Gateron Smoothie Silver vs. Wuque Studio WS Light Tactile
An in-depth look at the Gateron Smoothie Silver and the Wuque Studio WS Light Tactile switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Gateron Smoothie Silver and the Wuque Studio WS Light Tactile are two popular options to consider. The Smoothie Silver is a linear switch that stands out for its lightning-fast actuation and thocky sound, offering unparalleled smoothness and a feather-light touch. On the other hand, the WS Light Tactile is a tactile switch known for its smoothness, snappy tactile bump, and neutral sound signature. It is categorized as Stepped, Neutral, and Easy-to-press. Each switch caters to different preferences and typing styles, making them suitable for a range of users. 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
45g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
50g
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
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
15.4mm single-staged spring
Housing materials
The Gateron Smoothie Silver and the Wuque Studio WS Light Tactile both feature unique housing materials that contribute to their overall sound profiles. The Smoothie Silver boasts a POM top housing, which creates a deep and muted sound that is pleasing to the ears. In contrast, the WS Light Tactile utilizes a polycarbonate top housing that produces a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. While the POM housing of the Smoothie Silver provides a more subdued sound, the polycarbonate housing of the WS Light Tactile offers a brighter and more resonant sound experience.
Moving on to the bottom housing materials, the Smoothie Silver's POM bottom housing delivers a similar deep and muted sound profile to its top housing. On the other hand, the WS Light Tactile features a nylon bottom housing, which results in a fuller and deeper sound when typing. The softer nature of nylon absorbs more sound than harder plastics, resulting in a rounder and duller sound. While both switches offer unique sound profiles due to their housing materials, the nylon bottom housing of the WS Light Tactile provides a different tactile experience compared to the POM bottom housing of the Smoothie Silver.
In terms of how the housing materials impact the overall typing experience, the qualities brought by the top and bottom housings are distinctly felt. The bottom housing plays a significant role in the bottom-out sound and feel of a key press, showcasing the characteristics of the material used. Conversely, the top housing influences the sound produced when releasing a key, highlighting the individual sound profiles of the housing materials. Whether it be the deep and muted sound of POM or the sharp and crisp sound of polycarbonate, each switch offers a unique typing experience driven by its housing materials.
Weight
The actuation force of both the Gateron Smoothie Silver linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Light Tactile tactile switch is 45 grams, indicating that they both require the same amount of force to register a keypress. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the WS Light Tactile switch has a weight of 50 grams, making it slightly heavier than the Smoothie Silver switch, which has an unknown bottom out force. For those who prefer a lighter keypress for extended typing or gaming sessions, the Smoothie Silver may be the preferred choice. On the other hand, individuals who enjoy a more substantial typing experience may lean towards the WS Light Tactile switch due to its heavier bottom out force. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and typing style.
Travel distance
The Gateron Smoothie Silver linear switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm, making it shorter than the Wuque Studio WS Light Tactile tactile switch, which has a travel distance of 4 mm. The shorter travel distance of the Smoothie Silver may appeal to gamers looking for faster response times, while the longer travel distance of the WS Light Tactile may provide a more satisfying typing experience for those who prefer a deeper key press. Both switches offer different tactile experiences, so it ultimately comes down to personal preference in terms of travel distance and key 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 Light Tactile comes in at $4.20 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
When it comes to sound, the Gateron Smoothie Silver linear switch is known for its thocky sound, which is a deep and satisfying noise when typing. On the other hand, the Wuque Studio WS Light Tactile tactile switch offers a neutral sound profile, making it a versatile option suitable for various environments. Both switches provide a pleasant typing experience, with the Smoothie Silver offering a unique thocky sound and the WS Light Tactile providing a more neutral auditory experience.
In terms of feel, the Gateron Smoothie Silver linear switch is praised for its unparalleled smoothness and feather-light touch due to its all-POM construction. In comparison, the Wuque Studio WS Light Tactile tactile switch offers a stepped tactile feel, providing a subtle and distinct bump during key presses. Additionally, the WS Light Tactile switch is easy-to-press, requiring minimal force to activate and reducing finger fatigue during extended typing sessions. While the Smoothie Silver focuses on smoothness and a light touch, the WS Light Tactile offers a more noticeable tactile response for those who prefer a bit more feedback while typing.
Overall, the Gateron Smoothie Silver linear switch stands out for its thocky sound, unmatched smoothness, and feather-light touch, making it a popular choice for those seeking a unique typing experience. On the other hand, the Wuque Studio WS Light Tactile tactile switch provides a neutral sound profile, stepped tactile feel, and easy-to-press actuation, catering to users looking for a more traditional typing experience with a tactile bump. Both switches offer their own set of subjective qualities that cater to different preferences, ensuring that users will find a switch that suits their individual typing style.
Conclusion
In summary, when deciding between the Gateron Smoothie Silver linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Light Tactile tactile switch, consider your preferences for typing experience. If you prioritize lightning-fast actuation, a thocky sound, and feather-light touch, the Smoothie Silver might be the best choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a switch that combines smoothness with a snappy tactile bump, maintains a neutral sound signature, and offers easy-to-press keys for reduced finger fatigue during extended typing sessions, then the WS Light Tactile switch may be more suitable for your needs. Ultimately, the decision should be based on your personal typing style and preferences to ensure an optimal keyboard experience.
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