Gateron CAP vs Gateron Smoothie
The Gateron CAP and the Gateron Smoothie are often cross-shopped. The main differences: the Gateron Smoothie is lighter to actuate (40g versus 50g); travel is 4 mm on the Gateron CAP and 3.6 mm on the Gateron Smoothie; stock they sound different: smooth cap linear versus soft, muted.
- Cheaper per switchGateron Smoothie$0.35 versus $0.55
Choose the Gateron CAP if
- you want a switch popular for smooth Gateron linears.
- you want a heavier, more deliberate press (50g).
Choose the Gateron Smoothie if
- you want a switch popular for budget thock.
- you want a switch popular for light linears.
- you want a lighter keystroke (40g).
- you want to spend less per switch.
Gateron CAP vs Gateron Smoothie, spec by spec
| Gateron CAP | Gateron Smoothie | |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Linear | Linear |
| Compatibility | Standard MX sockets | Standard MX sockets |
| Actuation force | 50g | 40g |
| Bottom-out force | n/a | n/a |
| Pre-travel | n/a | 2 mm |
| Total travel | 4 mm | 3.6 mm |
| Stem | n/a | POM |
| Top housing | POM/PC mix | POM |
| Bottom housing | nylon | POM |
| Spring | n/a | dual-stage |
| Factory lube | factory lubed | light |
| Pins | 5-pin | 5-pin |
| Price / switch | $0.55 | $0.35 (stronger spec) |
| Sound profile | smooth CAP linear | soft, muted |
| Released | 2022 | 2024 |
Highlighted rows are where the two differ; a check marks the objectively stronger spec (price, battery, modability). Feel and preference rows never get a check. Fields marked n/a are unpublished by the maker; we list only verifiable numbers.
Where they sit among all 227 switches we track
52% of the 198 switches tracked here actuate lighter than the Gateron CAP; 7% of the 198 switches tracked here actuate lighter than the Gateron Smoothie.
57% of the 224 switches tracked here have shorter total travel than the Gateron CAP; 34% of the 224 switches tracked here have shorter total travel than the Gateron Smoothie.
70% of the 193 switches tracked here cost less per switch than the Gateron CAP; 30% of the 193 switches tracked here cost less per switch than the Gateron Smoothie.
Where to buy the Gateron CAP
No verified retailer link right now. Check the maker or your usual switch retailers.
Where to buy the Gateron Smoothie
No verified retailer link right now. Check the maker or your usual switch retailers.
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