Durock Medium Tactile vs. Gateron Smoothie
An in-depth look at the Durock Medium Tactile and the Gateron Smoothie switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Durock Medium Tactile, a tactile switch, and the Gateron Smoothie, a linear switch, it's important to note the distinct characteristics that set them apart. The Medium Tactile is praised for its balanced tactility and jelly-like sound signature, making it a popular choice for those who enjoy a pronounced tactile feedback. On the other hand, the Smoothie stands out for its all-POM construction, providing a thocky sound and smooth keystrokes. While the Medium Tactile leans towards a more accentuated and polished typing experience, the Gateron Smoothie offers a buttery feel with a low-pitched sound profile. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches comes down to personal preference and use case. 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
N/A
Actuation force
40g
Bottom-out force
65g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 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
In comparing the housing materials of the Durock Medium Tactile and the Gateron Smoothie, it is clear that there are significant differences in the materials used. The Medium Tactile features a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper and crisper sound profile due to its stiffness. On the other hand, the Smoothie utilizes a POM top housing, which produces a deeper and more muted sound. While both materials offer unique sound profiles, the polycarbonate of the Medium Tactile is more likely to be used in switches with RGB lighting due to its translucency, providing an aesthetic advantage.
In terms of the bottom housing, the Medium Tactile utilizes nylon, which creates a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer nature that absorbs more sound. Conversely, the Smoothie features a POM bottom housing that also produces a pleasing and unique sound, with a deeper and more muted profile. Despite the different materials used for the bottom housing, both switches offer a similar experience in terms of sound, with each material contributing to the overall sound profile of the switch.
Overall, while there are subtle differences in the housing materials of the Durock Medium Tactile and the Gateron Smoothie, both switches offer unique sound profiles that cater to different preferences. The polycarbonate top housing of the Medium Tactile provides a sharper and crisper sound, while the POM top housing of the Smoothie offers a deeper and more muted profile. Similarly, the nylon and POM bottom housings of the two switches contribute to creating a fuller sound experience for users. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for sound profile and aesthetic considerations such as RGB lighting compatibility.
Weight
In comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Durock Medium Tactile tactile switch and the Gateron Smoothie linear switch, it is evident that they offer different experiences in terms of key press weight. The Medium Tactile has a bottom out force of 65 grams, providing a medium-heavy typing experience. In contrast, the Gateron Smoothie has an actuation force of 40 grams, indicating a lighter touch for triggering keystrokes. While the actuation force of the Medium Tactile is not specified, it is clear that the Smoothie requires a lighter touch to activate. Therefore, those who prefer a lighter typing experience may lean towards the Gateron Smoothie, while those looking for a more substantial push feel may opt for the Durock Medium Tactile. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for key press weight and typing comfort.
Travel distance
The Durock Medium Tactile switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Gateron Smoothie linear switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm. This makes the Smoothie the shorter option out of the two. The Medium Tactile offers a slightly longer travel distance, which may provide a more satisfying key press for those who prefer a deeper feel. Gamers looking for faster response times may lean towards the shorter travel distance of the Smoothie. Overall, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for travel distance and typing experience desired.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Durock Medium 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 Medium Tactile for $4.25.
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.
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
In terms of sound, the Durock Medium Tactile switch is known for its jelly-like sound signature, while the Gateron Smoothie offers a thocky sound that is low-pitched and subdued. The Medium Tactile switch provides a more pronounced yet balanced sound profile, allowing for a tactile typing experience with a unique auditory feedback. On the other hand, the Smoothie switch has a deeper and more satisfying sound when pressed, with a mellow and bass-heavy tone that enhances the overall typing experience. Both switches offer distinct sound profiles that cater to different preferences and typing styles.
Moving on to the feel, the Durock Medium Tactile switch is described as accented, stepped, mild, and polished. This means that it provides a prominent amount of tactility without being overwhelming and offers a smooth and refined typing experience. On the other hand, the Gateron Smoothie switch is characterized as buttery, creamy, and silky, providing a smooth and fluid keystroke experience with minimal resistance. Both switches offer a comfortable typing experience with unique tactile feedback, making them suitable for users who prefer different levels of tactility and smoothness in their switches.
Overall, the Durock Medium Tactile and Gateron Smoothie switches offer different subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Medium Tactile switch provides a pronounced and balanced tactile feedback with a jelly-like sound signature, while the Smoothie switch offers a thocky sound with remarkable smoothness and a lightweight touch. Depending on personal preferences for sound, feel, and typing experience, individuals can choose between these switches to customize their mechanical keyboard according to their specific needs and preferences. Both switches provide high-quality performance and are suitable for different typing styles and preferences, ensuring an enjoyable and personalized typing experience for users.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Durock Medium Tactile tactile switch and the Gateron Smoothie linear switch, consider the following guidelines. If you prefer a tactile switch with a pronounced yet balanced tactility and a jelly-like sound signature, opt for the Durock Medium Tactile. On the other hand, if you are looking for a linear switch with a thocky sound signature, remarkable smoothness, and a lightweight touch, the Gateron Smoothie would be the better choice. Ultimately, choosing between these two switches will depend on your personal preference for the feel and sound you desire in your mechanical keyboard experience.
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