Gateron Smoothie Silver vs. Wuque Studio WS Silent Tactile
An in-depth look at the Gateron Smoothie Silver and the Wuque Studio WS Silent 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 Silent Tactile offer distinct experiences for users seeking different qualities. The Smoothie Silver stands out for its lightning-fast actuation and thocky sound, providing unparalleled smoothness and a feather-light touch in a linear switch design. In contrast, the WS Silent Tactile from Wuque Studio caters to those in office environments with its medium tactility and superior noise reduction, thanks to precision-engineered stem railings that ensure a silent yet crisp typing experience in a tactile switch design. While the Smoothie Silver excels in speed and smoothness, the WS Silent Tactile shines in offering a quiet and tactile 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
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
3.50 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
Nylon
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
15mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
The Gateron Smoothie Silver and the Wuque Studio WS Silent Tactile both feature unique housing materials that contribute to their distinct sound profiles. The Smoothie Silver's POM top housing creates a deeper and relatively muted sound, which can provide a quieter typing experience. In contrast, the WS Silent Tactile's nylon top housing produces a fuller and deeper sound due to its softer plastic material that absorbs more sound. While both switches offer unique sound profiles, the Smoothie Silver may be more suitable for those seeking a quieter typing experience, while the WS Silent Tactile may appeal to users looking for a fuller and deeper sound.
When it comes to the bottom housing, the Gateron Smoothie Silver's POM bottom housing maintains the same pleasing and unique sound profile as its top housing, resulting in a consistent typing experience. On the other hand, the WS Silent Tactile's nylon bottom housing also contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile, aligning with its top housing characteristics. Both switches benefit from the qualities of their respective bottom housings, which impact the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing down on the keys. Overall, users can expect a consistent and satisfying typing experience from both switches thanks to their well-designed bottom housings.
While the top and bottom housing materials of the Gateron Smoothie Silver and the Wuque Studio WS Silent Tactile differ, each material brings unique qualities to the overall sound profile of the switches. The Smoothie Silver's POM top and bottom housings work together to create a pleasing and muted sound, while the WS Silent Tactile's nylon top and bottom housings produce a fuller and deeper sound. The impact of the bottom housing is felt when pressing down on the keys, influencing the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing plays a role in the sound when releasing a key. In the end, both switches offer distinct sound profiles that cater to different preferences in typing experiences.
Weight
The Gateron Smoothie Silver linear switch has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams compared to the Wuque Studio WS Silent Tactile switch, which has an unknown actuation force. On the other hand, the WS Silent Tactile switch has a heavier bottom out force of 63.5 grams, while the bottom out force of the Smoothie Silver switch is unknown. The actuation force of the Smoothie Silver switch allows for a lighter typing experience, making it suitable for longer typing sessions or gaming. In contrast, the WS Silent Tactile switch provides a more substantial typing experience with its heavier bottom out force, appealing to those who prefer a stronger push feel. It is important to consider these differences in weight when choosing between the two switches based on individual preference for typing feedback and comfort during extended use.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Gateron Smoothie Silver linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Silent Tactile tactile switch, we can see that the Smoothie Silver has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.4 mm compared to the WS Silent Tactile's 3.5 mm. While the difference may seem minimal, it can still impact the feel and responsiveness of the switch when typing or gaming. Gamers who prioritize faster response times may lean towards the Smoothie Silver with its shorter travel distance, while those who prefer a deeper key press may opt for the WS Silent Tactile. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, which are becoming increasingly popular in the market for their efficiency and speed. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will depend on personal preference and typing style.
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 Silent 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, giving off a unique noise that is satisfying to many users. On the other hand, the Wuque Studio WS Silent Tactile tactile switch offers a muted sound profile that is ideal for quiet environments like offices. The WS Silent Tactile switches achieve this quietness without the use of silicone dampeners, providing a crisp typing experience without the usual clacks associated with mechanical keyboards. Ultimately, the sound produced by these two switches will depend on factors such as the keyboard and keycaps used.
In terms of feel, the Gateron Smoothie Silver linear switch provides an unparalleled smoothness and feather-light touch due to its all-POM construction and short travel distance. On the other hand, the Wuque Studio WS Silent Tactile tactile switch offers a medium level of tactility that is neither overwhelming nor subtle, providing a balanced typing experience that is described as invigorating. This tactile feedback, combined with a moderate to firm actuation force, creates a responsive typing sensation that is immersive for the user. Overall, both switches offer unique tactile experiences that cater to different preferences.
In conclusion, the Gateron Smoothie Silver linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Silent Tactile tactile switch are both exceptional choices in the world of mechanical keyboard switches. While the Smoothie Silver is favored for its thocky sound and smooth feel, the WS Silent Tactile stands out for its noise reduction and balanced tactile feedback. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on personal preference for sound, feel, and typing experience. Both switches offer high-quality performance, so users can expect a satisfying typing experience with either option.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Gateron Smoothie Silver linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Silent Tactile tactile switch, consider your preference for typing experience. If you are looking for lightning-fast actuation with a feather-light touch and a thocky sound, the Smoothie Silver may be the best choice for you. On the other hand, if you prioritize a quiet yet tactile typing experience that is ideal for office environments, the WS Silent Tactile switch with its innovative design for noise reduction and medium tactility may be more suitable. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preferences for sound, feel, and overall typing experience.
Mentioned in this article
