Gateron Smoothie Silver vs. Wuque Studio WS Brown
An in-depth look at the Gateron Smoothie Silver and the Wuque Studio WS Brown switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between the Gateron Smoothie Silver linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Brown tactile switch, there are distinct differences that cater to varying preferences. The Smoothie Silver stands out for its lightning-fast actuation and thocky sound, making it an ideal choice for those seeking a smooth and light typing experience. On the other hand, the WS Brown offers a balance between responsiveness and comfort with its medium-light actuation force, perfect for extended typing sessions. 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
N/A
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
55g
Pre-travel
1.20 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Total travel
3.80 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
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-stage spring
Housing materials
The Gateron Smoothie Silver utilizes POM for both its top and bottom housing, resulting in an incredibly pleasing and unique sound profile that is deep and relatively muted. On the other hand, the Wuque Studio WS Brown opts for nylon for both its top and bottom housing, creating a deeper and fuller sound profile that is duller and rounder due to the softer plastic's ability to absorb more sound. Despite these differences in material, both switches offer a similar experience in terms of sound, with the POM of the Smoothie Silver and the nylon of the WS Brown both contributing to a rich and satisfying typing experience.
While the top housing material has a greater impact on the sound when releasing a key, the bottom housing material is more influential on the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing down on a switch. In the case of the Smoothie Silver, the POM top and bottom housing combine to create a sound profile that is on the deeper side and relatively more muted, while the WS Brown's nylon top and bottom housing result in a deeper and fuller sound that is rounder and duller. Despite these differences, both switches offer a unique typing experience that is enhanced by the respective housing materials used.
Overall, the choice between the Gateron Smoothie Silver and the Wuque Studio WS Brown ultimately comes down to personal preference in terms of sound profile and typing feel. While the Smoothie Silver's POM housing provides a more unique and pleasing sound that is on the deeper side, the WS Brown's nylon housing offers a fuller sound profile that is also deep but with a rounder and duller tone. Regardless of the housing material used, both switches offer a high-quality typing experience that is sure to satisfy mechanical keyboard enthusiasts seeking a premium sound and feel.
Weight
The Gateron Smoothie Silver linear switch has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams compared to the Wuque Studio WS Brown tactile switch, which has an unknown actuation force. However, the WS Brown has a heavier bottom out force of 55 grams, while the bottom out force of the Smoothie Silver is not specified. Those who prefer a lighter typing experience may lean towards the Smoothie Silver for its lower actuation force, ideal for extended typing or gaming sessions. On the other hand, the WS Brown may appeal to those who prefer a more substantial typing feel with its heavier bottom out force. Both switches offer unique typing experiences, with the Smoothie Silver providing a lighter touch and the WS Brown offering a more tactile feel.
Travel distance
The Gateron Smoothie Silver linear switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm, while the Wuque Studio WS Brown tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.8 mm. In this case, the Smoothie Silver has a shorter travel distance compared to the WS Brown. This means that the Smoothie Silver will provide a quicker response time when typing or gaming, as the distance the switch travels from top to bottom is shorter. On the other hand, the WS Brown switch offers a slightly longer travel distance, providing a more satisfying depth when pressing down on the key. Depending on personal preference, some may prefer the quicker response of the Smoothie Silver, while others may appreciate the more deliberate feel of the WS Brown. Ultimately, choosing between the two switches comes down to individual typing or gaming preferences.
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 Wuque Studio WS Brown comes in at $3.50 per 10 switches.
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 Gateron Smoothie Silver linear switch is known for its smooth and light touch, providing a thocky sound experience that many enthusiasts enjoy. On the other hand, the Wuque Studio WS Brown tactile switch offers a comfortable typing experience with a medium-light actuation force, striking a balance between responsiveness and comfort. When it comes to sound, the Smoothie Silver is likely to produce a more distinct thocky sound, while the WS Brown may offer a more subtle and familiar auditory experience due to its nylon housing and POM stem combination.
In terms of feel, the Gateron Smoothie Silver is known for its unparalleled smoothness and feather-light touch, making it ideal for those who prefer a light keypress. Meanwhile, the Wuque Studio WS Brown offers a tactile feedback that provides a satisfying typing experience, giving users a tactile bump upon actuation. Both switches are likely to provide a solid and reliable typing experience, but the Smoothie Silver may offer a smoother feel while the WS Brown gives a more pronounced tactile response.
Overall, if you are looking for a linear switch with a smooth and light touch that provides a thocky sound, the Gateron Smoothie Silver may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a tactile switch with a comfortable typing experience and medium-light actuation force, the Wuque Studio WS Brown could be a great option. Ultimately, the best switch for you will depend on your personal preferences in terms of sound, feel, and typing experience.
Conclusion
Therefore, when choosing between the Gateron Smoothie Silver linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Brown tactile switch, consider your preference for actuation force and typing experience. If you value a feather-light touch and lightning-fast actuation, the Smoothie Silver may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-light actuation force and a balance between responsiveness and comfort, the WS Brown could be the perfect fit. Ultimately, the decision comes down to your personal typing style and the characteristics that are most important to you in a mechanical keyboard switch.
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