Kailh Plum vs. Gateron Smoothie
An in-depth look at the Kailh Plum and the Gateron Smoothie switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
If you're in the market for a new mechanical keyboard switch, you may be considering the Kailh Plum, a tactile switch, or the Gateron Smoothie, a linear switch. The Plum stands out for its unique feel of weightiness without a pronounced tactile bump, providing a neutral and enjoyable sound profile. On the other hand, the Smoothie boasts an all-POM construction that offers a thocky sound signature, remarkable smoothness, and a lightweight touch. While the Plum falls into the categories of 'Neutral', 'Mild', and 'Stepped', the Smoothie is described as 'Buttery', 'Thocky', 'Low-pitched', 'Creamy', 'Subdued', and 'Silky'. Each switch has its own strengths and appeal, but ultimately the best choice will depend on your personal preferences and typing style. 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
40g
Bottom-out force
70g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
1.70 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
No
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
The housing materials of the Kailh Plum and the Gateron Smoothie differ in terms of their top and bottom components. The Plum features a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharp, high-pitched sound profile, ideal for RGB lighting due to its translucency. On the other hand, the Smoothie incorporates a POM top housing, offering a deeper and more muted sound. However, despite these differences, both switches provide a pleasing and unique sound experience, catering to different preferences for sound depth and resonance.
In terms of the bottom housing, the Plum utilizes a nylon material, known for eliciting a fuller and deeper sound profile due to its softer nature that absorbs more sound. This contrasts with the Smoothie's POM bottom housing, which also contributes to a deep and muted sound profile. Both housing materials offer a unique typing experience, with the nylon providing a duller and rounder sound, while the POM emphasizes depth and richness in sound.
Overall, while the housing materials of the Kailh Plum and the Gateron Smoothie may differ in terms of their specific characteristics, both switches aim to provide a premium typing experience with their unique sound profiles. Whether it's the sharper, crisper sound of the Plum's polycarbonate top housing or the deep, muted sound of the Smoothie's POM top housing, users can expect a high-quality typing experience that caters to their individual preferences for sound profile. Additionally, the nylon and POM bottom housings of both switches contribute to the overall typing experience, with each material offering its own distinct qualities for sound depth and resonance.
Weight
The Kailh Plum tactile switch has a bottom out force of 70 grams, making it medium-heavy, while the actuation force is not specified. In contrast, the Gateron Smoothie linear switch has an actuation force of 40 grams, but its bottom out force is unknown. Those who prefer a lighter typing experience may opt for the Smoothie due to its lower actuation force, allowing for extended typing or gaming sessions without fatigue. On the other hand, individuals seeking a more substantial typing feel may lean towards the Plum switch with its heavier bottom out force. Regardless of the differences in actuation and bottom out forces, selecting either switch would result in a unique typing experience suited to individual preferences.
Travel distance
Both the Kailh Plum tactile switch and the Gateron Smoothie linear switch have the same travel distance of 3.6 mm. This means that when pressing down on either key, you will experience a consistent distance of travel from the top to the bottom. With their equal travel distances, users can expect to achieve similar results in terms of key press response and overall typing experience. Both switches offer a standard travel distance, making them suitable options for those who prefer a moderate amount of key travel. Whether opting for the Plum or the Smoothie, users can enjoy a comfortable typing experience without having to adjust to different travel distances.
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 Kailh Plum comes in at $6.25 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 Kailh Plum tactile switch offers a neutral sound profile, suitable for a variety of environments and users, whether beginners or experienced typists. On the other hand, the Gateron Smoothie linear switch provides a thocky and low-pitched sound, creating a deep and satisfying auditory experience. The choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for sound, with the Plum offering a more neutral tone and the Smoothie producing a distinct thocky sound.
When it comes to feel, the Kailh Plum tactile switch provides a unique tactile experience with a hefty feel and a moderate tactile bump, offering a mild and stepped typing sensation. In contrast, the Gateron Smoothie linear switch boasts a buttery, creamy, and silky smooth feel, providing a seamless and effortless typing experience. Choosing between the two switches will depend on whether one prefers a more pronounced tactile feedback like the Plum or a smoother glide like the Smoothie.
Overall, the Kailh Plum tactile switch and the Gateron Smoothie linear switch offer unique characteristics in terms of sound and feel. While the Plum provides a neutral sound profile and a hefty tactile experience, the Smoothie offers a thocky sound signature and a buttery smooth typing feel. Both switches have their own strengths and appeal to different preferences, so individuals should consider their personal preferences for sound and feel when selecting between the two options. Ultimately, choosing either switch will result in a high-quality typing experience, with each providing its own distinct qualities.
Conclusion
In conclusion, when deciding between the Kailh Plum tactile switch and the Gateron Smoothie linear switch, it ultimately comes down to your preference for typing experience. If you value a medium-heavy key feel with unique tactility and a neutral sound profile, the Plum switch may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a switch with a thocky sound, remarkable smoothness, and a lightweight touch, then the Gateron Smoothie switch could be the better option. Consider your typing style, sound preference, and overall typing experience when making your decision between these two switches. Ultimately, the choice is yours based on what qualities you prioritize in a mechanical keyboard switch.
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