KTT Ash Gray vs. Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie
An in-depth look at the KTT Ash Gray and the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switches for your typing or gaming experience, both the KTT Ash Gray and the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences. The KTT Ash Gray is a tactile switch designed to provide a substantial yet unobtrusive tactile response, making it ideal for those who enjoy feedback without being overwhelmed. This switch strikes a balance with its easy-to-press nature and mild actuation force, resulting in a comfortable typing experience. On the other hand, the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie presents a contrasting option with its linear switch design, characterized by a medium weight and smooth performance. With a distinct 'thocky' sound profile coupled with a silky feel, it's perfect for users seeking a seamless, uninterrupted keystroke. Both switches have their merits; the Ash Gray excels for tactile feedback lovers, while the Sea Salt Smoothie appeals to those who prioritize smoothness and sound. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
38g
Actuation force
48g
Bottom-out force
53g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
3.70 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
18mm spring
Spring
20mm extended double-stage spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the KTT Ash Gray and the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie, it is evident that while they employ different materials in their top housings, they share a similar approach with their bottom housings. The Ash Gray utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, renowned for its sharp and crisper sound profile. This characteristic arises from the stiffness of polycarbonate, which promotes a clear and resonant sound. In contrast, the Sea Salt Smoothie features a POM top housing, which provides a deeper and more muted sound profile. This distinct difference in top housing materials suggests that users will experience varying auditory responses when pressing these switches, with the Ash Gray offering a more articulated sound and the Sea Salt Smoothie delivering a unique, mellower experience.
On the other hand, both switches employ nylon for the KTT Ash Gray’s bottom housing and POM for the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie’s bottom housing. Here, nylon is lauded for producing a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer plastic properties, making it capable of absorbing sound more effectively than harder materials. The Sea Salt Smoothie’s POM bottom housing, while also producing a deeper sound, has been noted for its pleasing and uniquely muted qualities. The similarity in the deeper sound characteristics means that despite the differences in top housings, users can expect to experience a richly satisfying auditory experience in both switches contributed by their bottom housings.
Ultimately, the divergence in housing materials between the KTT Ash Gray and Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie culminates in distinct sound profiles for each switch, yet they still share foundational principles that can yield similar results in overall typing experience. While the Ash Gray's polycarbonate top gives it a sharper sound, the Sea Salt Smoothie's POM top brings a more subdued tone. Conversely, the bottom housings contribute significantly to the overall sound consistency, allowing both switches to maintain a deep and resonant auditory presence. For enthusiasts looking for a blend of characteristics, these variations highlight the importance of considering both the top and bottom housing materials to achieve the preferred auditory feedback while typing.
Weight
The KTT Ash Gray tactile switch and the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie linear switch present distinct differences in their actuation forces. The Ash Gray has a lighter actuation force of 38 grams, making it easier to type for extended periods, which is ideal for users who prefer a less physically demanding experience during long gaming sessions or work tasks. In contrast, the Sea Salt Smoothie features a heavier actuation force of 48 grams, catering to those who enjoy a more substantial typing sensation. While the bottom out force for the Sea Salt Smoothie is unknown, the Ash Gray's bottom out force is documented at 53 grams, indicating that it provides a more pronounced feedback when the key is fully pressed down. This means that typists who appreciate a heavier feel may prefer the Sea Salt Smoothie, while those looking for a lighter touch might opt for the Ash Gray. Overall, for users seeking a lighter option, the KTT Ash Gray is the clear choice, while the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie offers a firmer experience.
Travel distance
The KTT Ash Gray tactile switch and the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie linear switch exhibit differing travel distances, with the Ash Gray measuring 3.5 mm and the Sea Salt Smoothie at 3.7 mm. This means that the Ash Gray switch provides a slightly shorter travel distance compared to the Sea Salt Smoothie, making it potentially more responsive and appealing for gamers who favor a quicker actuation. Conversely, the Sea Salt Smoothie, with its longer travel distance, may offer a more substantial feel that some users find preferable for typing and overall comfort. Therefore, if you're looking for speed and responsiveness, the Ash Gray would be the advantageous choice, while those seeking a more pronounced depth could lean towards the Sea Salt Smoothie.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The KTT Ash Gray has an MSRP of $3.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Ash Gray for $2.55.
The Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie has an MSRP of $3.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Sea Salt Smoothie for $2.70.
Here at Milktooth, we offer the best prices on switches (on average, 27% lower the competition). In addition, we offer free shipping on orders over $49.00. We also offer free returns and exchanges, so you can shop with guaranteed satisfaction.
That said, while price is an important piece of the puzzle, our opinion is that you should ultimately pick the option that most suits your unique preferences since you’ll be using these switches for years to come. In other words, finding something perfect for you is, in our view, the most important criteria.
Typing experience
The sound profile of the KTT Ash Gray tactile switch is characterized by its neutral quality, providing a moderate level of auditory feedback. This feature makes it versatile for use in various environments, whether at home or in a more formal work setting. Users can expect a balanced sound that doesn't overwhelm, making it an excellent choice for both beginners and more experienced typists alike. In comparison, the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie linear switch is noted for its thocky sound profile, typically produced by linear switches, which further enhances its overall appeal due to its smooth actuation. However, the specifics of its sound characteristics were left unspecified in the provided information; therefore, its exact aural qualities remain unclear. Ultimately, both switches produce sound profiles that can be influenced by individual keyboard components such as the board and keycaps chosen.
When it comes to feel, the KTT Ash Gray is designed with an easy-to-press characteristic, offering gentle resistance that allows for a low-impact typing experience. This makes it particularly appealing for long typing sessions, reducing finger fatigue and enhancing comfort without sacrificing responsiveness. Additionally, its mild tactile nature means that the feedback remains approachable for a wide range of users. In contrast, the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie, being a linear switch, is likely to emphasize smoothness above all else, with no tactile bump to interrupt the key press, although specific details about its feel are not provided. This makes it ideal for users who prefer uninterrupted key action while typing or gaming.
In conclusion, the KTT Ash Gray tactile switch presents a well-rounded option for those looking for a neutral sound and a comfortable, engaging feel, especially for extended use. On the other hand, the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie offers a smooth, thocky auditory experience ideal for those who favor linear feedback, though additional information about its specific feel is not available. While both switches can serve different preferences, they share a common strength in enhancing the typing experience, making users likely satisfied regardless of their choice. In essence, your selection will depend on whether you prioritize subtle tactility and sound neutrality or a pure linearly smooth experience with rich auditory feedback.
Conclusion
To conclude, when deciding between the KTT Ash Gray tactile switch and the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie linear switch, your choice will primarily depend on your personal typing preferences and intended use. If you enjoy a tactile feedback with a nuanced touch, the Ash Gray is an excellent choice. Its medium-light bottom-out force and easy-to-press design make it ideal for long typing sessions, ensuring comfort while still providing that satisfying tactile response without being overwhelming. This switch is versatile and suitable for various environments, whether at home or in an office setting, thanks to its neutral sound profile. On the other hand, if you prefer an ultra-smooth, linear experience with a more pronounced sound profile, the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie might be more to your liking. This switch, known for its thocky sound, caters to users who prioritize a seamless key press without the tactile bump. Ultimately, your decision should reflect your typing style—opt for the Ash Gray if you value subtle tactility and comfort, or choose the Sea Salt Smoothie for a smooth and auditory experience.
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