Outemu Brown vs. Gateron Smoothie Silver
An in-depth look at the Outemu Brown and the Gateron Smoothie Silver switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the Outemu Brown and the Gateron Smoothie Silver offer different features that cater to different preferences. The Brown switch is a tactile switch, known for its precise feedback and firm keystrokes. On the other hand, the Smoothie Silver is a linear switch, boasting a short travel distance for quick actuation and a smooth typing experience. While the Brown switch is great for those who prioritize tactile feedback, the Smoothie Silver is a top choice for those who prefer a fast and smooth typing experience. 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
53g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
65g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
1.20 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 Brown and the Gateron Smoothie Silver switches both feature unique housing materials that contribute to their distinct sound profiles. The Brown switch utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, which results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound compared to the Smoothie Silver's POM top housing, which creates a deeper and more muted sound. The polycarbonate material of the Brown switch is known for its stiffness, leading to a clear and resonant sound profile that is ideal for showcasing RGB lighting. In contrast, the POM material of the Smoothie Silver switch absorbs more sound due to its softer nature, resulting in a duller and rounder sound.
In terms of the bottom housing, both the Outemu Brown and the Gateron Smoothie Silver switches use different materials that also influence their sound profiles. The Brown switch features a nylon bottom housing, which produces a deeper and fuller sound due to its softer nature that absorbs more sound compared to harder plastics. On the other hand, the Smoothie Silver switch's POM bottom housing contributes to its unique sound profile, which is also deeper and more muted. Despite the differences in material, both bottom housings enhance the overall sound of the switches, with the nylon providing a rounder sound and the POM adding a pleasing depth.
When considering the overall impact of the housing materials on the switches, it is clear that the Outemu Brown and the Gateron Smoothie Silver offer distinct qualities that cater to different preferences. The split between the top and bottom housings allows for a unique typing experience, with the bottom housing influencing the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing affects the sound when releasing a key. Whether you prefer the sharp and clear sound of the polycarbonate top housing in the Brown switch or the deep and muted sound of the POM top and bottom housing in the Smoothie Silver switch, both options provide a satisfying typing experience with their unique sound profiles.
Weight
When comparing the Outemu Brown tactile switch and the Gateron Smoothie Silver linear switch, it is evident that the actuation and bottom out forces play a significant role in their performance. The Outemu Brown has a higher actuation force of 53 grams and a bottom out force of 65 grams, providing a medium-heavy typing experience. On the other hand, the Gateron Smoothie Silver offers a lighter actuation force of 45 grams, but the bottom out force is unknown. Those who prefer a lighter typing feel may opt for the Smoothie Silver due to its lower actuation force. However, individuals who appreciate a more substantial typing experience may lean towards the Outemu Brown with its higher actuation and bottom out forces. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and typing style, as lighter switches are ideal for extended typing sessions while heavier switches offer a more satisfying keystroke feel.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the Outemu Brown tactile switch is 4 mm, while the Gateron Smoothie Silver linear switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm. This means that the Smoothie Silver has a slightly shorter travel distance compared to the Brown. The difference may not seem significant, but it can affect the overall typing experience. The Brown switch, with its longer travel distance, may provide a more satisfying feedback for those who prefer a deeper keypress. On the other hand, the Smoothie Silver's shorter travel distance can be advantageous for fast-paced activities like gaming, offering quicker response times. Both switches have their own advantages based on personal preference, with the shorter travel distance of the Smoothie Silver catering to those who prioritize speed and the longer travel distance of the Brown appealing to those who prefer a more pronounced keypress. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual typing styles and preferences.
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 Brown 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 Brown tactile switch is known for its quiet and subtle tactile feedback, making it a popular choice for those who prefer a more muted typing experience. On the other hand, the Gateron Smoothie Silver linear switch is known for its thocky sound, which is a deeper and more satisfying sound compared to other linear switches. Overall, the sound of a switch can also be affected by factors such as the keyboard case material and keycap design.
When it comes to feel, the Outemu Brown tactile switch is praised for its tactile bump that provides a noticeable feedback without being too harsh. This makes typing on the Brown switch comfortable and enjoyable for extended periods of time. Conversely, the Gateron Smoothie Silver linear switch is known for its smooth and consistent keystrokes, thanks to the all-POM material and short travel distance. The lightweight actuation of the Smoothie Silver switch gives a feather-light touch that some users may find appealing.
In conclusion, the Outemu Brown tactile switch offers a quieter typing experience with a subtle tactile bump, while the Gateron Smoothie Silver linear switch provides a more satisfying thocky sound and a smooth keystroke feel. Depending on personal preference, both switches have their own unique qualities that cater to different typing styles. Ultimately, whether you choose the Brown or Smoothie Silver switch, you can expect a high-quality typing experience that meets your specific needs and preferences.
Conclusion
To conclude, when choosing between the Outemu Brown tactile switch and the Gateron Smoothie Silver linear switch, consider your preferences for typing feel and sound. If you prefer a medium-heavy tactile switch with a satisfying bump, the Brown may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a smooth and light linear switch with lightning-fast actuation and a thocky sound, the Smoothie Silver could be the better option. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches comes down to personal preference and what characteristics matter most to you in a mechanical keyboard switch.
Mentioned in this article
