Huano Sakura vs. Gateron Smoothie Silver
An in-depth look at the Huano Sakura and the Gateron Smoothie Silver switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to selecting the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, the choice between the Huano Sakura and the Gateron Smoothie Silver exemplifies the nuances of user preference. The Huano Sakura, celebrated for its feather-light touch and medium acoustics, offers an ideal typing experience for those who engage in long sessions, providing comfort without sacrificing responsiveness. On the other hand, the Gateron Smoothie Silver stands out with its all-POM construction and short travel distance, ensuring lightning-fast actuation along with a thocky sound profile that gamers and typists alike appreciate. Both switches share a linear design, making them smooth and consistent in keypresses, but their distinct characteristics cater to different needs and styles. However, let’s dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the ideal switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
35g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
45g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.20 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
POK
Top housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
23mm single-stage spring
Spring
22mm extended double-stage spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Huano Sakura and Gateron Smoothie Silver switches, notable differences emerge, particularly in their top housing compositions. The Huano Sakura uses a POK (polyketone) material, which is renowned for its exceptional durability and low coefficient of friction of 0.04, making it one of the smoothest materials available. This translates to a tactile experience that feels both precise and satisfying. In contrast, the Gateron Smoothie Silver employs a POM (polyoxymethylene) material for its top housing, which, while also known for its slickness with a slightly lower friction coefficient of 0.03, is characterized by distinct sound qualities rather than the robust tactile feel provided by POK. Consequently, while both materials aim to enhance the smoothness of keystrokes, the POK top housing of the Sakura may provide a more pronounced tactile experience compared to the sound-focused characteristics of the Smoothie Silver's POM top housing.
On the bottom housing side, both switches use POM materials, which further defines their sound profiles. The Huano Sakura's nylon bottom housing absorbs sound effectively, resulting in a deeper and fuller auditory experience, while the Gateron Smoothie Silver harnesses POM for its bottom housing, creating a unique and deeper sound profile that remains muted and refined. Although the materials differ, the resulting acoustic qualities are comparable, as both designs prioritize creating a richer sound when pressed. However, the Sakura's nylon brings a slightly softer touch, which might make it feel more comfortable for prolonged tinkering, whereas the POM housing of the Smoothie Silver contributes to a more consistent but less pronounced bottom-out sensation, highlighting the impact of housing material on user experience.
Ultimately, while both switches exhibit complementary characteristics through their housing materials, the synergy of their compositions contributes to unique typing experiences. The Huano Sakura, with its POK top and nylon bottom housing, offers a combination of smooth operation and an impactful sound profile thanks to its softer plastic properties. Conversely, the Gateron Smoothie Silver balances the slickness of POM across both top and bottom housings, emphasizing consistency in sound output but potentially sacrificing some of the tactile nuances found in nylon. Therefore, while they share similarities in their ambition to create smooth and enjoyable keystrokes, the variation in materials results in distinct typing experiences, allowing users to choose based on their personal preferences for sound and feel.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Huano Sakura linear switch and the Gateron Smoothie Silver linear switch, notable differences emerge. The Sakura features a light actuation force of 35 grams, making it easier to press down, ideal for prolonged typing or gaming sessions. In contrast, the Smoothie Silver has a heavier actuation force of 45 grams, appealing to those who prefer a more substantial feel while typing. However, the bottom out force for the Smoothie Silver is unavailable, leaving a gap in our understanding of its total keystroke characteristics. The Sakura's bottom out force is 45 grams, aligning with its light actuation force, which means it provides a consistent, easy typing experience without the risk of bottoming out too hard. Thus, for those seeking a lighter option, the Huano Sakura is the clear choice, while the Gateron Smoothie Silver offers a heavier typing experience for those who favor a firmer push feel.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Huano Sakura linear switch and the Gateron Smoothie Silver linear switch, it's clear that the Sakura offers a longer travel distance at 3.6 mm compared to the Smoothie Silver's 3.4 mm. This difference, albeit slight, can impact the overall typing experience. The shorter travel distance of the Smoothie Silver may provide quicker actuation, catering to gamers who favor rapid response times. Conversely, the Sakura's greater depth may appeal to those who prefer a more substantial feel while typing, offering a more satisfying tactile experience. Therefore, if you're looking for responsiveness, the Gateron Smoothie Silver is the better choice, while the Huano Sakura remains ideal for users who appreciate a deeper keypress.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Huano Sakura has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Sakura for $3.29.
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
In terms of sound, the Huano Sakura linear switch produces medium acoustics that strike a balance between being heard and remaining understated, making it suitable for extended typing sessions without being overly distracting. On the other hand, the Gateron Smoothie Silver linear switch is known for its thocky sound, which conveys a satisfying auditory feedback with each keystroke. While both switches emphasize a quieter operation compared to tactile or clicky alternatives, the Smoothie Silver's pronounced sound may offer a more engaging experience for users who appreciate a richer auditory profile, though the overall sound can ultimately be influenced by the choice of keyboard and keycaps.
When it comes to feel, both the Huano Sakura and Gateron Smoothie Silver are designed for a feather-light touch, catering well to users who prefer minimal resistance during typing. The Sakura offers a good balance that makes it suitable for longer sessions by avoiding finger fatigue, while the Smoothie Silver takes it a step further with its short travel distance, delivering a lightning-fast actuation and unparalleled smoothness. Users will likely notice that while both switches provide a light touch, the Smoothie Silver may feel a bit snappier due to its shorter actuation distance.
Overall, both the Huano Sakura and Gateron Smoothie Silver linear switches cater to users looking for lightweight, smooth switching experiences, but they do differ in their sound profiles and actuation characteristics. If you favor a more moderate sound with comfort for long typing sessions, the Sakura is a great match. Conversely, for those who seek a more pronounced auditory experience with very quick actuation, the Smoothie Silver may be the preferred option. Regardless of choice, both switches can effectively deliver an enjoyable typing experience for newcomers to mechanical keyboards.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the Huano Sakura linear switch and the Gateron Smoothie Silver linear switch ultimately depends on your typing preferences and specific use cases. If you prefer a feather-light touch that allows for extended typing sessions without fatigue, the Sakura is an excellent choice. With its medium acoustics and a bottom-out force of 45 grams, it provides a satisfying yet comfortable experience, making it suitable for writers or programmers who spend long hours on their keyboards. On the other hand, if you value unparalleled smoothness and lightning-fast actuation with a shorter travel distance, the Gateron Smoothie Silver might be the better option for you. Known for its thocky sound and super-responsive characteristics, this switch excels in fast-paced gaming environments where quick reactions are paramount. In summary, your decision should hinge on whether you prioritize comfort and acoustics for long typing tasks (go with the Sakura) or prefer speed and tactile satisfaction for competitive play (opt for the Smoothie Silver).
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