Gateron Smoothie vs. Jerrzi Violet
An in-depth look at the Gateron Smoothie and the Jerrzi Violet switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the Gateron Smoothie and Jerrzi Violet emerge as compelling options to explore. The Smoothie stands out as a linear switch, renowned for its all-POM construction that guarantees a premium feel at an affordable price. It boasts a thocky sound profile, exceptional smoothness, and a light touch, making it ideal for users who prioritize a buttery, low-pitched keystroke experience. On the other hand, the Jerrzi Violet represents a tactile switch, prized for its smooth actuation and satisfying tactile feedback. With a neutral sound signature and poppy tactility, the Violet switch provides a balanced and enjoyable typing experience. Ultimately, choosing between these switches depends on your preference for linear or tactile feedback. 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
45g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.70 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
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The Gateron Smoothie and Jerrzi Violet switches both have unique housing materials that contribute to their sound profiles. The Smoothie's POM top housing creates a deeper and more muted sound, while the Violet's polycarbonate top housing produces a sharper and crisper sound. In terms of aesthetics, the clear polycarbonate housing of the Violet allows for RGB lighting to shine through, adding a visually appealing element to the switch. On the other hand, the Smoothie's POM bottom housing also contributes to its deep and pleasing sound profile, while the Violet's nylon bottom housing absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound.
Despite their differences, both the Gateron Smoothie and Jerrzi Violet switches offer unique characteristics due to their housing materials. While the Smoothie's POM top and bottom housing create a consistent deep sound profile, the Violet's polycarbonate top and nylon bottom housing split the qualities between the top and bottom of the switch. The impact of the top housing is felt when releasing a key, while the impact of the bottom housing is evident in the bottom-out sound and feel of the switch. This shows that the choice of housing material can significantly affect the overall typing experience and sound produced by a switch.
Overall, the use of different housing materials in the Gateron Smoothie and Jerrzi Violet switches highlights how the material choice impacts the sound profile and feel of a keyboard switch. The unique characteristics of POM and polycarbonate in the top housing, as well as nylon in the bottom housing, offer users distinct options based on their preferences for sound and feel. Whether aiming for a deeper and muted sound like the Smoothie or a sharper and crisper sound like the Violet, both switches provide a variety of options for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts seeking a specific typing experience.
Weight
Comparing the Gateron Smoothie linear switch and the Jerrzi Violet tactile switch, the actuation force of the Smoothie is lighter at 40 grams compared to the Violet's 45 grams. However, both switches have an unknown bottom out force. For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the Smoothie may be more suitable for longer typing sessions or gaming. On the other hand, the Violet may appeal to those who prefer a slightly heavier actuation force for a more substantial typing feel. Overall, while the actuation force differs between the two switches, the bottom out force being unknown means that the results may be similar in terms of typing experience. Ultimately, personal preference and typing style will determine which switch is the better choice for each individual.
Travel distance
The Gateron Smoothie linear switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Jerrzi Violet tactile switch has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.7 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances that are becoming more popular, especially among gamers looking for quicker response times. The slight difference in travel distance between the two switches may not be significant in terms of feel or performance, and users may find similar results when typing or gaming with either switch. Ultimately, choosing between the two options may come down to personal preference for a slightly shorter or longer key travel distance.
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 Jerrzi Violet has an MSRP of $2.79 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Violet for $2.30.
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 offers a thocky and low-pitched experience, providing a deep and satisfying sound when pressed. On the other hand, the Jerrzi Violet switch has a more neutral sound profile, suitable for various typing environments. Depending on the keyboard and keycaps used, both switches can provide a pleasant auditory experience, with the Smoothie offering a deeper tone and the Violet maintaining a balanced sound signature.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the Gateron Smoothie is described as buttery, creamy, and silky, providing a smooth and effortless typing sensation. In contrast, the Jerrzi Violet switch offers a stepped tactile feel, giving a gentle bump with distinct stages during the key press. While the Smoothie focuses on uniformity and fluidity in keystrokes, the Violet offers a more subtle tactile feedback for those who enjoy a mild bump during typing.
Overall, the Gateron Smoothie and Jerrzi Violet switches offer different subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Smoothie provides a thocky and buttery typing experience with a low-pitched sound profile, while the Violet offers a neutral sound and a stepped tactile feel. Depending on personal preference for sound and typing feedback, individuals can choose between the deep and smooth characteristics of the Smoothie or the gentle and balanced nature of the Violet switch. Ultimately, both switches are designed to deliver an enjoyable typing experience for users, ensuring satisfaction in different aspects of mechanical keyboard switches.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Gateron Smoothie linear switch and the Jerrzi Violet tactile switch, consider your preferences in sound and feel. If you enjoy a thocky, low-pitched, and subdued sound with a buttery, creamy, or silky feel, the Smoothie may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a neutral sound profile and a stepped tactile feel, the Violet switch might be more to your liking. Ultimately, your decision should be based on the typing experience that aligns best with your preferences and needs. Happy typing!
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