Outemu Black vs. Gateron Smoothie Silver
An in-depth look at the Outemu Black and the Gateron Smoothie Silver switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between the Outemu Black and the Gateron Smoothie Silver mechanical keyboard switches, the decision can be based on personal preferences and specific needs. The Outemu Black is a linear switch that is best known for its consistent feel and response. On the other hand, the Gateron Smoothie Silver is also a linear switch but stands out for its lightning-fast actuation thanks to a short travel distance. Additionally, the Smoothie Silver offers a thocky sound, unparalleled smoothness, and a feather-light touch. While these general pointers can help guide your decision, it's important to delve deeper into the specifics of each switch to determine which one is the best fit for your typing or gaming needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
65g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
82g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
2.50 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
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
22mm extended double-stage spring
Housing materials
The Outemu Black and the Gateron Smoothie Silver both feature unique housing materials that contribute to their distinct sound profiles. The Black's polycarbonate top housing creates a sharper and crisper sound, while the Smoothie Silver's POM top housing produces a deeper and more muted sound. Despite their differences, both switches utilize translucent materials that are ideal for use with RGB lighting. In terms of aesthetics, the polycarbonate top housing of the Black is likely to offer a clearer and more resonant sound compared to the POM top housing of the Smoothie Silver.
The Black's nylon bottom housing gives it a deeper and fuller sound profile, thanks to its softer plastic that absorbs more sound. On the other hand, the Smoothie Silver's POM bottom housing also contributes to a deep and muted sound profile. The switch's bottom housing material plays a significant role in the bottom-out sound and feel when typing on the switch. While the qualities of the bottom housing material may differ between the Outemu Black and the Gateron Smoothie Silver, both switches aim to provide a pleasing and unique typing experience with their respective housing materials.
Overall, the combination of housing materials in a switch determines its overall sound profile and feel. The Outemu Black and the Gateron Smoothie Silver showcase how the choice of top and bottom housing materials can impact the sound and typing experience. While the Black's polycarbonate top housing and nylon bottom housing offer a sharper and fuller sound, the Smoothie Silver's POM top and bottom housing result in a deeper and more muted sound. Both switches provide unique qualities that cater to different preferences in the mechanical keyboard community.
Weight
The Outemu Black linear switch has a higher actuation force of 65 grams compared to the Gateron Smoothie Silver with a lighter actuation force of 45 grams. In terms of bottom out force, the Outemu Black requires 82 grams while the Gateron Smoothie Silver is unknown. The Outemu Black offers a heavier typing experience, which may be preferable for those seeking a more substantial push feel. In contrast, the Gateron Smoothie Silver provides a lighter touch, making it suitable for longer typing sessions or gaming marathons. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on individual preference for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The Outemu Black linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Gateron Smoothie Silver linear switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm. This makes the Smoothie Silver the shorter of the two switches in terms of travel distance. Gamers looking for faster response times may prefer the shorter travel distance of the Smoothie Silver, while those who prefer a more deliberate key press may opt for the slightly longer travel distance of the Outemu Black. Both switches provide tactile feedback and smooth actuation, so regardless of the travel distance, users can expect similar results in terms of key feel and performance.
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 Outemu Black comes in at $3.10 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 Outemu Black linear switch is known for having a relatively quiet sound profile, making it suitable for a more discreet typing experience. On the other hand, the Gateron Smoothie Silver linear switch is praised for its thocky sound, creating a satisfying and deep tone with each key press. When comparing the two, the Black may be more appealing for those looking for a quieter typing experience, while the Smoothie Silver may be preferred by those who enjoy a more pronounced and satisfying sound while typing.
Regarding feel, the Outemu Black linear switch is known for providing a smooth keystroke with a consistent feel throughout, offering a stable and reliable typing experience. The Gateron Smoothie Silver linear switch, on the other hand, is recognized for its unparalleled smoothness and feather-light touch, thanks to the all-POM construction and short travel distance for quick actuation. When it comes to feel, the Black may be favored by those who prefer a stable and consistent typing feel, while the Smoothie Silver may be preferred by those who enjoy a light and smooth typing experience.
Considering all available information, the Outemu Black and Gateron Smoothie Silver linear switches offer distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Outemu Black provides a quiet and stable typing experience, suitable for those looking for a reliable key press without extra noise. On the other hand, the Gateron Smoothie Silver stands out for its thocky sound and ultra-smooth feel, making it a choice for users seeking a satisfying and light typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on personal preference for sound, feel, and typing style.
Conclusion
In conclusion, when deciding between the Outemu Black linear switch and the Gateron Smoothie Silver linear switch, you should consider the factors that matter most to you. If you prefer a heavy actuation force and are looking for a switch known for its reliability, the Outemu Black would be a good choice for you. On the other hand, if you want a switch with a light touch and lightning-fast actuation, the Gateron Smoothie Silver would be a great option. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preferences in terms of actuation force, sound, and feel. Both switches have their own strengths, so it's important to choose the one that best suits your typing style and preferences.
Mentioned in this article
