KTT Kang White vs. Gateron Smoothie
An in-depth look at the KTT Kang White and the Gateron Smoothie switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, the KTT Kang White and the Gateron Smoothie both offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences. The Kang White is a linear switch known for its poppy typing sound and unparalleled smoothness due to its self-lubricating material. On the other hand, the Smoothie, also a linear switch, boasts a thocky sound signature, remarkable smoothness, and a lightweight touch, all while being an all-POM switch that is budget-friendly. While the Kang White is praised for its low-pitched and neutral characteristics, the Smoothie stands out with its buttery, thocky, low-pitched, creamy, subdued, and silky attributes. 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
45g
Actuation force
40g
Bottom-out force
58g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
No
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
Stainless steel
Spring
22mm extended double-stage spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the KTT Kang White and the Gateron Smoothie offer distinct characteristics that contribute to the overall typing experience. The Kang White features a polycarbonate top housing, known for creating a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile ideal for RGB lighting setups. In contrast, the Smoothie utilizes a POM top housing, resulting in a deeper and more muted sound. While both materials offer unique sound profiles, the polycarbonate of the Kang White provides a crisper and more resonant typing experience compared to the POM of the Smoothie.
Moving on to the bottom housings, the Kang White's nylon bottom housing offers a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer plastic composition. This results in a duller and rounder sound that enhances the overall typing experience. Similarly, the Smoothie's POM bottom housing also contributes to a pleasing and deep sound profile, albeit with a relatively more muted tone. Despite the differences in material, both switches provide a satisfying typing experience with distinct sound characteristics that cater to different preferences.
When considering the impact of the top and bottom housing materials on the overall typing experience, it becomes evident that each material plays a significant role in shaping the sound profile of the switches. While the bottom housing material influences the bottom-out sound and feel of the switch, the top housing material contributes to the sound when releasing a key. Both the Kang White and the Smoothie showcase how the choice of housing material can greatly impact the overall typing experience, catering to different preferences and needs of mechanical keyboard enthusiasts.
Weight
In comparing the KTT Kang White linear switch and the Gateron Smoothie linear switch, we can see differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Kang White has a slightly higher actuation force of 45 grams compared to the Smoothie's 40 grams. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Kang White requires 58 grams while the Smoothie's bottom out force is unknown. This makes the Kang White slightly heavier in terms of bottom out force. Those who prefer a lighter typing experience may lean towards the Smoothie due to its lower actuation force, allowing for a smoother typing experience over extended periods. On the other hand, the Kang White might appeal to those who prefer a bit more resistance and feedback while typing. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will come down to personal preference and whether one prefers a lighter or heavier typing feel.
Travel distance
The KTT Kang White linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Gateron Smoothie linear switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm. This makes the Smoothie the shorter option compared to the Kang White. The Kang White falls into the more traditional travel distance range, offering a slightly deeper feel when pressing the keys compared to the shallower feel of the Smoothie. Gamers looking for faster response times may prefer the shorter travel distance of the Smoothie, while those who enjoy a more substantial keypress may lean towards the Kang White. Ultimately, both switches offer their own unique feel based on their respective travel distances, catering to different preferences among mechanical keyboard users.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
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.
The KTT Kang White comes in at $1.99 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
When it comes to sound, the KTT Kang White offers a low-pitched and neutral typing experience that provides a bass-heavy and mellow tone suitable for various environments and users. On the other hand, the Gateron Smoothie delivers a thocky, low-pitched, and subdued sound that is deep, rich, and satisfying, with a dampened and subtle signature. Both switches offer unique sound profiles that cater to different preferences, with the Kang White leaning towards a more neutral tone and the Smoothie providing a thocky and subdued sound.
In terms of feel, the KTT Kang White's tactile experience is not specifically described, but it boasts self-lubricating material for unparalleled smoothness while typing. In contrast, the Gateron Smoothie is praised for its buttery, creamy, and silky keystroke experience, offering a seamless, effortless, and uniform typing sensation. Both switches prioritize smoothness in their feel, with the Smoothie emphasizing a buttery and silky typing experience compared to the Kang White's self-lubricating material for smoothness.
Overall, the KTT Kang White and Gateron Smoothie linear switches both excel in providing unique sound and feel qualities that cater to different preferences. The Kang White offers a low-pitched and neutral sound alongside unparalleled smoothness, while the Smoothie delivers a thocky and subdued sound with a buttery, creamy, and silky typing experience. Whether you prefer a more bass-heavy and mellow tone or a deep, satisfying sound with smooth keystrokes, both switches offer excellent options that can enhance your typing experience. Ultimately, choosing between these switches will depend on your personal preferences for sound and feel.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the KTT Kang White linear switch and the Gateron Smoothie linear switch, you should consider the following: If you prioritize a medium bottom out force and a low-pitched, neutral sound profile with self-lubricating smoothness, the Kang White is the way to go. On the other hand, if you prefer a switch with an unknown bottom out force, a thocky, low-pitched, and subdued sound profile, along with a buttery, creamy, and silky typing feel, then the Gateron Smoothie is the ideal choice for you. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches will come down to your personal preferences in terms of sound and feel.
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