Outemu Silent White vs. Gateron Smoothie Silver
An in-depth look at the Outemu Silent White and the Gateron Smoothie Silver switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Outemu Silent White and Gateron Smoothie Silver both offer distinct features that cater to different preferences. The Outemu Silent White is a linear switch that is best known for its silent operation, making it a great choice for those who prefer a quiet typing experience. On the other hand, the Gateron Smoothie Silver is also a linear switch, but is best known for its short travel distance and lightning-fast actuation, providing a thocky sound, unparalleled smoothness, and a feather-light touch. While both switches offer unique characteristics that may appeal to different users, it ultimately comes down to personal preference in terms of noise level, typing feel, and actuation speed. 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
1.60 mm
Pre-travel
1.20 mm
Total travel
3.30 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
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
Both the Outemu Silent White and the Gateron Smoothie Silver feature unique housing materials that contribute to their sound profiles. The Silent White's polycarbonate top housing creates a sharp, high-pitched sound, while the Smoothie Silver's POM top housing produces a deeper and more muted sound. In terms of aesthetics, the translucent nature of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches with RGB lighting, whereas POM provides a more classic look.
In terms of the bottom housing, the Silent White's nylon material leads to a deep and fuller sound profile due to its softer nature, absorbing more sound and creating a rounder tone. Similarly, the POM bottom housing of the Smoothie Silver also contributes to a deeper and more muted sound profile. This means that both switches offer a pleasing and unique sound experience, albeit with slightly different characteristics based on their housing materials.
When comparing the top and bottom housings of the two switches, it is clear that each material brings its own qualities to the overall sound and feel of the switch. The impact of the bottom housing is felt during the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing down on the switch, while the top housing plays a larger role in the sound produced when releasing a key. Despite these differences, both the Outemu Silent White and the Gateron Smoothie Silver offer high-quality housing materials that enhance the overall typing experience.
Weight
When comparing the actuation and bottom out forces of the Outemu Silent White linear switch and the Gateron Smoothie Silver linear switch, it is evident that both switches have the same actuation force of 45 grams. However, the Silent White has a bottom out force of 60 grams, while the Smoothie Silver's bottom out force is unknown. In terms of weight, the Silent White is considered to be medium in terms of actuation and bottom out forces, providing a balanced typing experience. On the other hand, the Smoothie Silver's bottom out force is unavailable, making it difficult to determine how it compares in terms of heaviness. The actuation force of these switches is crucial for determining the force required to trigger a keystroke, while the bottom out force is essential for measuring the overall typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preference for a lighter or heavier typing feel.
Travel distance
The Outemu Silent White linear switch has a travel distance of 3.3 mm, while the Gateron Smoothie Silver linear switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, which are favored by gamers for quicker response times. The slight difference in travel distance between the two switches may not be noticeable to most users in terms of feel. However, those who prefer a slightly deeper key press may find the Smoothie Silver to be slightly more satisfying due to its longer travel distance. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches comes down to personal preference and how each individual user prefers their typing experience.
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 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
The Outemu Silent White switch is known for its quiet operation, making it a great option for those looking for a more discreet typing experience. On the other hand, the Gateron Smoothie Silver switch is praised for its smooth operation and light touch, perfect for those who prefer a feather-light typing feel. The Silent White may offer a softer typing experience compared to the Smoothie Silver due to its silent operation, while the Smoothie Silver provides a satisfying thocky sound and unparalleled smoothness. The Silent White switch may be preferred by those who value a quieter typing environment, while the Smoothie Silver switch may be more suited for those who prioritize smoothness and a light touch. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches comes down to personal preference, as both can offer a satisfying typing experience depending on individual preferences.
Conclusion
Therefore, when deciding between the Outemu Silent White linear switch and the Gateron Smoothie Silver linear switch, consider the factors that are most important to you. If you prefer a medium bottom out force and are looking for a quieter typing experience, the Outemu Silent White switch may be the better choice for you. On the other hand, if you prioritize lightning-fast actuation, a thocky sound, unparalleled smoothness, and a feather-light touch, the Gateron Smoothie Silver switch may be more suited to your preferences. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches depends on your personal typing preferences and priorities.
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