Gateron Smoothie vs. Durock White Lotus
An in-depth look at the Gateron Smoothie and the Durock White Lotus switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the Gateron Smoothie and Durock White Lotus stand out as popular choices for different reasons. The Smoothie, a linear switch, is praised for its all-POM construction that delivers a thocky sound signature, exceptional smoothness, and a lightweight touch. On the other hand, the White Lotus, a tactile switch, offers a delicate tactility that strikes a perfect balance, making it ideal for extended typing sessions. While the Smoothie is categorized as 'Buttery', 'Thocky', and 'Creamy', the White Lotus is labeled as 'Easy-to-press', 'Mild', and 'Subtle'. Both switches have unique qualities that cater to different typing preferences. 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
46g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
56g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
4.00 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
Modified PC & UPE Blend
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
Gold-plated long spring
Housing materials
Overall, the Gateron Smoothie and the Durock White Lotus both utilize unique housing materials to create a specific sound profile. The Smoothie's POM top housing contributes to a deep and muted sound, while the White Lotus's modified PC & UPE Blend top housing offers a premium feel. In terms of the bottom housing, the Smoothie uses POM to create a pleasing sound profile, whereas the White Lotus uses nylon for a deeper and fuller sound.
While both switches offer unique sound profiles based on their housing materials, they differ in the specific qualities they bring to the typing experience. The POM housing in the Gateron Smoothie provides a more muted sound profile overall, while the nylon housing in the Durock White Lotus offers a deeper and rounder sound. Additionally, the top housing of each switch will have a different impact on the sound when pressing down versus letting go of a key, further showcasing the differences in their housing materials.
Overall, while the Gateron Smoothie and the Durock White Lotus feature different housing materials for their top and bottom housings, they both aim to provide a unique typing experience with their distinct sound profiles. Whether you prefer the deeper and muted sound of the Smoothie with its POM housing or the deeper and fuller sound of the White Lotus with its nylon housing, both switches offer premium materials that contribute to a satisfying typing experience. In the end, the choice between the two switches will come down to personal preference for sound and feel.
Weight
When comparing the Gateron Smoothie linear switch and the Durock White Lotus tactile switch, it's evident that the White Lotus has a heavier actuation force of 46 grams compared to the lighter 40 grams of the Smoothie. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Smoothie has an unknown measurement while the White Lotus stands at 56 grams, which is considered medium-light. This means that while the White Lotus requires more force to initially actuate a keystroke, both switches may end up feeling similar when fully pressed down. This difference in actuation force may cater to different preferences, with some users appreciating the lighter touch for extended typing or gaming sessions, while others may prefer the heavier push for a more substantial typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal typing preferences and the desired typing experience.
Travel distance
The Gateron Smoothie linear switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Durock White Lotus tactile switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. In this case, the White Lotus has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Smoothie. The shorter travel distance of the Smoothie may appeal to gamers looking for faster response times, while the longer travel distance of the White Lotus may provide a more satisfying key press for those who prefer a deeper feeling while typing or gaming. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for key feel and responsiveness.
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 Durock White Lotus has an MSRP of $5.60 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the White Lotus for $4.57.
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 that provides a deep and rich auditory experience. In contrast, the Durock White Lotus tactile switch provides a low-pitched and neutral sound profile, which is more moderate and versatile for various typing environments. Both switches offer a subdued sound that is not too loud, making them suitable for shared spaces or environments where noise may be a concern.
In terms of feel, the Gateron Smoothie linear switch is known for its buttery, creamy, and silky typing experience, providing a smooth and effortless keystroke sensation. On the other hand, the Durock White Lotus tactile switch offers an easy-to-press, mild, and subtle typing feel that is gentle on the fingers and reduces fatigue during extended typing sessions. Both switches aim to provide a comfortable and responsive typing experience, with the Smoothie focusing on a seamless and uniform feel, while the White Lotus offers a more gentle and approachable touch.
Overall, the Gateron Smoothie linear switch and the Durock White Lotus tactile switch offer different yet equally compelling qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Smoothie excels in providing a thocky sound and a buttery typing feel, emphasizing smoothness and fluidity in each keystroke. On the other hand, the White Lotus focuses on a light tactile experience with a more neutral sound profile, aiming to strike a balance between tactility and comfort for extended typing sessions. Depending on personal preference for sound and typing feel, both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences and typing styles, ensuring a satisfying typing experience for newcomers to the mechanical keyboard world.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Gateron Smoothie linear switch and the Durock White Lotus tactile switch, you should consider your preferences for typing experience. If you enjoy a thocky and low-pitched sound with a buttery and silky smooth feel, the Gateron Smoothie may be the better choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a light tactile switch with a delicate tactility, easy-to-press keys, and a subtle sound profile, then the Durock White Lotus switch would be more suitable. Ultimately, it comes down to personal preference and what type of typing experience you are looking for in your mechanical keyboard.
Mentioned in this article
