Outemu Green vs. Gateron Smoothie
An in-depth look at the Outemu Green and the Gateron Smoothie switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, the Outemu Green and Gateron Smoothie present interesting options catering to different preferences. The Outemu Green is a clicky switch, delivering satisfying tactile feedback and an audible click with each keystroke, making it ideal for typists who enjoy a pronounced response and enjoy the nostalgic feel of traditional typewriter keys. In contrast, the Gateron Smoothie is categorized as a linear switch and is celebrated for its buttery smoothness and low-pitched, thocky sound signature, providing a quieter typing experience that appeals to gamers and professionals craving minimal distraction. While the Outemu Green offers an engaging and alert typing sound, the Gateron Smoothie allows for speedy inputs without any tactile resistance. 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
65g
Actuation force
40g
Bottom-out force
80g
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
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
When comparing the housing materials of the Outemu Green and the Gateron Smoothie, the differences in top housing highlight distinct sound profiles that each switch can produce. The Outemu Green features a polycarbonate top housing, known for its rigidity and translucency. This combination allows for a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound, making it particularly well-suited for RGB lighting applications. The clarity produced by polycarbonate contributes to a resonant sound profile, enhancing the auditory feedback when the key is pressed and released. In contrast, the Gateron Smoothie's top housing is made from POM, a material that tends to create a more muted and deeper tone. This fundamental difference in materials means that users can expect a noticeable variance in sound characteristics when using these switches, even if they were to perceive them in a mixed configuration.
Examining the bottom housings reveals another layer of comparison. The Outemu Green utilizes a nylon bottom housing, which provides a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon's softer nature allows it to absorb more sound, resulting in a more rounded auditory experience. On the other hand, the Gateron Smoothie employs a POM bottom housing, which also contributes to its unique, pleasing sound but shares a tendency towards a muted and deeper quality akin to the nylon. Despite the contrasting materials, the use of POM in both switches offers some continuity in the sound characteristics produced, suggesting that both switches may yield similarly enjoyable auditory feedback, albeit through different structural influences.
Ultimately, the combined effects of the top and bottom housings in each switch create a unique overall sound experience. The Outemu Green, with its polycarbonate top and nylon bottom, is designed for those who prefer clarity and resonance in their key presses. In contrast, the Gateron Smoothie aims for a softer, more muted output due to its POM housings. While the Green may cater to players seeking distinct sound clarity, the Smoothie appeals to those who favor a rounded, deeper acoustic. Thus, even with the intrinsic differences in materials, both switches share a potential for satisfying sound experience, influenced by the individual properties of each housing, allowing users to choose based on their personal sound preferences.
Weight
The Outemu Green clicky switch and the Gateron Smoothie linear switch present contrasting actuation and bottom out forces that cater to different user preferences. The Outemu Green features a hefty actuation force of 65 grams and a bottom out force of 80 grams, making it a heavier choice ideal for those who appreciate a more tactile and substantial typing experience. In contrast, the Gateron Smoothie is significantly lighter, with an actuation force of only 40 grams, which allows for easier pressing and could be more comfortable for extended typing sessions or gaming marathons. However, the bottom out force for the Smoothie is unavailable, leaving us without a definitive comparison in that regard. Ultimately, users seeking a lighter touch would gravitate toward the Smoothie, whereas those preferring a stronger push feel would find the Outemu Green more suitable for their typing needs.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Outemu Green clicky switch and the Gateron Smoothie linear switch, a clear difference emerges. The Outemu Green features a travel distance of 4 mm, which is in line with the traditional standard and provides a more substantial feel when pressed. In contrast, the Gateron Smoothie has a shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm. This makes the Smoothie more appealing for gamers seeking quicker response times, as the shorter distance allows for faster actuation. However, some users may prefer the deeper and more tactile feedback of the Outemu Green's 4 mm travel, which some find less abrupt and more satisfying. Therefore, if you favor a more responsive feel, the Gateron Smoothie might be the better choice, whereas those who appreciate a more pronounced keystroke may lean towards the Outemu Green.
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 Green 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 Green switch is an unknown in this aspect as there is no description provided. In contrast, the Gateron Smoothie switch is celebrated for its thocky sound signature, which creates a deep, rich auditory experience when a key is pressed. This switch is characterized by a low-pitched and slightly subdued tone, producing a satisfying thud or soft knock that many find appealing during typing sessions. The Smoothie’s sound quality reflects the material and construction choices, leading to a pleasant noise that enhances the typing experience without overwhelming it.
Regarding feel, the Outemu Green lacks a defined description as well. On the other hand, the Gateron Smoothie is known for its remarkably smooth keystroke experience. With descriptors such as buttery, creamy, and silky, the Smoothie provides a fluid and seamless typing sensation that many users appreciate. The silky texture minimizes resistance, allowing for an effortless glide across the keys, which makes it attractive for both typing and gaming. The combination of smooth materials and possibly factory lubrication contributes to an enjoyable overall tactile feedback, marking a contrast to the unknown feel of the Green switch.
In conclusion, the Outemu Green switch’s qualities remain undefined whereas the Gateron Smoothie stands out for its thocky sound and exceptionally smooth feel. Users can expect a luxurious typing session with the Smoothie due to its carefully crafted design, which greatly contrasts with the Outemu Green’s unknown characteristics. For those looking to invest in a reliable mechanical switch, the Gateron Smoothie presents a compelling choice, particularly for individuals who prioritize sound and tactile feedback in their typing experience.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the Outemu Green clicky switch and the Gateron Smoothie linear switch ultimately hinges on your personal preferences and typing style. If you enjoy a tactile experience that offers clear feedback with a pronounced click sound, the Outemu Green might be your go-to option. Its heavier bottom-out force of 80 grams provides a robust feel, making it well-suited for typists who appreciate a bit more resistance and auditory engagement. However, if you prefer a quieter, smoother typing experience that emphasizes fluidity over sound, then the Gateron Smoothie is likely the better choice for you. With its luxurious buttery, creamy, and silky feel, along with a thocky sound signature, you can enjoy a satisfying yet subtle keystroke that’s ideal for long typing sessions or quieter environments. Ultimately, consider what aspects of keyboard feel and sound are most important to you, and choose the switch that enhances your overall typing experience the best.
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