Gateron Smoothie Silver vs. Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile

Overview

When it comes to choosing between the Gateron Smoothie Silver and the Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile mechanical keyboard switches, you are presented with two distinct options. The Smoothie Silver is a linear switch known for its lightning-fast actuation, thocky sound, unparalleled smoothness, and feather-light touch. On the other hand, the WS Heavy Tactile is a tactile switch that boasts a profound tactile experience with a 70g bump, immersive resistance, and captivating "thocky" sound, making typing engaging and satisfying. While the Smoothie Silver may be ideal for those seeking a swift and smooth typing experience, the WS Heavy Tactile caters to individuals who enjoy a more tactile and satisfying typing 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

Gateron Smoothie Silver Linear

Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile Tactile

$3.00

$2.60 per 10

$3.50 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

Both the Gateron Smoothie Silver and the Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile utilize different materials for their top and bottom housing components. The Smoothie Silver boasts a POM top housing, known for creating a deeper and relatively muted sound profile. In comparison, the WS Heavy Tactile features a nylon top housing, which produces a fuller and rounder sound due to its softer plastic composition. While both housing materials aim to enhance the typing experience, the POM top housing of the Smoothie Silver may appeal to those looking for a more subtle and pleasing sound, whereas the nylon top housing of the WS Heavy Tactile offers a deeper and fuller sound profile.

Moving onto the bottom housing materials, the Gateron Smoothie Silver utilizes a POM material which, like its top housing counterpart, contributes to the switch's deeper and more muted sound profile. Meanwhile, the Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile incorporates a nylon bottom housing, known for its ability to absorb sound and create a duller, rounder sound. Both bottom housing materials play a significant role in the overall sound and feel of the switch, with the POM housing of the Smoothie Silver providing a cohesive sound experience and the nylon housing of the WS Heavy Tactile offering a softer and more absorbing sound profile.

In summary, while the Gateron Smoothie Silver and the Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile both prioritize sound quality through their top and bottom housing materials, they offer unique characteristics to cater to different preferences. The POM housing of the Smoothie Silver creates a pleasing and subtle sound experience, whereas the nylon housing of the WS Heavy Tactile produces a fuller and rounder sound profile. Despite their differences, both switches ultimately aim to enhance the typing experience through the strategic use of housing materials that impact sound and feel in distinct ways.

Weight

The Gateron Smoothie Silver linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile tactile switch share a similar actuation force of 45 grams, making them equally light in terms of triggering keystrokes. However, their bottom out forces differ significantly. The Smoothie Silver has an unknown bottom out force, while the WS Heavy Tactile requires a heavier 70 grams of force to fully depress the key. This means that the WS Heavy Tactile switch offers a more substantial typing experience for those who prefer a stronger push feel. The lighter actuation force of both switches makes typing for extended periods more comfortable, but the heavier bottom out force of the WS Heavy Tactile switch may be preferred by users looking for a more robust and tactile typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on personal preference for actuation and bottom out forces.

Travel distance

The Gateron Smoothie Silver linear switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm, slightly longer than the Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile tactile switch, which has a travel distance of 3.2 mm. Both switches fall within the category of shorter travel distances, ideal for those looking for faster response times, such as gamers. The difference of 0.2 mm between the two may not be noticeable to most users, but for those who prefer a slightly deeper key press, the Smoothie Silver may provide a slightly more substantial feel. Ultimately, both switches offer a relatively short travel distance compared to traditional switches, catering to those who value speed and efficiency in their typing or gaming experience.

Price comparison

Typing experience

In terms of sound, the Gateron Smoothie Silver linear switch is best known for its thocky sound, which is smooth and satisfying, creating a pleasant auditory experience while typing. On the other hand, the Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile tactile switch offers a clacky and high-pitched sound profile, providing a sharp and crisp sound when pressed. Both switches aim to deliver an immersive typing experience through their unique sound characteristics, catering to different preferences and tastes.

When it comes to feel, the Gateron Smoothie Silver linear switch is recognized for its unparalleled smoothness and feather-light touch, allowing for rapid actuation and effortless typing. In contrast, the Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile offers a bouncy and sharp tactile feedback, with a 70g bump providing a pronounced and reactive typing sensation. The WS Heavy Tactile switch also features an invigorating tactile experience, ensuring that each keypress is engaging and satisfying for the user.

In conclusion, the Gateron Smoothie Silver linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile tactile switch offer distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Smoothie Silver provides a smooth and thocky sound with a light touch, while the WS Heavy Tactile switch delivers a clacky and high-pitched sound with a bouncy and sharp tactile feedback. Depending on individual preferences and typing style, users can choose between these switches to enhance their typing experience with the desired sound and feel characteristics. Ultimately, both switches aim to provide a satisfying and engaging typing experience, ensuring that users can enjoy their mechanical keyboards to the fullest.

Conclusion

To wrap up, when considering whether to choose the Gateron Smoothie Silver linear switch or the Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile tactile switch, it ultimately comes down to your personal preferences and typing style. If you value a feather-light touch, lightning-fast actuation, and unparalleled smoothness with a thocky sound, then the Smoothie Silver may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-heavy bottom out force, a profound tactile experience with a 70g bump, and an immersive typing experience with a captivating "thocky" sound, then the WS Heavy Tactile switch would be more suitable. Each switch offers unique characteristics in terms of sound and feel, so it's important to consider what qualities you prioritize in a mechanical keyboard switch before making your decision. Ultimately, both switches have their own strengths and can enhance your typing experience in different ways.

Mentioned in this article

Gateron Smoothie Silver Linear

$3.00

$2.60 per 10

Learn more

Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile Tactile

$3.50 per 10

Learn more