Gateron Smoothie Silver vs. Jerrzi Violet
An in-depth look at the Gateron Smoothie Silver and the Jerrzi Violet switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between the Gateron Smoothie Silver and the Jerrzi Violet mechanical keyboard switches, there are some key differences to consider. The Smoothie Silver is a linear switch known for its lightning-fast actuation and thocky sound, while the Violet is a tactile switch with a smooth actuation and pleasingly poppy tactility. The Smoothie Silver offers unparalleled smoothness and a feather-light touch, making it a great choice for users who prioritize speed and a unique typing experience. On the other hand, the Violet switches provide a balanced and enjoyable typing experience with their gentle tactile feedback and neutral sound signature. Both switches have their own strengths and weaknesses, so it ultimately comes down to personal preference and typing style. 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
45g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
N/A
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
Yes
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 Jerrzi Violet both feature unique housing materials that significantly impact the sound profile of the switches. The Smoothie Silver's POM top housing creates a deep and muted sound, while the Violet's polycarbonate top housing produces a sharper and higher-pitched sound. This contrast in sound profiles is due to the stiffness of polycarbonate compared to POM, with polycarbonate resulting in a more resonant and clear sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate allows for the use of RGB lighting, adding an aesthetic appeal to the switch.
In terms of the bottom housing, the Smoothie Silver's POM bottom housing also contributes to a deep and muted sound profile, while the Violet's nylon bottom housing creates a fuller and rounder sound. Nylon's softer plastic absorbs more sound than harder plastics, resulting in a duller sound that adds depth to typing on switches utilizing this material. The combination of the top and bottom housing materials in each switch provides a unique typing experience, with the bottom housing impacting the bottom-out sound and feel, and the top housing influencing the sound when releasing a key.
Overall, while the Gateron Smoothie Silver and Jerrzi Violet feature different housing materials, they both offer distinct sound profiles that cater to different preferences. The POM top and bottom housing of the Smoothie Silver create a consistent deep and pleasing sound, while the polycarbonate top and nylon bottom housing of the Violet offer a sharper and fuller sound experience. Regardless of the differences, both switches showcase the importance of housing materials in determining the overall typing experience and sound profile of a mechanical keyboard switch.
Weight
Both the Gateron Smoothie Silver linear switch and the Jerrzi Violet tactile switch have the same actuation force of 45 grams, making them equally light in terms of the force needed to trigger a keystroke. However, when it comes to bottom out force, both switches have an unknown measurement. This means that while the actuation force is the same for both switches, the bottom out force could potentially differ between the two. When choosing between the two switches, individuals who prefer a lighter typing experience may find both to be suitable options. The lack of information on the bottom out force may lead to similar results in terms of typing feel for both switches. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches may come down to personal preferences for typing force and feedback.
Travel distance
The Gateron Smoothie Silver linear switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm, while the Jerrzi Violet tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.7 mm. This means that the Violet 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 preferred by gamers for their faster response times. However, if you prefer a switch with a slightly more substantial depth to the key press, the Jerrzi Violet tactile switch may be the better option for you. Ultimately, whether you choose the shorter or longer travel distance, both switches will provide a smooth and efficient typing experience.
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 Jerrzi Violet has an MSRP of $2.79 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Violet for $2.30.
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 comparing the sound of the Gateron Smoothie Silver linear switch and the Jerrzi Violet tactile switch, the Smoothie Silver is known for its thocky sound, while the Violet offers a neutral sound signature. The Smoothie Silver provides a unique sound experience with its all-POM build, whereas the Violet offers a more versatile sound profile suitable for various typing environments. It is important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by the keyboard and keycaps being used.
Moving on to the feel of these switches, the Smoothie Silver is described as providing a feather-light touch with unparalleled smoothness. On the other hand, the Violet switch offers a gentle tactile experience with a pleasingly poppy tactility. The Violet switch is categorized as a stepped switch, providing a more nuanced tactile feedback compared to the Smoothie Silver's linear feel. Both switches offer a different typing experience based on their unique tactile properties.
In conclusion, the Gateron Smoothie Silver linear switch and the Jerrzi Violet tactile switch offer distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Smoothie Silver excels in providing a thocky sound and a feather-light touch, while the Violet offers a neutral sound signature and a stepped tactile feel. Depending on personal preference and typing style, either switch can enhance the typing experience with their unique characteristics. It is important for newcomers to consider these subjective qualities when choosing a mechanical keyboard switch to ensure a satisfying typing experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Gateron Smoothie Silver linear switch and the Jerrzi Violet tactile switch, it ultimately comes down to your personal preferences and typing style. If you prefer a lightning-fast actuation with a thocky sound and feather-light touch, the Smoothie Silver may be the best option for you. On the other hand, if you enjoy a gentle tactile experience with a pleasingly poppy tactility and neutral sound signature, the Violet switch might be more suited to your typing needs. Consider your typing habits, whether you prefer linear or tactile switches, and the type of sound and feel you desire before making your decision. Ultimately, both switches offer unique features that can enhance your typing experience, so choose the one that aligns best with your preferences.
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