Outemu Silent White vs. Gateron Smoothie
An in-depth look at the Outemu Silent White and the Gateron Smoothie switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to comparing the Outemu Silent White and the Gateron Smoothie mechanical keyboard switches, the differences are quite apparent. The Silent White is a linear switch that is best known for its silent operation, making it an ideal choice for those who prefer a quieter typing experience. On the other hand, the Smoothie is also a linear switch but stands out for its thocky sound signature, exceptional smoothness, and lightweight touch. The Smoothie offers a buttery, low-pitched, creamy, and subdued typing experience that many users find satisfying. 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
40g
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
1.60 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.30 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
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
22mm extended double-stage spring
Housing materials
The primary difference between the housing materials of the Outemu Silent White and the Gateron Smoothie lies in the composition of their top housings. The Silent White utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, known for creating a sharp, high-pitched, and crisp sound profile due to its relatively stiffer nature. This makes it ideal for switches with RGB lighting, as the translucency of polycarbonate enhances the visual appeal. On the other hand, the Smoothie features a POM top housing, which produces a deeper and more muted sound profile compared to polycarbonate. While both materials offer unique sound characteristics, the polycarbonate top housing of the Silent White leans more towards a sharp and resonant sound, while the POM top housing of the Smoothie provides a deeper and fuller sound experience.
In terms of bottom housings, both the Silent White and the Smoothie feature similar materials - nylon for the Silent White and POM for the Smoothie. Nylon is known for creating a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer nature that absorbs more sound, resulting in a rounder and duller sound overall. Similarly, POM offers a deep and muted sound profile, making it a popular choice for switches seeking a more subdued auditory experience. Despite utilizing different materials for their top housings, both switches share the characteristic of providing a satisfying and unique sound experience through their choice of bottom housing material.
Overall, the choice between the Outemu Silent White and the Gateron Smoothie will depend largely on the sound profile preferences of the user. The Silent White's polycarbonate top housing offers a sharper and crisper sound, perfect for those who enjoy a more vibrant and resonant typing experience. On the other hand, the Smoothie's POM top housing provides a more muted and deep sound, appealing to individuals who prefer a softer and more subtle typing sound. While their bottom housings differ in material, both switches offer a distinctive sound profile that enhances the typing experience, making them both excellent choices for keyboard enthusiasts seeking a personalized and satisfying typing sound.
Weight
In comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Outemu Silent White linear switch and the Gateron Smoothie linear switch, it is evident that the Silent White requires a slightly higher actuation force at 45 grams compared to the Smoothie's 40 grams. However, the bottom out force of the Silent White is also higher at 60 grams, giving it a slightly heavier feel overall. The Smoothie, on the other hand, does not have a specified bottom out force, which could result in a lighter typing experience overall. Both switches offer a smooth and linear typing experience, but the Silent White may be more suitable for those who prefer a firmer keystroke, while the Smoothie may be preferred by those who enjoy a lighter touch for extended typing sessions. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for actuation and bottom out force.
Travel distance
The Outemu Silent White linear switch has a travel distance of 3.3 mm, while the Gateron Smoothie linear switch has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.6 mm. Both switches offer a shorter travel distance compared to the traditional 4.0 mm standard, making them popular choices for gamers looking for faster response times. The Silent White switch would be better suited for those who prioritize a quicker keypress, while the Smoothie switch may appeal more to users who prefer a slightly deeper keystroke. Ultimately, the choice between the two comes down to personal preference and the specific feel each individual user is looking for in a keyboard switch.
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 White 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
In terms of sound, the Outemu Silent White switch is known for being silent, thus providing a quiet typing experience without the typical click or clack associated with mechanical keyboards. On the other hand, the Gateron Smoothie switch is renowned for its thocky sound signature, producing a deep, rich, and satisfying sound when pressed. The Smoothie switch also offers a low-pitched and subdued sound profile, creating a more bass-heavy and mellow tone compared to other switches. Ultimately, the sound of a switch is subjective and can be influenced by factors like the keyboard platform and keycap material used.
When it comes to feel, details about the Outemu Silent White switch are unknown. In contrast, the Gateron Smoothie switch is described as buttery, creamy, and silky, indicating a smooth and fluid keystroke experience. These descriptors suggest that typing on the Smoothie switch is effortless, uniform, and exceptionally smooth, providing a silky sensation that enhances the overall typing feel and minimizes resistance when pressing and releasing keys. The application of lubricants or specific materials may contribute to this superior typing experience offered by the Smoothie switch.
Taking all the available information into consideration, it is clear that the Outemu Silent White and Gateron Smoothie switches offer distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Silent White switch provides a silent typing experience, while the Smoothie switch delivers a thocky sound signature and a buttery, creamy, and silky typing sensation. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on the individual's preference for sound, feel, and overall typing experience. If a user enjoys a quiet typing environment, the Silent White switch may be preferred, while those seeking a more tactile and smooth typing experience may opt for the Gateron Smoothie switch. In both cases, users can expect high-quality performance from either switch.
Conclusion
Ultimately, when choosing between the Outemu Silent White linear switch and the Gateron Smoothie linear switch, it is important to consider your preferences for sound and feel. If you prioritize a medium bottom out force and a switch that is best known for a particular feature, the Silent White may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you are looking for a switch with a smoother keystroke experience, a thocky sound signature, and a lightweight touch, the Gateron Smoothie could be the better option. Both switches have their own unique characteristics, so it ultimately comes down to what you value most in a mechanical keyboard switch. Consider your priorities and preferences before making your decision.
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