KTT F2 vs. Gateron Smoothie Silver
An in-depth look at the KTT F2 and the Gateron Smoothie Silver switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the KTT F2 and the Gateron Smoothie Silver both offer unique characteristics to consider. The KTT F2 is known for its distinct hollow sound signature and lightly textured feel with a medium-light weightiness, providing a comfortable typing experience. On the other hand, the Gateron Smoothie Silver stands out for its short travel distance for quick actuation, thocky sound, unparalleled smoothness, and feather-light touch. Each switch has its own strengths and qualities that may appeal to different preferences and needs. 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
43g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
53g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Pre-travel
1.20 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
3.40 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
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
22mm extended double-stage spring
Housing materials
Both the KTT F2 and the Gateron Smoothie Silver utilize different housing materials for their top and bottom housings. The F2 features a polycarbonate top housing, known for creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This material is also highly translucent, making it ideal for switches with RGB lighting. On the other hand, the Smoothie Silver utilizes a POM top housing, which produces a deeper and more muted sound compared to polycarbonate. While both materials offer distinct sound profiles, the F2's polycarbonate top housing leans towards a brighter and more resonant sound, while the Smoothie Silver's POM top housing offers a smoother and more subdued sound experience.
Moving on to the bottom housings, the KTT F2 continues with its polycarbonate material, known for its stiffness and clear resonant sound profile. This translates to a sharper and crisper sound when the switch is pressed down. In contrast, the Gateron Smoothie Silver opts for a POM bottom housing, which creates a unique and pleasing sound that leans towards the deeper end of the spectrum. Despite both materials being relatively stiff, the F2's polycarbonate bottom housing may offer a more pronounced tactile feel and sound upon bottom-out, while the Smoothie Silver's POM bottom housing provides a more subtle and muted tactile experience.
In summary, the choice of housing material plays a significant role in determining the sound profile and feel of a mechanical switch. While the KTT F2 and the Gateron Smoothie Silver both offer distinct characteristics with their polycarbonate and POM housings, respectively, they cater to different preferences in terms of sound and tactile feedback. Ultimately, the F2's polycarbonate housing tends to deliver a brighter and crisper sound, while the Smoothie Silver's POM housing provides a deeper and more subdued sound profile. Despite these differences, both switches offer quality construction and performance for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts.
Weight
The KTT F2 linear switch has a lighter actuation force of 43 grams compared to the Gateron Smoothie Silver linear switch, which has an actuation force of 45 grams. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the F2 requires 53 grams, while the Smoothie Silver force is unknown. In terms of weight, the F2 switch falls into the medium-light category, making it suitable for longer typing or gaming sessions where fatigue may be a concern. On the other hand, the Smoothie Silver switch offers a slightly heavier actuation force but lacks information on the bottom out force. Both switches cater to different preferences, with the F2 providing a lighter typing experience and the Smoothie Silver potentially offering a more substantial push feel, although without clear data, it is hard to make a direct comparison. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches may come down to personal preference for actuation force and bottom out force.
Travel distance
The KTT F2 linear switch and the Gateron Smoothie Silver linear switch have slightly different travel distances. The F2 has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Smoothie Silver has a travel distance of 3.4 mm. Both of these switches fall into the category of shorter travel distances, which are becoming more popular, especially among gamers looking for faster response times. The slight difference in travel distance between the two switches may not be noticeable to everyone, but for those who prefer a slightly deeper press, the F2 with its 3.5 mm travel distance may be the better choice. Ultimately, the decision between the two will come down to personal preference and what feels most comfortable for the individual user.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron Smoothie Silver 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 Silver for $2.60.
The KTT F2 comes in at $3.90 per 10 switches.
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 F2 switch offers a unique hollow sound signature, setting it apart from other switches. It has a neutral sound profile that is suitable for various purposes, making it a versatile option for both beginners and advanced users. On the other hand, the Gateron Smoothie Silver switch produces a thocky sound with a short travel distance for fast actuation. The sound of both switches is also influenced by factors such as the keyboard and keycaps used.
When it comes to feel, the KTT F2 switch provides a lightly textured keystroke and a medium-light weightiness, offering a comfortable typing experience without being too forceful or too fleeting. It offers a feathery feel that reduces finger fatigue and is suitable for extended typing sessions. In contrast, the Gateron Smoothie Silver switch is known for its unparalleled smoothness and feather-light touch, providing a gentle typing experience.
In conclusion, the KTT F2 and Gateron Smoothie Silver switches offer different subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the F2 switch has a unique hollow sound signature and a lightly textured feel, the Smoothie Silver switch provides a thocky sound and smooth keystrokes. Both switches have their own strengths, so choosing between them would depend on the specific preferences of the user. Ultimately, both switches can offer a comfortable and enjoyable typing experience, albeit with slightly different characteristics.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the KTT F2 linear switch and the Gateron Smoothie Silver linear switch, you should consider the specific qualities each switch offers. If you prioritize a distinct hollow sound signature, lightly textured keystrokes, and a medium-light bottom out force, then the F2 switch would be ideal for you. On the other hand, if you prefer lightning-fast actuation, thocky sound, unparalleled smoothness, and a feather-light touch, then the Smoothie Silver switch would be the better choice. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preferences in terms of sound, feel, and typing experience.
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