Gateron Smoothie Review: What to Expect？

Hey there, mechanical keyboard enthusiasts! Today, we're going to dive deep into the wonderful world of Gateron Smoothie Switch Series. These switches have been making quite a splash in the keyboard community, and for good reason. Let's get started!

Introduction to Gateron Smoothie Switch Series

The Gateron Smoothie Switch Series is a line of switches that offer a unique typing experience. There are several types within this series, each with its own set of characteristics. We'll be looking at the Gateron Smoothie Switch, the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie Switch, and the Gateron Smoothie Silver Switch. Let's check out their biggest differences right away.

Gateron Smoothie Switch Set

• Typing Style: Linear. This means that when you press the key, there's a smooth, consistent resistance without any tactile bump. It gives a really nice, flowing feel when typing.
• Housing: Made of full POM material. POM is known for its durability and smoothness, which contributes to the overall great feel of the switch.
• Operating Force: 40±10gf. This indicates the amount of force needed to actuate the switch. It's a relatively light force, making it comfortable for long typing sessions.
• Pre Trave: 2.0±0.6mm. Pre-travel is the distance the key can be pressed before the switch actually activates. This measurement gives you an idea of how quickly the switch will respond.
• Total Travel: 3.6mm±0.2mm. Total travel is the full distance the key can be pressed down. A longer total travel can sometimes give a more satisfying feel when typing.
• Spring: 22mm double stage. The double-stage spring provides a different feel compared to a single-stage spring. It can offer a more nuanced response when pressing and releasing the key.
• Pre-Lubed: Yes. Being pre-lubed means that the switch comes ready to use with a smooth operation right out of the box. You don't have to worry about lubing it yourself initially, which is a great convenience.

Gateron Smoothie Silver Switch Set

• Typing Style: Linear, just like the regular Gateron Smoothie Switch. So, you can expect that same smooth, bump-free typing experience.
• Housing: Also made of full POM material. The POM housing ensures a consistent and smooth feel across different keys.
• Operating Force: 45±15gf. Slightly higher than the regular Gateron Smoothie Switch. This might require a bit more force to press the keys, but it can also give a more distinct feel when typing.
• Pre Trave: 1.2±0.3mm. A shorter pre-travel compared to the regular Gateron Smoothie Switch. This means the switch will activate more quickly, which can be great for gamers or those who want a snappier response.
• Total Travel: 3.4mm±0.4mm. A bit shorter total travel than the regular Gateron Smoothie Switch. It can still provide a satisfying typing experience, though, especially if you prefer a more compact feel when pressing the keys.
• Spring: 22mm double stage. The double-stage spring again offers a unique feel, with different levels of resistance during the press and release of the key.
• Pre-Lubed: Yes. Just like the other switches in the series, it comes pre-lubed for a smooth and ready-to-use experience.

Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie Switch Set

• Typing Style: Linear. You'll get that smooth, linear action that the Gateron Smoothie series is known for.
• Housing: Full POM material. The POM housing helps in providing a smooth and durable surface for the switch.
• Operating Force: 48±10gf. This is the highest operating force among the three switches we're discussing. It requires a bit more effort to press the keys, but it can give a really solid feel when typing.
• Pre Trave: 2±0.6mm. Similar to the regular Gateron Smoothie Switch in terms of pre-travel distance.
• Total Travel: 3.7mm±0.2mm. The longest total travel among the three. This can give a more pronounced and satisfying feel when typing, especially if you like a deeper key press.
• Spring: 22mm one stage. Different from the double-stage springs in the other two switches. A one-stage spring provides a more straightforward resistance when pressing and releasing the key.
• Pre-Lubed: Yes. It comes pre-lubed, so you can start using it right away with a smooth operation.

Different types: Gateron Smoothie Silver, Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie etc.

Now that we've looked at the detailed specifications of each switch, let's talk a bit more about the different types. The Gateron Smoothie Silver Switch is a great option if you're looking for a switch with a slightly higher operating force and a quicker activation due to its shorter pre-travel. It can give a more distinct typing feel, which some people really enjoy. On the other hand, the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie Switch, with its higher operating force and longer total travel, offers a really solid and satisfying typing experience. It's great for those who like to feel a deeper key press and don't mind putting in a bit more effort when typing.

Features of Gateron Smoothie Switches like smoothness, linearity.

One of the standout features of the Gateron Smoothie Switches is their smoothness. Thanks to the full POM housing and the pre-lubed design, these switches offer a really buttery-smooth typing experience. When you press the keys, there's no roughness or hitch in the movement. It's just a seamless flow from the start of the press to the end. The linearity of these switches is also a big plus. With no tactile bump, you get a consistent resistance throughout the key press. This makes it great for both typing and gaming. For typing, it allows for a fast and fluid typing speed, as you don't have to adjust to any sudden changes in resistance. And for gaming, it provides a reliable and consistent response, which is crucial when you're in the middle of an intense gaming session.

Comparison among various Gateron Smoothie switches.

When comparing the different Gateron Smoothie switches, we can see some clear differences. In terms of operating force, the Gateron Smoothie Switch has the lowest at 40±10gf, while the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie Switch has the highest at 48±10gf. The Gateron Smoothie Silver Switch falls in between at 45±15gf. The pre-travel distances also vary, with the Gateron Smoothie Silver Switch having the shortest at 1.2±0.3mm, followed by the Gateron Smoothie Switch and the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie Switch with similar pre-travel distances. Total travel is another aspect to consider. The Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie Switch has the longest total travel at 3.7mm±0.2mm, while the Gateron Smoothie Silver Switch has the shortest at 3.4mm±0.4mm. The spring design also differs, with the Gateron Smoothie Switch and Gateron Smoothie Silver Switch having double-stage springs, and the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie Switch having a one-stage spring. These differences in specifications can lead to different typing experiences, so it's important to consider what you're looking for in a switch before making a choice.

Reviews of Gateron Smoothie switches highlighting pros and cons.

Let's take a look at what people are saying about these Gateron Smoothie switches. Many users praise the smoothness of these switches. They love how easy it is to type on them and how the keys glide effortlessly. The pre-lubed feature is also a big hit, as it saves users the trouble of having to lube the switches themselves. However, some users have noted that the higher operating force of the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie Switch can be a bit tiring for long typing sessions. Others have mentioned that the shorter total travel of the Gateron Smoothie Silver Switch might not provide the same satisfying feel as a longer travel switch for those who really like a deep key press. Overall, though, the reviews are mostly positive, with users appreciating the unique features and typing experiences that these switches offer.

How to choose the right Gateron Smoothie switch for different needs.

If you're a gamer, you might want to consider the Gateron Smoothie Silver Switch. Its shorter pre-travel means it will activate more quickly, giving you a faster response in games. And the double-stage spring can provide a nice feel when pressing and releasing the keys during intense gaming sessions. If you do a lot of typing, the Gateron Smoothie Switch with its lower operating force and longer total travel might be a better choice. It'll be more comfortable for long typing sessions and still provide a smooth typing experience. If you like a more solid and pronounced typing feel, the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie Switch could be the way to go. Just be aware that its higher operating force might require a bit more effort when typing. In general, it's important to think about your specific needs and preferences when choosing a Gateron Smoothie switch. Consider how much force you're comfortable applying when typing, how quickly you want the switch to activate, and how deep you like your key presses to be.

Well, that's about it for our in-depth look at the Gateron Smoothie Switch Series. Whether you're a gamer, a typist, or just someone who loves a great typing experience, there's likely a Gateron Smoothie switch that will suit your needs. So go ahead and give them a try, and see which one works best for you! Happy typing!