Gateron Smoothie vs. Wuque Studio WS Silent Linear
An in-depth look at the Gateron Smoothie and the Wuque Studio WS Silent Linear switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Gateron Smoothie and the Wuque Studio WS Silent Linear mechanical keyboard switches, both belonging to the linear switch category, it is clear that they offer unique features and advantages. The Smoothie stands out for its all-POM construction that provides a thocky sound signature, exceptional smoothness, and a lightweight touch. On the other hand, the WS Silent Linear switches by Wuque are designed to minimize noise with stem railings and cutouts, creating a quiet and responsive typing experience without silicone dampeners. Each switch has its own set of characteristics that cater to different preferences and needs. 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
N/A
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.50 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
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
15mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
The Gateron Smoothie and the Wuque Studio WS Silent Linear 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 WS Silent Linear's nylon top housing produces a fuller and rounder sound due to its softer plastic properties. Similarly, the POM bottom housing of the Smoothie and the nylon bottom housing of the WS Silent Linear both play a role in enhancing the overall sound profile of the switches.
While both switches have contrasting top and bottom housing materials, they ultimately work together to provide a satisfying typing experience. The qualities of the bottom housing material impact the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing down on the switch, while the top housing material influences the sound when releasing a key. Despite their differences, the Smoothie and WS Silent Linear achieve similar results in terms of creating a pleasing and unique sound profile, just through slightly different means.
Overall, the choice between the Gateron Smoothie and the Wuque Studio WS Silent Linear may come down to personal preference in terms of sound profile. The POM and nylon housing materials offer distinct qualities that appeal to different users - whether you prefer a deeper and more muted sound, or a fuller and rounder sound. Both switches provide a satisfying typing experience, with each housing material contributing to the overall sound profile in its own unique way. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches may come down to which sound profile you find more enjoyable and comfortable for your typing needs.
Weight
When comparing the Gateron Smoothie linear switch to the Wuque Studio WS Silent Linear switch, there are notable differences in the actuation and bottom out forces. The Smoothie has a lighter actuation force of 40 grams, while the WS Silent Linear's actuation force is unknown. However, the WS Silent Linear has a heavier bottom out force of 63.5 grams, while the bottom out force of the Smoothie is unavailable. Those who prefer a lighter typing experience may lean towards the Smoothie due to its lower actuation force, making it ideal for extended typing or gaming sessions. On the other hand, the WS Silent Linear may be more appealing to those who desire a more substantial typing feel with a heavier bottom out force. The actuation force and bottom out force play crucial roles in determining the typing experience and comfort level for users. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for typing feel and force requirements.
Travel distance
In comparing the travel distance of the Gateron Smoothie linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Silent Linear linear switch, we can see that the Smoothie has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the WS Silent Linear has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, making them ideal for those seeking quicker response times, such as gamers. The difference of 0.1 mm between the two switches may not be significant for most users, but for those who prefer a slightly shallower key press, the WS Silent Linear may be the preferred choice. On the other hand, individuals who enjoy a bit more depth in their key press may lean towards the Gateron Smoothie. Ultimately, both switches offer a similar experience in terms of travel distance, providing users with a smooth and responsive typing experience.
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 Wuque Studio WS Silent Linear comes in at $4.20 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 is known for its thocky and low-pitched characteristics, providing a deep and rich sound when pressed. The sound is subdued, offering a more subtle and dampened sound signature compared to most switches. On the other hand, the Wuque Studio WS Silent Linear switch has a more neutral and muted sound profile. The switch produces a softer and quieter sound, thanks to ingeniously designed stem railings that reduce switch noise. Both switches offer a subdued sound experience, with the Smoothie leaning towards a deeper thocky sound while the WS Silent Linear provides a more neutral and muted tone.
In terms of feel, the Gateron Smoothie linear switch is described as buttery, creamy, and silky, providing a smooth and fluid keystroke experience. The switch offers a seamless, effortless, and uniform typing sensation, akin to gliding your fingers across the keys with ease. On the other hand, the Wuque Studio WS Silent Linear switch offers a mild typing experience, which is more gentle compared to switches with more pronounced characteristics. The WS Silent Linear switch ensures a comfortable typing feel, suitable for a wide range of users.
Taking into account the sound and feel characteristics of both switches, the Gateron Smoothie linear switch excels in providing a thocky sound signature and a buttery, creamy, and silky typing experience. On the other hand, the Wuque Studio WS Silent Linear switch focuses on reducing switch noise and offering a more neutral and muted sound profile, along with a mild typing feel. If you prefer a deep and rich sound with a buttery typing sensation, the Gateron Smoothie would be an excellent choice. However, if you seek a quieter typing experience with a more neutral sound profile and a gentle typing feel, the Wuque Studio WS Silent Linear switch would be a suitable option. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches would depend on individual preferences for sound and feel in a mechanical keyboard switch.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Gateron Smoothie linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Silent Linear linear switch, it ultimately comes down to your personal preference and typing needs. If you prioritize a thocky sound profile, low-pitched sound with a subdued quality, and a buttery, creamy, or silky typing feel, the Gateron Smoothie may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you value a neutral sound profile with muted and subdued characteristics, along with a mild typing feel, the Wuque Studio WS Silent Linear switch could be the perfect fit for your typing experience. Consider how each switch aligns with your typing preferences and environment to make the best choice for your mechanical keyboard setup. Ultimately, both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences, ensuring a satisfying typing experience for newcomers and enthusiasts alike.
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