Gateron Smoothie Silver vs. Everglide Tourmaline Blue
An in-depth look at the Gateron Smoothie Silver and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the choice between the Gateron Smoothie Silver and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue presents two enticing yet distinct experiences for typists and gamers alike. The Smoothie Silver excels in its rapid actuation with a short travel distance, making it a favorite for those who prioritize speed and responsiveness. Its all-POM construction ensures that every keystroke is characterized by unparalleled smoothness and a “thocky” sound that provides an enjoyable auditory feedback. On the other hand, the Everglide Tourmaline Blue switches offer a deeper thocky sound profile, creating an immersive typing atmosphere. With their unique, lengthened single-stage spring design, they provide a bouncy feel that many users find satisfying, while their balanced spring weight caters to a wide range of preferences, making them easy to press and accessible. Both switches have their strengths: the Smoothie Silver for rapid action and smoothness, and the Tourmaline Blue for sound and tactile enjoyment. 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
59g
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
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm extended double-stage spring
Spring
Gold-plated
Housing materials
The Gateron Smoothie Silver and Everglide Tourmaline Blue switches present a fascinating comparison in terms of their housing materials, specifically the tops and bottoms. The Smoothie Silver utilizes a POM (Polyoxymethylene) material for both the top and bottom housing, which is known for producing a deeper, more muted sound profile. This attribute contributes to an overall softer acoustic experience, creating an impression of warmth and resonance that many typists find pleasing. In contrast, the Tourmaline Blue employs polycarbonate for its top and bottom housings, resulting in a sharper, higher-pitched sound with increased clarity and resonance. The stiffer nature of polycarbonate enhances the crispness of the keystrokes, catering to users who prefer a more pronounced auditory feedback.
Aesthetic considerations also play a role in the comparison of these two switches. The translucent quality of the polycarbonate used in the Tourmaline Blue's housing is particularly advantageous for users who incorporate RGB lighting into their keyboards. This transparency allows for better diffusion of light and enhances the visual effects of the illumination. Meanwhile, the POM material of the Smoothie Silver, although it may not provide the same level of light diffusion, is valued for its unique sound character. Users who prioritize sound over aesthetics will likely favor the Smoothie Silver, appreciating the way its housing material mutes and deepens sound, distinguishing it from the sharper profiles offered by polycarbonate.
Given that the top and bottom housings of the Smoothie Silver are both made from POM, the sound profile and characteristics will be consistently deep and muted both when bottoming out and releasing a key. In contrast, the Tourmaline Blue, with its polycarbonate housings, will exhibit variations in sound: the bottoming out will maintain the higher pitch, while releasing the key will enhance the clarity associated with polycarbonate. Thus, the different housing materials not only influence the sound profile but also define the overall typing experience, allowing users to choose based on their preferences for sound and aesthetics, resulting in distinctly different yet enjoyable typing experiences.
Weight
When comparing the Gateron Smoothie Silver and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue linear switches, there are notable differences in actuation and bottom out forces that cater to different typing preferences. The Smoothie Silver features a lighter actuation force of 45 grams, making it suitable for users who favor a less strenuous typing experience, ideal for prolonged use during work or extended gaming sessions. In contrast, the Tourmaline Blue has a heavier actuation force of 59 grams, which provides a more substantial push feel that some typists prefer for a tactile experience. Additionally, the bottom out force of the Tourmaline Blue is specified at 67 grams, indicating a firmer resistance when pressing the key all the way down. The bottom out force for the Smoothie Silver remains unknown, but it can be inferred that it may not surpass that of the Tourmaline Blue. Therefore, while the Smoothie Silver is the lighter option suited for those who prioritize comfort, the Tourmaline Blue appeals to those who appreciate a firmer key feel in their typing experience.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Gateron Smoothie Silver linear switch and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue linear switch, it is evident that they cater to different typing preferences. The Smoothie Silver features a travel distance of 3.4 mm, making it a shorter option that may appeal to gamers or users who prioritize quick response times. In contrast, the Tourmaline Blue has a travel distance of 4 mm, aligning more closely with the traditional standard and providing a deeper, more robust feel during keystrokes. This difference means that users who favor a light, responsive touch might gravitate toward the Smoothie Silver, while those who enjoy a more substantial depth in their typing experience might prefer the Tourmaline Blue. Ultimately, the Smoothie Silver is the shorter switch, while the Tourmaline Blue is the longer, allowing users to choose based on their individual typing preferences.
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 Tourmaline Blue has an MSRP of $6.86 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Tourmaline Blue for $3.89.
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 switches are known for their thocky sound, delivering a satisfying auditory feedback that complements their fast actuation. This characteristic makes them appealing to users who prefer that deeper tone while typing. The Everglide Tourmaline Blue switches also feature a deep and thocky sound profile, immersing users in a satisfying auditory experience. Both switches, while sharing a thocky quality, are subject to variation based on the keyboard they are used with, including the choice of board and keycaps, suggesting that users may enjoy a similar sound experience with either option.
Regarding feel, the Smoothie Silver is known for its unparalleled smoothness and feather-light actuation, allowing for a swift keystroke with minimal resistance. This unique sensation results in an effortlessly fast typing experience. The Tourmaline Blue switches, on the other hand, provide an easy-to-press feel that combines a bouncy response with a buttery smoothness, making each keystroke enjoyable and reducing finger fatigue. While the Smoothie Silver is designed for light touch, the Tourmaline Blue offers a balance of gentle resistance and a dynamic feel, indicating a more engaging experience compared to the sheer smoothness of the Smoothie Silver.
In conclusion, both the Gateron Smoothie Silver and Everglide Tourmaline Blue switches present unique qualities catering to different typing preferences. While they both feature a pleasing thocky sound profile, the Smoothie Silver shines in its ultra-light feel and smoothness, whereas the Tourmaline Blue emphasizes a bouncy and buttery typing experience. For users seeking quick actuation with a satisfying sound, either switch will deliver, but personal preference in feel will ultimately dictate the best choice for one’s typing style.
Conclusion
To summarize, when deciding between the Gateron Smoothie Silver and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue linear switches, it ultimately boils down to your personal preferences and typing style. If you are someone who values an ultra-light touch and lightning-fast actuation, the Smoothie Silver is your best bet. Its feather-light actuation and unparalleled smoothness make it ideal for gamers or typists who appreciate rapid key presses without the resistance that heavier switches might produce. Conversely, if you prefer a more robust feedback with a deep thocky sound and a slightly heavier actuation force, the Tourmaline Blue is the way to go. The medium-heavy bottoming out force offers a satisfying and deliberate keystroke, which can enhance typing accuracy and control. Additionally, if you enjoy a typing experience that balances effortless presses with a mild resistance, the buttery and bouncy feel of the Tourmaline Blues will cater to your desires. Ultimately, your environment, whether it be gaming or professional work, and your typing habits will determine which switch will serve you best.
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