Outemu Cream Pink vs. Gateron Smoothie Silver
An in-depth look at the Outemu Cream Pink 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 Pink and the Gateron Smoothie Silver offer unique features that cater to different preferences. The Cream Pink is a linear switch that is best known for its smooth feel, while the Smoothie Silver is also a linear switch known for its lightning-fast actuation and thocky sound. The Cream Pink may appeal to those looking for a traditional linear feel, while the Smoothie Silver might be a better choice for those who prioritize fast typing speed and smooth key presses. 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
2.00 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 Pink and Gateron Smoothie Silver differ in their housing materials, with the Cream Pink featuring a nylon top and bottom housing while the Smoothie Silver utilizes a POM top and bottom housing. Nylon is known for creating a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer nature and ability to absorb more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. On the other hand, POM housings produce a unique and pleasing sound that is deeper and more muted compared to nylon. These differences in housing materials contribute to the overall typing experience and sound produced by each switch.
While both switches have distinct housing materials for the top and bottom, the qualities of each material are split between the two parts of the switch. The bottom housing, whether nylon or POM, has a greater impact on the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing down on a key. This means that the material of the bottom housing will affect the initial sound and sensation when typing on the switch. In contrast, the top housing material will have more influence on the sound produced when releasing a key, adding another layer to the overall typing experience.
Despite the differences in housing materials between the Cream Pink and Smoothie Silver, they both aim to create a unique and enjoyable typing experience. While the Cream Pink's nylon housing may provide a slightly fuller and rounder sound profile compared to the Smoothie Silver's POM housing, both switches offer a deep and pleasing typing sound. The choice between the two ultimately comes down to personal preference and the specific sound profile that each user prefers when typing on a mechanical keyboard.
Weight
The Outemu Cream Pink linear switch has a slightly heavier actuation force of 50 grams compared to the Gateron Smoothie Silver linear switch, which requires 45 grams of force to actuate. However, the Cream Pink also has a higher bottom out force of 65 grams, while the Smoothie Silver's bottom out force is unknown. This means that the Cream Pink switch provides a more substantial typing experience with a heavier bottom out force. Overall, the Cream Pink is slightly heavier in terms of actuation force and significantly heavier in terms of bottom out force compared to the Smoothie Silver, which may appeal to those who prefer a more tactile typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for typing feel and the desired level of force required for keystrokes.
Travel distance
The Outemu Cream Pink linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, which is longer compared to the Gateron Smoothie Silver linear switch with a travel distance of 3.4 mm. The Cream Pink offers a more traditional travel distance, while the Smoothie Silver provides a slightly shallower travel distance. Gamers who prioritize faster response times may lean towards the Smoothie Silver with its shorter travel distance. On the other hand, those who prefer a more profound keystroke experience may opt for the Cream Pink with its longer travel distance. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches comes down to personal preference and typing style. Both switches offer unique characteristics, and selecting the one that aligns with individual preferences will result in a satisfactory typing experience.
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 Pink 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 Pink and Smoothie Silver switches offer different experiences in terms of sound and feel. In terms of sound, the Cream Pink switch does not have a specific reputation, while the Smoothie Silver switch is known for producing a thocky sound. The Cream Pink switch may provide a quieter typing experience, which can be ideal for those looking for a more subtle sound profile. On the other hand, the Smoothie Silver switch's thocky sound may be more satisfying for those who enjoy a more pronounced and tactile typing experience.
When it comes to feel, the Cream Pink switch is not known for any specific tactile qualities, while the Smoothie Silver switch is praised for its unparalleled smoothness and feather-light touch. The Cream Pink switch may offer a standard linear typing experience without any standout features in terms of feel. In contrast, the Smoothie Silver switch's smoothness and light touch may appeal to users who prefer a silky and effortless typing experience.
Considering the information provided, if you are looking for a switch with a quieter sound profile and standard typing feel, the Cream Pink switch may be a suitable choice. However, if you prefer a switch with a thocky sound and unmatched smoothness, the Smoothie Silver switch could be the perfect option for you. Ultimately, the decision between these switches will come down to personal preference and the specific typing experience you are looking to achieve.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the Outemu Cream Pink linear switch and the Gateron Smoothie Silver linear switch, you need to consider your preferences and priorities. If you are looking for a medium-heavy switch with a bottom out force of 65 grams, the Cream Pink might be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you value lightning-fast actuation, a short travel distance, a thocky sound, unparalleled smoothness, and a feather-light touch, then the Smoothie Silver could be the better option. Ultimately, your decision should be based on what characteristics are most important to you in a mechanical keyboard switch.
Mentioned in this article
