Gateron Smoothie Silver vs. Durock White Lotus
An in-depth look at the Gateron Smoothie Silver and the Durock White Lotus switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the choice between linear and tactile switches can greatly impact your typing experience. The Gateron Smoothie Silver, a linear switch, is renowned for its lightning-fast actuation thanks to its short travel distance. With a thocky sound, unparalleled smoothness, and feather-light touch, this switch is perfect for fast typists who prefer a more seamless typing experience. On the other hand, the Durock White Lotus, a tactile switch, offers a delicate tactility that strikes the perfect balance, making it ideal for work and extended typing sessions. With a removable light column for vibrant RGB lighting effects, these switches add a captivating glow to your keyboard setup. 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
46g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
56g
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
Modified PC & UPE Blend
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
Gold-plated long spring
Housing materials
Both the Gateron Smoothie Silver and the Durock White Lotus feature unique housing materials that contribute to their sound profiles. The Smoothie Silver boasts a POM top housing, which offers a deeper and more muted sound compared to the White Lotus's modified PC & UPE Blend top housing. While the Smoothie Silver provides a pleasing and unique sound, the White Lotus's top housing exudes a premium feel. Despite the difference in materials, both switches aim to offer a delightful typing experience with their distinct sound profiles.
In terms of bottom housing, the Smoothie Silver utilizes a POM material that also creates a pleasing and unique sound, much like its top housing. On the other hand, the Durock White Lotus features a nylon bottom housing that produces a deeper and fuller sound profile. The difference in bottom housing material highlights the importance of both the top and bottom parts in influencing the overall sound and feel of a switch. Whether it's the softer nylon of the White Lotus or the unique sound of POM in the Smoothie Silver, each material brings its own characteristics to the typing experience.
While the Gateron Smoothie Silver and the Durock White Lotus feature different housing materials, they both prioritize providing a satisfying typing experience. The combination of unique materials for each switch allows users to enjoy a variety of sound profiles and feels. Whether it's the deeper and more muted sound of the Smoothie Silver with its POM housing, or the fuller sound profile of the White Lotus with its nylon bottom housing, both switches offer a premium typing experience that caters to different preferences. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches comes down to individual preference for sound and feel.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron Smoothie Silver linear switch and the Durock White Lotus tactile switch, it is evident that the Smoothie Silver is slightly lighter with an actuation force of 45 grams, while the White Lotus is slightly heavier at 46 grams. Both switches have different characteristics when it comes to bottom out force, with the Smoothie Silver having an unknown bottom out force and the White Lotus having a medium-light bottom out force of 56 grams. Those who prefer a lighter typing experience may lean towards the Smoothie Silver, as it allows for longer periods of typing without strain. In contrast, individuals looking for a more substantial typing experience may opt for the White Lotus due to its slightly heavier actuation force. Ultimately, it is important to consider personal preference and typing style when choosing between these two switches to achieve the desired typing experience.
Travel distance
The Gateron Smoothie Silver linear switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm, making it shorter than the Durock White Lotus tactile switch which has a travel distance of 4 mm. In terms of responsiveness, the Smoothie Silver would be preferred by gamers looking for faster response times due to its shorter travel distance. On the other hand, those who prefer a more substantial key press may lean towards the White Lotus with its longer travel distance. Both switches offer different tactile experiences based on their travel distances, so it ultimately comes down to personal preference when choosing between the two.
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 Durock White Lotus has an MSRP of $5.60 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the White Lotus for $4.57.
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, offering a pleasant deep tone that many enthusiasts find satisfying. On the other hand, the Durock White Lotus tactile switch is described as having a low-pitched sound profile, which lends itself to a more mellow and bass-heavy tone. Both switches provide unique auditory experiences, with the Smoothie Silver delivering a deep thock and the White Lotus offering a more gentle and soothing sound, depending on the user's preference and setup.
In terms of feel, the Gateron Smoothie Silver linear switch is praised for its unparalleled smoothness and feather-light touch, providing a fast and effortless typing experience. Conversely, the Durock White Lotus tactile switch is lauded for its easy-to-press nature, which requires minimal force to activate the keys, reducing finger fatigue during extended typing sessions. Additionally, the White Lotus switch offers a mild and subtle typing experience, perfect for users who prefer a more gentle and approachable tactile feedback.
Overall, the Gateron Smoothie Silver linear switch and the Durock White Lotus tactile switch each bring unique qualities to the table, catering to different preferences in sound and feel. While the Smoothie Silver excels in providing a thocky sound and lightning-fast actuation, the White Lotus stands out for its delicate tactility and easy-to-press nature. Ultimately, both switches offer a premium typing experience that is sure to enhance any keyboard setup, ensuring that users will find satisfaction in their choice based on their personal preferences in sound and feel.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a lightning-fast and feather-light typing experience with a thocky sound, unparalleled smoothness, and a short travel distance, then the Gateron Smoothie Silver linear switch would be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a delicate tactility that strikes the perfect balance, making it suitable for work and extended typing sessions without overwhelming you, along with the added bonus of vibrant RGB lighting effects, then the Durock White Lotus tactile switch is the way to go. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preference for typing feel, sound profile, and desired features in a mechanical keyboard switch. Choose the one that best suits your typing style and enhances your overall typing experience.
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