Cherry MX Black vs. Gateron Smoothie
An in-depth look at the Cherry MX Black and the Gateron Smoothie switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Cherry MX Black and the Gateron Smoothie mechanical keyboard switches, both are linear switches but offer different characteristics. The MX Black from Cherry is known for its classic textured smoothness and deep sound profile, which appeals to those looking for a low-pitched and stiff typing experience. On the other hand, the Gateron Smoothie stands out for its all-POM construction, providing a thocky sound signature, remarkable smoothness, and a lightweight touch. This switch is described as buttery, creamy, and silky, making it a great choice for those who prefer a subdued and low-pitched typing feel. 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
60g
Actuation force
40g
Bottom-out force
80g
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
No
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
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
In comparing the housing materials of the Cherry MX Black and the Gateron Smoothie, both switches utilize different materials for their top and bottom housings. The MX Black features a nylon top housing, which creates a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer plastic that absorbs more sound. On the other hand, the Smoothie utilizes a POM top housing that contributes to a pleasing and unique sound, deeper in tone and relatively more muted. While both provide a deep sound profile, the specific material properties of each housing result in slightly different auditory experiences.
When it comes to the bottom housing, both the MX Black and the Gateron Smoothie continue to showcase differences in their material choices. The MX Black's nylon bottom housing also contributes to the deeper and fuller sound profile associated with softer plastics that absorb more sound. Conversely, the Smoothie employs a POM bottom housing that adds to the unique sound profile of the switch, emphasizing a deeper and more muted tone. Despite having different bottom housing materials, both switches offer a similar experience in terms of sound depth and richness.
In terms of overall sound and feel, the housing materials of the Cherry MX Black and the Gateron Smoothie play a significant role. The MX Black's nylon top and bottom housings create a consistent and fuller sound profile, with the softer plastic absorbing more sound for a duller and rounder tone. In comparison, the Smoothie's POM top and bottom housings produce a deeper and more muted sound, offering a unique auditory experience. While both switches provide a deep sound profile, the choice between nylon and POM housing materials ultimately results in slightly different sound characteristics for users to consider.
Weight
The Cherry MX Black linear switch has a heavier actuation force of 60 grams compared to the Gateron Smoothie linear switch, which has a lighter actuation force of 40 grams. When it comes to bottom out force, the Cherry MX Black requires 80 grams of force, while the Gateron Smoothie's bottom out force is unknown. For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the Gateron Smoothie may be the better option as it requires less force to actuate. On the other hand, if you prefer a more substantial and heavier typing feel, the Cherry MX Black may be the preferred choice due to its heavier actuation and bottom out forces. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences and typing styles.
Travel distance
In comparing the travel distance of the Cherry MX Black linear switch and the Gateron Smoothie linear switch, it is evident that the MX Black has a slightly longer travel distance of 4 mm compared to the Smoothie's 3.6 mm. This means that the MX Black offers a slightly deeper feel when pressed down on a key, while the Smoothie provides a slightly shallower experience. Both of these distances fall within the traditional range, with the MX Black being on the longer side and the Smoothie on the shorter side. Gamers looking for faster response times may prefer the shorter travel distance of the Smoothie, while those who enjoy a more substantial key press may opt for the MX Black. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and desired typing experience.
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 Cherry MX Black comes in at $4.00 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
In terms of sound, the Cherry MX Black switch is known for its low-pitched sound profile, providing a bass-heavy and mellow tone during typing. On the other hand, the Gateron Smoothie switch offers a thocky sound signature, characterized by a deep, rich, and satisfying sound when pressed. Additionally, the Smoothie switch also presents a subdued sound, offering a more subtle and dampened sound compared to most switches. Overall, both switches provide unique sound profiles that cater to different preferences, ensuring an enjoyable typing experience for users.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the Cherry MX Black switch is recognized for its textured and stiff characteristics. The textured feature adds a noticeable friction when pressed, which some users may appreciate for tactile feedback. Additionally, the stiffness of the switch requires a higher amount of force to actuate, promoting a more deliberate typing experience. On the contrary, the Gateron Smoothie switch is described as buttery, creamy, and silky, providing a smooth and fluid keystroke experience. The seamless and effortless typing sensation offered by the Smoothie switch enhances typing comfort and efficiency, catering to users who prefer a softer keypress. Ultimately, both switches offer distinct tactile sensations that appeal to different typing preferences.
In conclusion, when comparing the Cherry MX Black linear switch to the Gateron Smoothie linear switch, it is evident that they offer unique subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the MX Black switch delivers a low-pitched sound with textured and stiff feel, the Smoothie switch provides a thocky sound signature with a buttery, creamy, and silky smooth keystroke experience. Depending on individual preferences for sound profile and tactile feedback, users can choose the switch that best aligns with their typing style and comfort level. Ultimately, both switches offer high-quality performance and reliability, ensuring a satisfying typing experience for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts.
Conclusion
Bringing it all together, when deciding between the Cherry MX Black linear switch and the Gateron Smoothie linear switch, you should consider your preferences for key feel and sound. If you prefer a heavier keystroke with a textured feel and a deep sound profile, the Cherry MX Black might be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter touch, buttery and creamy feel, along with a thocky and subdued sound signature, the Gateron Smoothie might be more to your liking. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches will come down to personal preference and what typing experience you value the most.
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