Gateron Smoothie vs. TTC Yunhai

Overview

When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Gateron Smoothie and the TTC Yunhai represent two distinct approaches to linear switch design, each catering to different preferences and styles. The Gateron Smoothie, crafted entirely from POM, is celebrated for its thocky sound signature and buttery smoothness, making it ideal for users who appreciate a rich auditory feedback coupled with a lightweight feel during typing. Its qualities are often described as creamy and subdued, providing a delightful experience for those who enjoy a softer touch. On the other hand, the TTC Yunhai excels with its deep, rounded sound profile and ultra-light actuation force, appealing to typists who prefer a more effortless and gentle typing experience. This makes the Yunhai an excellent choice for those who spend long hours typing, as the reduced force required can lead to less finger fatigue. While both switches offer a captivating appeal, their unique characteristics cater to different user preferences. However, let’s dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the suitable switch for you.

By the numbers

Gateron Smoothie Linear

TTC Yunhai Linear

$3.00

$2.60 per 10

$7.50

$5.99 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

When comparing the housing materials of the Gateron Smoothie and the TTC Yunhai switches, one can note both similarities and differences in their construction. The Smoothie utilizes POM (Polyoxymethylene) for both the top and bottom housing, a material known for producing a unique and pleasing sound profile that falls on the deeper and more muted end of the spectrum. This notable sonic characteristic can be attributed to the inherent density and smoothness of POM, which dampens vibrations effectively. On the other hand, the Yunhai features a nylon top housing that, while classified as a classic switch material, offers its own set of distinctive acoustic properties. Nylon, being a softer plastic, resonates in a way that yields a deeper and fuller sound compared to the POM used in the Smoothie, resulting in a more pronounced auditory experience when the key is released.

Both the Smoothie and the Yunhai employ materials that favor a rich, fuller sound, but the essence of their tonal qualities diverges based on their compositions. The POM housing of the Smoothie establishes a more consistent sound, which is both cohesive and muted, while the nylon of the Yunhai streamlines a deeper sound. The result of combining these materials means that while both switches ultimately aim for a pleasing auditory interaction, the experience will feel distinctly different to the user. Specifically, when typing on the Smoothie, the muted sound profile may lend itself to a focusing ambiance, whereas the Yunhai's fuller rendition might create a more vibrant interaction that may appeal to users seeking an enhanced auditory feedback.

It’s also important to recognize how the structural differences contribute to the typing feel and overall performance. In the Smoothie's case, both the top and bottom POM housings cooperate in a unified manner to produce that muted sound and dampened feedback. In contrast, the Yunhai's split housing strategy means that the softer nylon top not only enhances sound upon release but also engages the user differently as they press down, while the more rigid bottom housing plays a pivotal role in the bottom-out experience. Despite these differences, both switches can provide somewhat similar acoustic results due to their undertones of deep sound profiles, allowing users to enjoy rich, fulfilling experiences regardless of the materials used in each housing.

Weight

When comparing the Gateron Smoothie linear switch and the TTC Yunhai linear switch, we find that the Smoothie has a lighter actuation force of 40 grams, while the Yunhai features a slightly heavier actuation force of 42 grams. This difference makes the Smoothie potentially more suitable for users who prefer a switch that requires less force to actuate, allowing for longer typing sessions with less fatigue. However, the bottom out force for the Smoothie is unknown, whereas the Yunhai has a defined bottom out force of 50 grams, which contributes to a fuller tactile experience when a key is fully pressed down. Consequently, while both switches offer distinct feel and performance, the Smoothie remains the lighter option in terms of actuation force, appealing to those who favor ease of use, whereas the Yunhai provides a more robust experience suitable for those who appreciate a firmer key feel.

Travel distance

Both the Gateron Smoothie linear switch and the TTC Yunhai linear switch have the same travel distance of 3.6 mm, which means that users can expect a similar feel when pressing down on the keys of both switches. This equal travel distance ensures that the actuation and bottom-out experience is consistent across both switches, leading to a comparable typing experience. Consequently, whether you choose the Gateron Smoothie or the TTC Yunhai, the tactile response and key travel will feel identical, allowing for seamless transition between the two.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound, the Gateron Smoothie switch stands out with its thocky sound signature, characterized by a deep, rich, and satisfying thud when the keys are pressed and released. This low-pitched sound profile creates a mellow tone that is relatively subdued, offering a delightful auditory feedback that many typists find appealing. In contrast, the sound properties of the TTC Yunhai switch are not defined, which leaves an unknown element regarding its acoustic performance. However, it is worth noting that the sound experience for both switches can vary depending on the choice of keyboard construction and keycap materials, which may influence the overall sound characteristics of each switch.

In terms of feel, the Smoothie excels with descriptors like buttery, creamy, and silky, all pointing to an exceptionally smooth typing experience. This implies that each keystroke feels seamless and effortless, making it an ideal choice for those who appreciate a gliding sensation while typing. The light actuation force of the Yunhai further emphasizes an effortless feel, although specific descriptions of its tactile quality are not provided. By focusing on such a lightweight characteristic, the Yunhai may appeal to typists looking for gentler engagement, offering a different but potentially enjoyable experience.

In conclusion, while the Gateron Smoothie switch delivers a defined and richly satisfying auditory experience alongside a smooth, luxurious typing feel, the TTC Yunhai switch remains an enigma in its acoustic attributes but promises an effortless touch due to its light actuation force. Both switches cater to different preferences, making them suitable for various typing styles, yet the Smoothie provides a more known auditory and tactile composition. Depending on individual taste, you can expect to enjoy a satisfying experience with either switch, though the specific qualities may vary widely for the Yunhai until more information becomes available.

Conclusion

To conclude, choosing between the Gateron Smoothie and the TTC Yunhai linear switches largely depends on your personal typing preferences and the kind of keyboard experience you seek. If you prioritize a smooth, buttery feel and enjoy a thocky sound signature, the Gateron Smoothie will likely be the better choice for you. Its unique material composition ensures a silky keystroke experience, making it ideal for users who value both tactile feedback and a satisfying auditory response. On the other hand, if you're looking for a switch with a lighter bottom-out force that requires minimal effort for actuation, the TTC Yunhai may be more suitable. With its light touch and deep, rounded sound profile, it caters to those who prefer a gentle, seamless typing experience. Ultimately, consider what aspects matter most to you—whether it's sound, feel, or actuation force—and choose accordingly to enhance your mechanical keyboard experience.

Mentioned in this article

Gateron Smoothie Linear

$3.00

$2.60 per 10

Learn more

TTC Yunhai Linear

$7.50

$5.99 per 10

Learn more