Cherry MX Brown vs. Gateron Smoothie Silver
An in-depth look at the Cherry MX Brown and the Gateron Smoothie Silver switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, one popular option to consider is the Cherry MX Brown, a tactile switch, and the Gateron Smoothie Silver, a linear switch. The Cherry MX Brown is best known for its subtlety, offering a light typing experience with gentle tactility and subdued audio feedback. On the other hand, the Gateron Smoothie Silver stands out for its all-POM construction, short travel distance for fast actuation, thocky sound, smoothness, and feather-light touch. While the Cherry MX Brown provides a textured and bassy typing experience, the Gateron Smoothie Silver offers a silent and smooth operation. 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
45g
Bottom-out force
55g
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
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
The housing materials of the Cherry MX Brown and Gateron Smoothie Silver switches differ in terms of the material used. The MX Brown features a nylon top and bottom housing, which creates a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer plastic that absorbs more sound. On the other hand, the Smoothie Silver utilizes a POM top and bottom housing, resulting in a unique sound profile that is deeper and relatively more muted. While both switches offer a satisfying typing experience, the material of their housings contributes to their distinct sound profiles.
In terms of sound production, the Nylon top housing of the MX Brown switch is known for creating a duller and rounder sound when typing. In contrast, the POM top housing of the Smoothie Silver switch produces a more pleasing and unique sound that is on the deeper side and muted. These differences in sound characteristics can greatly impact the overall typing experience for users who have a preference for a particular sound profile. Whether one prefers a softer, fuller sound or a deeper, more muted sound will likely dictate their preference between these two switches.
While the top and bottom housings of the Cherry MX Brown and Gateron Smoothie Silver switches may differ, the overall impact on sound and feel remains similar. The bottom housing plays a significant role in the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing down on a key, while the top housing influences the sound when releasing a key. Despite their differences in material, both switches offer a satisfying typing experience with unique sound profiles that cater to different preferences in keyboard enthusiasts. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches comes down to personal preference in sound and feel.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Cherry MX Brown tactile switch and the Gateron Smoothie Silver linear switch, there are some notable differences. The MX Brown has an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 55 grams, making it a medium-light switch. In contrast, the Smoothie Silver has an actuation force of 45 grams, but its bottom out force is unknown. This means that while the actuation force is the same for both switches, the bottom out force of the Smoothie Silver remains a mystery. In terms of weight, the MX Brown is lighter overall compared to the Smoothie Silver, making it a suitable choice for those who prefer a lighter typing experience. However, for those who prefer a stronger push feel, the heavier bottom out force of the MX Brown may provide a more substantial typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The Cherry MX Brown tactile switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Gateron Smoothie Silver linear switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm. This means that the Gateron Smoothie Silver has a slightly shorter travel distance compared to the Cherry MX Brown. Both switches fall within the range of traditional travel distances, with the Cherry MX Brown being on the longer side and the Gateron Smoothie Silver on the shorter side. Gamers looking for faster response times may prefer the shorter travel distance of the Gateron Smoothie Silver, while those who enjoy a more substantial key press may opt for the Cherry MX Brown. Overall, both switches offer a good balance between depth and responsiveness, providing a unique typing experience for users.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
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.
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 switch offers a bassy and low-pitched profile, providing a deeper and richer sound during key presses compared to higher-pitched switches. In contrast, information on the sound profile of the Gateron Smoothie Silver switch is currently unavailable. However, it is important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard build and keycaps used.
Moving on to the feel, the Cherry MX Brown switch is known for its textured typing experience, which may not be as smooth as some prefer but offers a unique feel that some find satisfying. As for the Gateron Smoothie Silver switch, details on its tactile feel are not provided in the given information.
In conclusion, the Cherry MX Brown tactile switch caters to those who appreciate a subtle typing experience with gentle tactility and a bassy sound profile, while the Gateron Smoothie Silver linear switch is known for its lightning-fast actuation, thocky sound, and unparalleled smoothness. Both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences, so choosing between them ultimately depends on the typing experience one is looking for. However, if sound and feel are not critical factors in your decision, both switches may provide similar results in terms of performance and reliability.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Cherry MX Brown tactile switch and the Gateron Smoothie Silver linear switch, consider your preferences for typing experience. If you prefer a light typing experience with gentle tactility and subdued audio feedback, the MX Brown may be the best choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer lightning-fast actuation with a thocky sound, unparalleled smoothness, and a feather-light touch, the Smoothie Silver could be the right switch for you. Ultimately, the decision should be based on your personal typing preferences and what feels most comfortable to you.
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