Outemu Dustproof Blue vs. Gateron Smoothie
An in-depth look at the Outemu Dustproof Blue and the Gateron Smoothie switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Outemu Dustproof Blue, a clicky switch, and the Gateron Smoothie, a linear switch, offer unique experiences for users to consider. The Dustproof Blue is best known for its clicky sound and tactile feedback, providing a satisfying typing experience. On the other hand, the Smoothie stands out for its smoothness and thocky sound signature, making it a popular choice for those seeking a quieter typing experience. While the Dustproof Blue offers a traditional clicky feel, the Smoothie provides a more buttery and subdued 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
50g
Actuation force
40g
Bottom-out force
65g
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
In comparing the housing materials of the Outemu Dustproof Blue and the Gateron Smoothie, we see that they both feature polycarbonate top housing. However, the Dustproof Blue's polycarbonate top housing creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile, while the Smoothie's POM top housing produces a deeper and more muted sound. This contrast in sound profiles can greatly impact the overall typing experience for users. Additionally, the Dustproof Blue's polycarbonate top housing is clear and translucent, making it ideal for use with RGB lighting, while the Smoothie's POM top housing does not offer this feature.
On the other hand, when it comes to the bottom housing material, the Dustproof Blue utilizes nylon, which results in a deeper and fuller sound profile that is more round and dull. This is due to nylon being a softer plastic that absorbs more sound. In contrast, the Smoothie's POM bottom housing also creates a deep and muted sound profile, aligning with its top housing material. Despite the difference in material, both switches offer a similarly deep sound profile due to the characteristics of their bottom housing materials.
Overall, while both switches have unique characteristics based on their housing materials, the Dustproof Blue and the Smoothie ultimately offer different sound profiles. The Dustproof Blue's polycarbonate top housing provides a crisper and clearer sound, while the Smoothie's POM top housing produces a deeper and more muted sound. Additionally, the nylon bottom housing of the Dustproof Blue results in a fuller sound profile, while the POM bottom housing of the Smoothie complements its top housing for a consistent deep sound. These differences in material and sound profile emphasize the importance of housing materials in determining the overall typing experience for mechanical keyboard users.
Weight
The Outemu Dustproof Blue clicky switch has a higher actuation force of 50 grams compared to the Gateron Smoothie linear switch with a lower actuation force of 40 grams. This means that the Outemu switch requires more force to trigger a keystroke. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Dustproof Blue switch has a higher force of 65 grams, while the Smoothie switch does not provide information on its bottom out force. This suggests that the Dustproof Blue switch provides a more substantial typing experience with a heavier bottom out force. For those who prefer a lighter touch, the Gateron Smoothie switch may be the better option due to its lower actuation force. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on individual preferences for typing feel and force requirements.
Travel distance
Comparing the travel distance of the Outemu Dustproof Blue clicky switch and the Gateron Smoothie linear switch, it is clear that the Dustproof Blue has a longer travel distance of 4 mm while the Smoothie has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm. The Dustproof Blue is more suitable for those who enjoy a deeper keystroke feel, providing a more pronounced actuation point. On the other hand, the Gateron Smoothie is ideal for those who prefer a quicker response time due to its shorter travel distance. Both switches offer different experiences, catering to different preferences in typing and gaming. Ultimately, the choice between the two would depend on individual preferences for key feel and response speed.
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 Dustproof 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
In terms of sound, the Outemu Dustproof Blue clicky switch is known for its loud and clicky sound profile, making it a popular choice for those who enjoy the satisfying click of each key press. On the other hand, the Gateron Smoothie linear switch is renowned for its thocky sound signature, characterized by a deep and rich tone that provides a pleasant auditory experience while typing. Both switches offer distinct sound profiles, with the Dustproof Blue delivering a more pronounced and sharp click, while the Smoothie provides a deeper and more mellow thocky sound.
Moving on to feel, the Outemu Dustproof Blue switch offers a tactile and clicky typing experience, with a noticeable tactile bump and audible click with each key press. In contrast, the Gateron Smoothie linear switch is described as buttery, creamy, and silky in feel, providing a smooth and seamless typing sensation without the tactile feedback present in clicky switches. The Smoothie's lightweight touch and smooth keystrokes offer a more effortless typing experience compared to the tactile and clicky nature of the Dustproof Blue switch.
Overall, the Outemu Dustproof Blue clicky switch and the Gateron Smoothie linear switch offer distinct subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the Dustproof Blue is favored for its loud and clicky sound with tactile feedback, the Smoothie stands out for its thocky sound signature and buttery, creamy, and silky feel. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on personal preference for sound, feel, and typing experience, ensuring that both options cater to a variety of mechanical keyboard enthusiasts with differing preferences.
Conclusion
In closing, when choosing between the Outemu Dustproof Blue clicky switch and the Gateron Smoothie linear switch, consider the differences in bottom out force, sound, and feel. If you prefer a medium-heavy key press and a clicky sound with tactile feedback, the Dustproof Blue may be the better choice for you. On the other hand, if you enjoy a lightweight touch with a thocky sound and smooth keystrokes, the Gateron Smoothie could be the perfect option. Ultimately, it comes down to personal preference and what type of typing experience you prefer. Whether you prioritize a satisfying click or a smooth and quiet typing experience, both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences. Choose wisely based on your individual preferences and typing needs.
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