Gateron Smoothie Silver vs. Gateron Weightlessness
An in-depth look at the Gateron Smoothie Silver and the Gateron Weightlessness 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 Gateron Weightlessness can significantly shape your typing experience. The Smoothie Silver switches are designed for enthusiasts seeking ultra-responsive typing, boasting a feather-light touch and a lightning-fast actuation due to their short travel distance. Their signature thocky sound and creamy feel provide a satisfying auditory and tactile experience, making them ideal for gamers and fast typists alike. In contrast, the Gateron Weightlessness switches strike a different chord, offering a subtle to moderate tactile feedback that appeals to those who enjoy a bit of resistance while typing. Their balanced sound profile enhances the tactile sensation without overpowering it, making them a great choice for users who prioritize a refined typing experience. Both switches cater to different preferences and usage styles, yet choosing the right one can ultimately enhance your productivity and enjoyment. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
50g
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
3.40 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
Nylon
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 double-staged spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Gateron Smoothie Silver and the Gateron Weightlessness switches, notable differences emerge, particularly in the choice of materials used for their top and bottom housings. The Smoothie Silver utilizes POM (Polyoxymethylene) for both the top and bottom housings, resulting in a cohesive sound experience. POM is known for its excellent acoustic properties, providing a deep and muted sound profile that lends itself to a unique auditory experience while typing. In contrast, the Weightlessness employs nylon for both its top and bottom housings. Nylon is regarded as a classic switch housing material that contributes to a deeper, fuller sound profile due to its softer nature, which effectively absorbs sound waves, resulting in a rounder auditory output.
Despite these differences in material, both the Smoothie Silver and Weightlessness seem to produce similar sound characteristics due to the inherent qualities of their respective housing materials. The specific impacts of the housing can be felt during use, as the POM construction of the Smoothie Silver will allow for a muted resonance that aligns with its deeper sound quality, emphasizing the sound when keys are released. Conversely, the Weightlessness, with its nylon composition, provides a fuller sound as a result of its softer plastic, which also serves to dampen sound, providing a similar auditory experience but with a distinctly rounder and deeper note upon release.
Ultimately, while both the Smoothie Silver and Weightlessness use different materials for their housings, the overall typing experience can still capture a similarly pleasing and muted sound effect. The qualities of each of the housing materials—POM for the Smoothie Silver and nylon for the Weightlessness—distribute their respective sound profiles between the bottoming out and releasing actions of the keys. This differentiation allows each switch to offer a unique feel and acoustic signature, yet both can achieve desired results in terms of sound performance by leveraging the specific properties of their materials. Thus, users can enjoy deep and satisfying acoustics in their typing experience, regardless of whether they choose POM or nylon housing switches.
Weight
When comparing the Gateron Smoothie Silver linear switch and the Gateron Weightlessness tactile switch, we notice distinct differences in their actuation forces. The Smoothie Silver requires a lighter actuation force of 45 grams, while the Weightlessness demands a slightly heavier 50 grams. This means that for users seeking less resistance during long typing sessions or gaming marathons, the Smoothie Silver may provide a more comfortable experience. However, the Weightlessness switch may appeal to those who prefer a more substantial typing feel due to its increased actuation force. As for the bottom out forces of both switches, they remain unknown, leaving room for speculation about their overall bottoming experience. Ultimately, if the bottom out forces were the same, users could expect a similar feel when fully depressing the switches, with the primary difference being in the initial actuation force that dictates the effort needed for each keystroke.
Travel distance
The Gateron Smoothie Silver linear switch and the Gateron Weightlessness tactile switch both feature a travel distance of 3.4 mm, meaning that users can expect a similar pressing experience when using either switch. Since both switches have the same travel distance, players and typists can achieve consistent results in terms of key actuation depth, leading to a uniform feel across both options. Consequently, whether one prefers the linear feel of the Smoothie Silver or the tactile feedback of the Weightlessness, the overall travel distance remains unchanged at 3.4 mm, providing an equally satisfying 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 Gateron Weightlessness has an MSRP of $6.10 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Weightlessness for $5.50.
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
The sound profile of the Gateron Smoothie Silver linear switch is characterized as thocky, producing a deep and rich sound when pressed, reminiscent of a soft "thud." This switch also boasts a low-pitched and subdued tone, offering a dampened yet satisfying auditory experience that many users find appealing. In contrast, the sound characteristics of the Gateron Weightlessness tactile switch remain unspecified; however, it is important to note that the sound experience can vary based on the specific keyboard and keycap combination used, which ultimately affects the perceived sound of both switches.
When it comes to the feel of these switches, the Gateron Smoothie Silver excels with descriptions of its buttery and creamy sensations. Users can expect a smooth and fluid keystroke experience, where typing feels effortless and consistent, akin to gliding fingers across the keys. The advantages of this smoothness come from both the materials used and the seamless design of the switch. The Gateron Weightlessness tactile switch does not have detailed descriptions regarding its feel, making it difficult to compare directly in this respect. However, since it is identified as a tactile switch, users can anticipate a degree of feedback that helps to enhance the typing experience, albeit with a different tactile sensation than the Smoothie Silver.
In summary, the Gateron Smoothie Silver linear switch offers a uniquely satisfying sound and an exceptionally smooth typing feel, making it a strong choice for users who prefer a responsive and quiet environment. Conversely, while the sound characteristics of the Gateron Weightlessness are not detailed, the tactile nature of the switch suggests it may provide a distinct typing experience that could appeal to those who enjoy feedback when pressing keys. Ultimately, selecting between these switches will depend on personal preference regarding sound and feel, with the Smoothie Silver offering a clear edge in terms of specified auditory and tactile qualities.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between the Gateron Smoothie Silver linear switch and the Gateron Weightlessness tactile switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences and typing needs. If you prioritize speed and responsiveness in your typing experience, the Smoothie Silver, with its short travel distance and feather-light touch, may be the ideal option for you. Its thocky sound and buttery, creamy feel create a satisfying and smooth experience that is excellent for fast-paced gaming or quick typing tasks where every keystroke counts. On the other hand, if you enjoy a tactile feedback with a more balanced sound profile that enhances your typing experience without being overly intrusive, the Weightlessness switch could be the better choice. Its subtle to moderate tactile feel provides a satisfying response while maintaining comfort for extended typing sessions. Consider what aspects are most important to you—speed and smoothness with the Smoothie Silver or tactile feedback and balanced acoustics with the Weightlessness—as you make your decision.
Mentioned in this article
