Gateron Silent Ink Black vs. Gateron Smoothie Silver
An in-depth look at the Gateron Silent Ink Black and the Gateron Smoothie Silver switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Gateron Silent Ink Black and the Gateron Smoothie Silver mechanical keyboard switches, both being linear switches, there are clear differences in their design and characteristics. The Silent Ink Black is ideal for those seeking a quieter typing experience, thanks to its silenced version and minimal audio feedback. On the other hand, the Smoothie Silver offers lightning-fast actuation with its all-POM construction and short travel distance. While the Silent Ink Black provides a cushiony bottom-out feel, the Smoothie Silver boasts unparalleled smoothness and a feather-light touch. 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
45g
Bottom-out force
70g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.20 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.40 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 Silver offer unique characteristics that contribute to the overall typing experience. The Silent Ink Black's proprietary INK blend top housing provides a pointed and high-pitched sound when keys are pressed, resulting in a satisfyingly clacky sound profile. In contrast, the Smoothie Silver's POM top housing creates a deeper and more muted sound, offering a different auditory experience for users.
Similarly, the bottom housings of these switches also play a significant role in the typing sensation. The Silent Ink Black's proprietary INK blend bottom housing contributes to the high-pitched sound profile characteristic of this switch, enhancing the overall clacky feel when keys are pressed. On the other hand, the Smoothie Silver's POM bottom housing adds to the deeper and more muted sound profile, providing a unique tactile experience for users.
While the top and bottom housings of the Gateron Silent Ink Black and Gateron Smoothie Silver differ in material and sound characteristics, both switches offer a satisfying typing experience. The INK blend top and bottom housings of the Silent Ink Black work together to create a cohesive, high-pitched sound profile, while the POM top and bottom housings of the Smoothie Silver deliver a deeper and more muted typing sensation. Despite these differences, both switches provide users with a distinct typing experience based on the specific qualities of their housing materials.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron Silent Ink Black linear switch and the Gateron Smoothie Silver linear switch, it is clear that the Silent Ink Black is the heavier of the two. The Silent Ink Black has an actuation force of 60 grams and a bottom out force of 70 grams, making it a medium-heavy switch. In contrast, the Smoothie Silver is lighter with an actuation force of 45 grams, but the bottom out force is unknown. The actuation force determines the force required to trigger a keystroke, while the bottom out force measures the force needed to press the key all the way down. Some users may prefer the lighter weight of the Smoothie Silver for longer typing sessions or gaming, while others may prefer the stronger push feel of the Silent Ink Black for a more substantial typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will come down to personal preference based on the desired typing experience.
Travel distance
Comparing the travel distance of the Gateron Silent Ink Black linear switch and the Gateron Smoothie Silver linear switch, we can see that the Silent Ink Black has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Smoothie Silver has a travel distance of 3.4 mm. The Silent Ink Black has a longer travel distance compared to the Smoothie Silver, which means that it offers a deeper key press feel. On the other hand, the Smoothie Silver has a shorter travel distance, making it a preferred choice for gamers seeking faster response times. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on your personal preference for travel distance - whether you prefer a longer, more substantial key press or a shorter, more responsive one. Both switches offer unique advantages, and you can expect different typing experiences based on their respective travel distances.
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 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
When it comes to sound, the Gateron Silent Ink Black switch offers a muted typing experience, ideal for environments where noise needs to be minimized. On the other hand, the Gateron Smoothie Silver switch is known for its thocky sound, providing a unique auditory feedback that some users prefer. The sound produced by each switch is influenced by various factors including the keyboard and keycap choices.
Turning to the feel of the switches, the Gateron Silent Ink Black switch is praised for its silky and polished typing experience. These qualities result in a smooth and refined feel, reducing resistance and enhancing overall typing comfort. As for the Gateron Smoothie Silver switch, specific feel descriptors are not provided; however, it is known for its lightning-fast actuation due to a short travel distance. Both switches are linear in operation, meaning that the keypress is smooth and consistent without any tactile bump or audible click.
In conclusion, the Gateron Silent Ink Black and Smoothie Silver switches offer distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel. If you prefer a quieter typing experience with a soft bottom-out feel, the Silent Ink Black switch is a great choice. On the other hand, if you value speed and a unique thocky sound, the Smoothie Silver switch might be more appealing. Ultimately, your preference between the two will depend on your personal typing style and the specific ambiance you're looking to create with your mechanical keyboard setup.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Gateron Silent Ink Black linear switch and the Gateron Smoothie Silver linear switch, consider your typing environment and preferences. Choose the Silent Ink Black for a quieter typing experience with a cushioned bottom-out feel, ideal for shared workspaces or late-night typing sessions. On the other hand, opt for the Smoothie Silver for lightning-fast actuation, thocky sound, unparalleled smoothness, and a feather-light touch, perfect for quick and precise typing tasks. Ultimately, the decision comes down to whether you value a quiet typing environment or prioritize speed and smoothness in your typing experience. Make your choice based on what factors are most important to you when it comes to your mechanical keyboard switches.
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