Outemu Cream Blue vs. Gateron Smoothie Silver
An in-depth look at the Outemu Cream Blue and the Gateron Smoothie Silver switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Outemu Cream Blue and the Gateron Smoothie Silver offer unique typing experiences. The Cream Blue switch is a clicky switch that provides a tactile bump and audible click with each keystroke. On the other hand, the Smoothie Silver is a linear switch known for its smooth operation and short travel distance for quicker actuation. While the Cream Blue switch offers a satisfying clicky sound for those who enjoy auditory feedback, the Smoothie Silver switch provides a quieter typing experience with its thocky sound and feather-light touch. 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
45g
Bottom-out force
65g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
2.20 mm
Pre-travel
1.20 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
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 Outemu Cream Blue and the Gateron Smoothie Silver switches both utilize different materials for their housing components. The Cream Blue features a nylon top housing which is known for creating a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softness and sound absorption capabilities. On the other hand, the Smoothie Silver utilizes a POM top housing, which also produces a pleasing and unique sound but on the deeper and more muted side. While both materials create a distinctive sound experience, the nylon top housing of the Cream Blue may result in a slightly rounder sound compared to the POM top housing of the Smoothie Silver.
In terms of the bottom housing, both the Outemu Cream Blue and the Gateron Smoothie Silver switches use nylon and POM materials respectively. Similar to the top housing, the nylon bottom housing of the Cream Blue contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile, enhancing the overall typing experience. Conversely, the POM bottom housing of the Smoothie Silver offers a more muted sound, adding a unique touch to the switch's acoustic properties. While the bottom housing may have a greater impact on the bottom-out sound and feel of the switch, the top housing influences the sound when a key is released.
Despite the differences in material for the top and bottom housings between the Outemu Cream Blue and the Gateron Smoothie Silver switches, both switches aim to provide an enhanced typing experience through their unique sound profiles. The Cream Blue's combination of nylon top and bottom housings creates a round and fuller sound, while the Smoothie Silver's POM top and bottom housings produce a deeper and more muted sound. Whether it's the absorptive qualities of nylon or the unique sound created by POM, users can expect a satisfying typing experience with either switch. Overall, while the materials used may vary, both switches deliver similar results in terms of enhancing the acoustic feedback during typing.
Weight
The Outemu Cream Blue clicky switch has a higher actuation force of 50 grams compared to the Gateron Smoothie Silver linear switch, which has an actuation force of 45 grams. This means that the Cream Blue requires a slightly heavier touch to register a keystroke. However, in terms of bottom out force, the Cream Blue has a higher force of 65 grams, while the Smoothie Silver's bottom out force is unknown. This suggests that the Cream Blue switch provides a more substantial typing experience with a heavier keypress feel compared to the Smoothie Silver. Ultimately, choosing between the two switches depends on personal preference - whether one prefers a lighter touch for longer typing sessions or a heavier force for a more tactile experience.
Travel distance
The Outemu Cream Blue clicky switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Gateron Smoothie Silver linear switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm. The Cream Blue has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Smoothie Silver, which may provide a more substantial feel when typing. On the other hand, the Smoothie Silver's shorter travel distance could appeal to gamers looking for faster response times. Both switches offer different tactile experiences, with the Cream Blue providing more depth and the Smoothie Silver offering quicker keystrokes. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches comes down to personal preference and the specific typing or gaming experience you're looking for.
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 Cream 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 Cream Blue clicky switch is known for its tactile feedback and loud click sound while the Gateron Smoothie Silver linear switch stands out for its smoothness and light actuation. The Cream Blue produces a crisp clicky sound with each keystroke, providing a satisfying auditory feedback for typists who enjoy a tactile experience. On the other hand, the Gateron Smoothie Silver switch offers a quiet thocky sound, making it ideal for those who prefer a quieter typing experience. In terms of feel, the Cream Blue switch is known for its tactile bump and pronounced feedback, giving typists a noticeable actuation point. On the contrary, the Smoothie Silver switch provides a smooth keystroke with no tactile bump, allowing for a consistent linear feel with each press. Overall, while the Cream Blue clicky switch excels in providing tactile feedback and a clicky sound, the Gateron Smoothie Silver linear switch offers a smooth and quiet typing experience with its lightning-fast actuation. Ultimately, the choice between these switches boils down to personal preference in terms of sound, feel, and typing experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you're looking for a mechanical keyboard switch with a clicky feel and a medium-heavy bottom out force of 65 grams, then the Outemu Cream Blue switch would be a great choice for you. It is best known for its clicky sound and tactile feedback. On the other hand, if you prefer a linear switch with no tactile bump, a short travel distance for quick actuation, and a feather-light touch, then the Gateron Smoothie Silver switch would be more suitable for you. It is best known for its thocky sound, smoothness, and fast actuation. Ultimately, your choice between the Cream Blue and the Smoothie Silver will depend on your preference for clicky switches or linear switches, as well as your desired bottom out force and typing experience.
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