Gateron Smoothie Silver vs. Wuque Studio WS Onion
An in-depth look at the Gateron Smoothie Silver and the Wuque Studio WS Onion switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Gateron Smoothie Silver with the Wuque Studio WS Onion mechanical keyboard switches, it's clear that both offer unique features that cater to different preferences. The Smoothie Silver is renowned for its lightning-fast actuation thanks to its all-POM construction, offering a thocky sound, unmatched smoothness, and a light touch. On the other hand, the WS Onion stands out with its polycarbonate top housing and nylon bottom housing, providing a buttery smooth keystroke feel that is incredibly satisfying, along with a crisp responsiveness and neutral sound profile. Both switches have their own appeal, but which one is best for you depends on your specific preferences and typing style. 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
63.5g
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
Partial box
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
WS CL635 Gold Plated Stainless Spring
Housing materials
The Gateron Smoothie Silver and the Wuque Studio WS Onion both offer unique qualities in their housing materials. The Smoothie Silver features a POM top and bottom housing, while the WS Onion utilizes a polycarbonate top housing and a nylon bottom housing. The POM housing of the Smoothie Silver creates a deep and muted sound profile, while the polycarbonate top housing of the WS Onion produces a sharper and crisper sound. On the other hand, the nylon bottom housing of the WS Onion generates a fuller and rounder sound compared to the POM bottom housing of the Smoothie Silver.
Despite the differences in housing materials, both switches aim to provide a satisfying sound experience for keyboard enthusiasts. The POM and polycarbonate top housings of the Smoothie Silver and WS Onion, respectively, contribute to the overall sound profile of the switches. The POM housing creates a unique sound that is deep and muted, while the polycarbonate housing produces a sharper and clearer sound. Additionally, the nylon bottom housing of the WS Onion absorbs more sound and creates a duller sound profile, contrasting with the fuller sound of the POM bottom housing of the Smoothie Silver.
In terms of construction, the choice of housing materials plays a significant role in the sound and feel of the switches. The split design of the housing materials in the Smoothie Silver and WS Onion allows for a balance of qualities between the top and bottom of the switches. The impact of the bottom housing is felt when pressing down on the switch, affecting the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing influences the sound when releasing a key. Whether POM, polycarbonate, or nylon, each housing material brings a unique sonic characteristic to the switches, catering to the preferences of keyboard users seeking a specific sound profile.
Weight
In comparing the Gateron Smoothie Silver linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Onion linear switch, the actuation and bottom out forces play a crucial role in determining the overall typing experience. The Gateron Smoothie Silver is lighter, with an actuation force of 45 grams, while the Wuque Studio WS Onion is heavier, with a bottom out force of 63.5 grams. This means that the Smoothie Silver will provide a lighter and more effortless typing experience, ideal for prolonged use without fatigue. On the other hand, the WS Onion offers a more substantial push feel, making it suitable for those who prefer a more pronounced typing feedback. Despite their differences in force, both switches are designed to deliver a smooth keystroke and consistent performance. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on personal preference for typing feel and weight preference.
Travel distance
The Gateron Smoothie Silver linear switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm, making it a shorter option compared to the Wuque Studio WS Onion linear switch, which has a travel distance of 4 mm. The Smoothie Silver is ideal for those looking for a faster response time, such as gamers who prefer swift key presses. On the other hand, the WS Onion provides a bit more depth with its longer travel distance, making it a good choice for those who enjoy a more substantial feel when typing. Both switches offer different experiences based on their travel distance, so it ultimately comes down to personal preference.
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 Onion has an MSRP of $7.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the WS Onion for $5.53.
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
In terms of sound, the Smoothie Silver linear switch is known for its thocky sound profile, while the WS Onion linear switch offers a more neutral sound profile. The thocky sound of the Smoothie Silver provides a satisfying auditory experience, especially for users who enjoy a deeper and more pronounced sound with each key press. On the other hand, the neutral sound profile of the WS Onion makes it a versatile option suitable for various environments and preferences. Ultimately, the sound produced by both switches will be further influenced by the choice of keyboard and keycaps used.
When it comes to feel, the Smoothie Silver linear switch is celebrated for its unparalleled smoothness and feather-light touch. Meanwhile, the WS Onion linear switch boasts a buttery and polished keystroke experience, offering a seamless and refined typing sensation. The smoothness and light touch of the Smoothie Silver provide a fast and effortless typing experience, ideal for users seeking quick actuation and responsiveness. Similarly, the buttery and polished feel of the WS Onion delivers a smooth and uniform typing sensation, making it a comfortable option for extended typing sessions.
Overall, the Gateron Smoothie Silver linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Onion linear switch each offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the Smoothie Silver excels in providing a thocky sound and lightweight touch, the WS Onion stands out with its neutral sound profile and buttery, polished keystroke feel. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on individual preferences for sound, feel, and typing experience. It's important to consider personal preferences and use case scenarios when selecting between these two excellent options.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the Gateron Smoothie Silver linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Onion linear switch, consider your preferences for actuation force and typing experience. If you prefer a lighter touch and lightning-fast actuation, the Smoothie Silver may be the better choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-heavy actuation force and a buttery smooth keystroke feel, the WS Onion switch may be more suitable. Keep in mind that the Smoothie Silver offers a thocky sound and unparalleled smoothness, while the WS Onion provides a neutral sound profile and a polished, buttery feel. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal typing preferences and the experience you desire from your mechanical keyboard switches.
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