Kailh Sage vs. Gateron Smoothie
An in-depth look at the Kailh Sage and the Gateron Smoothie switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the Kailh Sage and the Gateron Smoothie offer distinct experiences that cater to different preferences. The Kailh Sage is a clicky switch known for its invigorating and sharp typing experience, with a heavy weight and refreshing clickiness that some users find satisfying. On the other hand, the Gateron Smoothie is a linear switch made of POM material, providing a buttery smooth feel with a thocky sound signature and lightweight touch. While the Sage offers a crunchy typing feel, the Smoothie provides a creamy and subdued typing experience. Both switches have their advantages and unique characteristics, making them suitable for different types of users. 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 Kailh Sage and Gateron Smoothie both feature unique housing materials that contribute to their sound profiles. The Sage utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile compared to the Smoothie's POM top housing, which produces a deeper and more muted sound. While the Sage's polycarbonate top housing is clearer and more resonant due to its stiffness, the Smoothie's POM top housing offers a unique and pleasing sound experience that leans towards the lower end of the spectrum.
In terms of bottom housing, the Sage incorporates a nylon material that produces a deeper and fuller sound when typing. Nylon is softer and absorbs more sound compared to harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound profile. Similarly, the Smoothie's POM bottom housing also contributes to a deeper and more muted sound experience. Both switches offer a pleasant typing experience, although the specific qualities of their bottom housing materials may vary slightly.
Overall, while the top and bottom housing materials of the Kailh Sage and Gateron Smoothie may differ, they both contribute to creating unique sound profiles for these switches. The Sage offers a sharper and crisper sound with its polycarbonate top housing and nylon bottom housing, while the Smoothie provides a deeper and more muted sound with its POM housing materials. Despite these differences, both switches are designed to enhance the typing experience with their distinct sound profiles.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Kailh Sage clicky switch and the Gateron Smoothie linear switch, it is evident that there are significant differences between the two. The Kailh Sage has a bottom out force of 70 grams, providing a medium-heavy typing experience, while the actuation force is not specified. On the other hand, the Gateron Smoothie has an actuation force of 40 grams, indicating a lighter touch for triggering keystrokes, but the bottom out force is unknown. For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the Gateron Smoothie would be the better choice, as the actuation force is lighter compared to the Kailh Sage. However, for those who enjoy a more substantial typing feel, the Kailh Sage with its heavier bottom out force would be the preferred option. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on individual preference for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the Kailh Sage clicky switch and the Gateron Smoothie linear switch is identical, both measuring at 3.6 mm. When comparing the two switches, it is evident that they provide a similar typing experience in terms of the distance the key travels when pressed. This means that users can expect consistent tactile feedback and key response from both switches. Despite both switches having the same travel distance, the Kailh Sage clicky switch offers a clicky sound with tactile feedback, while the Gateron Smoothie linear switch provides a smooth keystroke without the audible click. Ultimately, whether you prefer a clicky or linear switch, you can rely on the consistent travel distance of 3.6 mm for an optimal typing experience.
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 Sage 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 Sage switch provides a crunchy and sharp clicky sound, reminiscent of stepping on piles of crisp autumn leaves. On the other hand, the Gateron Smoothie switch offers a thocky, low-pitched, and subdued sound profile, creating a deep and mellow tone when pressed. Depending on personal preference, the Sage switch may be preferred for those who enjoy a more pronounced and traditional clicky sound, while the Smoothie switch may be favored by those seeking a quieter and more subtle typing experience.
When it comes to feel, the Kailh Sage switch is described as invigorating and sharp, providing a firm actuation force and a snappy tactile bump with each keypress. Conversely, the Gateron Smoothie switch offers a buttery, creamy, and silky smooth keystroke experience, with a seamless and effortless typing sensation. If a user enjoys a more tactile and responsive typing feel, they may lean towards the Sage switch, while those who prefer a smoother and more fluid typing experience may opt for the Smoothie switch.
Considering the available information, the Kailh Sage clicky switch and the Gateron Smoothie linear switch offer distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Sage switch provides a heavy and sharp clicky sound with invigorating tactile feedback, while the Smoothie switch delivers a thocky and smooth sound with a buttery keystroke feel. Ultimately, selecting between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for sound, feel, and typing experience. With both switches offering unique characteristics, users can expect different but equally satisfying results based on their preferences.
Conclusion
In summary, when choosing between the Kailh Sage clicky switch and the Gateron Smoothie linear switch, consider the type of typing experience you prefer. If you enjoy a heavy and clicky typing experience with a sharp tactile feedback, the Kailh Sage switch may be the better option for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a smoother and softer typing experience with a thocky sound, the Gateron Smoothie switch could be the ideal choice. Ultimately, it comes down to personal preference and the type of typing feel and sound you find most satisfying. Both switches offer unique characteristics, so carefully consider your preferences before making a decision.
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