Gateron SMOOTHIE ORIGINAL MX mechanical keyboard switch
02 / THE ESSENTIALS

Gateron Smoothie Linear Switches — 10PCS at a Glance

Linear
Switch Type
3.6 mm
Total Travel
5-pin
Mount
Yes
Factory Lubed
40 gf
Operating force

Why the original 40gf Smoothie feels different

Full-POM stem and housings, a 22mm dual-stage spring and factory lubrication are the concrete construction differences. Many owners praise stock smoothness, but some report heavier-than-preferred factory lube or uneven RGB transmission. Do not treat subjective “creamy/thocky” labels as measurements or guarantees.

Gateron SMOOTHIE ORIGINAL MX mechanical keyboard switch

Performance, sound and lube uniformity are not KeebPilot laboratory measurements; any community experiences are subjective and build-dependent.

Original Smoothie (not Silver / Sea Salt)

SeriesOriginal Smoothie (not Silver / Sea Salt)
Switch typeLinear
Operating force40±10gf
Pre-travel2.0±0.6mm
Total travel3.6±0.2mm
Stem and housingFull POM
Spring22mm double-stage
Pins5-pin PCB mount
LightingSMD LED support (board-dependent)
Factory lubricationYes, pre-lubed

Should you choose these switches?

Gateron SMOOTHIE ORIGINAL MX mechanical keyboard switch

A relatively light linear switch with full-POM construction.

  • Builders seeking a pre-lubed switch to try before committing to a complete keyboard build.
  • A 10PCS trial or replacement set for a compatible MX mechanical PCB.

40gf may feel too easy to actuate for users who prefer firm/heavy springs.

  • Individual users have reported differences in lubrication feel; do not assume zero scratch or perfect factory lubing.
  • The sound and the effectiveness of the light guide depend on your case, keycaps and RGB implementation.

Choose your options

Before you buy: check the switch socket

These are conventional MX-style mechanical-contact switches. Check socket technology and your PCB/plate mounting arrangement; Hall Effect and optical-only boards are not compatible.

Gateron SMOOTHIE ORIGINAL MX mechanical keyboard switch

Mechanical socket

Confirm a standard MX-style mechanical switch interface; magnetic Hall Effect and optical-only sockets are different technologies.

Gateron SMOOTHIE ORIGINAL MX mechanical keyboard switch

Mounting

The official Gateron Smoothie is 5-pin PCB-mount. Check that your PCB or hot-swap socket accommodates the two additional plastic locating legs; never assume every 3-pin socket accepts 5-pin without modification.

Keycaps and lightingCheck MX stem fit, your LED position and keycap lighting requirements; lighting appearance is not guaranteed.
Check your actual PCB, plate and keyboard layout before buying.

How many switches should you order?

Choose your keyboard layout to get a practical starting quantity. Then confirm the exact key count for your board and decide how many spare switches you want for testing or replacement.

Recommended for 65%
Select an available configuration
Recommendations require verified pack sizes, prices and availability from the current variation data.

Detailed specifications

Pre-travel
2.0±0.6mm
Total travel
3.6±0.2mm
Stem and housing
Full POM
Spring
22mm double-stage
Pins
5-pin PCB mount
Lighting
SMD LED support (board-dependent)
Factory lubrication
Yes, pre-lubed
Quantity
10PCS
Brand
Gateron
Switch technology
Mechanical-contact
Sold pack
10 switches

FAQ

Is this the original 40gf Gateron Smoothie?

Yes. This is the original full-POM 40±10gf linear model, not Smoothie Silver or Sea Salt.

Do Gateron Smoothies need lubing?

Gateron lists them as factory pre-lubed. Additional tuning is personal preference; consistency may vary.

Can they fit a 3-pin hot-swap PCB?

The official model is 5-pin. Check the PCB and plate; the extra plastic legs may prevent installation on some 3-pin-only designs.

Are these silent switches?

No. They are regular linear switches, not specially dampened silent switches.

How many do I receive?

10 switches in the proposed pack; the supplier also lists a distinct 35PCS pack, not automatically included.