Outemu Milk Blue vs. Gateron Smoothie Silver
An in-depth look at the Outemu Milk Blue 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 Milk Blue and Gateron Smoothie Silver offer distinct typing experiences. The Milk Blue switch is a clicky switch, known for its audible click sound and tactile feedback. On the other hand, the Gateron Smoothie Silver is a linear switch that provides a smooth keystroke experience with no tactile bump. The Milk Blue switch is categorized as a clicky switch, while the Smoothie Silver is categorized as an all-POM switch with a short travel distance for quick actuation. If you prioritize a clicky sound and tactile feedback, the Milk Blue switch may be the better choice for you. However, if you prefer a smooth keystroke and fast actuation, the Smoothie Silver switch might be more appealing. 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
45g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
2.20 mm
Pre-travel
1.20 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.40 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 Milk Blue and the Gateron Smoothie Silver, both switches have unique characteristics that contribute to their overall sound profile. The Milk Blue's polycarbonate top housing creates a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile, while the Smoothie Silver's POM top housing produces a deeper and more muted sound. However, both materials are known for their clarity and resonance, making them popular choices for switch housings that prioritize sound quality. Additionally, both switches utilize materials that are translucent, making them ideal for RGB lighting effects.
In terms of bottom housing materials, the Milk Blue features a nylon bottom housing that provides a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer plastic composition. Similarly, the Smoothie Silver's POM bottom housing contributes to a deeper and more muted sound profile, aligning with its top housing characteristics. While both bottom housings have slightly different qualities, they ultimately work together to create a cohesive sound experience for those typing on the switches. The use of different materials for the top and bottom housings allows for a balanced sound profile that combines the best qualities of each material.
Overall, the housing materials of the Outemu Milk Blue and the Gateron Smoothie Silver play a crucial role in determining the sound profile of each switch. While the Milk Blue's polycarbonate top housing offers a sharper sound and its nylon bottom housing provides a fuller sound, the Smoothie Silver's POM top and bottom housings create a deeper and more muted sound profile. Despite these differences, both switches offer high-quality sound characteristics that cater to different preferences and typing styles. Whether you prefer a sharper, more resonant sound or a deeper, more muted sound, both switches use top and bottom housing materials that complement each other to provide a satisfying typing experience.
Weight
The Outemu Milk Blue clicky switch has a slightly heavier actuation force of 50 grams compared to the Gateron Smoothie Silver linear switch, which has an actuation force of 45 grams. However, the bottom out force for both switches is unknown. The lighter actuation force of the Smoothie Silver may be more appealing to those who prefer a lighter touch for extended typing sessions or gaming. On the other hand, the Milk Blue may cater to those who prefer a more substantial push feel for a more satisfying typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preference in terms of actuation force and bottom out feel.
Travel distance
The Outemu Milk Blue clicky switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Gateron Smoothie Silver linear switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm. The Milk Blue has a slightly longer travel distance, offering a deeper keypress feel compared to the Smoothie Silver. This can be beneficial for those who prefer a more substantial keypress experience. On the other hand, the Smoothie Silver's shorter travel distance may be preferred by gamers or individuals looking for faster response times. Both switches offer unique advantages depending on personal preference, with the Milk Blue providing a longer travel distance and the Smoothie Silver offering a slightly shorter one. 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 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 clicky switch is popular for its loud clicky sound that is reminiscent of vintage typewriters. On the other hand, the Gateron Smoothie Silver linear switch is known for its thocky sound, which is more muted compared to clicky switches. The Milk Blue switch provides tactile feedback with a slight bump during actuation, while the Smoothie Silver switch offers a smooth keystroke with a short travel distance for quick typing.
When it comes to the feel of the switches, the Milk Blue switch has a tactile bump that creates a satisfying sensation when typing, giving a noticeable feedback for each key press. Conversely, the Smoothie Silver switch is praised for its unparalleled smoothness, providing a consistent keystroke without any tactile feedback or resistance. The feather-light touch of the Smoothie Silver switch makes it effortless to type on for extended periods of time.
Taking into consideration the information provided, if you enjoy a loud and tactile typing experience, the Outemu Milk Blue clicky switch would be a suitable choice for you. However, if you prefer a smooth and quiet keystroke with a light touch, the Gateron Smoothie Silver linear switch would be more to your liking. Ultimately, the choice between these switches boils down to personal preference in terms of sound, feel, and typing experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Outemu Milk Blue clicky switch and the Gateron Smoothie Silver linear switch, consider the type of typing experience you are looking for. If you enjoy a clicky and tactile feel with a satisfying sound, the Milk Blue switch would be a great choice. On the other hand, if you prefer a smooth and quiet typing experience with a short travel distance for quick actuation, the Smoothie Silver linear switch is the way to go. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preferences in terms of sound, feel, and typing style. Choose the switch that best suits your needs and enjoy the mechanical keyboard experience to the fullest.
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