Gateron Silent Ink Black vs. Gateron Smoothie
An in-depth look at the Gateron Silent Ink Black and the Gateron Smoothie switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Gateron Silent Ink Black and the Gateron Smoothie both offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences. The Silent Ink Black is ideal for those seeking a quieter typing experience, with its cushiony bottom-out feel and minimal audio feedback making it perfect for environments where noise is a concern. On the other hand, the Smoothie stands out for its affordability without compromising on quality, providing a thocky sound signature, exceptional smoothness, and a lightweight touch. While the Silent Ink Black is categorized as 'Silky', 'Muted', and 'Polished', the Smoothie is described as 'Buttery', 'Thocky', 'Low-pitched', 'Creamy', 'Subdued', and 'Silky'. 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
60g
Actuation force
40g
Bottom-out force
70g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Proprietary INK blend
Top housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
Proprietary INK blend
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Color coated
Spring
22mm extended double-stage spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Gateron Silent Ink Black and the Gateron Smoothie provide distinct sound profiles due to their different materials. The Silent Ink Black's proprietary INK blend top housing creates a thin and higher-pitched sound that is often described as clacky, while the Smoothie's POM top housing produces a deeper and more muted sound. This difference in sound can greatly impact the overall typing experience and the noise level of the keyboard.
Similarly, the bottom housings of the Silent Ink Black and the Smoothie also contribute to their unique sound profiles. The INK blend bottom housing of the Silent Ink Black produces a high-pitched sound that complements the top housing, while the POM bottom housing of the Smoothie adds to its deeper and more muted sound. The combination of these top and bottom housing materials creates a harmonious balance between the sound profiles of both switches.
Overall, while the housing materials of the Gateron Silent Ink Black and the Gateron Smoothie differ in terms of sound profiles, they both offer a satisfying typing experience. The Silent Ink Black with its INK blend housing provides a clacky and higher-pitched sound, while the Smoothie with its POM housing creates a deeper and more muted sound. Both switches have their own unique qualities that cater to different preferences, ensuring that typists can find the perfect match for their typing needs.
Weight
When comparing the Gateron Silent Ink Black linear switch and the Gateron Smoothie linear switch, the actuation force and bottom out force play a significant role in determining the typing experience. The Silent Ink Black has a higher actuation force of 60 grams and a bottom out force of 70 grams, providing a medium-heavy resistance. On the other hand, the Smoothie is lighter with an actuation force of 40 grams, but its bottom out force is unknown. For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the Smoothie would be the better choice due to its lower actuation force. However, for users who enjoy a more substantial push feel while typing, the Silent Ink Black would be more suitable with its higher actuation and bottom out force. Both switches have their own advantages, with the Silent Ink Black offering a more substantial typing experience, while the Smoothie provides a lighter touch for longer typing sessions. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches would depend on individual preferences for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
In comparing the travel distance of the Gateron Silent Ink Black linear switch and the Gateron Smoothie linear switch, it is evident that the Silent Ink Black has a longer travel distance of 4 mm, while the Smoothie has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm. The 0.4 mm difference may not seem significant, but it can actually make a noticeable impact on the typing or gaming experience. Gamers who prioritize faster response times may prefer the shorter travel distance of the Smoothie, while those who enjoy a more substantial keypress may opt for the Silent Ink Black. Ultimately, both switches offer a different feel due to their travel distances, and the choice between the two ultimately comes down to personal preference.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron Silent Ink Black has an MSRP of $8.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Silent Ink Black for $8.35.
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
In terms of sound, the Gateron Silent Ink Black switch provides a muted typing experience, ensuring a softer and quieter sound during use. On the other hand, the Gateron Smoothie switch offers a thocky and low-pitched sound profile, providing a deep and satisfying sound when pressed. While the Silent Ink Black switch focuses on minimizing noise for quieter environments, the Smoothie switch delivers a rich and bass-heavy tone. Both switches offer unique sound profiles that cater to different preferences, with the Silent Ink Black being more subdued and the Smoothie being more pronounced in its sound signature.
When it comes to feel, the Gateron Silent Ink Black switch offers a silky and polished typing experience, providing an exceptionally smooth and refined feel. This switch minimizes resistance when pressing and releasing keys, enhancing the overall smoothness of the typing experience. On the other hand, the Gateron Smoothie switch is described as buttery and creamy, offering a seamless and effortless keystroke sensation. This switch provides a smooth and fluid typing experience, allowing fingers to glide effortlessly across the keys with each stroke. Both switches excel in providing a smooth and comfortable typing feel, with the Silent Ink Black focusing on refinement and the Smoothie offering a luxurious buttery sensation.
In conclusion, the Gateron Silent Ink Black and Smoothie switches offer unique subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the Silent Ink Black provides a quieter and cushioned typing experience with a muted sound profile and a silky feel, the Smoothie delivers a thocky sound signature and a buttery, creamy typing sensation. Depending on individual preferences for sound and feel, both switches offer excellent options for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts. It is important to consider the specific qualities of each switch and how they align with your personal typing preferences when making a decision.
Conclusion
To wrap up, when choosing between the Gateron Silent Ink Black linear switch and the Gateron Smoothie linear switch, consider the environment in which you will be using the keyboard. If you require a quieter typing experience, the Silent Ink Black would be the ideal choice with its pillow-like bottom-out feel and minimal audio feedback. On the other hand, if you are looking for a budget-friendly option that offers a thocky sound signature and remarkable smoothness, the Smoothie switch would be a great fit. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preferences for sound and feel when typing.
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