Outemu Silent Yellow vs. Gateron Smoothie
An in-depth look at the Outemu Silent Yellow and the Gateron Smoothie switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options to consider are the Outemu Silent Yellow and the Gateron Smoothie. The Outemu Silent Yellow is a linear switch, known for its quiet operation and smooth keypresses. On the other hand, the Gateron Smoothie is also a linear switch but stands out for its unique composition of POM material, providing a thocky sound signature, remarkable smoothness, and a lightweight touch. While the Silent Yellow offers a silent typing experience, the Smoothie appeals to those seeking a buttery, thocky, low-pitched, creamy, subdued, and silky feel. 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
2.20 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 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
Both the Outemu Silent Yellow and Gateron Smoothie switches feature unique housing materials that contribute to their distinct sound profiles. The Silent Yellow's polycarbonate top housing creates a sharper, higher-pitched sound compared to the Smoothie's POM top housing, which produces a deeper and more muted sound. While polycarbonate is a stiff plastic that results in a clear and resonant sound, POM is known for its pleasing and unique sound profile. Both materials are transparent, making them ideal for switches designed to showcase RGB lighting.
In terms of their bottom housing materials, the Silent Yellow's nylon bottom housing offers a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer nature that absorbs more sound. On the other hand, the Smoothie's POM bottom housing also contributes to a deeper and more muted sound. Despite the difference in material, both bottom housings result in a rounded sound that enhances the overall typing experience. The use of nylon and POM in the bottom housing further complements the unique sound profile created by the respective top housings of the switches.
While the top and bottom housing materials of the Outemu Silent Yellow and Gateron Smoothie switches differ, they both contribute to an overall pleasing sound profile. The split qualities of the housing materials mean that the typing experience is influenced by both the top and bottom of the switch. The impact of the bottom housing is felt during key presses, resulting in a distinct bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing affects the sound when releasing a key. Despite the differences in materials, both switches offer a unique typing experience that caters to a variety of preferences.
Weight
When comparing the Outemu Silent Yellow linear switch and the Gateron Smoothie linear switch in terms of actuation force and bottom out force, it is clear that the Smoothie switch is the lighter option with an actuation force of 40 grams compared to the Silent Yellow's heavier 65 grams. In terms of bottom out force, the Silent Yellow requires 80 grams, while the Smoothie force is unknown. The actuation force is crucial for determining how much force is needed to trigger a keystroke, while the bottom out force measures how much force is required to fully press the keycap down. Those who prefer a lighter typing experience may lean towards the Gateron Smoothie switch, while those who prefer a more substantial push may opt for the Outemu Silent Yellow switch. Ultimately, choosing between the two switches will depend on personal preference and the desired typing experience.
Travel distance
The Outemu Silent Yellow linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, making it the longer of the two options. On the other hand, the Gateron Smoothie linear switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, making it the shorter option. The Silent Yellow may be more suitable for those who prefer a deeper key press experience, while the Smoothie could be favored by gamers looking for a quicker response time due to its shorter travel distance. Ultimately, the choice between the two will come down to personal preference and the type of typing or gaming experience one is looking for.
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 Yellow 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 Yellow switch is known for its quiet operation, making it ideal for those who prefer a more subdued typing experience. On the other hand, the Gateron Smoothie switch offers a thocky sound profile with low-pitched tones, providing a deep and satisfying sound with each keystroke. While the Silent Yellow switch aims for stealthy typing, the Smoothie switch delivers a more pronounced and pleasing auditory feedback, giving users a unique typing experience that is sure to stand out in a quieter environment.
In terms of feel, the Outemu Silent Yellow switch may offer a smooth typing experience, but specific descriptors for it are unavailable. On the contrary, the Gateron Smoothie switch is described as buttery, creamy, and silky, providing a seamless and effortless typing sensation that is akin to gliding your fingers across the keys. This smoothness is achieved through the use of POM material and potentially factory-applied lubricant, ensuring a consistently comfortable typing experience with minimal resistance.
Considering all the available information, the Outemu Silent Yellow and Gateron Smoothie switches offer distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the Silent Yellow prioritizes a quiet typing operation without specific descriptors on feel, the Smoothie excels in delivering a thocky sound profile and a buttery, creamy, and silky typing feel. Ultimately, your preference between these switches will depend on whether you prioritize a quieter typing experience with the Silent Yellow or lean towards a more satisfying sound and smoother feel with the Gateron Smoothie. Nonetheless, both switches provide quality options within the realm of mechanical keyboard switches, ensuring that you'll get similar results in terms of overall performance and functionality.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a heavier switch with a solid bottom out force of 80 grams and prefer a more traditional linear switch feel, the Outemu Silent Yellow would be a great choice for you. On the other hand, if you prioritize a thocky sound profile, remarkable smoothness, and a lightweight touch without compromising on quality, the Gateron Smoothie would be the ideal switch for you. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will come down to your personal preferences in terms of sound, feel, and bottom out force. Consider these factors carefully to choose the switch that best suits your typing style and preferences.
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