Outemu Milk Tea vs. Gateron Smoothie Silver
An in-depth look at the Outemu Milk Tea and the Gateron Smoothie Silver switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between the Outemu Milk Tea tactile switch and the Gateron Smoothie Silver linear switch, there are some key differences to consider. The Milk Tea is best known for its tactile feedback, providing a satisfying bump when pressed. On the other hand, the Smoothie Silver stands out for its lightning-fast actuation due to its short travel distance and all-POM construction. The Milk Tea offers a tactile typing experience, while the Smoothie Silver boasts a thocky sound, unparalleled smoothness, and a feather-light touch. Both switches have their strengths and appeal to different preferences, with the Milk Tea catering to those who enjoy tactile feedback and the Smoothie Silver catering to those who prioritize speed and smoothness. 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
N/A
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 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
Ly
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 Milk Tea and Gateron Smoothie Silver switches both feature unique housing materials that contribute to their distinct sound profiles. The Milk Tea's Ly top housing is known for its bright sound signature, providing resonant clacks while typing. In contrast, the Smoothie Silver's POM top housing offers a deeper and relatively more muted sound. Despite their differences, both housing materials aim to create an enjoyable typing experience, with the Milk Tea emphasizing brightness and resonance while the Smoothie Silver focuses on depth and subdued tones.
In terms of the bottom housing, the Milk Tea utilizes nylon, a classic material that enhances the switch's sound profile by producing a deeper and fuller sound. Nylon's softer composition absorbs more sound compared to harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound when typing on switches with nylon bottom housings. On the other hand, the Smoothie Silver's POM bottom housing also contributes to a deep and muted sound profile, complementing the POM top housing's characteristics. Both switches offer a unique typing experience, with their bottom housings playing a significant role in shaping the overall sound of the switch.
While the Outemu Milk Tea and Gateron Smoothie Silver switches have different top and bottom housing materials, each housing material brings distinct qualities to the overall typing experience. The bottom housing influences the bottom-out sound and feel of the switch, while the top housing impacts the sound when releasing a key. Despite these differences, both switches aim to provide a satisfying typing experience with their unique sound profiles. Whether it's the bright and resonant clacks of the Milk Tea or the deep and muted tones of the Smoothie Silver, users can expect a premium typing experience with either switch.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Outemu Milk Tea tactile switch and the Gateron Smoothie Silver linear switch, it is evident that both switches have an actuation force of 45 grams. However, the bottom out force for both switches is unknown. Despite this, it can be assumed that the bottom out force for both switches is likely to be similar to the actuation force, as they are often designed to be in line with each other for a consistent typing experience.
In terms of weight, both switches offer a relatively light actuation force, making them suitable for extended typing sessions and gaming marathons. This lightness can be advantageous for those who prefer a lighter typing experience. However, for users who enjoy a more substantial and tactile typing feel, they may prefer switches with a heavier actuation force. In this case, both the Outemu Milk Tea and Gateron Smoothie Silver switches provide a similar level of actuation force, making them equally suitable for those seeking a more responsive typing experience. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches boils down to personal preference and the desired typing feel.
Travel distance
The Outemu Milk Tea tactile 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 Tea switch offers a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Smoothie Silver switch. A longer travel distance can provide a more substantial feeling when typing, which some users may prefer for a more traditional typing experience. On the other hand, the shorter travel distance of the Smoothie Silver switch may appeal to those looking for a quicker response time, such as gamers. Both switches offer different benefits based on their travel distances, so the choice between the two will depend on personal preference and typing style.
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 Tea 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 Tea switch is known for its unique None sound profile, which may provide a quiet typing experience. On the other hand, the Gateron Smoothie Silver switch is renowned for its thocky sound, indicating a potentially more satisfying click with each keystroke. When it comes to feel, the Milk Tea switch offers a tactile feedback that may enhance typing accuracy and comfort. In contrast, the Smoothie Silver switch boasts unmatched smoothness and a light touch due to its POM material construction. While the subjective qualities of sound and feel between the two switches may vary, it ultimately comes down to personal preference and typing style. Whether you prefer the quiet tactility of the Milk Tea or the smooth and light actuation of the Smoothie Silver, both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different typing preferences. Ultimately, trying out both switches on a variety of keyboards and keycap combinations will provide the best sense of which switch suits your needs and preferences the most.
Conclusion
To sum up, when considering whether to choose the Outemu Milk Tea tactile switch or the Gateron Smoothie Silver linear switch, it ultimately comes down to your preferences and typing style. If you prefer a tactile switch with a unique sound profile and a light touch, the Milk Tea may be the better option for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a lightning-fast actuation and an ultra-smooth linear switch with a thocky sound, the Smoothie Silver would be the way to go. Ultimately, both switches have their own strengths and appeal to different preferences, so consider what you value most in a mechanical keyboard switch before making your decision.
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