Outemu Purple vs. Gateron Smoothie
An in-depth look at the Outemu Purple and the Gateron Smoothie switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Outemu Purple and the Gateron Smoothie offer distinct experiences for users. The Purple is a tactile switch, providing a noticeable bump and audible feedback with each key press. On the other hand, the Smoothie is a linear switch, known for its buttery smoothness and thocky sound signature. While the Purple offers a more pronounced tactile feel, the Smoothie excels in providing a smooth and quiet typing experience. If you prefer a switch with a tactile response, the Purple may be the way to go. However, if you value smoothness and a quiet typing experience, the Smoothie could be the better choice. 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
40g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 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 Purple's housing materials consist of a polycarbonate top housing and a nylon bottom housing, creating a unique combination of sharp, higher-pitched sound on key release and a deeper, fuller sound on key press. In contrast, the Gateron Smoothie features a POM top and bottom housing, resulting in a pleasing and unique sound profile that leans towards the deeper and more muted side. While both switches offer a distinct sound experience, the use of different housing materials highlights the diversity in sound characteristics that can be achieved.
Despite their differences, both the Outemu Purple and Gateron Smoothie share a common goal of providing a satisfying typing experience through their housing materials. The polycarbonate top housing of the Purple offers a clear and resonant sound ideal for showcasing RGB lighting, while the POM top housing of the Smoothie creates a deeper and more muted sound profile. Similarly, the nylon bottom housing of the Purple contributes to a fuller sound upon key press, while the POM bottom housing of the Smoothie complements the overall deep sound experience of the switch. Overall, both switches aim to enhance the typing experience through their unique housing material combinations.
Ultimately, the choice between the Outemu Purple and Gateron Smoothie housing materials will depend on personal preference and desired sound profile. The stiffer polycarbonate top housing of the Purple provides a sharper sound on key release, while the softer POM top housing of the Smoothie offers a deeper and more muted sound. Likewise, the nylon bottom housing of the Purple creates a fuller sound upon key press, while the POM bottom housing of the Smoothie contributes to the overall deep sound experience. Whether opting for a sharper, higher-pitched sound or a deeper, more muted sound, both switches offer a distinctive typing experience based on their housing materials.
Weight
When comparing the Outemu Purple tactile switch to the Gateron Smoothie linear switch, it is evident that the actuation force of the Purple is heavier at 50 grams compared to the Smoothie's 40 grams. The actuation force of a switch is crucial in determining the ease of typing or gaming experience. On the other hand, both switches have an unspecified bottom out force, which means the force needed to press the keys all the way down is unknown for both. In terms of weight preference, those who prefer a lighter actuation force may lean towards the Gateron Smoothie for longer typing or gaming sessions. However, individuals who enjoy a stronger push feel may opt for the Outemu Purple for a more substantial typing experience. Overall, while the actuation forces differ between the two switches, their bottom out forces remain a mystery, making it difficult to determine which switch provides a more satisfying typing experience in terms of force.
Travel distance
The Outemu Purple tactile switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Gateron Smoothie linear switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm. In this case, the Gateron Smoothie has a slightly shorter travel distance compared to the Outemu Purple. Gamers might lean towards the Gateron Smoothie for its quicker response time due to the shorter travel distance, while those who prefer a more substantial keypress may opt for the Outemu Purple with its longer travel distance. Both switches offer a different typing experience, but ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on individual preferences for key feel and response time.
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 Purple 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 Purple tactile switch is known for its quiet operation, making it a good choice for those looking for a more subdued typing experience. On the other hand, the Gateron Smoothie linear switch is famous for its thocky sound signature, giving users a deep and satisfying thud-like noise with each key press. Keep in mind that the sound produced by a switch can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard's build and the keycaps used.
In terms of feel, the Outemu Purple tactile switch offers a tactile bump during actuation, providing users with feedback for every key press. In comparison, the Gateron Smoothie linear switch is described as buttery, creamy, and silky, indicating a smooth and effortless typing experience. With a lightweight touch and remarkable smoothness, the Gateron Smoothie switch aims to provide users with a seamless and uniform sensation while typing.
In conclusion, if you prioritize a quiet and tactile typing experience, the Outemu Purple switch may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a thocky sound signature and a buttery smooth typing feel, the Gateron Smoothie switch could be the perfect fit. Both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences, so choosing between them ultimately comes down to personal preference and the typing experience you are looking to achieve.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are someone who values a tactile typing experience with a light touch, you may want to choose the Outemu Purple switches. They are best known for their tactile feedback and require no bottom out force. On the other hand, if you prefer a smooth and buttery typing experience with a thocky sound signature, then the Gateron Smoothie linear switches would be the better choice for you. These switches offer a lightweight touch and a remarkable smoothness that enhances your typing experience. Ultimately, your decision should be based on whether you prioritize tactile feedback or smoothness in your mechanical keyboard switches.
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