Outemu Dustproof Brown vs. Gateron Smoothie
An in-depth look at the Outemu Dustproof Brown and the Gateron Smoothie switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the outemu dustproof brown, a tactile switch, to the gateron smoothie, a linear switch, some key differences become apparent. The dustproof brown is best known for its tactile feedback, providing a satisfying bump during typing, while the smoothie stands out for its smooth operation, producing a thocky sound and a lightweight touch. The dustproof brown is categorized as tactile, while the smoothie falls under descriptions like buttery, thocky, low-pitched, creamy, subdued, and silky. If you prefer more pronounced tactile feedback, the dustproof brown might be the way to go. However, if you favor a smoother typing experience with a unique sound profile, the gateron smoothie could be the ideal choice. Now, let's dive a bit deeper into the specifics so you can make the best decision regarding the switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
40g
Bottom-out force
65g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 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
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
22mm extended double-stage spring
Housing materials
The Outemu Dustproof Brown and Gateron Smoothie switches both feature unique housing materials that contribute to their distinct sound profiles. The Dustproof Brown utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched sound compared to the POM top housing of the Smoothie, which produces a deeper and more muted sound. The use of polycarbonate in the Dustproof Brown also makes it more visually appealing for RGB lighting due to its translucency. On the other hand, the Smoothie's POM top housing offers a different typing experience with its deeper sound profile.
In terms of bottom housing materials, the Dustproof Brown features a nylon bottom housing, while the Smoothie utilizes a POM bottom housing. Nylon is known for creating a deeper and fuller sound due to its softer nature, which absorbs more sound compared to harder plastics. Similarly, the POM bottom housing of the Smoothie contributes to its unique sound profile, emphasizing depth and a muted tone. Despite their different materials, both switches offer a distinct typing experience based on the qualities of their bottom housing materials.
Overall, the choice between the Outemu Dustproof Brown and Gateron Smoothie switches will come down to personal preference for sound and typing feel. While the Dustproof Brown may appeal to those looking for a sharper and clearer sound profile with its polycarbonate top housing, the Gateron Smoothie caters to individuals who prefer a deeper, more muted sound with its POM top housing. Both switches offer a unique typing experience, with their housing materials playing a significant role in shaping the overall sound and feel of the switch.
Weight
The Outemu Dustproof Brown tactile switch has a slightly heavier actuation force of 45 grams compared to the Gateron Smoothie linear switch, which has an actuation force of 40 grams. This means that the Dustproof Brown requires a bit more force to register a keystroke. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Dustproof Brown requires 65 grams, while the Smoothie's bottom out force is unknown. In terms of weight, some users may prefer the lighter actuation force of the Smoothie for longer typing or gaming sessions, while others may prefer the heavier actuation force of the Dustproof Brown for a more substantial typing experience. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will come down to personal preference in terms of typing feel and force requirements.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the Outemu Dustproof Brown tactile switch is 4 mm, while the Gateron Smoothie linear switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm. This makes the Smoothie the shorter of the two switches. The Dustproof Brown offers a slightly longer travel distance, which may appeal to those who prefer a deeper keypress feel. Gamers looking for faster response times may lean towards the shorter travel distance of the Smoothie. Both switches offer different tactile experiences based on their travel distances, so ultimately the choice between the two will come down to personal preference in terms of keypress depth and speed of response.
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 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 Dustproof Brown tactile switch is best known for its unspecified sound profile, while the Gateron Smoothie linear switch offers a thocky, low-pitched, and subdued sound signature. The Dustproof Brown's sound characteristics remain unknown, leaving room for subjective interpretation without a definitive description. In contrast, the Smoothie switch is specifically designed to produce a deep and satisfying thocky sound, with a bass-heavy and mellow tone that provides a more subdued and dampened audio experience. Ultimately, the sound produced by both switches will differ significantly, with the Dustproof Brown offering a unique auditory experience compared to the more defined thocky sound of the Gateron Smoothie.
When it comes to the tactile feel of the switches, the Outemu Dustproof Brown remains unspecified in terms of its descriptive qualities. On the other hand, the Gateron Smoothie linear switch is characterized as buttery, creamy, and silky. The Smoothie switch provides a smooth and fluid keystroke experience, offering a seamless, effortless, and uniform typing sensation due to its lubricated and high-quality materials. In contrast, the Dustproof Brown's tactile feel remains a mystery, leaving users to discover its unique tactile characteristics through personal experience.
Considering the available information, it is evident that the Outemu Dustproof Brown tactile switch and the Gateron Smoothie linear switch offer distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the Dustproof Brown's sound profile and tactile feel remain unknown, the Gateron Smoothie provides a specific thocky sound and a buttery, creamy, and silky typing experience. Depending on individual preferences for sound and feel, users can expect a unique and tailored experience from each switch. If one is looking for a satisfying deep sound and smooth typing experience, the Gateron Smoothie would be a great choice, while the Outemu Dustproof Brown promises a mysterious yet potentially rewarding tactile and auditory experience.
Conclusion
In conclusion, when deciding between the Outemu Dustproof Brown tactile switch and the Gateron Smoothie linear switch, consider your preferences and typing style. If you prefer a medium-heavy bottom out force and are looking for a tactile switch with dustproof features, the Dustproof Brown may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you enjoy a smooth keystroke experience with a thocky sound signature and a lightweight touch, the Gateron Smoothie could be more suitable for your needs. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches will depend on your personal preferences in terms of sound, feel, and bottom out force. Make sure to test them out if possible to see which one feels more comfortable and enjoyable for your typing experience.
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