Durock Piano vs. Gateron Smoothie Silver
An in-depth look at the Durock Piano and the Gateron Smoothie Silver switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Durock Piano and the Gateron Smoothie Silver mechanical keyboard switches, it is clear that both offer unique advantages for individuals seeking a pleasant typing experience. The Durock Piano stands out for its proprietary material blend that provides a gliding push feel and deep, creamy sound signature, making it a favorite among users who value a 'Bassy', 'Frictionless', and 'Silky' typing experience. On the other hand, the Gateron Smoothie Silver boasts lightning-fast actuation with its all-POM construction, along with a thocky sound, unparalleled smoothness, and a feather-light touch. While both switches have their distinct qualities that cater to different preferences, it is essential to delve deeper beyond these generalities to determine the best switch for your specific needs and typing style.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
N/A
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.20 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Factory lubed
No
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
Mystery material
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Proprietary POM blend
Top housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
Proprietary POM blend
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated
Spring
22mm extended double-stage spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Durock Piano and the Gateron Smoothie Silver switches both feature a POM blend that offers a uniquely satisfying and deep sound profile. This commonality suggests that users can expect a similar sound experience when using either of these switches. However, the Smoothie Silver is noted to have a relatively more muted sound compared to the Piano, which may appeal to users looking for a quieter typing experience.
In terms of the top housing, both the Piano and Smoothie Silver switches utilize POM blend materials that create a pleasing and unique sound profile. The sound produced by the top housing is described as being on the deeper side, adding a rich auditory experience to typing on these switches. While the exact details of the POM blend used in these switches is unknown, users can expect a consistent deep sound quality when using either switch.
On the other hand, the bottom housing of the Piano and Smoothie Silver switches also incorporates the POM blend material, contributing to the overall sound profile of the switches. The impact of the bottom housing is more noticeable in the bottom-out sound and feel of the switch, as it plays a significant role in how the switch responds to pressure. Both switches provide a satisfying tactile feedback when pressed, thanks to the quality of the POM blend material used in their bottom housings.
Weight
The Durock Piano linear switch has a bottom out force of 63.5 grams, making it a medium-heavy switch. In contrast, the Gateron Smoothie Silver linear switch has an actuation force of 45 grams, but the bottom out force is unknown. The Piano switch requires no actuation force, while the Smoothie Silver switch is lighter in terms of actuation force. For those who prefer a lighter touch, the Smoothie Silver may be the better option due to its lower actuation force. However, for those who desire a more substantial typing experience, the Piano switch with its heavier bottom out force may be more preferable. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will come down to personal preference in terms of typing feel and desired weight.
Travel distance
The Durock Piano linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Gateron Smoothie Silver linear switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm. In this case, the Smoothie Silver has a shorter travel distance compared to the Piano. The 3.4 mm travel distance is slightly shallower and may be preferred by those looking for a quicker response time, such as gamers. On the other hand, the 4 mm travel distance of the Piano switch offers a bit more depth and may be preferred by those who prefer a more substantial feel when pressing down on the keys. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for travel distance and how it impacts the overall typing or gaming experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Durock Piano has an MSRP of $6.70 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Piano for $5.57.
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.
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 the sound of the switches, the Durock Piano linear switch offers a bassy sound profile that provides a deep and rich sound during key presses. On the other hand, the Gateron Smoothie Silver linear switch is known for its thocky sound, which is smooth and satisfying. Both switches offer unique sound characteristics that can enhance the typing experience, with the Piano focusing on a deeper tone while the Smoothie Silver delivers a more distinct and pleasant sound.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the Durock Piano linear switch is praised for its frictionless and silky typing experience, offering a smooth and effortless feel with minimal resistance. This results in a fluid travel that can enhance typing speed and overall comfort. In comparison, the Gateron Smoothie Silver linear switch is known for its unparalleled smoothness and feather-light touch, providing a lightning-fast actuation with a smooth key press. While both switches offer a smooth typing experience, the specific feel can vary depending on personal preference and typing style.
In conclusion, both the Durock Piano linear switch and the Gateron Smoothie Silver linear switch offer unique qualities that can enhance the typing experience for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts. The Piano switch provides a deep and creamy sound signature, along with a frictionless and silky typing feel, while the Smoothie Silver switch delivers a thocky sound and unparalleled smoothness with a feather-light touch. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on individual preferences for sound, feel, and typing experience. However, users can expect a high-quality typing experience from both switches, resulting in satisfactory results regardless of their choice.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Durock Piano linear switch and the Gateron Smoothie Silver linear switch, you should consider the characteristics that best suit your typing preferences. If you prefer a medium-heavy bottom out force, a gliding push feel, and a deep, creamy sound signature, then the Durock Piano switch would be a great choice. On the other hand, if you prefer a switch with an unknown bottom out force, a short travel distance for quick actuation, a thocky sound, unparalleled smoothness, and a feather-light touch, then the Gateron Smoothie Silver switch may be more suitable for you. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches will depend on your personal preference for typing experience, sound profile, and overall feel.
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