When it comes to mechanical keyboards, nothing beats the feeling of a buttery-smooth keystroke. Whether you're deep in a gaming session or typing for hours on end, smooth switches can elevate your entire experience.
In this blog, we’re spotlighting the smoothest mechanical keyboard switches you can get your hands on this year. Let’s dive into what makes them stand out.
Overview
| Invokeys Matcha Reserve |
| Gateron Smoothie |
| BSUN K1 |
| HMX Vintage Citrus |
| Akko Mirror |
| MMD Vivian |
| Keygeek Keylin |
| Prevail Epsilon |
| Gateron CJ |
Invokeys Matcha Reserve
Product Details
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| Name | Invokeys Matcha Reserve |
| Switch Type | Linear |
| Top Housing Material | POM |
| Bottom Housing Material | POM |
| Stem Material | LY |
| Actuation Force | 53g |
| Bottom Out Force | 60g |
| Mount | 5 pin |
| Total Travel | 3.3mm |
| Factory Lubed | Yes |
Switch Feel
The Invokeys Matcha Reserve feel impressively smooth and responsive to type on. The Invokeys Matcha Reserve is consistently lubed from the factory on all sides of the stem, preventing any unnecessary plastic contacts. The Invokeys Matcha Reserve has a comfortable 60g bottom out with a responsive feeling return due to the long spring length. There is basically no stem wobble in the E/W direction with only a slight amount of wobble in the N/S direction. The consistent factory lube allows for a typing experience without any scratch or spring ping. The Invokeys Matcha Reserve would be a great choice if you are looking for a clean linear switch with a responsive key return.
Switch Sound
The overall sound profile of the Invokeys Matcha Reserve lies in the mid tones. The bottom out of the Invokeys Matcha Reserve is sharp due to the long stem pole, but has a creamy and marbly sound. The top out of the Invokeys Matcha Reserve is soft and dampened with a lower tone. The contrast in the bottom out and top out of the Invokeys Matcha Reserve creates a unique characteristic for the Invokeys Matcha Reserve.
Here is a sound test of the Invokeys Matcha Reserve:
Gateron Smoothie
Product Details
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| Name | Gateron Smoothie |
| Switch Type | Linear |
| Top Housing Material | Modified POM |
| Bottom Housing Material | Modified POM |
| Stem Material | Modified POM |
| Operating Force | 40±10gf |
| Mount | 5 pin |
| Total Travel | 3.6mm |
| Factory Lubed | Yes |
Switch Feel
The Gateron Smoothie, as well as the rest of the Gateron Smoothie series, is aptly named because they feel as smooth as a smoothie. Since the entire switch is made out of POM, it can be expected that the Gateron Smoothie feels incredibly smooth to type on with an experience that feels like the keypresses are gliding up and down. In addition, the light factory lube is also consistent and well applied so the Gateron Smoothie can be used even in its factory stock form.
The Gateron Smoothie has the modern long pole and short travel distance feel, so it would be a good fit for those who like the shorter travel distance.
Switch Sound
The Gateron Smoothie has a loud and creamy sounding bottom out and a soft and thocky sounding top out. POM is generally a slightly soft material, and in combination with a relatively lighter spring weight, the top out sound is on the softer side due to a less sudden spring de-actuation. The Gateron Smoothie would be perfect for those looking for a creamy sounding switch that is sharp on the bottom out and soft on the top out.
Here is a sound test of the Gateron Smoothie:
BSUN K1
Product Details
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| Name | BSUN K1 |
| Switch Type | Linear |
| Top Housing Material | POM |
| Bottom Housing Material | Nylon |
| Stem Material | Modified POM |
| Actuation Force | ~37g |
| Bottom Out Force | ~43g |
| Mount | 5 pin |
| Pre Travel | 2.0mm |
| Total Travel | 3.6mm |
| Factory Lubed | Yes |
Switch Feel
The BSUN K1 comes stock with a generous amount of factory lube, giving it a smooth typing experience straight out of the box free of any scratchiness. It has a shorter travel distance of 3.6mm providing a familiar typing feel of long pole stems. The BSUN K1 has very tight housing tolerances with hardly any stem wobble in the E/W direction and some stem wobble in the N/S direction. With its light spring weight and factory lube, the BSUN K1 is a great option for those who are looking for a smooth, creamy, and thocky switch at one of the most affordable prices.
