, along with a thocky sound, unparalleled smoothness, and a feather-light touch. Both switches offer unique benefits depending on the user's preferences, with the Master providing a polished and mild experience, while the Smoothie Silver focuses on speed and lightness. 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
N/A
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.20 mm
Total travel
3.40 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
POM
Top housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
POM
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 housing materials of the Dareu Master and the Gateron Smoothie Silver, both featuring POM top and bottom housings, provide similar sound profiles that are deep and relatively muted. The use of POM for both top and bottom housing in both switches contributes to an overall consistent sound experience that is pleasing to the ears. The POM material is known for creating a unique sound profile that users find satisfying and enjoyable, making both the Dareu Master and Gateron Smoothie Silver popular choices among keyboard enthusiasts.
While the top and bottom housings of the Dareu Master and Gateron Smoothie Silver share similar POM material composition, the impact of each housing material may differ slightly in terms of sound and feel. The bottom housing of a switch typically plays a larger role in influencing the bottom-out sound and feel when the key is fully pressed down, while the top housing has a greater impact on the sound produced when the key is released. This subtle difference in the distribution of housing material qualities between the top and bottom housings can result in a slightly varied typing experience for users, adding a unique touch to each keyboard.
Overall, the Dareu Master and the Gateron Smoothie Silver demonstrate how the choice of housing materials can significantly influence the sound and feel of a mechanical keyboard switch. The utilization of POM for both top and bottom housings in these switches not only enhances the sound profile with deep and muted tones but also contributes to a consistent typing experience that users appreciate. Whether it's the satisfying sound when pressing down a key or the subtle nuances in sound when releasing it, the housing materials of these switches play a vital role in creating a premium typing experience for keyboard enthusiasts.
Weight
When comparing the Dareu Master linear switch and the Gateron Smoothie Silver linear switch, both have the same actuation force of 45 grams. This means that they will provide a similar typing experience in terms of the force required to trigger a keystroke. However, when it comes to bottom out force, it is unknown for both switches. This means that users may not know the amount of force needed to fully press the keys down. In terms of weight, both switches are equal, which could be ideal for those who prefer a moderate typing experience. Users who prefer a lighter touch may find these switches suitable for longer typing sessions or gaming, while those who prefer a heavier push may want to explore options with a higher bottom out force for a more substantial typing experience. Ultimately, both the Dareu Master and the Gateron Smoothie Silver switches offer a similar actuation force, making them suitable for users who prefer a consistent typing feel.
Travel distance
Both the Dareu Master linear switch and the Gateron Smoothie Silver linear switch have the same travel distance of 3.4 mm. This means that when pressing down on a key with either of these switches, you will experience the same amount of travel from the top to the bottom. With both switches having equal travel distances, you can expect similar results in terms of keypress feel and overall typing experience. Whether you choose the Dareu Master or the Gateron Smoothie Silver, you can enjoy a consistent travel distance that contributes to a smooth and satisfying typing experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Dareu Master has an MSRP of $7.78 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Master for $4.76.
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 Dareu Master linear switch is known for its clacky sound, providing users with a sharp and snappy typing experience. On the other hand, the Gateron Smoothie Silver linear switch offers a thocky sound, which is characterized as deep and solid. Both switches have their unique sound profile, so choosing between them would depend on personal preference and the overall setup of your keyboard.
In terms of feel, the Dareu Master switch offers a mild typing experience, making it approachable to most users due to its safe, middle-ground qualities. Additionally, the switch is described as polished, indicating a smooth and refined typing experience with reduced friction. On the contrary, the Gateron Smoothie Silver switch does not have a specific description available, making it difficult to directly compare the two in terms of feel. However, considering the smoothness mentioned in the description of the Smoothie Silver switch, it can be inferred that it might offer a similarly polished feel as the Dareu Master switch.
In conclusion, both the Dareu Master linear switch and the Gateron Smoothie Silver linear switch offer unique sound profiles and smooth operation. While the Dareu Master switch is known for its clacky sound and mild, polished feel, the Gateron Smoothie Silver switch boasts a thocky sound and unparalleled smoothness with a feather-light touch. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches would come down to individual preference based on sound preferences and typing feel. Nevertheless, both switches promise a satisfying typing experience for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Dareu Master linear switch and the Gateron Smoothie Silver linear switch, consider the type of typing experience you are looking for. If you prefer a medium-weight switch with a classic clacky sound and exceptional smoothness, the Dareu Master switch is an excellent choice. On the other hand, if you prioritize lightning-fast actuation with a thocky sound, unparalleled smoothness, and a feather-light touch, the Gateron Smoothie Silver switch may be more aligned with your preferences. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal typing style and the type of sound and feel you are seeking in a mechanical keyboard switch.
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