Durock Medium Tactile vs. Gateron Smoothie Silver
An in-depth look at the Durock Medium Tactile and the Gateron Smoothie Silver switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, two popular options to consider are the Durock medium tactile and the Gateron smoothie silver. The Durock medium tactile is loved for its pronounced yet balanced tactility, giving it a unique jelly-like sound signature. On the other hand, the Gateron smoothie silver boasts a short travel distance for quick actuation, a thocky sound, unmatched smoothness, and a light touch. While the medium tactile is categorized as accented, stepped, mild, and polished, the smoothie silver falls under a different category. 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
45g
Bottom-out force
65g
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 Medium Tactile and the Smoothie Silver differ in their housing materials, with the Medium Tactile featuring a polycarbonate top housing and a nylon bottom housing, while the Smoothie Silver has a POM top housing and a POM bottom housing. The polycarbonate top housing of the Medium Tactile provides a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile, ideal for those who prefer a more crisp sound. On the other hand, the POM top housing of the Smoothie Silver creates a deeper and more muted sound, appealing to those who enjoy a more subtle sound experience.
In terms of aesthetics, the Medium Tactile's polycarbonate top housing is known for its translucency, making it a perfect fit for switches with RGB lighting. This can add a visually appealing element to a keyboard setup, enhancing the overall look. In contrast, the POM top housing of the Smoothie Silver may not offer the same level of visual interest, but makes up for it with its unique sound profile that leans towards the deeper end of the spectrum.
While the top and bottom housings of the Medium Tactile and the Smoothie Silver offer different sound profiles, both switches aim to provide a satisfying typing experience. The nylon bottom housing of the Medium Tactile produces a deeper and fuller sound, while the POM bottom housing of the Smoothie Silver complements this with its own unique sound characteristics. Regardless of their differences in housing materials, both switches are designed to enhance the overall typing experience for users, each offering its own distinct sound and feel.
Weight
In comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Durock Medium Tactile tactile switch and the Gateron Smoothie Silver linear switch, we see that the Medium Tactile has a bottom out force of 65 grams, which is medium-heavy, while the actuation force is not specified. On the other hand, the Smoothie Silver has an actuation force of 45 grams, with an unknown bottom out force. Despite the lack of information on the actuation force of the Medium Tactile and the bottom out force of the Smoothie Silver, we can still make a comparison based on the available data. The Medium Tactile would likely provide a heavier typing experience due to its higher bottom out force, while the Smoothie Silver may offer a lighter touch with its lower actuation force. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches would depend on personal preference, with some users preferring a lighter actuation force for extended typing sessions, while others may enjoy the heavier feel for a more substantial typing experience.
Travel distance
The Durock Medium Tactile switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Gateron Smoothie Silver switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm. In this case, the Smoothie Silver has the shorter travel distance compared to the Medium Tactile. The difference may seem small, but it can make a noticeable impact on the typing experience. The Medium Tactile with its longer travel distance may provide a more satisfying feel when pressing down on the keys, while the Smoothie Silver with its shorter travel distance may offer a faster response time, which is preferred by gamers. Overall, the choice between the two switches ultimately depends on personal preference and typing style.
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 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
In terms of sound, the Durock Medium Tactile switch is known for its jelly-like sound signature, which provides a unique auditory experience for users. On the other hand, the Gateron Smoothie Silver switch is praised for its thocky sound profile, offering a deep and pleasant sound with each keystroke. Both switches have distinct sound profiles that cater to different preferences, with the Medium Tactile leaning towards a softer, more fluid sound, while the Smoothie Silver delivers a crisper and more satisfying auditory feedback.
Moving on to feel, the Durock Medium Tactile switch is described as an accented, stepped, mild, and polished tactile switch. This means that it offers a balanced tactility that is not overpowering, providing a comfortable typing experience for users. The Gateron Smoothie Silver switch, on the other hand, features a feather-light touch and unparalleled smoothness due to its all-POM construction. This results in a silky smooth keystroke that is highly responsive and effortless to use. Overall, both switches offer unique tactile experiences that cater to different preferences, with the Medium Tactile focusing on a balanced tactility and the Smoothie Silver emphasizing smoothness and lightness.
In conclusion, the Durock Medium Tactile and Gateron Smoothie Silver switches offer distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Medium Tactile provides a jelly-like sound signature and a balanced tactile experience, while the Smoothie Silver offers a thocky sound profile and unparalleled smoothness. Depending on your preferences for sound and feel, you can choose between these switches to enhance your typing experience. However, keep in mind that the overall typing experience is also influenced by other factors such as your choice of keyboard and keycaps, so be sure to consider these aspects as well to optimize your mechanical keyboard setup.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Durock Medium Tactile and the Gateron Smoothie Silver switches, it all comes down to your personal preferences and typing style. If you prefer a medium-heavy tactile switch with a balanced tactility and a jelly-like sound signature, then the Durock Medium Tactile would be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you are looking for a feather-light linear switch with lightning-fast actuation, a thocky sound, unparalleled smoothness, and a short travel distance, then the Gateron Smoothie Silver switch may be more suited to your needs. Consider factors such as actuation force, typing experience, and sound profile before making your decision. Ultimately, both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences, so choose the one that aligns best with your typing preferences.
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