Switch Sound
The BSUN K1 has a hard and creamy sounding bottom out within the mid tones and a soft and muted top out. In its stock form, the BSUN K1 produces a creamy sounds signature thanks to its materials and a consistent application of factory lube. Thanks to its design and combination of materials, the BSUN K1 has a mid to lower pitched bottom out that is less common in long pole stems that usually have a sharper bottom out sound. The BSUN K1 range of sound has the potential to sound deeper and thocky after hand lubing. Stock, the BSUN K1 sounds creamy in the mid tones, and after modding by hand lubing, the BSUN K1 can sound deep and thocky in the lower tones.
Here is a sound test of the BSUN K1:
HMX Vintage Citrus
Product Details
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| Name | HMX Vintage Citrus |
| Switch Type | Linear |
| Top Housing Material | PA12 |
| Bottom Housing Material | PA66 |
| Stem Material | T3 |
| Actuation Force | 48±2g |
| Bottom Out Force | 53±2g |
| Mount | 5 pin |
| Pre Travel | 1.0mm±0.2mm |
| Total Travel | 3.0±0.2mm |
| Factory Lubed | Yes |
Switch Feel
The HMX Vintage Citrus, like with other HMX switches, are smooth, have almost no stem wobble, and have a solid bottom out due to the short travel distance with a snappy top out due to the long spring.
The HMX Vintage Citrus has a much shorter travel distance than other HMX switches, with a 1.0mm pre travel and a 3.0 full travel. Its shorter travel and faster actuation make the HMX Vintage Citrus a great choice for a gaming switch. The responsiveness of the HMX Vintage Citrus makes them comfortable to type on with little to no fatiguing for daily use and for gaming.
Switch Sound
The HMX Vintage Citrus has a sharp keypress due to its short travel distance. It has a high-pitched clacky bottom out as well as a high-pitched poppy top out. In comparison to the HMX Cheese, it is slightly less clacky than the HMX Cheese (possibly due to the T3 stem material in the HMX Vintage Citrus) but it has a slightly louder volume (possibly due to the more sudden bottom out in the HMX Vintage Citrus). The HMX Vintage Citrus a clean and crispy sound that is satisfying to hear during typing and even more satisfying to hear during gaming.
Here is a sound test of the HMX Vintage Citrus:
Akko Mirror
Product Details
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| Name | Akko Mirror |
| Switch Type | Linear |
| Top Housing Material | PA12 |
| Bottom Housing Material | Modified Nylon |
| Stem Material | POK |
| Operating Force | 37 ± 5gf |
| Mount | 5 pin |
| Pre Travel | 2.0 ± 0.5mm |
| Total Travel | 3.5 mm |
| Factory Lubed | Yes |
Switch Feel
The Akko Mirror, being manufactured by HMX, has a very similar feel to other HMX switches in terms of its smooth keypresses and tight housing tolerances that allow for little stem wobble. At very slow keypresses, the Akko Mirror does have a little bit of the binding or syringe feel at the top due to the tight tolerance between the top housing and the stem, however during normal typing it is not noticeable. The Akko Mirror was aimed to mimic the reflection of a mirror into the sound of the switch, and it has also mimicked the slick feel of a mirror's reflective surface as well. Providing a smooth and comfortable typing experience suitable for work, leisure, and gaming.
Switch Sound
The Akko Mirror achieves the "reflective" sound it was aiming for, producing a clean clacky sound profile. The Akko Mirror has a crisp and high-pitched sound that stands out with its loud volume even among other HMX manufactured switches. The Akko Mirror has a distinctive long pole bottom out sound that is the main driving force behind its loud and clacky sound. If you are looking for a high-pitched linear switch that really brings the keyboard to life and "reflects" its character, then the Akko Mirror is an excellent choice to try out.
Here is a sound test of the Akko Mirror:
MMD Vivian
Product Details
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| Name | MMD Vivian |
| Switch Type | Linear |
| Top Housing Material | PA12 |
| Bottom Housing Material | Modified PUM |
| Stem Material | Modified UPE |
| Actuation Force | 43g / 53g |
| Bottom Out Force | 48g / 60g |
| Mount | 5 pin |
| Pre Travel | 2.0mm |
| Total Travel | 3.6mm |
| Factory Lubed | Yes |
Switch Feel
The MMD Vivian feels as thocky as it sounds. The MMD Vivian is a great option for those who enjoy the feeling of thoroughly lubed switches. Its creamy typing feel could be due to the modified UPE stem material because of its softness. The modified UPE stem material provides a thocky and soft feeling typing experience.
Switch Sound
The MMD Vivian stands out as a thocky switch. It has a hard and creamy bottom out and a soft and dampened top out. The PUM bottom housing material helps create a deep tone but also a hard plastic-y sound profile. Overall, the combination of the PUM bottom housing and the soft modified UPE stem material produces a soft and thocky sound signature.
