Outemu Purple vs. Gateron Smoothie Silver
An in-depth look at the Outemu Purple and the Gateron Smoothie Silver switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Outemu Purple and Gateron Smoothie Silver offer vastly different experiences. The Outemu Purple is a tactile switch, known for its precise and satisfying tactile bump when typing. On the other hand, the Gateron Smoothie Silver is a linear switch, designed for lightning-fast actuation with a smooth keystroke and a thocky sound. While the Purple provides a tactile feedback that many typists enjoy, the Smoothie Silver offers a unique combination of fast actuation 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
50g
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
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 and the Gateron Smoothie Silver both have unique housing materials that contribute to their distinct sound profiles. The Purple features a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched sound compared to the Smoothie Silver's POM top housing that produces a deeper and more muted sound. Polycarbonate is known for its stiffness, resulting in a clear and resonant sound, making it ideal for switches with RGB lighting due to its translucency. On the other hand, POM is softer and absorbs more sound, leading to a rounder and fuller sound profile.
In terms of the bottom housing, the Purple uses nylon which adds to its deep and full sound profile. Nylon's softness absorbs more sound, creating a duller and rounder sound. Meanwhile, the Smoothie Silver also utilizes POM for its bottom housing, contributing to its pleasing and unique sound profile. Both bottom housings enhance the overall sound of the switch, with nylon offering a deeper tone and POM providing a more muted sound. Despite the differences in the materials used for the top and bottom housings, the end result is a switch that offers a unique sound profile based on the combination of the two materials.
When comparing the impact of the top and bottom housing materials on the overall sound and feel of the switches, it is important to note that the qualities of each material are split between the top and bottom of the switch. The bottom housing material has more influence on the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing down on the switch, while the top housing material affects the sound when releasing a key. This distinction highlights how the housing materials interact to create a dynamic typing experience, with the characteristics of each material contributing to the overall sound profile of the switch. Despite the differences in materials used, both the Outemu Purple and the Gateron Smoothie Silver offer a unique and enjoyable typing experience with their distinct housing materials.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Outemu Purple tactile switch and the Gateron Smoothie Silver linear switch, it is evident that the Smoothie Silver requires a lighter actuation force of 45 grams compared to the Purple's 50 grams. This means that the Smoothie Silver may feel more responsive and lighter to type on. In terms of bottom out force, both switches have an unknown value, making it difficult to determine which is heavier. However, given that the actuation force is lighter on the Smoothie Silver, it is likely that it may also have a lighter bottom out force. Overall, those who prefer a lighter typing experience may lean towards the Gateron Smoothie Silver, while those who enjoy a more substantial and tactile typing feel may opt for the Outemu Purple. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for typing force and responsiveness.
Travel distance
The Outemu Purple tactile switch has a travel distance of 4mm, while the Gateron Smoothie Silver linear switch has a travel distance of 3.4mm. The Purple switch has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Smoothie Silver switch. A difference of 0.6mm might not seem significant, but it can impact the typing experience for users. The Purple switch may provide a bit more depth and feedback during typing, while the Smoothie Silver switch may offer a quicker response time due to the shorter travel distance. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference - whether you prioritize a more tactile and immersive typing experience or a faster, more responsive one.
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 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
The Outemu Purple tactile switch is known for its smooth and tactile bump that provides a satisfying bump feeling when pressed. On the other hand, the Gateron Smoothie Silver linear switch boasts a extremely smooth keystroke with a short travel distance for quick actuation. The Purple switch is not as well-known for its sound, but the Smoothie Silver switch is praised for its thocky sound profile and feather-light touch. Keep in mind that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard case and keycaps used. When it comes to the feel of the switches, while information on the Purple switch's feel is not specified, the Smoothie Silver switch is known for its unparalleled smoothness and light touch.
In conclusion, the Outemu Purple tactile switch and the Gateron Smoothie Silver linear switch offer distinct qualities that cater to different preferences. The Purple switch is favored for its tactile bump, while the Smoothie Silver switch stands out for its quick actuation and smooth keystrokes. Depending on whether you prefer a tactile or linear switch, you can achieve satisfying results with either choice. Remember to consider factors such as sound, feel, and personal preference when selecting the mechanical keyboard switch that best suits your typing style.
Conclusion
In closing, when considering whether to choose the Outemu Purple tactile switch or the Gateron Smoothie Silver linear switch, it ultimately comes down to your personal preference and typing style. If you prefer a tactile switch with a light touch and no bottom out force, the Outemu Purple may be the way to go. On the other hand, if you prefer a linear switch with lightning-fast actuation and a unique thocky sound, the Gateron Smoothie Silver could be the better option for you. Consider your typing preferences and needs to make the best decision for your mechanical keyboard setup.
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