Outemu Phoenix vs. Gateron Smoothie Silver
An in-depth look at the Outemu Phoenix and the Gateron Smoothie Silver switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Outemu Phoenix and the Gateron Smoothie Silver offer unique experiences with their clicky and linear properties, respectively. The Phoenix stands out with its under-skirt click mechanism, providing a crunchy and polished feel along with a sparkling sound profile that is unmatched. On the other hand, the Smoothie Silver boasts an all-POM construction with a short travel distance for rapid actuation, resulting in a thocky sound, remarkable smoothness, and a light touch. If you're looking for a switch that offers a unique clicky experience, the Phoenix is the way to go. However, if you prefer a smooth and linear typing experience, the Smoothie Silver may be more up your alley. 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
N/A
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
62g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
1.80 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
Polycarbonate
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
In comparing the housing materials of the Outemu Phoenix and the Gateron Smoothie Silver, we can see that both switches offer unique sound profiles based on their materials. The Phoenix features a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper and crisper sound profile, especially suited for RGB lighting due to its translucency. On the other hand, the Smoothie Silver utilizes a POM top housing, resulting in a deeper and more muted sound. While the Phoenix has a polycarbonate bottom housing that mirrors the qualities of its top counterpart, the Smoothie Silver features a POM bottom housing with similar sound characteristics.
Despite their differences, the Outemu Phoenix and Gateron Smoothie Silver both offer distinct sound profiles that cater to different preferences. The sharp and clear sound of the polycarbonate housing in the Phoenix provides a unique typing experience, while the deeper and more muted sound of the POM housing in the Smoothie Silver offers a different tactile feel. Additionally, the translucency of the polycarbonate in the Phoenix allows for vibrant RGB lighting effects, enhancing the overall aesthetics of the switch. Both switches showcase the importance of housing materials in creating a personalized typing experience.
Ultimately, the choice between the Outemu Phoenix and Gateron Smoothie Silver will come down to individual preferences in sound and feel. The split qualities between the top and bottom housings of each switch allow for a balanced typing experience, with different impacts on both the bottom-out sound and the sound when releasing a key. Whether a user prefers the sharper and crisper sound of polycarbonate or the deeper and more muted sound of POM, both switches provide unique options for enthusiasts looking to customize their typing experience. Regardless of the housing material chosen, users can expect high-quality performance from either switch.
Weight
In comparing the Outemu Phoenix clicky switch and the Gateron Smoothie Silver linear switch, it is evident that they have different characteristics when it comes to actuation force and bottom out force. The Phoenix switch has a bottom out force of 62 grams, which indicates a medium level of resistance when fully pressed down. On the other hand, the Smoothie Silver switch has an actuation force of 45 grams, showcasing a lighter touch needed to trigger a keystroke. The actuation force for the Phoenix switch is not specified, but the bottom out force is known, while the actuation force for the Smoothie Silver switch is provided, but the bottom out force is not mentioned. This means that while the Phoenix switch is heavier in terms of bottom out force, the Smoothie Silver switch requires less force to actuate a keystroke. This difference in force requirements can cater to different preferences, with some users favoring the lighter touch of the Smoothie Silver for extended typing or gaming sessions, while others may prefer the more substantial typing experience offered by the Phoenix switch. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for actuation and bottom out force levels.
Travel distance
The Outemu Phoenix clicky switch has a travel distance of 3.3 mm, while the Gateron Smoothie Silver linear switch has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.4 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, making them ideal for those seeking faster response times, such as gamers. The slight difference in travel distance between the two switches may not be noticeable to most users, as they are both relatively short compared to more traditional 4.0 mm travel distances. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will come down to personal preference - whether you prefer the slightly shorter travel distance of the Phoenix for quicker key presses, or the slightly longer travel distance of the Smoothie Silver for a more substantial feel when typing.
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 Phoenix comes in at $4.15 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 Phoenix clicky switch offers a unique and crystal-clear clicky sound, reminiscent of stepping on crisp autumn leaves. On the other hand, the Gateron Smoothie Silver linear switch provides a thocky sound, known for its smoothness and light touch. Both switches offer distinct sound profiles that cater to different preferences, with the Phoenix emphasizing a crunchy feel while the Smoothie Silver focuses on a softer and more tactile experience.
When it comes to feel, the Outemu Phoenix clicky switch provides a polished typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel. This results in a sleek and refined typing experience that is highly satisfying for users. On the other hand, the Gateron Smoothie Silver linear switch features a short travel distance for quick actuation, offering unparalleled smoothness and a feather-light touch. Both switches offer unique tactile experiences that cater to different typing styles, with the Phoenix emphasizing a polished and refined feel while the Smoothie Silver focuses on lightning-fast actuation.
In conclusion, the Outemu Phoenix clicky switch and the Gateron Smoothie Silver linear switch offer distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the Phoenix provides a crunchy and polished typing experience, the Smoothie Silver offers a thocky sound with lightning-fast actuation. Depending on your preference for sound and feel, both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different typing styles. Ultimately, choosing between the two will depend on your personal preference for sound, feel, and typing experience.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Outemu Phoenix clicky switch and the Gateron Smoothie Silver linear switch, you should consider the type of typing experience you prefer. If you enjoy a unique clicky sound and medium bottom out force, then the Phoenix switch is the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a lightning-fast actuation with a thocky sound, unparalleled smoothness, and a feather-light touch, then the Smoothie Silver switch is the way to go. Ultimately, the decision comes down to your personal preference in sound and feel when typing. Choose the switch that aligns with your preferences to enhance your typing experience.
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