Gateron Smoothie vs. Everglide Sunset Yellow
An in-depth look at the Gateron Smoothie and the Everglide Sunset Yellow switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
We're thrilled to introduce the Gateron Smoothie, an all-POM switch that shatters the price barrier without compromising on quality, offering a thocky sound signature, remarkable smoothness, and a lightweight touch. Known for its buttery feel, low-pitched sound, and silky smooth keystrokes, the Smoothie is a popular choice for those seeking a subdued and creamy typing experience. On the other hand, Everglide Sunset Yellow switches offer a captivating sound profile reminiscent of mahjong tiles colliding, with a rich, bassy, and decadent sound that makes typing an indulgent experience. Their medium-weight and unique Ly stem provide a frictionless and polished feel, making them suitable for a wide range of users. While both switches offer a thocky sound and are categorized as creamy, they differ in terms of material and sound profile. 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
40g
Actuation force
43g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
51g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.20 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
Ly
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
Single-staged lengthened 20mm spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Gateron Smoothie and the Everglide Sunset Yellow are both made of POM, which creates a pleasing and unique sound profile that is deeper and relatively more muted compared to other materials. This means that both switches will offer a similar typing experience in terms of sound and feel. However, the distribution of these qualities may vary between the top and bottom housings of each switch. For the Smoothie, the POM material is used in both the top and bottom housing, ensuring a consistent sound profile throughout the keystroke. On the other hand, the Sunset Yellow also utilizes POM for both housings, providing a similar sound profile but potentially with slight variations in feel depending on the distribution of the material.
In terms of sound profile, both the Smoothie and the Sunset Yellow switches are likely to offer a deeper and more muted typing experience due to their POM housing materials. This can be beneficial for those looking for a quieter typing experience, as the POM material is known for its sound-dampening properties. However, the distribution of the POM material between the top and bottom housings may impact the overall sound profile of each switch. The bottom housing of a switch typically has more of an impact on the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing influences the sound when a key is released. Therefore, slight differences in sound and feel may be present between the Smoothie and the Sunset Yellow switches based on their housing configurations.
Overall, both the Gateron Smoothie and the Everglide Sunset Yellow switches offer a similar typing experience in terms of sound and feel due to their POM housing materials. While the sound profile of both switches is likely to be deeper and more muted compared to other switches, differences in sound and feel may arise based on the distribution of the POM material between the top and bottom housings. Whether you prefer a consistent sound profile throughout the keystroke like the Smoothie or slight variations in feel like the Sunset Yellow, both switches are designed to provide a satisfying typing experience for users seeking a quieter and more unique sound profile.
Weight
When comparing the Gateron Smoothie linear switch and the Everglide Sunset Yellow linear switch, it is evident that the actuation force and bottom out force play a significant role in determining the typing experience. The Smoothie has a lighter actuation force of 40 grams, making it easier to trigger keystrokes quickly, while the Sunset Yellow requires a slightly heavier actuation force of 43 grams. In terms of bottom out force, the Smoothie's force is unknown, while the Sunset Yellow has a bottom out force of 51 grams, providing a more substantial typing experience. For those who prefer a lighter typing feel for extended typing sessions, the Smoothie may be the preferred choice. However, for users who enjoy a more robust typing experience with a bit of resistance, the Sunset Yellow would be a better option. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will come down to personal preference and the desired typing experience.
Travel distance
Comparing the travel distance of the Gateron Smoothie linear switch and the Everglide Sunset Yellow linear switch, the Smoothie has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Sunset Yellow has a travel distance of 3.2 mm. In this case, the Sunset Yellow has a shorter travel distance compared to the Smoothie. The shorter travel distance of the Sunset Yellow may appeal to gamers looking for faster response times, while the Smoothie with a slightly longer travel distance may provide a more substantial feel for those who prefer a bit more depth when pressing down on a key. Both switches offer similar results in terms of linear actuation, but the slight difference in travel distance may cater to different preferences among users.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron Smoothie 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 for $2.60.
The Everglide Sunset Yellow comes in at $3.09 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 linear switch offers a thocky and low-pitched sound with a subdued quality, providing a deep and satisfying typing experience. On the other hand, the Everglide Sunset Yellow switch delivers a bassy and thocky sound profile, reminiscent of mahjong tiles colliding, creating a rich and indulgent typing sound. Both switches offer unique auditory experiences that can enhance the overall typing feel, but the choice between them ultimately depends on personal preference and the accompanying keyboard and keycaps.
In terms of feel, the Gateron Smoothie switch is described as buttery, creamy, and silky, offering a seamless and effortless typing sensation with a uniform keystroke experience. In contrast, the Everglide Sunset Yellow switch provides a creamy, frictionless, and polished feel, ensuring a smooth and refined typing experience with minimal resistance or friction. Both switches prioritize smoothness and ease of typing, making them suitable for users who value a comfortable and enjoyable typing experience.
Considering all the available information, both the Gateron Smoothie and Everglide Sunset Yellow switches offer distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the Smoothie switch focuses on a thocky and subdued sound with a buttery and creamy feel, the Sunset Yellow switch emphasizes a bassy and rich sound with a creamy and frictionless feel. Ultimately, choosing between these switches will depend on personal preferences regarding sound profile, typing feel, and the overall typing experience desired by the user. Whether opting for the Smoothie or the Sunset Yellow, users can expect similar results in terms of smoothness and satisfaction during typing sessions.
Conclusion
In conclusion, when deciding between the Gateron Smoothie linear switch and the Everglide Sunset Yellow linear switch, you should consider your preferences for bottom out force, sound profile, and typing feel. If you prefer a switch with no specified bottom out force, a thocky and low-pitched sound profile, and a buttery, creamy, or silky typing feel, the Gateron Smoothie may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-light bottom out force, a bassy and thocky sound profile, and a creamy, frictionless, or polished typing feel, the Everglide Sunset Yellow could be the switch that suits your preferences best. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches will come down to your individual preferences for typing experience.
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