Gateron Smoothie vs. Wuque Studio WS Silent Tactile
An in-depth look at the Gateron Smoothie and the Wuque Studio WS Silent Tactile switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
Introducing the Gateron Smoothie, a linear switch renowned for its unparalleled smoothness and a thocky sound signature that doesn't break the bank. On the other hand, we have the Wuque Studio WS Silent Tactile, a tactile switch specifically engineered for office settings, offering a silent yet crisp typing experience without compromising on tactility. While the Smoothie boasts a lightweight touch and buttery feel, the WS Silent Tactile provides medium tactility with superior noise reduction, setting a new standard in silent switches. Both switches cater to different preferences and environments, with the Smoothie emphasizing smoothness and the WS Silent Tactile prioritizing a balance between silence and 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
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
In comparing the housing materials of the Gateron Smoothie and the Wuque Studio WS Silent Tactile, we see that the Smoothie utilizes a POM top and bottom housing while the WS Silent Tactile employs a nylon top and bottom housing. Both switches focus on creating a deeper and more muted sound profile, but accomplish this through different means. The POM housing of the Smoothie is praised for its unique and pleasing sound, while the nylon housing of the WS Silent Tactile is known for its ability to absorb more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound.
While both switches aim to achieve a similar sound profile, the choice of housing material plays a crucial role in how this is accomplished. The softer nature of nylon allows it to absorb more sound, contributing to the WS Silent Tactile's fuller and deeper sound profile. On the other hand, the POM material used in the Smoothie's housing creates a more unique and pleasing sound that is on the deeper side. This difference in material properties results in distinct typing experiences for users of each switch, with the POM housing providing a more unique sound compared to the duller sound of the nylon housing.
Ultimately, the choice between the Gateron Smoothie and Wuque Studio WS Silent Tactile housing materials comes down to personal preference in sound and typing feel. While both switches focus on delivering a deeper and more muted sound profile, the POM housing of the Smoothie offers a more unique and pleasing sound, whereas the nylon housing of the WS Silent Tactile absorbs more sound for a fuller sound profile. Whether you prefer the distinct sound of POM or the sound-absorbing properties of nylon, both switches aim to provide a satisfying typing experience for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts.
Weight
The Gateron Smoothie linear switch has a light actuation force of 40 grams, making it easier to type for long periods without causing fatigue. However, the bottom out force is unknown, so it's hard to determine the overall typing experience. On the other hand, the Wuque Studio WS Silent Tactile switch has a medium-heavy bottom out force of 63.5 grams, providing a more substantial typing experience for those who prefer a stronger push feel. Since the actuation force of the WS Silent Tactile switch is not provided, it's difficult to compare it directly to the Smoothie in terms of lightness or heaviness. In general, those who prefer a lighter typing experience may lean towards the Gateron Smoothie, while those who prefer a heavier feel may opt for the WS Silent Tactile. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on individual preferences for typing feel and force requirements.
Travel distance
The Gateron Smoothie linear switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, making it slightly longer than the Wuque Studio WS Silent Tactile switch, which has a travel distance of 3.5 mm. While the difference in travel distance between the two switches is minimal, it can still impact the feel and responsiveness of the keys when typing or gaming. Gamers who prioritize fast response times may prefer the shorter travel distance of the WS Silent Tactile switch. On the other hand, those who enjoy a more pronounced key press with a bit more depth may lean towards the Gateron Smoothie linear switch for its slightly longer travel distance. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and the specific feel each user is looking for in their keyboard switches.
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 Tactile 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 switch is best known for its thocky and low-pitched sound profile, providing a satisfying deep "thud" when pressed. On the other hand, the WS Silent Tactile switch is described as having a neutral and muted sound, ideal for office environments where noise reduction is crucial. While the Smoothie offers a more pronounced sound experience, the WS Silent Tactile provides a quieter typing experience overall, making it a preferred choice for those looking for a more subdued sound profile.
In terms of feel, the Gateron Smoothie switch is lauded for its buttery, creamy, and silky typing experience, offering a seamless and uniform sensation with each keystroke. Meanwhile, the WS Silent Tactile switch is characterized by its accented, invigorating, and mild tactile feedback, providing a balance between tactile response and smooth keystrokes. Both switches offer a different typing feel, with the Smoothie focusing on smoothness and fluidity, while the WS Silent Tactile provides a more pronounced tactile feedback for a responsive typing experience.
Considering the subjective qualities of sound and feel, the Gateron Smoothie linear switch and the WS Silent Tactile tactile switch offer distinct typing experiences. The Smoothie excels in providing a thocky sound and a buttery typing feel, ideal for those who prioritize smoothness and deep keystroke satisfaction. On the other hand, the WS Silent Tactile switch offers a quieter typing experience with superior noise reduction and a balanced tactile feedback, making it a suitable choice for office environments or those who appreciate a more pronounced tactile response. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for sound, feel, and typing environment, ensuring that newcomers to mechanical keyboards can find a switch that suits their individual needs and preferences.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a switch with a light touch and a thocky sound signature, the Gateron Smoothie linear switch would be a great choice for you. However, if you prefer a medium tactility with superior noise reduction for office environments, the Wuque Studio WS Silent Tactile tactile switch is the way to go. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your preference for sound and feel, as well as the environment in which you will be using the keyboard. Both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different typing experiences, so consider what factors are most important to you when making your decision.
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