Kailh Plum vs. Gateron Smoothie Silver
An in-depth look at the Kailh Plum and the Gateron Smoothie Silver switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the Kailh Plum, a tactile switch, and the Gateron Smoothie Silver, a linear switch, stand out for their unique characteristics. The Plum is known for its heftiness without a significant tactile bump, offering a unique typing experience different from traditional tactile switches. On the other hand, the Smoothie Silver is praised for its lightning-fast actuation due to its short travel distance, providing a thocky sound and smooth feel. If you prefer a neutral and enjoyable typing experience with mild tactility, the Plum may be the right choice for you. However, if you prioritize speed and smoothness with a feather-light touch, the Smoothie Silver could be more suited to your 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
N/A
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
70g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
1.70 mm
Pre-travel
1.20 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.40 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
In comparing the housing materials of the Kailh Plum and the Gateron Smoothie Silver switches, one can see significant differences in the sound profiles they produce. The Plum switch features a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched sound compared to the POM top housing of the Smoothie Silver, which produces a deeper and more muted sound. This contrast in sound profiles can greatly impact the overall typing experience for users, with the Plum switch offering a crisper sound and the Smoothie Silver providing a more subdued and pleasing tone.
When it comes to the bottom housing materials, both the Plum and Smoothie Silver switches offer unique qualities. The Plum switch utilizes a nylon bottom housing, which results in a deeper and fuller sound when typing. In contrast, the Smoothie Silver switch also uses POM for its bottom housing, creating a similarly deep and muted sound profile. While both materials contribute to the overall sound and feel of the switch, the slight differences in their properties may appeal to different preferences in terms of typing sound and experience.
While the top and bottom housing materials of the Kailh Plum and Gateron Smoothie Silver switches differ, they both ultimately deliver a unique typing experience. The split between the two housing materials allows for a balance in sound profile, with the top housing influencing the sound when keys are released and the bottom housing impacting the bottom-out sound and feel. Whether opting for the crisper, higher-pitched sound of the Plum switch with its polycarbonate top housing or the deeper, more muted sound of the Smoothie Silver with its POM top and bottom housing, users can expect a distinct and enjoyable typing experience with either option.
Weight
The Kailh Plum tactile switch and the Gateron Smoothie Silver linear switch have different characteristics when it comes to actuation and bottom out force. The Plum does not have an actuation force specified, while the Smoothie Silver has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams. On the other hand, the Plum has a heavier bottom out force of 70 grams, while the Smoothie Silver does not have this information available. The Plum would provide a more substantial typing experience due to its heavier bottom out force, while the Smoothie Silver would be lighter to press, making it suitable for longer typing sessions or gaming. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches would depend on personal preference for key press weight.
Travel distance
The Kailh Plum tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Gateron Smoothie Silver linear switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.4 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances that are becoming more popular in the keyboard market, especially among gamers looking for faster response times. However, the Plum offers a slightly longer travel distance which may provide a more substantial feeling when typing. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches comes down to personal preference for either a quicker, more responsive feel or a more satisfying, deeper key press.
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 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
When it comes to sound, the Kailh Plum tactile switch offers a neutral and enjoyable sound profile, making it suitable for a variety of settings and user preferences. On the other hand, the Gateron Smoothie Silver linear switch is known for its thocky sound, which provides a unique and satisfying auditory experience. Both switches offer distinct sound qualities, giving users the opportunity to choose based on their preference for sound profile.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the Kailh Plum tactile switch provides a mild typing experience with a unique weightiness and tactile bump that sets it apart from other tactile switches. Additionally, the Plum tactile switch offers a stepped feel, adding to the overall typing experience. Conversely, the Gateron Smoothie Silver linear switch is known for its feather-light touch and unparalleled smoothness, offering users a lightning-fast actuation with a gentle typing feel. While both switches offer different tactile experiences, users can choose between a more pronounced tactile bump with the Plum or a smoother linear feel with the Smoothie Silver.
In conclusion, the Kailh Plum tactile switch and the Gateron Smoothie Silver linear switch offer unique sound and feel qualities that cater to different preferences and typing styles. Whether you prefer a neutral sound profile with a hefty tactile bump or a thocky sound with a feather-light touch, both switches provide distinct typing experiences for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts. Ultimately, the choice between the Plum and Smoothie Silver switches will depend on individual preference for sound, feel, and typing experience.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Kailh Plum tactile switch and the Gateron Smoothie Silver linear switch, consider your preference for weightiness and tactility. If you prefer a medium-heavy switch with a unique tactile feel and a neutral sound profile, the Plum may be the best choice for you. On the other hand, if you prioritize lightning-fast actuation with a thocky sound, unparalleled smoothness, and a feather-light touch, the Smoothie Silver might be more suitable for your typing style. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal typing preferences and the specific usage scenarios in which you plan to use the keyboard.
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