TTC Silent Red vs. Gateron Smoothie
An in-depth look at the TTC Silent Red and the Gateron Smoothie switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the choice between the TTC Silent Red and the Gateron Smoothie highlights the diverse preferences in tactile feedback and auditory experience. The TTC Silent Red is revered for its muted sound profile, making it an excellent choice for those seeking an undisturbed typing environment, such as in an office or shared living space. Its design ensures a smooth and consistent feel with a padded bottom-out experience, perfect for prolonged typing sessions. On the other hand, the Gateron Smoothie stands out with its all-POM construction, boasting a thocky sound signature and remarkable smoothness, all while being an affordable option that doesn't skimp on quality. This switch offers a lightweight touch that many gamers and typists appreciate. While both switches are categorized under 'buttery' due to their smooth operation, the Silent Red leans towards a muted experience whereas the Smoothie delivers a thocky acoustics that can elevate the typing experience. 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
1.90 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.70 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 TTC Silent Red and Gateron Smoothie switches utilize distinctly different materials for their top housings, leading to contrasting sound profiles. The Silent Red features a polycarbonate top housing, which is known for its stiffer nature. This stiffness results in a sharper, higher-pitched sound that possesses a clearer and more resonant quality when the key is released. In contrast, the Smoothie utilizes a POM top housing, which contributes to a deeper and more muted acoustic experience. This fundamental difference means that the overall auditory feedback of the two switches will diverge significantly; the Silent Red will articulate brighter tones, while the Gateron Smoothie will convey a richer, more subdued sound.
The bottom housings of the TTC Silent Red and Gateron Smoothie are more similarly matched in their use of materials. The Silent Red employs a nylon bottom housing, which is recognized for its sound-absorbing properties that generate a deeper and fuller sound profile. This softer plastic helps to create a rounder auditory experience during key presses. The Smoothie's POM bottom housing complements this by also producing a pleasing, muted sound. Both switches will provide a similar deep sound quality due to their reliance on softer materials in the bottom housing, leading to a potentially harmonious typing experience when pressed, despite the differences in their top housings.
When evaluating the overall sound experiences of both the TTC Silent Red and Gateron Smoothie, it becomes clear that their unique combinations of materials create varying tonal characteristics. While the Silent Red's polycarbonate top housing emphasizes a bright and crisp release, the Gateron Smoothie's POM top housing nurtures a deeper, more subdued sound. However, because both switches utilize softer materials in their bottom housings, they share a common ground in generating a deeper auditory feel when the keys are actuated. Ultimately, this contrast and comparison indicates that while the switches can yield distinct auditory signatures, they can achieve similar results in terms of the bottom-out experience, enriching the overall typing atmosphere.
Weight
When comparing the TTC Silent Red linear switch to the Gateron Smoothie linear switch, there are distinct differences in their actuation forces. The Silent Red features an actuation force of 45 grams, making it a medium-heavy option, while the Smoothie has a lighter actuation force of 40 grams. This means that users may find the Smoothie easier to press, which can be beneficial for extended typing sessions or gaming, catering to those who prefer a lighter feel. However, the Silent Red has a bottom out force of 63.5 grams, providing a more substantial feedback upon fully pressing the key. In contrast, the bottom out force for the Smoothie is unknown, making it difficult to determine how it may feel when pressed all the way down. Overall, if a firmer tactile experience is desired, the Silent Red is the preferable choice, while the Smoothie may appeal to those looking for a lighter keypress.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the TTC Silent Red linear switch and the Gateron Smoothie linear switch, the Silent Red offers a travel distance of 3.7 mm, while the Smoothie has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm. This indicates that if you're looking for a switch with a bit more depth and a more gradual keypress, the Silent Red might be the preferable choice. On the other hand, the Gateron Smoothie, with its shorter travel distance, may appeal to those seeking quicker response times, which can be advantageous for gaming. Ultimately, while both switches provide a relatively similar experience, the Silent Red's longer travel distance may be more suitable for users who appreciate a fuller keypress, whereas the Smoothie caters to those who favor speed and responsiveness in their typing or gaming activities.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The TTC Silent Red has an MSRP of $5.28 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Silent Red for $4.38.
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 TTC Silent Red linear switch is characterized by its muted sound profile, making it an excellent option for environments where noise reduction is a priority. Its softer, quieter operation minimizes the typical mechanical clacking, making it perfect for office settings or shared living spaces. On the other hand, the Gateron Smoothie features a thocky sound signature, delivering a deeper, richer auditory experience that feels satisfying with each keystroke. The Smoothie produces a low-pitched, bass-heavy sound that can be more pronounced than the Silent Red, although it is still described as subdued. This contrast makes the Silent Red more suited for discretion, while the Smoothie appeals to those who enjoy a more tactile auditory feedback during typing.
When examining the feel, both switches present exceptional smoothness described as buttery, ensuring a fluid keystroke experience. The Silent Red offers a polished typing sensation with mild characteristics that make it approachable for a wide range of users. Its padded bottom-out feel adds to the overall comfort during extended typing sessions. In comparison, the Gateron Smoothie is also buttery but extends that quality into a creamy and silky typing experience. This switch allows for an even smoother glide across the keys, enhancing the tactile sensation. Users can expect a silky touch from both switches, but the Smoothie may provide an additional luxurious feel that some might prefer.
In conclusion, both the TTC Silent Red and Gateron Smoothie linear switches excel in their own right, catering to different preferences. If you aim for a quieter, more subdued experience, the Silent Red is your best bet, especially in shared environments. Conversely, if you're drawn to a more audible and rich sound, along with a luxurious feel, the Smoothie will not disappoint. Regardless of your choice, both switches will deliver a remarkably smooth typing experience, ensuring that users can expect satisfying performance whether they lean towards silence or a thocky sound.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between TTC Silent Red and Gateron Smoothie linear switches will depend largely on your specific needs and preferences. If you're the type who prioritizes a discreet typing experience—perhaps you work in an open office or a shared living space—the TTC Silent Red switch is your best bet. Its muted sound profile and smooth operation offer a comfortable feel without producing disruptive noise, making it ideal for environments where quiet is essential. On the other hand, if you lean towards a more tactile and satisfying auditory experience, the Gateron Smoothie is the way to go. Known for its creamy and thocky sound signature, this switch provides a rich acoustic feedback that many typists find deeply satisfying. While the Smoothie may not have the same level of quiet, its buttery and silky feel will enhance your typing experience, especially if you're looking for something more expressive. Ultimately, consider your typing environment and personal typing style to make the switch that's right for you.
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