Well, since the Kailh Taro Ice Cream Mini is a low-profile mechanical switch with Choc footprint and stem and the Gateron Smoothie is a standard MX mechanical switch, the differences between them are so fundamental that it doesn't make much sense to compare them. They are not even compatible, requiring different PCBs or keycaps -- so they are usually not alternatives for the same keyboard. That said, here is a side-by-side spec rundown for you.
The Kailh Taro Ice Cream Mini is a linear low-profile mechanical switch with Choc footprint and stem with POM top housing, POM bottom housing, and POM stem (circular dust-proof shape). The 37g actuation occurs at 1.20mm. Bottom-out is at 2.80mm. Factory lubing? Yes! Manufactured by Kailh. | The Gateron Smoothie is a linear standard MX mechanical switch with POM top housing, POM bottom housing, and POM stem (standard shape). It features a 22 mm double-stage spring. The 40g actuation occurs at 2mm. Bottom-out is at 3.60mm. Extra: Light diffuser. Factory lubing? Yes! Manufactured by Gateron. |
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| Name | Kailh Taro Ice Cream Mini | Gateron Smoothie |
|---|---|---|
| Type | linear | linear |
| Footprint | 3-pin | 5-pin |
| Top housing | POM | POM |
| Bottom housing | POM | POM |
| Stem material | POM | POM |
| Stem shape | circular dust-proof | standard |
| Spring | - | 22 mm double-stage |
| Actuation | 37 g | 40 g |
| Bottom-out | - g | - g |
| Pre-travel | 1.20 mm | 2 mm |
| Total travel | 2.80 mm | 3.60 mm |
| Lube | Factory lubing? Yes! | Factory lubing? Yes! |
| Designer | - | - |
| Manufacturer | Kailh | Gateron |
By tracking prices and in-stock status of 30+ well-known keyboard stores worldwide, we can state that the Kailh Taro Ice Cream Mini is available at a single shop at the moment, while the Gateron Smoothie can be found in multiple stores.
Clicking the links below take you to some notable keyboard shops offering Kailh Taro Ice Cream Mini and Gateron Smoothie switches. When accepted, the prices indicated already include the discount - use the KBDNEWS coupon code at checkout to claim your saving!
Prices, discounts, and stock status are checked regularly; however, changes since the last update cannot be ruled out. Everything here is for informational purposes only. Check the product pages for the latest prices!
Comments on Kailh Taro Ice Cream Mini switches | Comments on Gateron Smoothie switches |
Kailh brings the critically acclaimed buttery smoothness of the "Ice Cream" series into an ultra-thin low-profile body—introducing the "Kailh Taro Ice Cream Mini." Crafted specifically for ultra-thin custom keyboards and Hitbox controllers, it features a rare 100% Full-POM construction (stem, top, and base) that inherently self-lubricates. Paired with a feather-light 37gf actuation force and a lightning-fast 1.2mm pre-travel, every keystroke feels like strolling on clouds. It gets even smoother with use, completely eliminating typing and gaming fatigue – Diykey. | The switch boasts a construction entirely made from Full POM (Polyoxymethylene) material. This choice not only enhances its aesthetic appeal but also contributes to a silky smooth, light, and soft feeling with every keystroke – Gateron. |
