Gateron Smoothie vs. Gateron Weightlessness
An in-depth look at the Gateron Smoothie and the Gateron Weightlessness switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, two compelling options from Gateron stand out: the Gateron Smoothie and the Gateron Weightlessness. The Smoothie, categorized as buttery, thocky, and silky, is celebrated for its remarkable smoothness and lightweight touch, making it an excellent choice for those who prefer a serene typing experience without the distraction of noise. Its thocky sound signature adds an enjoyable auditory element, appealing to users who enjoy the feel of a higher-quality switch without breaking the bank. On the other hand, the Gateron Weightlessness offers a subtle to moderate tactile sensation that many find satisfying for typing and gaming. Its balanced sound profile enhances the tactile experience, making it a solid pick for individuals who appreciate feedback with each keystroke. Both switches cater to different preferences; the Smoothie for those who love a smooth, quiet operation and the Weightlessness for those who seek tactile confirmation. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that's right for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
40g
Actuation force
50g
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
3.40 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
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
22mm double-staged spring
Housing materials
The Gateron Smoothie and the Gateron Weightlessness switches present contrasting materials for their top and bottom housings, significantly influencing their sound profiles. The Smoothie's top housing is crafted from POM, a material known for creating a unique sound characterized by deeper and more muted tones. Similarly, the Smoothie's bottom housing also utilizes POM, reinforcing this sound profile. In comparison, the Weightlessness switches employ nylon for both the top and bottom housings. With nylon being a softer plastic, it enhances durability while producing a deeper, fuller sound that is rounder and duller than those generated by harder materials. The differences in materials between the two switches serve to create distinct auditory experiences during typing.
When examining the impact of each housing material, it’s important to consider the role it plays in the overall sound and feel of the switches. In the case of the Smoothie, the homogeneous use of POM contributes to a consistent sound signature, emphasizing a muted resonance. In contrast, the Weightlessness's nylon housings create a more differentiated experience based on their softer texture, leading to a unique sound based on both the bottom-out feel and release sound when typing. As the POM impacts the sound deeply and consistently, the nylon's capacity for sound absorption results in a broader interpretation of sound, showcasing how material distinctions can yield different auditory outcomes.
Despite their differences, both switches can deliver similar results in terms of sound characteristics due to their shared focus on achieving deeper tones. The POM material of the Smoothie provides a unique clarity and consistency in sound, while the nylon in the Weightlessness expertly absorbs sound, resulting in a rounder audio profile. This shared focus on creating satisfying auditory feedback suggests that, regardless of housing material, both switches fulfill the objective of offering a pleasurable typing experience. Ultimately, while the materials differ, the core auditory goal remains aligned, allowing enthusiasts to choose based on personal preference for texture and acoustic properties.
Weight
The Gateron Smoothie linear switch and the Gateron Weightlessness tactile switch present distinct characteristics in terms of actuation force, while both bottom out forces remain unknown. The Smoothie features a lighter actuation force of 40 grams, making it more suitable for users who prefer a gentler touch, allowing for longer typing sessions without fatigue. In contrast, the Weightlessness switch has a heavier actuation force of 50 grams, catering to those who enjoy a more substantial typing experience. This difference in actuation force means that the Smoothie may be ideal for work environments or extended gaming, whereas the Weightlessness might appeal to users seeking a firmer response. Since both switches have unknown bottom out forces, we cannot compare them in that aspect; however, their actuation forces clearly set them apart in terms of user preference and typing style.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Gateron Smoothie linear switch and the Gateron Weightlessness tactile switch, the Smoothie has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Weightlessness measures at 3.4 mm. This means that the Smoothie offers a longer travel distance by 0.2 mm, providing a more pronounced keypress feel that some users may find satisfying. On the other hand, the Weightlessness, with its shorter travel distance, may be more appealing to gamers or those who prioritize fast response times. Ultimately, users who prefer a deeper engagement while typing might lean towards the Smoothie, whereas those favoring a snappier feel could opt for the Weightlessness.
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 Gateron Weightlessness has an MSRP of $6.10 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Weightlessness for $5.50.
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 is known for its thocky and low-pitched qualities, producing a deep and pleasing sound that evokes a satisfying thud with each keypress. This subdued audio profile makes it less intrusive, contributing to a more muted typing experience that can be enjoyable for both the user and those around them. In contrast, information regarding the Weightlessness tactile switch's sound characteristics is unknown, but its balanced sound profile can be expected to complement its tactile features, potentially creating a more subtle auditory experience compared to the Smoothie's thocky nature.
In terms of tactile feel, the Smoothie switch shines with descriptors such as buttery, creamy, and silky. This means typists will experience an extraordinarily smooth and fluid keystroke, characterized by minimal resistance and a delightful effortlessness as fingers glide from key to key. While the Weightlessness tactile switch offers a subtle to moderate tactile feel, the specifics regarding its overall sensation and smoothness remain unknown. However, the distinct tactile feedback it provides could be appreciated by those who prefer some texture to their typing, differentiating it from the pure linear experience of the Smoothie.
In conclusion, the Gateron Smoothie linear switch excels in both sound and feel, offering a rich auditory experience coupled with an impressively smooth typing sensation. The thocky sound signature and buttery tactile experience make it an attractive option for those seeking both enjoyment and performance in their typing experience. Meanwhile, while the Weightlessness tactile switch may offer a more textured typing experience, its specific sound and feel characteristics remain elusive. Ultimately, both switches cater to different preferences, allowing enthusiasts to select the one that most resonates with their typing style, whether they seek the Smoothie's lush smoothness or the tactile feedback of the Weightlessness.
Conclusion
To conclude, both the Gateron Smoothie linear switch and the Gateron Weightlessness tactile switch have unique characteristics that cater to different preferences. If you prioritize a smooth and fluid keystroke experience with a thocky sound signature, the Smoothie is the ideal choice for you. Its buttery, creamy, and silky feel allows for effortless typing, making it particularly appealing if you spend long hours on your keyboard for writing or gaming. On the other hand, if you prefer a more tactile feedback during your typing, the Weightlessness switch provides a subtle to moderate tactile feel that can enhance your overall typing experience. Its balanced sound profile complements the tactile feedback, ensuring that you can enjoy responsive key presses without overwhelming noise. Therefore, your decision should depend on your typing style: go for the Smoothie to indulge in a smooth sensation and satisfying sound, or choose the Weightlessness to enjoy tactile feedback and a refined sound experience. In the end, selecting the right switch can significantly enhance your mechanical keyboard experience and reflect your personal typing preferences.
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