Here is a sound test of the MMD Vivian:
Keygeek Keylin
Product Details
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| Name | Keygeek Keylin |
| Switch Type | Linear |
| Top Housing Material | Nylon |
| Bottom Housing Material | Nylon |
| Stem Material | UPE |
| Actuation Force | 38g |
| Bottom Out Force | 48g |
| Mount | 5 pin |
| Pre Travel | 2.0mm |
| Total Travel | 4.0mm |
| Factory Lubed | Yes |
Switch Feel
The Keygeek Keylin is smooth with just the right amount of factory lube applied in its stock form. This makes the Keygeek Keylin an ideal switch for enthusiasts who enjoy smooth and uninterrupted keypresses. The actuation force of the Keygeek Keylin is on the lighter side, allowing for quick presses for quick typing or rapid gaming sessions without too much strain. The smoothness of the Keygeek Keylin is particuarly impressive, with a clean, consistent travel that's free of any noticeable scratch or wobble.
Switch Sound
The sound of the Keygeek Keylin is soft yet present with a pleasant "thock" when bottoming out. It doesn't have a sharp bottom out so it is an excellent choice to use in shared spaces. However, the Keygeek Keylin is still audible enough to provide a satisfying auditory typing experience. The Keygeek Keylin has a mid to lower sound profile creating a creamy or thocky sound profile. The sound profile of the Keygeek Keylin feels balanced, not too hard or too quiet.
Here is a sound test of the Keygeek Keylin:
Prevail Epsilon
Product Details
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| Name | Prevail Epsilon |
| Switch Type | Linear |
| Top Housing Material | Nylon |
| Bottom Housing Material | Nylon |
| Stem Material | P3 (JWK proprietary plastic mix) |
| Actuation Force | 42g |
| Bottom Out Force | 68g |
| Mount | 5 pin |
| Pre Travel | 2.0mm |
| Total Travel | 4.0mm |
| Factory Lubed | Yes |
Switch Feel
The Prevail Epsilon feels slippery smooth to type on. The Prevail Epsilon comes lightly factory lubed which provides a consistent typing experience even on off center keypresses. The Prevail Epsilon has a short travel distance for those who prefer a faster actuation, and a more responsive bottom out feel. The Prevail Epsilon provides a comfortable typing experience for everyday users as well as a responsive typing experience for gamers.
Switch Sound
The Prevail Epsilon is one of the deeper and thocky sounding linear switches. It's short travel creates a sharper sound, but the tone of the Prevail Epsilon when bottoming out is deep and thocky even stock. On keyup, the Prevail Epsilon produces a deep and poppy sound contrasting the hard bottom out. The Prevail Epsilon would be a good option for those looking for a deep and thocky switch that has a sharper sound.
Here is a sound test of the Prevail Epsilon:
Gateron CJ
Product Details
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| Name | Gateron CJ |
| Switch Type | Linear |
| Top Housing Material | INK Material |
| Bottom Housing Material | POM |
| Stem Material | POM |
| Actuation Force | 50g |
| Bottom Out Force | 60g |
| Mount | 5 pin |
| Pre Travel | 2.0mm |
| Total Travel | 4.0mm |
| Factory Lubed | Yes |
Switch Feel
The Gateron CJ feels incredibly smooth to type on with no noticeable scratchiness. Although there is a bit of stem wobble, the Gateron CJ does not feel wobbly. I would say there is a comfortable amount of tolerance between the housing and the stem that allows the Gateron CJ to have such a free typing experience. Some switches in the current market aim to create the tightest tolerances or apply hefty amounts of factory lube. The Gateron CJ on the other hand seemed to have hit the "just right" mark allowing the stem to move freely between the housing while also having enough factory lube to guide it along each keypress.
Switch Sound
The Gateron CJ overall has a mid to high pitched sound profile. Despite the INK top material, when the key returns the Gateron CJ has a thin and clacky top out. When bottoming out the Gateron CJ can produce sounds in the mid tones during normal typing or clacky sounds when typing more aggressively. The Gateron CJ would be a great choice for those who are looking for a brighter sound signature.
Here is a sound test of the Gateron CJ:
Coming soon!
👉 You can buy these switches on our site:
Share your thoughts in the comments and let us know if you have any questions!
- Invokeys Matcha Reserve
- Gateron Smoothie
- BSUN K1
- HMX Vintage Citrus
- Akko Mirror
- MMD Vivian
- Keygeek Keylin
- Prevail Epsilon
- Gateron CJ
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