Outemu Silver vs. Gateron Smoothie Silver
An in-depth look at the Outemu Silver and the Gateron Smoothie Silver switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between the Outemu Silver and the Gateron Smoothie Silver mechanical keyboard switches, you have a couple of distinct options to consider. The Outemu Silver is best known for its linear design, offering a consistent feel without any tactile bump or audible click. On the other hand, the Gateron Smoothie Silver stands out for its short travel distance, providing lightning-fast actuation, a thocky sound, unparalleled smoothness, and a feather-light touch. While both switches fall under the category of linear switches, they each offer unique characteristics that could cater to different preferences. 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
65g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
1.60 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
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
One key difference between the Outemu Silver and the Gateron Smoothie Silver is the material used for their top housing. While the Silver features a polycarbonate top housing that creates a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile due to its stiffness, the Smoothie Silver utilizes a POM top housing that produces a deeper and more muted sound. The use of polycarbonate in the Silver allows for a clearer and more resonant sound, which is ideal for those looking to showcase RGB lighting. On the other hand, the POM top housing of the Smoothie Silver offers a unique sound experience that is on the deeper side and less intense.
In terms of the bottom housing material, both the Silver and the Smoothie Silver differ once again. The Silver incorporates a nylon bottom housing that results in a deeper and fuller sound profile, as nylon is known for absorbing more sound due to its softer nature. In contrast, the Smoothie Silver features a POM bottom housing that also contributes to a deeper sound profile, although it is relatively more muted compared to the nylon bottom housing of the Silver. Both housing materials have unique qualities that impact the overall sound and feel of the switch when typing.
Overall, the choice between the Outemu Silver and the Gateron Smoothie Silver ultimately comes down to personal preference in terms of sound profile and feel. While the Silver offers a sharper and more resonant sound with its polycarbonate top housing and nylon bottom housing, the Smoothie Silver provides a deeper and more unique sound with its POM top and bottom housing. However, if a user prefers a similar deep sound profile from both the top and bottom housing, either switch may offer a comparable typing experience depending on the individual's preferences.
Weight
The Outemu Silver linear switch and the Gateron Smoothie Silver linear switch both have an actuation force of 45 grams, making them equally light in terms of the force needed to trigger a keystroke. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Outemu Silver requires 65 grams, giving it a heavier feel compared to the Gateron Smoothie Silver, for which the bottom out force is unknown. The higher bottom out force of the Outemu Silver may provide a more substantial typing experience for those who prefer a stronger push feel. In contrast, the Gateron Smoothie Silver's force for bottoming out is unavailable, so it's hard to compare in that aspect. Overall, the Outemu Silver switch may be more suitable for those who prefer a heavier feel, while the Gateron Smoothie Silver could appeal to users looking for a lighter typing experience.
Travel distance
The Outemu Silver linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Gateron Smoothie Silver linear switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm. This makes the Smoothie Silver the shorter option, offering a quicker response time favored by many gamers. The Outemu Silver, with its longer travel distance, may provide a more satisfying depth when typing. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference regarding travel distance and responsiveness. Both switches offer unique characteristics that can enhance the typing or gaming experience, so selecting the one that best suits individual needs is key to achieving optimal performance.
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 Silver 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 Silver linear switch and the Gateron Smoothie Silver linear switch offer different experiences in terms of sound. While the sound of the Outemu Silver switch is not widely known, the Gateron Smoothie Silver switch is recognized for its thocky sound, which is often praised for its pleasant and satisfying auditory feedback. However, it is important to consider that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by the overall setup including the keyboard and keycaps used.
When it comes to the feel of the switches, the Outemu Silver switch and the Gateron Smoothie Silver switch provide distinct tactile experiences. The Outemu Silver switch's feel is not well-documented, whereas the Gateron Smoothie Silver switch is lauded for its unparalleled smoothness and feather-light touch. With a short travel distance for quick actuation, the Smoothie Silvers offer a unique tactile sensation that some users find highly desirable.
In conclusion, the Outemu Silver linear switch and the Gateron Smoothie Silver linear switch have their own strengths and characteristics. The Smoothie Silvers are known for their thocky sound, smoothness, and light touch, making them a popular choice among enthusiasts seeking a fast and responsive typing experience. While the specifics of the Outemu Silver switch may be less widely known, both switches can provide similar results in terms of responsiveness and performance, depending on factors such as personal preference and typing style. Ultimately, the choice between these switches comes down to individual preferences in sound, feel, and overall typing experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the Outemu Silver linear switch and the Gateron Smoothie Silver linear switch, you should consider your preference for bottom out force and desired features. If you prefer a medium-heavy bottom out force of 65 grams and are looking for a switch with certain characteristics, the Outemu Silver switch may be the better choice for you. On the other hand, if you prioritize a switch with a unique design and features such as a feather-light touch and thocky sound, the Gateron Smoothie Silver switch would be the ideal option. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preferences and the specific qualities you are seeking in a mechanical keyboard switch.
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