Outemu Gold vs. Gateron Smoothie Silver
An in-depth look at the Outemu Gold and the Gateron Smoothie Silver switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, the Outemu Gold and Gateron Smoothie Silver stand out as popular options with distinct characteristics. The Outemu Gold is a clicky switch that offers a tactile bump and audible click for a satisfying typing experience. On the other hand, the Gateron Smoothie Silver is a linear switch known for its lightning-fast actuation and smooth keystrokes, providing a thocky sound and feather-light touch. While the Gold may appeal to those who prefer a tactile feedback and audible click, the Smoothie Silver caters to individuals who prioritize speed and smoothness in their 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
45g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Pre-travel
1.20 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
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 Gold and the Gateron Smoothie Silver, we can see that both switches have unique characteristics. The Gold features a polycarbonate top housing, which provides a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile ideal for RGB lighting, while the Smoothie Silver utilizes a POM top housing for a deeper and more muted sound. Despite their differences, both materials offer distinct auditory experiences, catering to different preferences when it comes to typing sound.
Looking at the bottom housings of the switches, the Gold utilizes a nylon bottom housing for a deeper and fuller sound, while the Smoothie Silver also employs a POM bottom housing for a similar deep and muted sound profile. This similarity in sound profile between the two switches' bottom housings suggests that regardless of the differences in top housing material, both switches offer a similar typing experience in terms of the sound generated when pressing down on the keys.
Ultimately, the choice between the Outemu Gold and the Gateron Smoothie Silver boils down to personal preference in terms of sound profile. The Gold offers a crisper and resonant sound due to its polycarbonate top housing, while the Smoothie Silver provides a deeper and more muted sound with its POM top housing. Both switches excel in creating unique auditory experiences based on the materials used in their housing, catering to different preferences among mechanical keyboard enthusiasts.
Weight
When comparing the Outemu Gold clicky switch and the Gateron Smoothie Silver linear switch, it is evident that both switches have a similar actuation force of 45 grams. However, in terms of bottom out force, the Outemu Gold requires 60 grams, while the Gateron Smoothie Silver's bottom out force is unknown. This means that the Outemu Gold switch provides a slightly heavier typing experience compared to the Gateron Smoothie Silver. The actuation force of both switches being the same means that users can expect similar results when it comes to triggering keystrokes. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on whether one prefers a lighter typing experience for longer periods of use or a heavier push feel for a more substantial typing experience.
Travel distance
The Outemu Gold clicky 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 Smoothie Silver has a shorter travel distance compared to the Gold switch. The shorter travel distance of the Smoothie Silver may appeal to gamers seeking faster response times. On the other hand, the longer travel distance of the Gold switch may be preferred by individuals who enjoy a more profound key press feeling. Both switches offer unique benefits depending on personal preference, with the Gold switch providing a deeper key press experience compared to the quicker response of the Smoothie Silver. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual typing or gaming preferences.
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 Gold 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
When it comes to sound, the Outemu Gold clicky switch is known for its satisfying tactile feedback and loud clicky sound, which provides a satisfying typing experience for those who enjoy auditory feedback. On the other hand, the Gateron Smoothie Silver linear switch offers a quieter thocky sound due to its all-POM construction, making it suitable for environments where noise may be a concern. The sound produced by both switches will also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard housing and keycap material used.
In terms of feel, the Outemu Gold clicky switch provides a tactile bump at the actuation point, giving users a pronounced tactile feel with each key press. Conversely, the Gateron Smoothie Silver linear switch features a smooth and consistent keystroke without any tactile feedback, offering a light and effortless typing experience with its short travel distance. The actuation force and key travel of each switch will play a significant role in the overall typing feel experienced by users.
In conclusion, the Outemu Gold clicky switch and Gateron Smoothie Silver linear switch offer distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel that cater to different preferences among mechanical keyboard enthusiasts. While the Gold switch provides a loud clicky sound and tactile feedback, the Smoothie Silver switch offers a quieter thocky sound and smooth keystrokes. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on individual preferences for sound, feel, and typing experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a clicky switch with a medium bottom out force and a specific feature (add feature here if needed), then the Outemu Gold clicky switch would be the way to go. On the other hand, if you prefer a linear switch with a short travel distance, thocky sound, unparalleled smoothness, and a feather-light touch, then the Gateron Smoothie Silver linear switch would be the better choice for you. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches would depend on your personal preferences in terms of feel, sound, and specific features that you may be looking for in a mechanical keyboard switch.
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