Outemu Dustproof Black vs. Gateron Smoothie Silver
An in-depth look at the Outemu Dustproof Black and the Gateron Smoothie Silver switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Outemu Dustproof Black and the Gateron Smoothie Silver both offer unique features and benefits. The Dustproof Black is a linear switch that is best known for its durability and resistance to dust and debris. On the other hand, the Smoothie Silver is also a linear switch, but stands out for its all-POM construction, short travel distance, thocky sound, smoothness, and light touch. If you prioritize durability and reliability, the Dustproof Black may be the right choice for you. However, if you value lightning-fast actuation and a unique typing experience, the Smoothie Silver could be worth considering. 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
60g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
80g
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
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
In comparing the housing materials of the Outemu Dustproof Black and the Gateron Smoothie Silver, we see that they both offer unique sound profiles. The Dustproof Black's polycarbonate top housing delivers a sharper, higher-pitched sound, while the Smoothie Silver's POM top housing produces a deeper and more muted sound. However, both materials are known for their clarity and resonance, offering a satisfying typing experience. In terms of aesthetics, the Dustproof Black's polycarbonate top housing is great for showcasing RGB lighting, while the Smoothie Silver's POM top housing provides a sleek and understated look.
Moving on to the bottom housings, we find that the Dustproof Black features a nylon bottom housing, creating a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer nature. Similarly, the Smoothie Silver's POM bottom housing also contributes to a deeper and more muted sound profile. Both materials offer a comfortable typing experience, absorbing sound to reduce any potential noise. While the top and bottom housing materials may differ between the two switches, they both ultimately contribute to a pleasant typing experience with unique sound characteristics.
Overall, the housing materials of the Outemu Dustproof Black and the Gateron Smoothie Silver each bring their own strengths to the table. Both polycarbonate and POM offer clear and resonant sound profiles, with polycarbonate leaning towards a sharper sound and POM towards a deeper one. Similarly, the nylon and POM bottom housings provide a fuller and more muted sound experience. Whether you prefer a sharper or deeper sound, both switches offer a satisfying typing experience with their unique housing materials. Ultimately, choosing between the two will depend on your personal preferences for sound and feel while typing.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Outemu Dustproof Black linear switch and the Gateron Smoothie Silver linear switch, it is clear that they have different weight profiles. The Dustproof Black has a heavier actuation force of 60 grams and a bottom out force of 80 grams, providing a more substantial typing experience. On the other hand, the Smoothie Silver is lighter with an actuation force of 45 grams, making it easier to type for longer periods without fatigue. Unfortunately, the bottom out force for the Smoothie Silver is unknown. For those who prefer a heavier push feel, the Dustproof Black would be the better option, while the Smoothie Silver would be more suitable for those who prefer a lighter touch. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preference and typing style.
Travel distance
The Outemu Dustproof 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. In this case, the Dustproof Black has a longer travel distance compared to the Smoothie Silver. The Dustproof Black's 4 mm travel distance is more traditional and provides a deeper key press feeling, which some users may prefer for a more substantial typing experience. On the other hand, the Smoothie Silver offers a shorter 3.4 mm travel distance, which is ideal for those looking for a faster response time, such as gamers. Both switches offer unique benefits depending on personal preference, with the Dustproof Black providing a deeper feel and the Smoothie Silver offering quicker key response. Ultimately, choosing between the two switches comes down to individual typing preferences and desired 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 Dustproof 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
The Outemu Dustproof Black linear switch is known for its durability due to its dustproof design, providing a longer lifespan for the switch. On the other hand, the Gateron Smoothie Silver linear switch is acclaimed for its quick actuation and smoothness, thanks to its all-POM construction. When it comes to sound, the Dustproof Black switch may offer a quieter typing experience compared to the somewhat thocky sound produced by the Smoothie Silver switch. As for feel, the Dustproof Black switch might have a firmer and more stable keystroke, while the Smoothie Silver switch likely provides a lighter and more effortless typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on personal preference in terms of sound, feel, and typing speed. Whether you go for the Dustproof Black or the Smoothie Silver, you can expect quality linear switches that will enhance your overall typing experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the Outemu Dustproof Black linear switch and the Gateron Smoothie Silver linear switch, consider your preferences for bottom out force, sound, and feel. If you prefer a heavier bottom out force of 80 grams, the Dustproof Black might be the better option for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a switch with a shorter travel distance for faster actuation, a thocky sound, unparalleled smoothness, and a feather-light touch, then the Gateron Smoothie Silver might be the switch for you. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your individual typing preferences and what characteristics are most important to you in a mechanical keyboard switch.
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