Outemu Tom vs. Gateron Smoothie
An in-depth look at the Outemu Tom 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 Tom, a tactile switch, and the Gateron Smoothie, a linear switch. The Tom is known for its tactile feedback, providing a satisfying bump when pressed. On the other hand, the Smoothie stands out for its all-POM construction, offering a thocky sound profile, smooth feel, and lightweight actuation. While the Tom caters to those who prefer tactile switches, the Smoothie appeals to users seeking a buttery smooth typing experience. 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
55g
Actuation force
40g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
2.20 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.30 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
The Outemu Tom and the Gateron Smoothie both feature unique housing materials that contribute to the overall typing experience. The Tom's polycarbonate top housing creates a sharper and crisper sound profile compared to the Smoothie's POM top housing, which produces a deeper and more muted sound. The polycarbonate material used in the Tom allows for a clear and resonant sound, especially useful for switches with RGB lighting. On the other hand, the POM material in the Smoothie offers a pleasing and unique sound that leans towards the deeper end of the sound spectrum.
In terms of the bottom housing, the Tom uses a nylon material which results in a deeper and fuller sound profile, as nylon is softer and absorbs more sound than harder plastics. Similarly, the Smoothie also utilizes a POM bottom housing, which contributes to its pleasing and unique sound profile that is deeper and more muted. While the top housing primarily affects the sound when pressing a key, the bottom housing has more of an impact on the bottom-out sound and feel when typing on either switch.
Overall, while the Outemu Tom and Gateron Smoothie have different housing materials for both the top and bottom, they both offer unique sound profiles that cater to different preferences. The combination of polycarbonate and nylon in the Tom creates a sharper and clearer sound, while the POM material in the Smoothie produces a deeper and more muted sound. Whether you prefer a crisper sound or a deeper tone, both switches offer a high-quality typing experience based on their housing materials.
Weight
In comparing the Outemu Tom tactile switch and the Gateron Smoothie linear switch, the Tom requires a higher actuation force of 55 grams compared to the Smoothie's 40 grams. This means that the Tom will require more force to register a keystroke, providing a bit more resistance. Both switches have an unknown bottom out force, so it is difficult to determine how much force is needed to fully press the key. When considering weight, lighter switches are ideal for extended typing or gaming sessions, as they require less effort to press. However, some users prefer a heavier actuation force for a more substantial typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on the individual's preference for actuation force and bottom out force.
Travel distance
The Outemu Tom tactile 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 fall within the realm of shorter travel distances, which are favored by gamers for their faster response times. The Tom's 3.3 mm travel distance offers a quick and snappy typing experience, ideal for those looking for immediate feedback. On the other hand, the Smoothie's slightly longer 3.6 mm travel distance may provide a more substantial feel, appealing to those who prefer a bit more depth in their key presses. In terms of travel distance, the Tom is shorter, providing a quicker actuation, while the Smoothie offers a slightly longer travel distance for a different typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for typing feel and response time.
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 Tom 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 Tom switch is known for producing a neutral sound profile without any specific descriptors to highlight its auditory qualities. On the other hand, the Gateron Smoothie switch is celebrated for its thocky, low-pitched, and subdued sound signature. This means that the Smoothie switch will provide a deeper, more bass-heavy sound with a soft and satisfying thud when pressed, offering a unique auditory experience compared to the Tom switch.
In terms of feel, the Outemu Tom switch does not have any specific descriptors to indicate its tactile sensation. In contrast, the Gateron Smoothie switch is described as buttery, creamy, and silky. This means that typing on the Smoothie switch will feel smooth, fluid, and effortless, as if your fingers are gliding across the keys with ease. The application of lubricant in the switch or specific materials used contribute to its creamy and silky typing sensation, providing a luxurious tactile experience.
Overall, if you are looking for a switch with a neutral sound profile and unknown tactile feel, the Outemu Tom might be a suitable option. However, if you are in search of a switch that offers a thocky sound with a buttery, creamy, and silky smooth tactile experience, the Gateron Smoothie switch would be the ideal choice. Keep in mind that personal preferences play a significant role in choosing the right switch for you, so trying out both switches firsthand would give you the best idea of which one suits your typing needs. Ultimately, both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences, but if you enjoy the qualities described for the Smoothie switch, you can expect similar results in terms of sound and feel when compared to the Tom switch.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Outemu Tom tactile switch and the Gateron Smoothie linear switch, you should consider your preferences for sound and feel. If you value a switch with a thocky sound signature, remarkable smoothness, and a lightweight touch, the Gateron Smoothie would be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you are looking for a switch with a different sound profile and feel, you may want to try the Outemu Tom tactile switch. Remember that personal preference plays a significant role in choosing the right switch for your mechanical keyboard setup. Ultimately, it's essential to test out different switches to find the one that best suits your typing style and preferences.
Mentioned in this article
