Gateron Melodic vs. Gateron Smoothie Silver
An in-depth look at the Gateron Melodic and the Gateron Smoothie Silver switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Gateron Melodic and the Gateron Smoothie Silver offer unique experiences for users seeking different qualities in their typing experience. The Melodic stands out for its clicky nature, providing a satisfying tactile feedback and audible click with each key press. On the other hand, the Smoothie Silver offers a linear switch design for a smoother keystroke without the tactile feedback. If you enjoy the classic clicky sound and tactile feedback, the Gateron Melodic may be the switch for you. However, if you prefer a lightning-fast actuation and a smoother typing experience, the Gateron Smoothie Silver could be the better choice. 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
60g
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
Stainless steel
Spring
22mm extended double-stage spring
Housing materials
The Gateron Melodic and the Gateron Smoothie Silver both feature unique housing materials that contribute to their distinct sound profiles. The Melodic utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharp, high-pitched, and crisp sound. Its translucency is particularly advantageous for showcasing RGB lighting. In contrast, the Smoothie Silver incorporates a POM top housing, resulting in a deeper and more muted sound profile. While the Melodic's polycarbonate top housing offers a clear and resonant sound, the Smoothie Silver's POM top housing provides a soothing and unique auditory experience.
Moving to the bottom housing materials, the Melodic features a nylon bottom housing that produces a fuller and deeper sound. Nylon's softer plastic absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound profile. On the other hand, the Smoothie Silver boasts a POM bottom housing, which contributes to the switch's overall deep and muted sound profile. Both housing materials enhance the typing experience by creating a more satisfying sound when pressing down on the keys. The difference in materials between the Melodic and Smoothie Silver's bottom housings adds to their individual characteristics and overall performance.
Despite the differences in housing materials between the Gateron Melodic and the Gateron Smoothie Silver, both switches offer unique and pleasing typing experiences. While the Melodic's polycarbonate top housing delivers a sharper and more resonant sound, the Smoothie Silver's POM top housing offers a deeper and more subdued sound profile. Similarly, the nylon bottom housing of the Melodic creates a fuller and rounder sound, while the POM bottom housing of the Smoothie Silver produces a muted sound. Overall, the combination of top and bottom housing materials in each switch contributes to their overall sound profile, making them both excellent choices for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts seeking a specific typing experience.
Weight
When comparing the Gateron Melodic clicky switch to the Gateron Smoothie Silver linear switch, there are noticeable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Melodic has a bottom out force of 60 grams, providing a medium level of resistance when fully pressed. In contrast, the Smoothie Silver requires an actuation force of 45 grams, making it lighter to trigger a keystroke. However, the bottom out force of the Smoothie Silver is unknown. While both switches offer a unique typing experience, the Melodic may appeal to those who prefer a more substantial push feel, while the Smoothie Silver is ideal for users who enjoy a lighter touch for extended typing or gaming sessions. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The Gateron Melodic clicky switch has a travel distance of 4mm, while the Gateron Smoothie Silver linear switch has a travel distance of 3.4mm. This means that the Smoothie Silver has a slightly shorter travel distance compared to the Melodic. The Melodic offers a more traditional travel distance of 4mm, which may be preferred by those who enjoy a deeper key press feel. On the other hand, the Smoothie Silver's shorter travel distance of 3.4mm may appeal to gamers looking for faster response times. Both switches offer unique benefits based on their travel distances, so the choice ultimately depends on personal preference.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron Melodic has an MSRP of $6.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Melodic for $6.00.
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 Gateron Melodic clicky switch offers a resonant and crunchy experience, providing a higher-pitched sound profile with a clean and sharp sound, akin to stepping on crisp autumn leaves. On the other hand, the Gateron Smoothie Silver linear switch offers a thocky sound, known for its smoothness and feather-light touch. Both switches deliver distinct auditory experiences, allowing users to choose based on their preference for sound.
In terms of feel, the Gateron Melodic clicky switch is described as buttery and invigorating, offering a smooth and fluid keystroke experience with pronounced feedback and a snappy, reactive feel. Meanwhile, information on the feel of the Gateron Smoothie Silver linear switch is unknown. Users seeking a typing experience with seamless, effortless keystrokes and immersive feedback may be drawn to the Melodic switch based on its descriptions.
Overall, the Gateron Melodic clicky switch and the Gateron Smoothie Silver linear switch each offer unique sound and feel characteristics for users to consider. While the Melodic switch provides a resonant and crunchy sound with a buttery and invigorating feel, the Smoothie Silver switch is known for its thocky sound and smoothness. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preferences for sound, feel, and typing experience. Remember, other factors like keyboard build and keycap material can also influence the overall typing feel, so consider all elements when making a decision to ensure a satisfying mechanical keyboard experience.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Gateron Melodic clicky switch and the Gateron Smoothie Silver linear switch, it ultimately comes down to personal preference and typing style. If you enjoy the classic clicky sound and tactile feedback, the Melodic switch with its medium bottom out force may be the perfect choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a lightning-fast actuation and a feather-light touch, the Smoothie Silver switch with its unmatched smoothness and thocky sound could be more suitable for your needs. Consider the sound and feel descriptions provided for each switch to make an informed decision based on your typing preferences. Ultimately, both switches offer unique experiences, so choose the one that aligns best with your typing style and preferences.
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