Gateron Smoothie vs. SP-Star Yanyu
An in-depth look at the Gateron Smoothie and the SP-Star Yanyu switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
If you're in the market for a new mechanical keyboard switch, you may be considering the Gateron Smoothie and the SP-Star Yanyu. The Gateron Smoothie is renowned for its affordability without sacrificing quality, offering a thocky sound profile, exceptional smoothness, and a light touch. On the other hand, the SP-Star Yanyu is praised for its delicate typing experience, making it perfect for prolonged typing sessions. The Yanyu's material blend provides a crisp sound profile, offering a different typing feel compared to the Smoothie. Both switches have their unique qualities 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
43g
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
Polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend
Bottom housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
Polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm extended double-stage spring
Spring
Gold plated
Housing materials
The Gateron Smoothie and the SP-Star Yanyu both feature unique and high-quality housing materials that contribute to their overall sound profile. The Smoothie uses a POM top housing, which creates a deeper and more muted sound compared to the Yanyu's Polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend top housing, which offers a brighter sound profile. While both materials offer pleasing sound profiles, their differences in tone make them stand out from each other.
In terms of the bottom housing, the Gateron Smoothie and the SP-Star Yanyu once again showcase distinct characteristics. The Smoothie utilizes a POM bottom housing, which contributes to its pleasingly deep and muted sound profile. On the other hand, the Yanyu's Polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend bottom housing adds a brighter tone to the switch's sound profile. These differences in bottom housing material further enhance the overall sound experience of each switch.
Overall, the housing materials of the Gateron Smoothie and the SP-Star Yanyu play a significant role in shaping the sound profiles of these switches. While both switches feature unique housing materials that contribute to their pleasant and distinct sounds, the differences in material between the top and bottom housings create varying tones within each switch. Whether you prefer a deeper and more muted sound like the Smoothie or a brighter sound like the Yanyu, these switches offer a range of options to suit different preferences.
Weight
The Gateron Smoothie linear switch has a lighter actuation force of 40 grams compared to the SP-Star Yanyu switch, which has an unknown actuation force. On the other hand, the Yanyu switch has a lighter bottom out force of 43 grams, while the bottom out force of the Smoothie switch is unknown. For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the Smoothie switch may be more suitable due to its lower actuation force. However, for individuals who enjoy a more substantial typing feel, the Yanyu switch with its lighter bottom out force may be the preferred choice. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and the desired typing experience.
Travel distance
The Gateron Smoothie linear switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, making it slightly shorter than the SP-Star Yanyu linear switch which has a travel distance of 4 mm. Both switches fall within the range of traditional travel distances, with the Yanyu being more on the standard side. Gamers may prefer the Smoothie for its shorter travel distance, allowing for quicker response times during gaming sessions. On the other hand, those who enjoy a deeper key press may lean towards the Yanyu for its slightly longer travel distance. Overall, the choice between the two switches will come down to personal preference in regards to 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 SP-Star Yanyu has an MSRP of $5.80 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Yanyu for $5.40.
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 sound profile, providing a deep and rich acoustic experience. On the other hand, the SP-Star Yanyu linear switch offers a more neutral sound with a touch of thockiness, making it suitable for various typing preferences. Both switches can deliver satisfying sound feedback, but the Smoothie leans towards a deeper tone, while the Yanyu remains more moderate in its acoustics, ultimately catering to different user preferences or environments. However, the final sound output will also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard housing and keycap material used.
In terms of feel, the Gateron Smoothie switch is praised for its buttery and creamy keystroke experience, offering a seamless and effortless typing sensation. In contrast, the SP-Star Yanyu switch is described as mild, feathery, subtle, and polished, providing a gentle yet light typing feel with reduced finger fatigue. Both switches prioritize smoothness in their operation, but the Smoothie emphasizes a more luxurious and refined typing experience, while the Yanyu focuses on comfort and ease of use for extended typing sessions. Choosing between these switches depends on whether the user prefers a creamier and more polished feel or a lighter and subtler touch during typing sessions.
In conclusion, both the Gateron Smoothie linear switch and the SP-Star Yanyu linear switch offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Smoothie excels in providing a deep, thocky sound and a buttery, creamy typing experience, perfect for users seeking a luxurious and refined feel. Conversely, the Yanyu offers a more neutral sound profile and a mild, feathery typing sensation, prioritizing comfort and ease of use for extended periods of typing. Ultimately, choosing between these switches comes down to personal preference in sound and typing feel, as both options deliver quality performance tailored to different user needs. If similar results are desired, either switch can provide a satisfactory typing experience based on the user's preferences.
Conclusion
In closing, if you are looking for a switch with a light bottom out force and a crisp sound profile, the SP-Star Yanyu linear switch would be a great choice for you. The Yanyu offers a delicate typing experience perfect for long periods of use with its feathery feel and subtle sound profile. On the other hand, if you prefer a switch with a bottom out force that's unavailable and a thocky sound signature, the Gateron Smoothie linear switch might be the one for you. The Smoothie provides a smooth and buttery typing experience with its all-POM construction, making it a great option for those who prioritize lightweight touch and remarkable smoothness in their mechanical keyboard switches. Ultimately, the choice between the Gateron Smoothie and SP-Star Yanyu linear switches will come down to your preference for bottom out force, sound profile, and overall typing experience. Both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different typing styles and preferences, so be sure to consider these factors when making your decision.
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