Gateron Smoothie Silver vs. Gateron Type A

Overview

When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Gateron Smoothie Silver and Gateron Type A both offer unique attributes catering to different typing preferences. The Smoothie Silver, celebrated for its short travel distance and lightning-fast actuation, provides an exhilarating typing experience characterized by its buttery smoothness and a thocky, low-pitched sound profile. This switch is perfect for gamers or typists seeking rapid responsiveness with a feather-light touch. In contrast, the Gateron Type A stands out with its innovative design that incorporates modern factory lubing techniques and a medium-weight feel, making it an excellent choice for those who desire a balance between tactility and smoothness. Its deeper, subdued sound signature offers a more robust auditory experience, appealing to users who appreciate a richer acoustic backdrop. Both switches have their merits depending on personal preference—whether you prioritize speed and lightness with the Smoothie Silver or a more grounded experience with the Type A. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.

By the numbers

Gateron Smoothie Silver Linear

Gateron Type A Linear

$3.00

$2.60 per 10

$4.70 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

When comparing the housing materials of the Gateron Smoothie Silver and the Gateron Type A, it is crucial to note the distinct materials used for their top and bottom housings. The Smoothie Silver employs a POM (Polyoxymethylene) material for both its top and bottom housings, while the Type A utilizes nylon for the same components. The POM material in the Smoothie Silver is characterized by its ability to create a unique, deeper, and more muted sound profile. This construction allows for a very pleasing auditory experience, particularly when bottoming out. In contrast, the Type A's nylon housing, being a classic switch material, produces a deeper and fuller sound profile due to nylon's softer characteristics, which absorb sound more effectively than harder plastics.

The implications of these materials extend beyond mere sound the differences in housing materials also influence the overall feel of the keystroke. The POM housing of the Smoothie Silver may deliver a more consistent typing experience due to its rigidity, which could aid in precision for typists. Conversely, the nylon housings of the Type A could provide a slightly softer feel when pressed, potentially providing more tactile feedback and absorption during keystrokes. This difference in material can create divergent experiences for users, as they might prefer either the stability of the POM or the softness of the nylon, depending on their typing style.

Interestingly, despite these contrasts, both switch types aim to create similar auditory results based on their housing configurations. Since the Smoothie Silver’s POM material is designed to foster a deep sound profile, and the Type A's nylon likewise supports a fuller resonance, users can expect a rich aural experience regardless of their choice. Moreover, with respect to bottom-out sounds, both switches showcase deep acoustic qualities due to the respective materials in each housing. Thus, while the tactile and sound nuances may differ due to material composition, the ultimate auditory and tactile satisfaction can be aligned in terms of overall experience for typists.

Weight

When comparing the Gateron Smoothie Silver linear switch to the Gateron Type A linear switch, there are notable differences in their actuation forces. The Smoothie Silver requires a lighter actuation force of 45 grams, while the Type A has a slightly heavier actuation force of 50 grams. This difference makes the Smoothie Silver more suitable for users who prefer a lighter touch for extended typing sessions, whereas the Type A offers a more substantial feel due to its increased actuation force. Additionally, the bottom out force of the Smoothie Silver is unknown, whereas the Type A has a bottom out force of 55 grams, which indicates that it is designed to provide a firmer response at the end of key travel. Therefore, users seeking a lighter overall experience may gravitate towards the Smoothie Silver, while those who prefer a more robust and tactile experience might opt for the Type A, particularly given its known bottom out force.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distances of the Gateron Smoothie Silver linear switch and the Gateron Type A linear switch, a noticeable difference emerges. The Smoothie Silver features a travel distance of 3.4 mm, while the Type A has a longer travel distance of 4 mm. This makes the Smoothie Silver the shorter option, catering to those who favor quicker response times, such as gamers, who benefit from a more responsive feel. In contrast, the Type A's longer travel distance may appeal to users who prefer the more substantial, hearty experience that such a depth offers. Both switches feature distinct characteristics, with the Smoothie Silver providing a quicker tactile response and the Type A delivering a more pronounced sensation with each keystroke.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound, the Gateron Smoothie Silver switch offers a thocky quality that results in a deep, rich, and satisfying tone when pressed. Its character is low-pitched, providing a bass-heavy, mellow tone that adds a certain warmth to the typing experience. The sound tends to be subdued, creating a dampened effect that minimizes excess noise while still allowing the satisfying sound of each keystroke to be heard. In contrast, the Gateron Type A switch presents a more neutral sound signature. It also has a subdued quality, making it less intrusive for casual typing yet versatile enough for various environments. While the Smoothie Silver delivers a more pronounced sonic experience, both switches cater to users who prefer a more controlled and softer sound profile, albeit in different tonal ranges.

Regarding feel, the Smoothie Silver excels with its buttery and creamy characteristics, providing an exceptionally smooth and fluid keystroke experience. This effortless sensation makes typing feel not only enjoyable but also highly efficient, as each stroke glides seamlessly into the next. This is often a result of the factory lubing techniques and POM materials used, which enhance the smoothness. The Type A switch, on the other hand, lacks a specific description for its feel, leaving its tactile experience somewhat unknown. However, given that it is designed as a medium-weight switch, it's reasonable to infer that it may offer a balanced typing sensation that is neither too heavy nor too light, though details about its tactile feedback and smoothness are yet to be defined.

In summary, while the Gateron Smoothie Silver switch is known for its thocky and subdued sound coupled with an exceptionally smooth typing feel, the Gateron Type A switch offers a neutral sound profile with a subtle dampening quality. The Smoothie Silver's buttery feel contrasts with the unknowns of the Type A's tactile experience, though it likely provides a more balanced feel due to its medium-weight nature. For newcomers exploring mechanical keyboard switches, choosing between these two will depend largely on personal preference for sound and feel; both offer appealing qualities that cater to different typing styles but promise a satisfying experience in their own right.

Conclusion

To conclude, choosing between the Gateron Smoothie Silver and the Gateron Type A linear switches depends largely on your personal preferences regarding actuation feel, switch weight, and sound profile. If you're looking for a switch that facilitates lightning-fast typing with minimal pressure, the Smoothie Silver is your best bet. Its feather-light touch and buttery feel make it ideal for those who favor quick keystrokes—perfect for gaming or touch typists who require rapid input without fatigue. Additionally, its thocky, subdued sound can create a satisfying auditory experience without being overly distracting, which is great for both home and office use. On the other hand, if you prefer a more standard typing experience with a bit more resistance, the Gateron Type A offers a medium-light bottom-out force that strikes a balance between ease of typing and tactile feedback. This switch's deeper, neutral sound profile makes it versatile in various environments, suitable for both casual typing and professional settings. Therefore, consider what you prioritize the most in your keyboard experience—speed and smoothness with the Smoothie Silver, or a balanced, more traditional feel with the Type A.

Mentioned in this article

Gateron Smoothie Silver Linear

$3.00

$2.60 per 10

Learn more

Gateron Type A Linear

$4.70 per 10

Learn more