Kailh Sage vs. Gateron Smoothie Silver

Overview

When it comes to choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options to consider are the Kailh Sage, a clicky switch, and the Gateron Smoothie Silver, a linear switch. The Kailh Sage is renowned for its invigorating and sharp clicky typing experience, with a satisfyingly crunchy feel. On the other hand, the Gateron Smoothie Silver stands out for its all-POM construction, short travel distance, lightning-fast actuation, thocky sound, unparalleled smoothness, and feather-light touch. Both switches have their distinctive qualities that may appeal to different preferences and typing styles. If you enjoy a heavy and clicky typing experience, the Kailh Sage may be the perfect choice for you. However, if you prefer a smooth and light touch with rapid actuation, the Gateron Smoothie Silver could be the ideal option. Nevertheless, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.

By the numbers

Kailh Sage Clicky

Gateron Smoothie Silver Linear

$6.25 per 10

$3.00

$2.60 per 10

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Housing materials

The Kailh Sage and the Gateron Smoothie Silver 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 POM top housing of the Smoothie Silver. The polycarbonate material is known for being stiffer, resulting in a more clear and resonant sound. On the other hand, the POM material in the Smoothie Silver's top housing produces a deeper and more muted sound, providing a different typing experience for users.

In terms of the bottom housing, the Sage features a nylon material while the Smoothie Silver utilizes POM. Both materials contribute to a fuller sound profile, but in different ways. The softer nylon material in the Sage absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound profile. On the other hand, the POM material in the Smoothie Silver's bottom housing also produces a deeper sound, although it is relatively more muted compared to the nylon material. Overall, both switches offer a unique typing experience based on their bottom housing materials.

While the top and bottom housing materials of the Kailh Sage and Gateron Smoothie Silver differ, they both contribute to the overall sound profile of the switches. The split between the qualities each housing material brings provides a unique typing experience for users of each switch. The impact of the bottom housing is felt when pressing down on a key, influencing the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing has a greater impact on the sound when releasing a key. Ultimately, both switches offer a distinctive sound profile based on their housing materials, providing users with a choice between a sharper, higher-pitched sound (Sage) or a deeper, more muted sound (Smoothie Silver).

Weight

In comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Kailh Sage clicky switch and the Gateron Smoothie Silver linear switch, we see a distinct difference in weight. The Sage has a bottom out force of 70 grams, making it a medium-heavy switch, while its actuation force is not specified. On the other hand, the Smoothie Silver boasts a lighter actuation force of 45 grams, although its bottom out force is unknown. The difference in weight between these two switches allows for a different typing experience - the Sage provides a more substantial push feel, while the Smoothie Silver offers a lighter touch for extended typing or gaming sessions. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on personal preference for actuation and bottom out force.

Travel distance

The Kailh Sage clicky switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, which is slightly longer than the Gateron Smoothie Silver linear switch with a travel distance of 3.4 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, making them ideal for fast-paced activities like gaming. Gamers looking for a faster response time may prefer the Smoothie Silver, while those who enjoy a bit more depth in their keystrokes may lean towards the Sage. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches comes down to personal preference regarding travel distance and responsiveness.

Price comparison

Typing experience

The Kailh Sage clicky switch is known for its crunchy sound, evoking the feeling of stepping on piles of crisp autumn leaves. This switch offers a heavy weight and a sharp clickiness, providing a distinct typing experience. On the other hand, the Gateron Smoothie Silver linear switch offers a thocky sound, unparalleled smoothness, and a feather-light touch due to its all-POM construction and short travel distance for quick actuation. When it comes to sound, the Sage switch will give you a crunchy and satisfying typing experience, while the Smoothie Silver switch will provide a thocky sound that is smooth and quick to actuate.

In terms of feel, the Kailh Sage switch is described as invigorating and sharp, offering pronounced feedback, moderate to firm actuation force, and a snappy, reactive feel that creates an immersive typing sensation. The tactile bump is strong and crisp, making each keypress distinct and satisfying. Unfortunately, there is no specific information available on the feel of the Gateron Smoothie Silver switch. If you prefer a switch with pronounced feedback and a sharp tactile bump, the Kailh Sage switch would be a great choice.

Overall, the Kailh Sage clicky switch and the Gateron Smoothie Silver linear switch offer distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Sage switch provides a crunchy sound and an invigorating, sharp typing experience, while the Smoothie Silver switch offers a thocky sound, smoothness, and quick actuation. Depending on your preference for sound and feel, you can choose between these two switches to enhance your typing experience. If you enjoy a clicky and tactile typing experience, the Kailh Sage switch is the way to go. If you prefer a smooth and fast linear experience, the Gateron Smoothie Silver switch is a great option. Ultimately, both switches will give you high-quality performance and satisfaction in different ways.

Conclusion

In closing, when it comes to choosing between the Kailh Sage clicky switch and the Gateron Smoothie Silver linear switch, consider the typing experience you prefer. If you enjoy a heavy and sharp clickiness with a medium-heavy bottom out force, then the Sage switch would be a great choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a feather-light touch with lightning-fast actuation and unparalleled smoothness, the Smoothie Silver switch might be more to your liking. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches comes down to personal preference and the type of typing experience you are looking for. Consider your priorities in terms of sound, feel, and bottom out force to make the best choice for your mechanical keyboard setup.

Mentioned in this article

Kailh Sage Clicky

$6.25 per 10

Learn more

Gateron Smoothie Silver Linear

$3.00

$2.60 per 10

Learn more