Gateron Smoothie Silver vs. Outemu Yellow Silver
An in-depth look at the Gateron Smoothie Silver and the Outemu Yellow Silver switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the Gateron Smoothie Silver and the Outemu Yellow Silver are two popular options to consider. The Smoothie Silver is praised for its lightning-fast actuation due to its short travel distance, accompanied by a thocky sound, smoothness, and feather-light touch. On the other hand, the Yellow Silver from Outemu is favored for its light actuation force and neutral sound profile, making it ideal for gamers and typists seeking speediness and responsiveness. Both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences, whether it be the smoothness of the Smoothie Silver or the light actuation force of the Yellow Silver. 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
1.30 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
No
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
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
22mm extended double-stage spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The Gateron Smoothie Silver and the Outemu Yellow Silver both offer unique housing materials that contribute to their sound profiles and overall typing experience. The Smoothie Silver features a POM top housing which creates a deep and relatively muted sound, while the Yellow Silver's polycarbonate top housing produces a sharper and crisper sound. The use of POM in the bottom housing of the Smoothie Silver offers a similar sound profile to the top housing, whereas the nylon bottom housing of the Yellow Silver delivers a deeper and fuller sound due to its softer plastic composition.
Despite their differences, both switches utilize innovative housing materials to enhance the typing experience. The transparent polycarbonate top housing of the Yellow Silver allows for RGB lighting to shine through, adding a visually appealing element to the switch. In contrast, the POM top housing of the Smoothie Silver offers a more understated appearance but still provides a unique sound profile that is favored by many enthusiasts. These differences in aesthetics and sound profiles cater to different preferences among mechanical keyboard users.
When comparing the impact of the top and bottom housings on the overall typing experience, it becomes evident that each material brings its own set of qualities to the switch. The bottom housing primarily influences the bottom-out sound and feel, with the softer nylon material of the Yellow Silver creating a duller and rounder sound. On the other hand, the top housing plays a significant role in the sound produced when a key is released, with the POM housing of the Smoothie Silver offering a more muted sound compared to the crisp sound produced by the polycarbonate top housing of the Yellow Silver. Overall, these differences in housing materials contribute to the distinct characteristics of each switch.
Weight
When comparing the Gateron Smoothie Silver linear switch and the Outemu Yellow Silver linear switch, both have the same actuation force of 45 grams, making them equally light in terms of the force needed to trigger a keystroke. However, the bottom out force differs between the two switches. The Smoothie Silver has an unknown bottom out force, while the Yellow Silver has a bottom out force of 55 grams, which is considered medium-light. This means that while both switches require the same amount of force to actuate, the Outemu Yellow Silver provides a slightly heavier typing experience when fully pressing down on the keys. For those who prefer a lighter typing experience for extended use, the Gateron Smoothie Silver would be the ideal choice. On the other hand, those looking for a more substantial typing feel may lean towards the Outemu Yellow Silver. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will come down to personal preference in terms of actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
Comparing the travel distances of the Gateron Smoothie Silver linear switch and the Outemu Yellow Silver linear switch, it is clear that the Smoothie Silver has a shorter travel distance of 3.4 mm while the Yellow Silver has a longer travel distance of 4 mm. The 0.6 mm difference may not seem significant, but it can greatly impact the typing experience. Gamers who prioritize faster response times may prefer the shorter travel distance of the Smoothie Silver, while those who enjoy a more substantial keypress may opt for the longer travel distance of the Yellow Silver. Ultimately, the choice 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 Outemu Yellow Silver comes in at $3.40 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
Without specific information on the feel of the switches, it can be assumed that both the Gateron Smoothie Silver and the Outemu Yellow Silver linear switches offer a smooth keypress due to their silver linear design. This means that users can expect a consistent and satisfying keystroke experience with minimal resistance throughout.
Overall, both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences. The Gateron Smoothie Silver provides a thocky sound and feather-light touch, creating a tactile and smooth typing experience. On the other hand, the Outemu Yellow Silver offers a neutral sound profile and light actuation force, making it suitable for gamers and typists seeking speed and responsiveness. Depending on individual preferences for sound, feel, and actuation force, both switches can deliver a satisfying typing experience. Ultimately, the best choice between the two will depend on personal preference and intended use.
Conclusion
Bringing it all together, when considering whether to choose the Gateron Smoothie Silver linear switch or the Outemu Yellow Silver linear switch, it ultimately comes down to your personal preferences and priorities. If you are looking for a lightning-fast actuation with a feather-light touch and a thocky sound, then the Smoothie Silver would be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a light actuation force with a neutral sound profile and a switch that is versatile for both gaming and typing, then the Outemu Yellow Silver might be more suitable for your needs. Both switches have their own unique features and advantages, so be sure to consider what matters most to you when making your decision. Ultimately, the best switch for you is the one that aligns with your individual preferences and usage requirements.
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