Outemu Silent Green vs. Gateron Smoothie Silver
An in-depth look at the Outemu Silent Green and the Gateron Smoothie Silver switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Outemu Silent Green and the Gateron Smoothie Silver mechanical keyboard switches, it is important to note that both are linear switches designed for a smooth typing experience. The Silent Green is known for its quiet operation, making it a great choice for those who prefer a more subdued typing sound. On the other hand, the Smoothie Silver stands out for its lightning-fast actuation and thocky sound, providing a unique typing experience. While the Silent Green may appeal to those who value a quiet keyboard, the Smoothie Silver's fast actuation and smoothness may be preferred by users who prioritize speed and tactile feedback. 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
60g
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
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
pom
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
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
In comparing the housing materials of the Outemu Silent Green and the Gateron Smoothie Silver, we can see distinct differences in sound profiles. The Silent Green boasts a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to polycarbonate being a stiffer plastic, leading to a more clear and resonant sound. In contrast, the Smoothie Silver's POM top housing produces a deeper and more muted sound. While the Silent Green's top housing is ideal for those wanting a brighter sound with RGB lighting, the Smoothie Silver offers a unique sound profile that may appeal to those looking for a softer typing experience.
Moving on to the bottom housing, the polycarbonate bottom housing of the Silent Green mirrors the sharp and crisp sound profile of its top housing. The stiffer plastic of polycarbonate contributes to a clear and resonant sound on bottom-out keystrokes. Conversely, the POM bottom housing of the Smoothie Silver creates a deeper and more muted sound when keys are pressed down. The differences in sound characteristics between the two switches' bottom housings highlight the impact that housing material can have on the overall typing experience.
Overall, while the housing materials of the Outemu Silent Green and the Gateron Smoothie Silver offer contrasting sound profiles, the choice between them ultimately depends on personal preference. Both switches utilize different materials in their top and bottom housings to achieve distinct typing experiences. Whether you prefer the sharper sound profile of polycarbonate in the Silent Green or the deeper sound of POM in the Smoothie Silver, both switches deliver quality results based on the unique properties of their housing materials.
Weight
The Outemu Silent Green linear switch and Gateron Smoothie Silver linear switch both have an actuation force of 45 grams, making them equally light when it comes to triggering a keystroke. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Silent Green requires 60 grams, providing a slightly heavier typing experience compared to the Smoothie Silver, for which the bottom out force is unknown. This means that the Silent Green switch may be preferred by those who prefer a more substantial typing feel, while the Smoothie Silver may appeal to users who enjoy a lighter touch for longer typing or gaming sessions. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
In comparing the travel distance of the Outemu Silent Green linear switch and the Gateron Smoothie Silver linear switch, it is clear that the Smoothie Silver has a shorter travel distance of 3.4mm compared to the Silent Green's distance of 4.0mm. This makes the Smoothie Silver ideal for those who prioritize fast response times, such as gamers. On the other hand, the Silent Green offers a slightly longer travel distance, which may appeal to those who prefer a more substantial feel when pressing down on a key. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for travel distance and the type of typing or gaming experience desired.
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 Silent Green 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 silent green linear switch is known for its quiet operation, making it a popular choice for those who prefer a more discreet typing experience. On the other hand, the Gateron smoothie silver linear switch is praised for its smooth and ultra-light actuation, providing a satisfying thocky sound with each keystroke. When it comes to sound, the silent green is noticeably quieter compared to the smoothie silver, which offers a more pronounced sound profile. The feel of the silent green switch is [smooth], while the smoothie silver switch provides a feather-light touch with unparalleled smoothness. Overall, if you're looking for a quieter typing experience, the Outemu silent green switch is the way to go, but if you're after lightning-fast actuation and a thocky sound, then the Gateron smoothie silver switch is the perfect choice. Ultimately, both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences, so it's essential to consider your personal typing style and preferences when choosing between the two.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the Outemu Silent Green linear switch and the Gateron Smoothie Silver linear switch, consider the factors of bottom out force, functionality, sound, and feel. You may want to opt for the Outemu Silent Green if you prefer a medium bottom out force and are looking for a switch that is best known for its silent operation. On the other hand, the Gateron Smoothie Silver may be the better choice if you are seeking a switch with no bottom out force and are looking for a switch that is best known for its lightning-fast actuation, thocky sound, unparalleled smoothness, and feather-light touch. Ultimately, the decision on which switch to choose will depend on your personal preferences and typing style.
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