Outemu Silent Grey vs. Gateron Smoothie
An in-depth look at the Outemu Silent Grey and the Gateron Smoothie switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Outemu Silent Grey and Gateron Smoothie offer distinct typing experiences. The Outemu Silent Grey switch is a tactile switch known for its quiet operation and satisfying tactile feedback. On the other hand, the Gateron Smoothie is a linear switch made entirely of POM material, providing a thocky sound signature and exceptionally smooth keystrokes. While the Silent Grey switch is perfect for those who prioritize tactility and silence in their typing experience, the Smoothie switch appeals to users looking for a buttery smooth feel with a unique thocky sound. 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
65g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
1.60 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 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
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 housing materials of the Outemu Silent Grey and Gateron Smoothie switches present noticeable differences in terms of sound profiles and aesthetics. The Silent Grey utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, creating a sharper and higher-pitched sound profile due to the material's stiffness. In contrast, the Smoothie features a POM top housing, which produces a deeper and more muted sound. While the Silent Grey's polycarbonate housing is translucent and ideal for RGB lighting effects, the Smoothie's POM housing offers a unique sound experience with a deeper tone.
In terms of bottom housing materials, the Silent Grey employs a nylon housing known for its ability to produce a deeper and fuller sound profile. The softer nature of nylon absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound compared to the POM bottom housing of the Smoothie. Both switches aim to provide a unique typing experience, with the nylon bottom housing of the Silent Grey offering a different sound profile than the POM bottom housing of the Smoothie. However, both materials contribute to a satisfying typing experience with their distinct sound qualities.
While the top and bottom housing materials of the two switches differ, each plays a crucial role in determining the overall sound profile and feel of the switch. The bottom housing influences the bottom-out sound and feel when a key is pressed, with nylon contributing to a deeper sound in the Silent Grey and POM offering a more muted sound in the Smoothie. On the other hand, the top housing affects the sound when a key is released, with polycarbonate creating a clearer and resonant sound in the Silent Grey and POM providing a unique deep tone in the Smoothie. Despite their differences, both switches strive to offer a pleasing typing experience with their distinct housing materials.
Weight
Comparing the actuation and bottom out forces of the Outemu Silent Grey tactile switch and the Gateron Smoothie linear switch reveals notable differences. The Outemu Silent Grey has a higher actuation force of 50 grams, compared to the Gateron Smoothie's lighter actuation force of 40 grams. When it comes to bottom out force, the Outemu Silent Grey requires a heavier 65 grams to fully press down, while the Gateron Smoothie's bottom out force is unknown. Those who prefer a lighter typing experience may lean towards the Gateron Smoothie due to its lower actuation force, while the Outemu Silent Grey may appeal to those who enjoy a more substantial typing feel with its higher actuation and bottom out forces. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for typing experience and the desired level of force required for keystrokes.
Travel distance
Comparing the travel distance of the Outemu Silent Grey tactile switch and the Gateron Smoothie linear switch, it is clear that the Silent Grey has a longer travel distance of 4 mm, while the Smoothie has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm. The Silent Grey offers a more traditional travel distance, providing a deeper press when typing or gaming. On the other hand, the Smoothie's shorter travel distance may appeal to those seeking faster response times and a more immediate feedback. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches comes down to personal preference - whether you prefer the longer, more pronounced press of the Silent Grey or the quicker, snappier feel of the Smoothie. Both switches have their own advantages, and it is important to consider your own typing style and preferences before making a decision.
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 Silent Grey 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 Silent Grey switch is known for its quiet and subdued typing experience, making it ideal for those who prefer a more discreet keyboard. On the other hand, the Gateron Smoothie offers a thocky sound signature that is low-pitched and satisfying to the ears. While the Silent Grey provides a dampened sound profile, the Smoothie delivers a deep and rich tone that is sure to please those who enjoy a more pronounced typing sound. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on personal preference for sound.
In terms of feel, the Outemu Silent Grey switch is praised for its highly tactile experience, with a pronounced bump and smooth keystroke that provides a satisfying typing feel. In contrast, the Gateron Smoothie is described as buttery, creamy, and silky, offering an exceptionally smooth typing experience that feels effortless and uniform. Both switches aim to provide a premium typing experience, but the Silent Grey focuses more on tactile feedback while the Smoothie prioritizes smoothness and fluidity in each keystroke. Again, the decision between the two will come down to individual preference for typing feel.
In conclusion, the Outemu Silent Grey and Gateron Smoothie switches offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Silent Grey provides a quiet and tactile typing experience with a pronounced bump, while the Smoothie delivers a thocky sound signature and buttery smooth feel. Whether you prefer a more subdued typing sound with tactile feedback or a deep and satisfying thocky sound with silky smooth keystrokes, both switches have something valuable to offer. Ultimately, trying out both switches on different keyboards and keycap setups will help you determine which one suits your preferences best.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between Outemu Silent Grey tactile switches and Gateron Smoothie linear switches, consider your preference for typing experience. If you value a quiet and highly tactile typing experience with a pronounced bump, the Outemu Silent Grey switches are the way to go. On the other hand, if you prefer a thocky sound signature, remarkable smoothness, and a lightweight touch, the Gateron Smoothie linear switches would be more suited to your preferences. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches boils down to your personal preference for sound and feel while typing. Choose the switch that aligns best with your typing style and enjoy a satisfying keyboard experience.
Mentioned in this article
