Gateron Full POM Smoothie switches
I’m a linear fan, so I ordered Mint and Strawberry
MINT
The Mint smoothie are pretty legit great silent linears. Very snappy but light spring and a true 4.0mm travel. They feel a bit different from other silents I’ve tried and liked. They sound similar to silent Lucy but the spring and 4.0mm travel makes them feel distinct. They have a 20mm single stage 45g spring. Longer springs like this usually feel quite heavier than listed, and this one feels essentially like a 53-55g spring. Light but loaded a bit at the top to keep from making accidental presses.
I do think I would like to try them with a Medium spring (15mm) as well.
STRAWBERRY
The pink linears were up next. I tried them in a board and really disliked them. They were extremely inconsistent in sound (probably b/c of the factory lube). Also, the spring ping is off the charts on some of them. I don’t think they bothered to lube the springs at the base. I’m sure some thick lube at the bottom of the spring would fix it.
I’ll give them another shot and report back if I grow to like them.
Also ordered some Gateron Lanes in a recent order from Prototypist:
These are truly unique switches. I believe at was @Rob27shred that previously stated these were nice, and there really is something quite Alpsy about them. A few have already begun to click a bit, which really makes them feel even more like alps (being inconsistent and all!)
I would say if you’ve tried alps switches and appreciate them for their sound and quirky nature, you will probably enjoy these tribute switches. They don’t feel heavy at all, and the tactility was not enough to fatigue me while typing or gaming.
Very unique switch. I’m looking forward to see how these change over time. I’ve got them in a hotswap board, but IDK… I may solder these in. Something good an rigid with a hollow cavity for maximum noise.