Cherry MX Brown vs. Gateron Smoothie
An in-depth look at the Cherry MX Brown and the Gateron Smoothie switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
Both the Cherry MX Brown and Gateron Smoothie mechanical keyboard switches offer unique features that cater to different preferences. The Cherry MX Brown is praised for its subtle tactility and gentle typing experience, making it a popular choice for those who prefer a light and quiet switch. On the other hand, the Gateron Smoothie stands out for its thocky sound signature, remarkable smoothness, and lightweight touch, providing a different typing experience compared to the Cherry MX Brown. While the MX Brown is more textured and bassy, the Smoothie is described as buttery, creamy, and silky. 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
40g
Bottom-out force
55g
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 Brown and the Gateron Smoothie, we can see that both switches utilize different materials for their top and bottom housings. The MX Brown features a nylon top and bottom housing, which creates a deeper and fuller sound profile due to the softer nature of nylon. On the other hand, the Smoothie utilizes a POM top and bottom housing, resulting in a more muted and deeper sound profile. While both switches aim to provide a pleasing typing experience, the choice of housing material ultimately affects the sound and feel of each key press.
Despite the differences in housing materials, both the Cherry MX Brown and Gateron Smoothie switches aim to provide a satisfying typing experience. The nylon top housing of the MX Brown absorbs more sound, creating a duller and rounder sound when compared to the POM top housing of the Smoothie. However, the bottom housing material also plays a significant role in the overall sound profile of the switch. The MX Brown's nylon bottom housing contributes to the deeper and fuller sound profile, while the POM bottom housing of the Smoothie adds to the more muted sound quality.
Ultimately, the choice between the Cherry MX Brown and the Gateron Smoothie will come down to personal preference in sound and feel. While both switches offer a unique typing experience, the housing materials play a crucial role in shaping the overall sound profile of each key press. Whether you prefer the deeper and fuller sound of the MX Brown's nylon housing or the more muted sound of the Smoothie's POM housing, both switches aim to provide a satisfying typing experience tailored to individual preferences.
Weight
The Cherry MX Brown tactile switch has a slightly heavier actuation force of 45 grams compared to the Gateron Smoothie linear switch, which requires 40 grams of force. However, the bottom out force of the MX Brown is also heavier at 55 grams, while the bottom out force of the Smoothie is unknown. This means that the MX Brown switch provides a more substantial typing experience overall. For those who prefer a lighter typing feel, the Gateron Smoothie may be the better option, as it requires less force to actuate the keys. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for typing or gaming experiences.
Travel distance
The Cherry MX Brown tactile switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Gateron Smoothie linear switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm. Both switches fall within the average range of travel distances for mechanical keyboard switches, with the MX Brown being slightly longer. The MX Brown may provide a slightly deeper keystroke feel compared to the Smoothie, which might feel more abrupt due to its shorter travel distance. Gamers looking for quicker response times may prefer the Gateron Smoothie, while those seeking a more substantial key press might opt for the Cherry MX Brown. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will come down to personal preference and typing style.
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 Brown 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
When it comes to sound, the Cherry MX Brown switches are known for their bassy and low-pitched characteristics, offering a deeper and richer sound profile during key presses. On the other hand, the Gateron Smoothie switches provide a thocky, low-pitched, and subdued sound signature that delivers a satisfying deep "thud" or soft "knock" when the key is pressed and released. Both switches offer a pleasant auditory experience, but the MX Brown has a slightly more bass-heavy tone, while the Smoothie has a distinct thockiness to it. Ultimately, your choice of board and keycaps will also play a role in the overall sound produced by these switches.
Moving on to feel, the Cherry MX Brown switches offer a textured typing experience, with noticeable friction when pressed. This texture can be divisive among users, with some appreciating the tactile feedback it provides and others preferring a smoother typing experience. In contrast, the Gateron Smoothie switches are described as buttery, creamy, and silky, offering a smooth and fluid keystroke experience that is effortless and uniform. The buttery sensation of the Smoothie switches is achieved through a combination of smooth materials and lubrication, leading to a gliding sensation across the keys with minimal resistance. If you prefer a smoother and more consistent typing experience, the Gateron Smoothie switches may be more to your liking.
In conclusion, the Cherry MX Brown switches excel in providing a subtle and subdued typing experience with gentle tactility and a bass-heavy sound profile. On the other hand, the Gateron Smoothie switches offer a thocky sound signature, remarkable smoothness, and a lightweight touch that comes at an affordable price point. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will come down to personal preference in terms of sound, feel, and overall typing experience. If you enjoy a tactile typing experience with a bassy sound, the Cherry MX Brown switches are a solid choice. If you prefer a buttery smooth keystroke with a thocky sound and lightweight touch, the Gateron Smoothie switches may be more suited to your preferences. Remember to consider all aspects, including keycaps, keyboard build, and your personal typing style, when selecting the ideal switch for your mechanical keyboard setup.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Cherry MX Brown tactile switch and the Gateron Smoothie linear switch, you should consider your preferences for typing experience. If you value a light typing experience with gentle tactility and subdued audio feedback, the MX Brown may be the better choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a thocky sound signature, remarkable smoothness, and a lightweight touch, the Gateron Smoothie could be the more suitable option. Ultimately, the decision should be based on your personal preference for typing feel and sound profile.
Mentioned in this article
