Gateron Smoothie Silver vs. Wuque Studio WS POM+
An in-depth look at the Gateron Smoothie Silver and the Wuque Studio WS POM+ 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 POM+ offer unique features that cater to different typing preferences. The Smoothie Silver, renowned for its all-POM design, boasts a remarkably short travel distance that allows for lightning-fast actuation, making it ideal for gamers who necessitate quick response times. Its thocky sound combined with an ultra-smooth feel and a feather-light touch also appeals to those who prioritize a seamless typing experience. On the other hand, the WS POM+ stands out with its deep, satisfying "thock" sound signature and buttery-smooth keystroke, providing a more tactile and immersive sensation that many typists and writers cherish. While both switches share the benefits of being linear and constructed from POM material, their distinct sound profiles and actuation characteristics may sway your choice based on whether you prioritize speed or auditory satisfaction. 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
55g
Pre-travel
1.20 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Total travel
3.60 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
POM
Bottom housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm extended double-stage spring
Spring
22mm extended double-stage spring
Housing materials
Both the Gateron Smoothie Silver and the Wuque Studio WS POM+ use POM (Polyoxymethylene) for their switch housings, which gives each switch unique properties that contribute significantly to their sound and feel. In both cases, the top and bottom housing utilizes POM, creating an incredibly pleasing and unique sound profile described as deep and relatively muted. This means that when a user presses down on the switch, they can expect a consistent auditory experience from both switches, emphasizing depth in frequency while minimizing sharp overtones. The shared material indicates that enthusiasts seeking a smooth typing experience may find both options equally appealing.
Despite their identical choice of POM material, the Smoothie Silver and WS POM+ may introduce slight variations in feel and sound through the nuances of their design. The design aspects of the switches, such as their stem type, spring tension, and overall assembly, could affect how each switch feels and sounds during use. The bottom housing plays a significant role in the bottom-out sound and the overall feel when the switch is fully pressed down, while the top housing primarily influences the sound when releasing the key. This means that although both switches share POM in their construction, the specific design choices made by Gateron and Wuque Studio could lead to different user experiences, revealing the subtle distinctions that characterize each product.
Overall, users can expect similar auditory characteristics due to the use of POM in both switches, resulting in a harmonious sound profile that is muted and deep. However, it is worth noting that the final experience may be determined by the intricate details of how these materials are implemented in their respective designs. Fans of mechanical keyboards who value sound profiles may also find that these similarities foster a comparable level of enjoyment between the two switches, making either option a solid choice for someone looking to enhance their typing experience with smooth and pleasing acoustics.
Weight
The Gateron Smoothie Silver linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS POM+ linear switch share the same actuation force of 45 grams, making them equally light in terms of the force required to trigger a keystroke. This similarity means that users will experience a comparable level of effort when typing or gaming, which can be advantageous for those who prioritize long sessions at the keyboard. However, the bottom out force sets these two switches apart. The Smoothie Silver does not have an available bottom out force, while the WS POM+ has a bottom out force of 55 grams, classified as medium-light. This indicates that the WS POM+ requires a greater force to press down fully compared to the Smoothie Silver, making it the heavier option in that regard. As a result, users who prefer a more substantial typing experience may lean towards the WS POM+, while those looking for a lighter touch may opt for the Gateron Smoothie Silver, if its bottom out characteristics align with their preferences.
Travel distance
The Gateron Smoothie Silver linear switch features a travel distance of 3.4 mm, making it the shorter option in comparison to the Wuque Studio WS POM+ switch, which has a travel distance of 3.6 mm. This difference of 0.2 mm means that the Smoothie Silver is designed for a quicker response time, appealing particularly to gamers who favor faster keystrokes for a competitive edge. On the other hand, the WS POM+, with its greater travel distance, may provide a more substantial feel, which some users prefer for a more pronounced tactile experience. Ultimately, if responsiveness is your priority, the Gateron Smoothie Silver will deliver a snappier performance, while the longer travel distance of the WS POM+ caters to those who enjoy a more robust depth in their keystrokes.
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 POM+ comes in at $3.90 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
In terms of sound, the Gateron Smoothie Silver switch is characterized by a thocky sound that adds a rich auditory experience to typing. This soft yet pronounced sound creates an engaging environment that many enthusiasts appreciate. Similarly, the Wuque Studio WS POM+ also delivers a deep, satisfying "thock" sound signature, providing a similarly satisfying auditory feedback during each keystroke. Both switches offer a sound quality that enhances the overall typing experience, though the specific acoustic characteristics may vary depending on the keyboard build and keycap selection.
When it comes to feel, the Smoothie Silver is renowned for its unparalleled smoothness and a feather-light touch, allowing for effortless keystrokes that make it feel quick and responsive. In comparison, the WS POM+ is also celebrated for its buttery-smooth keystroke, which ensures a seamless typing experience that many users find pleasurable. While the Smoothie Silver caters to those who prioritize a lightweight actuation, the WS POM+ may appeal to those who appreciate that same level of smoothness paired with a deeper acoustic profile. Both switches aim to deliver a pleasant tactile sensation, making them appealing choices for linear switch enthusiasts.
In conclusion, both the Gateron Smoothie Silver and Wuque Studio WS POM+ linear switches offer distinct but complementary qualities that make them enticing options for newcomers to the mechanical keyboard world. With their rich thocky sounds and luxuriously smooth keystrokes, these switches provide an engaging auditory and tactile experience. Whether you lean towards the feather-light actuation of the Smoothie Silver or the satisfying resistance of the WS POM+, both switches will yield a delightful typing experience that’s hard to overlook.
Conclusion
To conclude, when deciding between the Gateron Smoothie Silver and the Wuque Studio WS POM+ linear switch, it ultimately depends on your typing preferences and usage scenarios. If you prioritize speed and responsiveness, the Smoothie Silver is an excellent choice, thanks to its feather-light touch and incredibly short travel distance, making it ideal for gamers or those who require quick actuation. Its thocky sound adds an enjoyable auditory feedback, enhancing the overall typing experience for users who appreciate a lively sound. On the other hand, if you prefer a more substantial and controlled feel, the WS POM+ would be your go-to switch. With its medium-light bottom out force of 55 grams, it offers a gratifying keystroke that balances performance with comfort, making it suitable for longer typing sessions or for those who enjoy a deeper, more resonant sound signature. Ultimately, your choice should align with your personal preferences for actuation, sound, and tactile feedback, allowing you to find the perfect mechanical switch that enhances your overall typing experience.
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