Outemu Blue vs. Gateron Smoothie
An in-depth look at the Outemu Blue and the Gateron Smoothie switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Outemu Blue and the Gateron Smoothie offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences. The Outemu Blue is a clicky switch, renowned for its tactile feedback and audible click sound upon actuation. On the other hand, the Gateron Smoothie is a linear switch, featuring a buttery smooth keystroke without any tactile bump or audible click. The Blue switch is best known for its distinctive click sound, while the Smoothie stands out for its thocky sound signature, smoothness, and lightweight touch. If you prefer a clicky switch with audible feedback, the Outemu Blue might be the right choice for you. Alternatively, if you prefer a smooth and quiet typing experience, the Gateron Smoothie could be more appealing. 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
50g
Actuation force
40g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
2.20 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
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 Blue and Gateron Smoothie switches have distinct differences in their housing materials. The Blue switch features a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. On the other hand, the Smoothie switch has a POM top housing, which produces a deeper and more muted sound. Despite these differences, both switches excel in creating unique sound profiles that cater to different preferences. The use of polycarbonate in the Blue switch offers a translucent aesthetic suitable for RGB lighting, while the POM housing in the Smoothie switch provides a pleasant sound experience.
In terms of bottom housings, the Outemu Blue switch is made of nylon, which contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer plastic properties. Similarly, the Gateron Smoothie switch also has a POM bottom housing, resulting in a deeper and more muted sound compared to the top housing material. While both switches offer unique sound profiles, the choice between nylon and POM bottom housings can cater to individual preferences for a deeper or rounder sound experience. Overall, the bottom housing material plays a significant role in the bottom-out sound and feel of the switch, enhancing the overall typing experience.
Despite the differences in housing materials between the Outemu Blue and Gateron Smoothie switches, both switches offer distinct sound profiles that cater to different preferences. The Blue switch's polycarbonate top housing creates a sharp and crisp sound, while the Smoothie switch's POM top housing offers a deep and muted sound. Similarly, the nylon bottom housing in the Blue switch and POM bottom housing in the Smoothie switch contribute to fuller and rounder sound profiles. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on the desired sound experience, whether it be a sharper and higher-pitched sound or a deeper and more muted sound.
Weight
The Outemu Blue clicky switch has a heavier actuation force of 50 grams compared to the Gateron Smoothie linear switch which has a lighter actuation force of 40 grams. Both switches have an unknown bottom out force. The difference in actuation force means that the Outemu Blue switch will require more force to register a keystroke compared to the Gateron Smoothie switch. This may result in a more substantial typing experience for those who prefer a stronger push feel. However, for those who prefer a lighter typing experience for longer periods of time, the Gateron Smoothie switch may be a better choice. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for actuation force and typing feel.
Travel distance
The Outemu Blue clicky switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Gateron Smoothie linear switch has a shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm. The difference may seem slight, but it can have a noticeable impact on the typing or gaming experience. The Blue switch offers a traditional travel distance, providing a more pronounced tactile feedback and a deeper key press sensation. On the other hand, the Smoothie switch with its shorter travel distance offers quicker response times, making it a preferred choice for gamers looking for speed and precision. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on personal preference - whether you prioritize a more responsive feel or a more substantial key press depth.
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 Outemu Blue 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
The Outemu Blue clicky switch is best known for its clicky sound and tactile feel, while the Gateron Smoothie linear switch is known for its thocky sound and buttery feel. The Blue switch produces a loud click noise with every keystroke, providing a satisfying auditory feedback for typists. On the other hand, the Smoothie switch offers a deeper thud-like sound, creating a more subdued and mellow typing experience. In terms of feel, the Blue switch offers a tactile bump and audible click, giving typists a noticeable feedback with each key press. In comparison, the Smoothie switch provides a smooth and buttery keystroke experience, with a silky sensation that makes typing effortlessly gliding across the keys.
Overall, while the Outemu Blue clicky switch and the Gateron Smoothie linear switch offer contrasting sound and feel qualities, both switches provide their own unique typing experiences. For those seeking a clicky and tactile typing experience, the Outemu Blue switch would be the preferred choice. On the other hand, individuals looking for a smooth and quiet typing experience may opt for the Gateron Smoothie switch. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches would depend on personal preferences for sound, feel, and typing style.
Conclusion
In conclusion, when deciding between the Outemu Blue clicky switch and the Gateron Smoothie linear switch, you should consider the type of experience you are looking for. If you prefer a satisfying clicky sound and a tactile feedback when typing, the Outemu Blue switch would be the way to go. On the other hand, if you are more interested in a smooth and buttery typing experience with a thocky sound signature, the Gateron Smoothie switch would be your best choice. Ultimately, your preference for sound, feel, and typing experience will determine which switch is the right fit for you. So, weigh your options carefully and choose the switch that aligns with your preferences for a more enjoyable typing experience.
Mentioned in this article
