Gateron Smoothie Silver vs. Jwick Taro
An in-depth look at the Gateron Smoothie Silver and the Jwick Taro switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options to consider are the Gateron Smoothie Silver and the Jwick Taro. The Smoothie Silver is a linear switch with a lightning-fast actuation due to its short travel distance, providing a thocky sound, smoothness, and feather-light touch. On the other hand, the Taro is a tactile switch known for its cozy typing experience with a medium level of tactility, producing acute and crisp clacks. Both switches have their own unique characteristics that cater to different preferences and typing styles. 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
N/A
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
67g
Pre-travel
1.20 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Total travel
3.70 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
No
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm extended double-stage spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The Gateron Smoothie Silver and Jwick Taro both offer different housing materials for their switches, with the Smoothie Silver featuring a POM top and bottom housing while the Taro utilizes a polycarbonate top housing and nylon bottom housing. The POM top housing of the Smoothie Silver creates a deeper and more muted sound profile, while the polycarbonate top housing of the Taro produces a sharper and crisper sound. Additionally, the nylon bottom housing of the Taro results in a fuller and rounder sound profile compared to the deeper sound of the POM bottom housing in the Smoothie Silver. Overall, the different housing materials in these switches lead to varied sound experiences for the user.
In terms of aesthetics, the Taro's polycarbonate top housing offers translucency that makes it ideal for use with RGB lighting, creating a visually appealing experience when in use. In contrast, the POM housing of the Smoothie Silver does not offer the same level of transparency and LED light diffusion. However, the POM material provides a unique sound experience that some users may prefer over the sharper sound produced by the polycarbonate housing in the Taro. Ultimately, the choice between these switches may come down to personal preference in terms of both sound and visual aesthetics.
When considering the overall typing experience, the top and bottom housing materials play a crucial role in the sound and feel of the switches. The impact of the bottom housing is felt more when pressing down on a key, influencing the bottom-out sound and feel of the switch. Conversely, the top housing has a greater impact on the sound when releasing a key. This means that the choice between the Smoothie Silver and Taro may depend on whether the user prioritizes the typing sound when pressing down on a key or when releasing it, as well as the overall sound profile and feel that comes with the different housing materials used in each switch.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron Smoothie Silver linear switch and the Jwick Taro tactile switch, it is clear that the Smoothie Silver is the lighter option with an actuation force of 45 grams, while the Taro is the heavier choice with a bottom out force of 67 grams. The actuation force of the Taro switch is unknown, making it difficult to compare directly with the Smoothie Silver in terms of trigger sensitivity. However, it is evident that the Taro switch requires more force to bottom out, providing a more substantial typing experience compared to the Smoothie Silver. Despite their differences, both switches offer unique advantages depending on individual preferences. Those who prefer a lighter touch for extended typing or gaming sessions may opt for the Smoothie Silver, while users looking for a heavier, more tactile experience may lean towards the Taro switch. Ultimately, selecting the right switch comes down to personal preference and typing style.
Travel distance
The Gateron Smoothie Silver linear switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm, while the Jwick Taro tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.7 mm. In this case, the Taro switch has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Smoothie Silver switch. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, which are favored by gamers for their quick response times. The difference of 0.3 mm between the two switches may not be significant to most users, but for those who prefer a slightly deeper key press, the Taro switch would be the better option. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches comes down to personal preference in terms of how much travel distance is comfortable and ideal for individual typing or gaming needs.
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 Jwick Taro has an MSRP of $5.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Taro for $4.25.
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 Smoothie Silver linear switch offers a thocky sound that is deep and rich, providing a satisfying auditory experience during typing sessions. On the other hand, the Jwick Taro tactile switch is described as having a neutral sound profile, making it suitable for a wide range of users and applications. Keep in mind that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by the keyboard and keycaps you use.
In terms of feel, the Gateron Smoothie Silver switch is known for its unparalleled smoothness and feather-light touch, providing a seamless typing experience that many users find enjoyable. In contrast, the Jwick Taro tactile switch is described as buttery, offering a smooth and fluid keystroke experience that feels effortless and uniform. Additionally, the Taro switch is also noted for its stepped tactile feel, giving users a sense of pre-travel and post-travel during key presses.
In conclusion, both the Gateron Smoothie Silver linear switch and the Jwick Taro tactile switch offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences and typing styles. While the Smoothie Silver provides a thocky sound and feather-light touch, the Taro switch offers a neutral sound profile, buttery feel, and stepped tactile sensation. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on individual preferences for sound, feel, and typing experience. Whether you opt for the Smoothie Silver or the Taro, both switches promise a high-quality mechanical keyboard experience.
Conclusion
Ultimately, when deciding between the Gateron Smoothie Silver linear switch and the Jwick Taro tactile switch, you should consider your typing preferences and needs. If you prefer a fast and smooth typing experience with a light touch and a thocky sound, the Smoothie Silver would be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you enjoy a cozy typing experience with medium-level tactility, crisp clacks, and a medium-heavy bottom out force, the Taro switch would be more suitable. Both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences, so it ultimately comes down to personal preference and typing style. Whether you prioritize speed and smoothness or tactility and sound, there is a switch that will suit your needs. Happy typing!
Mentioned in this article
