KTT Ash Gray vs. Gateron Smoothie
An in-depth look at the KTT Ash Gray and the Gateron Smoothie switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, the KTT Ash Gray and the Gateron Smoothie are two compelling options to consider. The Ash Gray boasts a tactile response that strikes the perfect balance between subtlety and satisfaction, offering a light touch with a crisp actuation. In comparison, the Smoothie stands out for its affordable price point without skimping on quality, providing a thocky sound signature, exceptional smoothness, and a lightweight touch. While the Ash Gray is categorized as 'Easy-to-press', 'Mild', and 'Neutral', the Smoothie offers a different experience with descriptors such as 'Buttery', 'Thocky', 'Low-pitched', 'Creamy', 'Subdued', and 'Silky'. Each switch has its unique attributes that cater to various preferences and typing styles. 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
40g
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
3.60 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
22mm extended double-stage spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the KTT Ash Gray and Gateron Smoothie switches offer unique characteristics that contribute to the overall sound profile and typing experience. The Ash Gray's polycarbonate top housing provides a sharper, higher-pitched sound compared to the POM top housing of the Smoothie, which creates a deeper and more muted sound. While polycarbonate is translucency and ideal for RGB lighting, POM offers a different aesthetic appeal with its opaque finish. Both materials have their own distinct sound profiles, catering to different preferences in typing sound.
In terms of the bottom housing, the Ash Gray utilizes nylon, which produces a deeper and fuller sound due to its softer plastic nature that absorbs more sound. Similarly, the Smoothie's POM bottom housing also contributes to a pleasing and unique sound profile that leans towards the deeper and more muted side. Despite the differences in materials, both bottom housings provide a satisfying typing experience with their respective sound characteristics. Whether you prefer a sharper sound with nylon or a deeper sound with POM, both options offer a pleasant typing experience.
When considering the impact of top and bottom housings on the overall sound and feel of a switch, it becomes apparent that each material brings its own unique qualities to the typing experience. The bottom housing has more influence on the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing down on a key, while the top housing affects the sound when releasing a key. By understanding how each housing material contributes to the switch's sound profile, users can choose based on their preference for typing sound and feel. Ultimately, whether using the Ash Gray with its polycarbonate and nylon housing or the Smoothie with its POM housing, users can expect a satisfying typing experience tailored to their preferences.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the KTT Ash Gray tactile switch and the Gateron Smoothie linear switch, we can see that the Ash Gray has a slightly lighter actuation force of 38 grams compared to the Smoothie's 40 grams. However, the Ash Gray has a heavier bottom out force of 53 grams, while the bottom out force of the Smoothie is unknown. This means that while the Ash Gray may require a lighter initial press, it will provide a more substantial feel when fully pressed down. Both switches offer a different typing experience based on their force requirements, with the Ash Gray leaning towards a more tactile feel and the Smoothie potentially offering a smoother linear typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will come down to personal preference for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
Comparing the travel distance of the KTT Ash Gray tactile switch and the Gateron Smoothie linear switch, the Ash Gray has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm compared to the Smoothie's 3.6 mm travel distance. While the difference of 0.1 mm may seem minimal, it can impact the overall feel and response of the switch. The Ash Gray's shorter travel distance may provide a slightly faster response time, which could be preferred by gamers seeking quick reactions. On the other hand, the Smoothie's slightly longer travel distance may offer a more substantial keypress feel, which some users may find more satisfying. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will come down to individual preferences regarding travel distance and keypress feedback.
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 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 Smoothie for $2.60.
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
In terms of sound, the KTT Ash Gray switch offers a neutral sound profile, making it suitable for various typing environments and experiences. On the other hand, the Gateron Smoothie switch provides a thocky, low-pitched, and subdued sound that creates a deep and satisfying auditory experience. Depending on your preference for sound, both switches offer distinct characteristics that can enhance your typing experience based on whether you prefer a more neutral or thocky sound.
When it comes to feel, the KTT Ash Gray switch provides an easy-to-press and mild typing experience that offers gentle resistance and minimal force for activation, making typing effortless and comfortable. In contrast, the Gateron Smoothie switch offers a buttery, creamy, and silky typing sensation that is smooth, fluid, and uniform, providing a seamless and effortless typing experience. Depending on your preference for typing feel, both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different tactile preferences.
Taking all factors into consideration, the KTT Ash Gray switch and Gateron Smoothie switch each bring their own strengths to the table in terms of sound and feel. While the Ash Gray switch provides a neutral sound profile and easy-to-press typing experience, the Smoothie switch offers a thocky sound signature and a buttery-smooth typing sensation. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on your personal preferences for sound, feel, and overall typing experience, but rest assured that you'll get similar high-quality results in terms of performance and durability with either option.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the KTT Ash Gray tactile switch and the Gateron Smoothie linear switch, consider the following: if you value a tactile response with a light touch and crisp actuation, then the Ash Gray switch may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a smoother, thocky sound signature and a lightweight touch, the Gateron Smoothie switch could be more to your liking. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preference for typing feel and sound profile. So, whether you prioritize a gentle tactile feedback or a silky smooth typing experience, both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences in mechanical keyboard switches.
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