KTT Cream Yellow vs. Gateron Smoothie Silver

Overview

When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the KTT Cream Yellow and the Gateron Smoothie Silver both offer unique features that cater to different preferences. The Cream Yellow switch is renowned for its distinctively clacky sound and bouncy typing feel, thanks to its shortened bottom-out distance and long-pole stem. On the other hand, the Smoothie Silver switch stands out for its lightning-fast actuation, thocky sound, unparalleled smoothness, and feather-light touch due to its all-POM construction. While the Cream Yellow is categorized as 'Bouncy' and 'Clacky', the Smoothie Silver lacks specific categorization. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.

By the numbers

KTT Cream Yellow Linear

Gateron Smoothie Silver Linear

$2.75

$2.55 per 10

$3.00

$2.60 per 10

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Housing materials

The KTT Cream Yellow and Gateron Smoothie Silver switches both have different materials for their top and bottom housings, resulting in distinct sound profiles. The Cream Yellow features a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharp, high-pitched sound profile, perfect for those who enjoy a crisp typing experience. In contrast, the Smoothie Silver utilizes a POM top housing, producing a deeper and more muted sound, providing a more relaxed typing experience. While both materials offer unique sound profiles, the polycarbonate in the Cream Yellow is ideal for those who prefer a clear and resonant sound, while the POM in the Smoothie Silver caters to individuals seeking a deeper and more subtle typing feel.

In terms of the bottom housing, the Cream Yellow incorporates a nylon material that contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile, perfect for those who enjoy a more robust typing experience. On the other hand, the Smoothie Silver also utilizes a POM bottom housing, resulting in a sound profile that is deep and relatively muted, offering a more subdued typing feel. Despite the differences in materials, both switches provide a unique sound experience, with the Cream Yellow's nylon bottom housing offering a duller and rounder sound compared to the Smoothie Silver's POM bottom housing, which creates a more subtle and muted typing sound.

Overall, while the Cream Yellow and Gateron Smoothie Silver switches feature different housing materials for their top and bottom, they both aim to provide a pleasant and unique typing experience. The Cream Yellow's combination of polycarbonate and nylon creates a sharp and resonant sound profile, appealing to those who enjoy a clear and distinct typing feel. Conversely, the Smoothie Silver's POM material in both housings offers a deeper and more muted sound, catering to individuals seeking a quieter and more relaxed typing experience. Despite the contrasting materials, both switches offer high-quality sound profiles that cater to the preferences of different users.

Weight

The actuation force of the KTT Cream Yellow linear switch is 50 grams, while the Gateron Smoothie Silver linear switch has an actuation force of 45 grams. This makes the Smoothie Silver the lighter option between the two. However, the Cream Yellow requires a bottom out force of 58 grams, while the bottom out force of the Smoothie Silver is unknown. When it comes to weight, some users may prefer the Cream Yellow for a more substantial typing experience due to its higher bottom out force, while others might opt for the Smoothie Silver for a lighter touch during extended typing or gaming sessions. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on personal preference and typing style.

Travel distance

The travel distance of the KTT Cream Yellow linear switch and the Gateron Smoothie Silver linear switch are quite similar, with the Cream Yellow having a slightly longer travel distance of 3.5mm compared to the 3.4mm of the Smoothie Silver. While the difference may seem minimal, it can have an impact on the overall typing experience. Gamers who prioritize speed and quicker response times may prefer the slightly shorter travel distance of the Smoothie Silver, while those who enjoy a more substantial feeling when typing may lean towards the Cream Yellow. Ultimately, both switches offer a balance between depth and responsiveness, providing users with a comfortable typing experience regardless of their preference for travel distance.

Price comparison

Typing experience

Overall, the Cream Yellow switch offers a distinctively clacky sound with a bouncy typing feel, thanks to its shortened bottom-out distance and long-pole stem design. On the other hand, the Smoothie Silver switch provides a thocky sound with unparalleled smoothness and a feather-light touch due to its all-POM construction and short travel distance. While the Cream Yellow switch may appeal to those who enjoy a more tactile and bouncy typing experience, the Smoothie Silver switch is ideal for those who prefer a smoother and quicker actuation. Ultimately, choosing between these switches will depend on personal preference and the overall keyboard setup, as the sound and feel are subjective qualities that can vary based on individual preferences and typing styles.

Conclusion

To sum up, when choosing between the KTT Cream Yellow linear switch and the Gateron Smoothie Silver linear switch, consider the following factors. If you prioritize a distinctively clacky sound with a bouncy typing feel, the Cream Yellow may be the better option for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a switch with a lightning-fast actuation, thocky sound, unparalleled smoothness, and a feather-light touch, the Smoothie Silver could be the ideal choice. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preferences for sound, feel, and typing experience. Both switches have their unique qualities, so choosing the one that aligns with your preferences will ensure a satisfying typing experience.

Mentioned in this article

KTT Cream Yellow Linear

$2.75

$2.55 per 10

Learn more

Gateron Smoothie Silver Linear

$3.00

$2.60 per 10

Learn more