Gateron Smoothie Silver vs. Bsun Tuzi (Bunny)
An in-depth look at the Gateron Smoothie Silver and the Bsun Tuzi (Bunny) switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Gateron Smoothie Silver and the Bsun Tuzi (Bunny) both offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences. The Smoothie Silver, a linear switch, is renowned for its lightning-fast actuation due to its short travel distance. With a thocky sound, unparalleled smoothness, and a feather-light touch, it is an ideal choice for those who prioritize speed and a tactile typing experience. On the other hand, the Tuzi (Bunny), also a linear switch, stands out for its refined typing experience, thanks to the modified LY stem paired with a PC top and PA bottom. Designed for an optimal combination of clack and smoothness, these switches are perfect for those who enjoy a clacky sound profile with a high-pitched tone. 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
37g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
42g
Pre-travel
1.20 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
UPE
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
22mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Gateron Smoothie Silver and the Bsun Tuzi (Bunny) differ significantly in terms of sound profile and material composition. The Smoothie Silver features a POM top housing that creates a deeper and more muted sound, while the Tuzi (Bunny) utilizes a polycarbonate top housing that produces a sharper, higher-pitched sound. Additionally, the Smoothie Silver's POM bottom housing also contributes to a deep and muted sound profile, whereas the Tuzi (Bunny) incorporates a nylon bottom housing for a fuller and rounder sound. In terms of aesthetics, the polycarbonate top housing of the Tuzi (Bunny) allows for RGB lighting due to its translucency, providing a visually appealing element to the switch.
While the housing materials of the Gateron Smoothie Silver and the Bsun Tuzi (Bunny) have distinct characteristics, both switches aim to provide a pleasing and unique typing experience. The POM top housing of the Smoothie Silver offers a different sound profile compared to the polycarbonate top housing of the Tuzi (Bunny), but both aim to enhance the overall sound quality of the switch. Similarly, the POM bottom housing of the Smoothie Silver and the nylon bottom housing of the Tuzi (Bunny) each bring their own qualities to the typing experience, with the nylon bottom housing offering a deeper and fuller sound compared to the POM housing.
In conclusion, the housing materials of the Gateron Smoothie Silver and the Bsun Tuzi (Bunny) play a crucial role in determining the sound profile and overall feel of the switches. While the Smoothie Silver leans towards a deeper and more muted sound with its POM housing, the Tuzi (Bunny) opts for a sharper and crisper sound with its polycarbonate housing. The choice between these switches ultimately comes down to personal preference in terms of sound aesthetics and typing experience. Regardless, both switches aim to provide a satisfying typing experience through the unique qualities of their respective housing materials.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron Smoothie Silver linear switch and the Bsun Tuzi (Bunny) linear switch, we can see some key differences. The Smoothie Silver has a higher actuation force of 45 grams compared to the Tuzi's 37 grams, making the Smoothie Silver the heavier of the two. However, the bottom out force of the Tuzi is 42 grams, which is notably lighter compared to the Smoothie Silver's unknown bottom out force. This means that while the Smoothie Silver may offer a more substantial typing experience with its higher actuation force, the Tuzi may provide a lighter and potentially more comfortable typing feel, especially for longer periods of use. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference, with some preferring the lighter actuation force of the Tuzi for extended typing or gaming sessions, while others may find the heavier actuation force of the Smoothie Silver more satisfying for a more tactile typing experience.
Travel distance
The Gateron Smoothie Silver linear switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm, while the Bsun Tuzi (Bunny) linear switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm. In this case, the Tuzi (Bunny) switch has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Smoothie Silver. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, which are popular among gamers for their faster response times. However, those who prefer a more substantial keypress may find the Tuzi (Bunny) switch to be more to their liking due to its slightly longer travel distance. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for keypress depth and responsiveness.
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 Bsun Tuzi (Bunny) has an MSRP of $4.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Tuzi (Bunny) for $3.49.
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 is known for its thocky sound, which is deep and satisfying. On the other hand, the Bsun Tuzi (Bunny) linear switch offers a clacky and high-pitched sound, giving it a crisp and bright typing experience. Depending on personal preference, the Smoothie Silver provides a more soothing sound while the Tuzi (Bunny) offers a sharper and more pronounced auditory feedback.
Moving on to feel, the Gateron Smoothie Silver switch is recognized for its unparalleled smoothness and feather-light touch, providing a unique typing experience. In contrast, the Bsun Tuzi (Bunny) switch is described as silky, offering an exceptionally smooth typing feel with minimal resistance when pressing and releasing keys. Both switches prioritize smoothness, but the Tuzi (Bunny) may have a slightly smoother feel due to its specific design features.
Overall, the Gateron Smoothie Silver and Bsun Tuzi (Bunny) linear switches offer distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the Smoothie Silver excels in providing a thocky sound and feather-light touch, the Tuzi (Bunny) is known for its clacky sound and silky smooth typing experience. Depending on personal preferences for sound and feel, either of these switches could provide a satisfying typing experience, ensuring that you get optimal performance based on your individual preferences.
Conclusion
To conclude, when choosing between the Gateron Smoothie Silver linear switch and the Bsun Tuzi (Bunny) linear switch, consider the following factors. If you prioritize lightning-fast actuation, a thocky sound, unparalleled smoothness, and a feather-light touch, the Smoothie Silver may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a refined typing experience with a combination of clack and smoothness, the Tuzi (Bunny) switch, with its modified LY stem and PC top paired with a PA bottom, could be more suitable. Additionally, if you enjoy a clacky and high-pitched sound profile, the Tuzi (Bunny) switch is your best bet. However, if you favor a silky smooth typing experience, the Smoothie Silver might be more to your liking. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preferences for sound, feel, and typing style.