Gateron Smoothie Linear Switches 5-Pin POM - Smooth, Thocky Typing

Our review of the Gateron Smoothie Linear Switches finds a set designed for builders who want a consistently smooth, slightly thocky typing experience and easy RGB integration. These 108PCS switches stand out because of their full POM construction and detachable light guide pole, which lets users tune under-key lighting without sacrificing the linear feel. For someone assembling a custom MX-style keyboard and seeking pre-lubed, long-pole stems that centralize bottom-out sound, the Smoothie switches are a compelling, value-oriented choice.

Key Features

• Detachable light guide pole: Allows customization of RGB lighting and easier modification of under-key effects without altering the switch body.
• Full POM housing: Reduces internal friction for smoother travel and contributes to a consistent, durable key feel over time.
• Pre-lubed stems: Arrive ready to deliver reduced scratchiness for most users and save build time compared with dry switches.
• Long-pole bottom-out stem: Concentrates the bottoming sound to create a pleasing, immersive acoustic profile often described as thocky.
• 5-pin PCB compatibility: The 5-pin design is stable in hot-swap and soldered PCBs, making these switches versatile for many builds.
• 22mm double-stage spring: Provides a reliable operating feel around the stated force, helping maintain consistency across keys.

Who It's For

The Smoothie switches are aimed at custom keyboard builders and tinkerers who value a smooth linear travel and want straightforward RGB integration via the detachable light guide pole. They suit typists and gamers who prefer a rounded, slightly thocky bottom-out rather than a sharp click, and who appreciate switches that come pre-lubed to reduce immediate break-in time.

Users who need extremely precise actuation distances for competitive gaming or those seeking tactile feedback should look elsewhere, since these are linear switches and the spec sheet focuses on travel and bottoming feel rather than tactile bump characteristics.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Smooth linear travel with reduced friction thanks to the full POM composition.
• Detachable light guide pole makes RGB customization easy and flexible for aesthetic builds.
• Pre-lubed stems and long-pole bottoming create a pleasing, consistent sound and feel out of the box.
• 5-pin construction adds stability on a wide range of PCBs.

Cons

• Lubrication quality receives mixed feedback, so some users may prefer to re-lube for a perfectly even feel.
• Linear switches are not suitable for users who want tactile feedback or audible clicks.

Specifications

Brand	kutethy
Type	Linear mechanical switch
Material	Full POM housing
Operating force	40 10gf
Pre-travel	2.0 +/- 0.6mm
Total travel	3.6 +/- 0.2mm
Pins	5-Pin
Spring	22mm double-stage
Pre-lubed	Yes

Our Verdict

The Gateron Smoothie Linear Switches are a strong value for custom keyboard builders who want a smooth, slightly thocky linear feel and simple RGB customization via a detachable light guide pole. They ship pre-lubed and use full POM housings for reduced friction, making them a good out-of-box option; users who demand perfectly uniform lubrication or tactile feedback may want to re-lube or choose a different switch type.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are these switches hot-swap friendly?
Yes, the 5-pin design works on most hot-swap and soldered PCBs, offering solid stability when installed.

Do they come lubricated?
Yes, they are pre-lubed, though some users report mixed results and may prefer to re-lube for complete consistency.

Will these switches work with RGB backlighting?
Yes, the detachable light guide pole is designed to facilitate under-key RGB customization and visually integrate with keyboard lighting.