Outemu Milk Blue vs. Gateron Smoothie
An in-depth look at the Outemu Milk Blue and the Gateron Smoothie switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Outemu Milk Blue and the Gateron Smoothie offer distinct typing experiences. The Milk Blue switch is a clicky switch that provides a tactile bump and auditory feedback with each key press. On the other hand, the Gateron Smoothie is a linear switch made entirely of POM material, offering a smooth keystroke without any tactile feedback. The Milk Blue switch is best known for its satisfying click sound, while the Smoothie switch stands out for its thocky sound signature and smooth feel. If you prefer a more tactile and audible typing experience, the Milk Blue switch may be the way to go. However, if you prioritize smoothness and a quieter typing experience, the Gateron Smoothie switch could be the better choice. As always, diving deeper into the specifics of each switch will ultimately help you decide on the best one for your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
50g
Actuation force
40g
Bottom-out force
N/A
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
The Outemu Milk Blue and Gateron Smoothie switches both feature unique housing materials that contribute to their respective sound profiles. The Milk Blue's polycarbonate top housing gives it a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound, ideal for those looking for a clear and resonant typing experience. On the other hand, the Smoothie's POM top housing produces a deeper and more muted sound, offering a different tactile feedback for users seeking a quieter typing experience. Despite these differences, both switches utilize translucent materials in their top housings, making them suitable for RGB lighting setups.
In terms of the bottom housing, the Milk Blue's nylon material offers a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer nature, absorbing more sound and creating a duller but rounder typing experience. Similarly, the Smoothie's POM bottom housing contributes to its unique deeper sound profile, maintaining a muted tone for those looking for a quieter typing experience. While the materials used for the top and bottom housings vary between the two switches, they both aim to provide a satisfying typing experience through their distinct sound profiles.
Overall, the choice between the Outemu Milk Blue and Gateron Smoothie switches will ultimately come down to personal preference in terms of sound profile and tactile feedback. If you prefer a sharper, crisper sound with a higher pitch, the Milk Blue's polycarbonate top housing may be more suitable for your needs. On the other hand, if you enjoy a deeper, more muted sound profile, the Smoothie's POM top and bottom housing combination might be the better choice. Both switches offer unique typing experiences due to their housing materials, providing users with a variety of options to suit their preferences.
Weight
The Outemu Milk Blue clicky switch has a slightly heavier actuation force of 50 grams compared to the Gateron Smoothie linear switch, which has an actuation force of 40 grams. However, the bottom out force for both switches is unknown. In terms of weight, some users may prefer the lighter actuation force of the Gateron Smoothie for longer typing or gaming sessions, while others may enjoy the stronger push feel of the Outemu Milk Blue for a more substantial typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for actuation force and bottom out force.
Travel distance
In comparing the travel distance of the Outemu Milk Blue clicky switch and the Gateron Smoothie linear switch, the Milk Blue has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Smoothie has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm. The Milk Blue offers a slightly longer travel, which may provide a more tactile feedback and a sense of depth when typing. On the other hand, the Smoothie's shorter travel distance may cater to those seeking a quicker response time, such as gamers. Both switches offer different experiences based on their travel distances, with the Milk Blue providing a slightly longer travel and the Smoothie offering a shorter one. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for travel distance and typing experience.
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 Milk 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
The Outemu Milk Blue switch is known for its clicky sound, providing a satisfying tactile feedback with each key press. On the other hand, the Gateron Smoothie switch offers a thocky sound profile, characterized by a deep and rich tone that is pleasant to the ears. While the Milk Blue switch is more prominent in terms of the clicking sound it produces, the Smoothie switch offers a low-pitched and subdued sound that may be more appealing to those seeking a quieter typing experience. Ultimately, the sound preference between the two switches comes down to personal taste and the overall setup of your keyboard.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the Milk Blue switch does not have specific descriptors available, but it is known for its tactile feedback due to its clicky nature. In contrast, the Gateron Smoothie switch is described as buttery, creamy, and silky, offering a smooth and effortless typing experience. The Smoothie switch's overall feel is characterized by its remarkable smoothness and lightweight touch, providing a seamless and uniform typing sensation. While the Milk Blue switch may offer a more tactile and responsive feel, the Smoothie switch excels in providing a luxurious and satisfying typing experience through its buttery and silky properties.
In conclusion, the Outemu Milk Blue and Gateron Smoothie switches offer distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Milk Blue switch is known for its clicky sound and tactile feedback, while the Smoothie switch provides a thocky sound profile and a buttery-smooth typing experience. Depending on your preference for sound and feel, both switches can provide a high-quality typing experience, with the Milk Blue switch catering to those who enjoy a clicky tactile feedback and the Smoothie switch appealing to those seeking a smoother and more refined typing sensation. Ultimately, both switches can deliver similar satisfying results, with the choice between them coming down to personal preference and typing style.
Conclusion
To wrap up, when deciding between Outemu Milk Blue clicky switches and Gateron Smoothie linear switches, you should consider your preferences for sound and feel. If you enjoy a pronounced clicky sound and tactile feedback, the Milk Blue switches would be a great choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a quieter and smoother typing experience with a thocky sound profile, the Gateron Smoothie switches would be more suitable. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal typing preferences and how each switch aligns with your desired typing experience. Happy typing!
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