Gateron Smoothie Silver vs. Everglide Sunset Yellow
An in-depth look at the Gateron Smoothie Silver and the Everglide Sunset Yellow switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options are the Gateron Smoothie Silver and the Everglide Sunset Yellow, both linear switches with their own unique characteristics. The Smoothie Silver is well-known for its all-POM construction, offering a short travel distance for quick actuation. It provides a thocky sound, unmatched smoothness, and an incredibly light touch, making it ideal for users looking for a lightning-fast typing experience. On the other hand, the Sunset Yellow stands out with its Creamsicle color and captivating sound profile reminiscent of mahjong tiles colliding. With a rich, bassy sound and medium weight, these switches provide a luxurious typing experience suitable for a wide range of users. 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
43g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
51g
Pre-travel
1.20 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Total travel
3.20 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
Ly
Top housing material
POM
Top housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm extended double-stage spring
Spring
Single-staged lengthened 20mm spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Gateron Smoothie Silver and the Everglide Sunset Yellow are both made of POM, which is known for creating a pleasing and unique sound profile that is deeper and relatively more muted. This means that both switches are likely to produce a similar sound and feel when typing or gaming. However, if the top and bottom housings of a switch are different, the qualities of each housing material will affect different aspects of the switch's performance. The bottom housing will have more of an impact on the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing will affect the sound when releasing a key.
While both the Smoothie Silver and the Sunset Yellow switches share the same POM housing material, the details of their individual design and construction can still lead to slight differences in sound and feel. Factors such as thickness, shape, and overall quality control can influence the overall typing experience. Additionally, the design of the stems and springs used in conjunction with the housing can also play a role in how the switch behaves. Despite these potential variations, users can generally expect a similar tactile experience from both switches due to their shared housing material.
In conclusion, the housing materials of the Gateron Smoothie Silver and the Everglide Sunset Yellow switches are made of POM, which offers a unique sound profile that is deeper and more muted. While the switches may have differences in their individual design and construction, users can still expect a similar typing experience due to the shared POM housing material. Ultimately, personal preference and typing style may play a larger role in determining which switch is the better fit for each individual user.
Weight
Both the Gateron Smoothie Silver and Everglide Sunset Yellow linear switches have relatively light actuation forces, with the Sunset Yellow being slightly lighter at 43 grams compared to the Smoothie Silver's 45 grams. This means that they both provide a quick and responsive typing experience with minimal effort required to register a keystroke. However, the Everglide Sunset Yellow has a significantly heavier bottom out force of 51 grams, offering a more substantial typing feel compared to the Gateron Smoothie Silver, whose bottom out force is unknown. This difference in bottom out force may cater to individuals who prefer a more solid and tactile typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for typing feel and whether a lighter or heavier switch is preferred for extended typing or gaming sessions.
Travel distance
The Gateron Smoothie Silver linear switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm, while the Everglide Sunset Yellow linear switch has a travel distance of 3.2 mm. In this case, the Sunset Yellow has a slightly shorter travel distance compared to the Smoothie Silver. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, which are popular among gamers for faster response times. However, the slight difference in travel distance may impact the feel of typing or gaming on the switches. Ultimately, the choice between the two would depend on personal preference for a slightly shorter or longer travel distance.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
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.
The Everglide Sunset Yellow comes in at $3.09 per 10 switches.
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 Smoothie Silver linear switch is known for its thocky sound, providing a deep and satisfying tone when pressed. On the other hand, the Everglide Sunset Yellow linear switch offers a bassy sound profile that is rich and decadent, resembling the collision of mahjong tiles. Both switches offer unique auditory experiences, with the Smoothie Silver producing a thocky sound and the Sunset Yellow delivering a bassy tone.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the Gateron Smoothie Silver switch is featured by a smooth and feather-light touch with a short travel distance, providing a lightning-fast actuation. In contrast, the Everglide Sunset Yellow switch boasts a creamy feel due to the unique Ly stem design and proprietary factory lube method. This creamy sensation allows for a smooth and effortless typing experience, characterized by reduced friction and a polished finish. Additionally, the Sunset Yellow switch offers a frictionless and polished feel, ensuring a refined and fluid key travel.
Overall, both the Gateron Smoothie Silver linear switch and the Everglide Sunset Yellow linear switch have distinct qualities that cater to different preferences. The Smoothie Silver excels in providing a thocky sound and feather-light touch, while the Sunset Yellow stands out with its bassy sound profile and creamy and polished feel. Depending on your preference for sound and feel, either switch can provide a satisfying typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will come down to personal preference and what qualities you prioritize in a mechanical keyboard switch.
Conclusion
In summary, if you are looking for a lightning-fast actuation and a feather-light touch, the Gateron Smoothie Silver linear switch would be the ideal choice for you. These switches are perfect for those who enjoy a thocky sound and unparalleled smoothness during typing. On the other hand, if you prefer a captivating sound profile reminiscent of mahjong tiles colliding and a medium-weight switch, the Everglide Sunset Yellow linear switch is the way to go. With a distinct gliding feel and a sharper, highly responsive typing experience, these Creamsicle-colored switches offer a rich and decadent typing experience. Ultimately, choosing between the Smoothie Silver and Sunset Yellow switches will depend on your preference for actuation feel, sound profile, and overall typing experience.
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