TTC Silent Brown vs. Gateron Smoothie
An in-depth look at the TTC Silent Brown and the Gateron Smoothie switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options to consider are the TTC Silent Brown and the Gateron Smoothie. The Silent Brown is a tactile switch known for its comfortable typing experience, light-medium resistance, and satisfying rounded tactile bump, making it a great choice for those who enjoy a smooth and muted sound profile while typing. On the other hand, the Gateron Smoothie is a linear switch made of POM material, offering a thocky sound signature, remarkable smoothness, and a lightweight touch. This switch is perfect for those looking for a buttery and creamy typing experience with a low-pitched sound profile. 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
45g
Actuation force
40g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
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 TTC Silent Brown and the Gateron Smoothie differ mainly in their top housing material. The Silent Brown features a polycarbonate top housing, while the Smoothie boasts a POM top housing. Polycarbonate is known for creating a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile due to its stiffness, resulting in a clear and resonant sound. On the other hand, POM produces a unique and pleasing deeper sound profile that is more muted compared to polycarbonate. However, both materials are excellent choices for switches with RGB lighting due to their translucency.
In terms of bottom housing materials, both switches have different materials as well. The Silent Brown utilizes a nylon bottom housing, which leads to a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon is softer and absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound compared to harder plastics. Similarly, the Smoothie's POM bottom housing also contributes to a deeper and muted sound profile, complementing the characteristics of the POM top housing. Both bottom housing materials play a crucial role in the overall sound and feel of the switch when pressed.
Overall, while the housing materials of the TTC Silent Brown and the Gateron Smoothie differ slightly, they both aim to provide a unique and pleasing typing experience. The choice between polycarbonate and POM for the top housing will ultimately depend on personal preference for sound profile—sharper and clearer with polycarbonate or deeper and more muted with POM. Similarly, the nylon and POM bottom housings add to the overall sound quality and typing experience, with nylon offering a fuller sound and POM creating a deeper tone. Whether using Silent Brown or Smoothie switches, users can expect a high-quality typing experience with distinct sound profiles.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the TTC Silent Brown tactile switch and the Gateron Smoothie linear switch, we can see that the Smoothie is the lighter option with an actuation force of 40 grams, while the Silent Brown is slightly heavier at 45 grams. In terms of bottom out force, the Silent Brown requires 63.5 grams to fully press down, whereas the bottom out force for the Smoothie is unknown. The actuation force of a switch is crucial for determining how much force is needed to register a keystroke, with a lighter actuation force being more suitable for longer typing sessions. The bottom out force, on the other hand, pertains to the amount of force required to fully press the key down. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on personal preference and whether a lighter or heavier feel is preferred for typing or gaming experiences.
Travel distance
The TTC Silent Brown tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.8 mm, while the Gateron Smoothie linear switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, which are favored by gamers for faster response times. The difference of 0.2 mm in travel distance between the two switches may not be noticeable to some users, but for those who are more sensitive to variations in switch depth, the Silent Brown would provide a slightly greater depth to the press compared to the Smoothie. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches would depend on personal preference for responsiveness versus key feel.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The TTC Silent Brown has an MSRP of $6.60 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Silent Brown for $5.00.
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.
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 TTC Silent Brown switch offers a muted typing experience, producing a softer and quieter sound than regular mechanical switches. On the other hand, the Gateron Smoothie switch provides a thocky and low-pitched sound, with a deep and satisfying tone when pressed and released. Both switches offer different sound profiles, so your choice will depend on whether you prefer a muted or thocky sound when typing.
In terms of feel, the TTC Silent Brown switch is described as buttery and mild, offering a smooth and uniform typing sensation with a gentle touch. Additionally, the switch is polished, providing a sleek typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel. On the other hand, the Gateron Smoothie switch is also described as buttery and creamy, offering a smooth and silky typing experience with minimal resistance. Both switches provide a seamless and effortless typing feel, so your preference will depend on whether you prefer a more gentle or creamy typing sensation.
In conclusion, the TTC Silent Brown tactile switch offers a comfortable typing experience with a muted sound profile, while the Gateron Smoothie linear switch provides a thocky sound with remarkable smoothness. Both switches have similar buttery typing feels, providing a smooth and uniform typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on whether you prefer a lighter, more tactile typing experience with a muted sound, or a smoother, thocky sound with a creamy feel.
Conclusion
In closing, when considering whether to choose the TTC Silent Brown tactile switch or the Gateron Smoothie linear switch, it ultimately comes down to your personal preference for typing experience. The Silent Brown switch offers a comfortable typing experience with a satisfying tactile bump and muted sound profile, perfect for those who enjoy a light-medium level of resistance. On the other hand, the Gateron Smoothie switch provides a thocky sound signature, remarkable smoothness, and a lightweight touch thanks to its all-POM construction, ideal for those who prefer a silky and buttery typing experience without the tactile bump. Consider the sound and feel characteristics that align with your typing style and preferences when making your decision. Ultimately, both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences, so choose the one that best suits your typing needs.
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