Gateron Smoothie Silver vs. Wuque Studio WS Dash
An in-depth look at the Gateron Smoothie Silver and the Wuque Studio WS Dash 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 Wuque Studio WS Dash presents a fascinating exploration of touch and sound dynamics. The Smoothie Silver, an all-POM linear switch, is celebrated for its short travel distance and lightning-fast actuation, offering users an incredibly smooth typing experience with a distinct "thocky" sound profile and an effortlessly light touch. This makes it an excellent choice for gamers or typists seeking speed and precision. On the other hand, the WS Dash, a Hall Effect switch inspired by the iconic Magnetic Jade, delivers a bright and clacky sound signature combined with a silky smooth keystroke, providing a different tactile experience that may appeal to those who appreciate a bit more auditory feedback in their typing. While the Smoothie Silver champions speed and sleekness, the WS Dash thrives on refinement and a unique acoustic experience. 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
30g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
55g
Pre-travel
1.20 mm
Pre-travel
N/A
Total travel
3.40 mm
Total travel
3.50 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
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 the Wuque Studio WS Dash differ significantly in their housing materials, resulting in contrasting sound profiles and overall tactile experiences. The Smoothie Silver features a top housing made of POM (polyoxymethylene), which is known for producing a deeper, more muted sound. This creates a unique auditory experience that many users find appealing, as it offers a distinct and pleasing tone while typing. In contrast, the WS Dash utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, which typically results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. The inherent stiffness of polycarbonate contributes to its resonant qualities, making the auditory feedback upon key release more pronounced. Thus, while both switches serve similar functional purposes, their sound profiles due to their differing materials provide unique sensory experiences to the user.
The bottom housings of the two switches also showcase a difference in materials and their resulting acoustic properties. The Smoothie Silver utilizes a POM bottom housing, which complements its top housing by maintaining that deeper sound profile. This softer plastic inherently absorbs sound, contributing to the overall muted characteristics of the switch. On the other hand, the WS Dash incorporates a nylon bottom housing; due to nylon's softer nature, it creates a fuller and deeper sound profile. This attributes to a duller and rounder auditory experience that contrasts with the sharp clarity from the polycarbonate top. Thus, the pairing of housing materials in each switch plays a critical role in shaping their unique sound profiles, reinforcing the differences in tactile perceptions while typing.
In terms of performance, the differences between the Smoothie Silver and WS Dash highlight how the characteristics of the top and bottom housings can collectively influence the switch's feel and sound. While the Smoothie Silver provides a cohesive muted experience through the synergy of POM materials in both the top and bottom housings, the WS Dash's combination of polycarbonate and nylon maximizes the contrast between its sharper top sound and fuller bottom response. If one were to use both types of switches in a keyboard, they might find that despite their individual differences, both can still create enjoyable typing experiences depending on personal preferences. The interaction of materials leads to tonal variances, but in a mixed setting, each switch can hit different auditory notes that collectively contribute to an engaging typing environment.
Weight
When comparing the Gateron Smoothie Silver linear switch to the Wuque Studio WS Dash hall effect switch, notable differences in actuation force are evident, despite the bottom out force of the Smoothie Silver being unknown. The Smoothie Silver features an actuation force of 45 grams, while the WS Dash requires only 30 grams for actuation, making the WS Dash the lighter option. This lower actuation force in the WS Dash may provide a more effortless typing experience, ideal for users who type for extended periods or engage in long gaming sessions. In contrast, the Smoothie Silver's higher actuation force may appeal to those who prefer a more substantial typing feel. However, the WS Dash has a bottom out force of 55 grams, indicating a firmer response when the switch is fully pressed down. The Smoothie Silver's bottom out force remains unspecified, so we cannot directly compare this aspect. Overall, if users are seeking a softer, lighter experience, the WS Dash is the superior choice, while those who prefer a bit of resistance should lean towards the Gateron Smoothie Silver.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Gateron Smoothie Silver linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Dash hall effect switch, it's evident that they differ slightly. The Smoothie Silver has a travel distance of 3.4 mm, while the WS Dash measures at 3.5 mm. This makes the Smoothie Silver the shorter option, which may appeal to gamers seeking quicker response times due to its reduced distance. Conversely, the WS Dash's 3.5 mm travel distance offers a slightly more traditional feel, which could be preferable for those who enjoy a bit more depth in their keystrokes. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will come down to personal preference; if you prefer the shorter travel for a more responsive experience, the Smoothie Silver is the way to go, while the WS Dash caters to those who favor a more substantial feel.
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 Dash has an MSRP of $8.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the WS Dash for $7.49.
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 switch is characterized by a thocky resonance, providing a softer and more subdued auditory feedback with each keystroke. This makes it a preferable choice for users seeking a quieter typing experience while still maintaining an engaging sound. In contrast, the Wuque Studio WS Dash switch produces a bright and clacky sound signature, delivering a more pronounced auditory experience that can be very satisfying for those who enjoy a sharper keypress sound. The differences in sound may be experienced more notably depending on the keyboard setup and keycap material used.
Regarding feel, the Smoothie Silver switch offers an exceptionally smooth keystroke complemented by a feather-light touch, enabling quick and effortless typing that can be particularly beneficial for gamers and typists who prefer a more responsive switch. On the other hand, the WS Dash provides a silky smooth keystroke as well, making it easy to glide through long typing sessions. While both switches are smooth, the distinct weight and actuation feel between them makes the Smoothie Silver ideal for fast-paced actions, while the WS Dash may feel slightly more substantial, catering to users who appreciate a bit more tactile engagement.
In conclusion, while both the Gateron Smoothie Silver and Wuque Studio WS Dash switches excel in offering a smooth typing experience, they cater to different auditory preferences and tactile sensations. The Smoothie Silver strikes a balance with its thocky sound and feather-light touch, perfect for those valuing quiet and responsive action, whereas the WS Dash presents a brighter sound alongside a similarly smooth feel, appealing to users who enjoy an energizing auditory feedback. Depending on your priority for sound and feel, either switch could provide a high level of satisfaction, albeit in their unique ways.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the Gateron Smoothie Silver linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Dash hall effect switch should largely depend on your specific typing preferences and the tasks you're aiming to accomplish. If you prioritize lightning-fast actuation and a light, feather-touch feel, the Smoothie Silver is an excellent option. It's particularly suitable for gaming, where speed can make a difference, and its thocky sound adds a unique auditory experience that some users appreciate. However, if you're looking for a switch that offers a medium-light resistance with a more refined sound character, the WS Dash might be your preferred choice. The bright, clacky sound signature along with a silky smooth keystroke can enhance your typing experience, making it great for both productive tasks and casual gaming. Ultimately, consider the balance of actuation force, sound preferences, and the tactile feedback you desire when making your decision.
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