KTT Laurel vs. Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie
An in-depth look at the KTT Laurel and the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, two popular options to consider are the KTT Laurel and the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie, both of which fall under the linear switch category. The KTT Laurel is celebrated for its full POM housing, short travel, and long pole design, offering a medium-light touch that balances responsiveness and comfort, paired with a low-pitched, snappy sound profile that many users find appealing for both typing and gaming. In contrast, the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie shines with its medium-weight build, equally crafted from POM, and is noted for delivering a thocky sound profile that enhances the typing experience while ensuring exceptional smoothness. While both switches cater to users who appreciate a quiet and fluid keystroke, they offer distinct characteristics that may sway your preference. The KTT Laurel stands out for those who prioritize a lighter touch and more pronounced feedback, whereas the Sea Salt Smoothie appeals to individuals looking for a richer auditory feedback and a smooth keypress. 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
48g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
1.80 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
POM
Top housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22m spring
Spring
20mm extended double-stage spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the KTT Laurel and the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie, it is essential to note that both switches feature POM (polyoxymethylene) for their top and bottom housings. This commonality greatly influences the sound characteristics and feel of both switches. POM is known for creating an incredibly pleasing and unique sound profile, which is distinctly deeper and more muted compared to other materials. As a result, both the Laurel and Sea Salt Smoothie are likely to deliver a rich auditory experience while typing or gaming, fostering a satisfying connection for users seeking that particular sound profile.
Despite the similarities in housing materials, the design and engineering aspects of the switches can bestow different tactile experiences. For instance, while the POM housing in both the Laurel and Sea Salt Smoothie contributes to achieving a deeper, muted sound, the overall feel when pressing down on the switches may vary depending on their composition outside of the housing materials. With the bottom housing having a more significant impact on the bottom-out sound and feel, one may perceive slight differences when pressing the keys, even if the sonic quality is addressed through their shared POM construction.
Ultimately, even with both switches using the same POM material for their housings, users may still experience nuanced variations due to factors such as switch design, stem mechanics, and actuation point. These elements could potentially lead to different perceptions of feedback and sound, enhancing the user’s keyboard experience across the two models. Therefore, while the KTT Laurel and Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie share exceptional sound profiles stemming from their identical material choices, the subjective experience may still vary, making it essential for users to consider their personal preferences when choosing between the two.
Weight
The KTT Laurel linear switch and the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie linear switch present distinct characteristics in their actuation forces, with the Laurel being the lighter option. Specifically, the Laurel has an actuation force of 43 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, making for a relatively easy key press that can facilitate prolonged typing sessions or extended gaming, which is appealing to those who favor lighter switches. In contrast, the Sea Salt Smoothie requires a slightly heavier actuation force of 48 grams; however, its bottom out force remains unknown. This unspecified bottom out force could suggest a different tactile experience when fully pressed down. For users seeking a more substantial feel, the Sea Salt Smoothie may cater more to that preference due to its greater actuation force. Overall, while both switches serve their unique purposes, the KTT Laurel is designed for those who prioritize a lighter touch, while the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie leans towards a heavier sensation, though the exact bottom out experience remains unclear.
Travel distance
When comparing the KTT Laurel linear switch and the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie linear switch, we observe notable differences in their travel distances. The Laurel features a travel distance of 3.5 mm, whereas the Sea Salt Smoothie has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.7 mm. This means that for users looking for a more responsive typing experience, the Laurel might be the preferable choice due to its shorter travel distance. In contrast, the Sea Salt Smoothie, with its longer travel distance, may appeal to those who prefer a more substantial keystroke feel, potentially offering a more satisfying depth during typing or gaming sessions. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for responsiveness versus keystroke depth.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The KTT Laurel has an MSRP of $4.42 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Laurel for $3.95.
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 KTT Laurel linear switch produces a subtly low-pitched sound profile that contributes to a softer, more mellow typing experience. This low-pitched characteristic tends to resonate with users who appreciate a less intrusive auditory feedback while typing. On the other hand, the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie is renowned for its thocky sound profile, which provides a satisfying auditory experience marked by a deeper, fuller tone. Given the subjective nature of sound and the various factors that can influence it, such as the choice of keyboard and keycaps, both switches can deliver enjoyable acoustic qualities, albeit in distinct ways.
When it comes to feel, the KTT Laurel shines with its snappy responsiveness, making each keystroke feel lively and engaging. This is likely attributed to its medium-light design and the use of longer or dual-staged springs that enhance the switch's actuation and return. The tactile feedback from the Laurel allows for quick typing and a sensation of immediacy. Conversely, details regarding the feel of the Sea Salt Smoothie are unknown, making it difficult to compare directly. However, Gateron switches are generally celebrated for their smoothness, suggesting that the Sea Salt Smoothie might also offer a satisfying typing experience, potentially more weighted and steady compared to the snappy Laurel.
In conclusion, both the KTT Laurel and Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie linear switches offer unique auditory and tactile experiences that can cater to different preferences. The Laurel provides a low-pitched, snappy feel that contributes to an engaging and responsive typing experience, whereas the Sea Salt Smoothie delivers a thocky sound profile that many users find appealing. While the KTT Laurel excels in its responsiveness, the overall satisfaction from either switch depends significantly on personal preferences, typing style, and other factors such as the keyboard and keycap choices. Ultimately, even though they have distinguishing traits, either switch can yield a pleasurable experience tailored to individual tastes.
Conclusion
To conclude, when choosing between the KTT Laurel and the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie linear switches, you’ll want to consider your typing preferences and requirements. If you prefer a light and responsive feel with a subtle sound profile, the KTT Laurel is an excellent choice. Its 50-gram bottom-out force provides a snappy and engaging experience, making it ideal for fast typists or gamers who seek quick actuation. The low-pitched sound further complements a quieter workspace, making it suitable for office environments or shared spaces. On the other hand, if you lean towards a smoother and slightly heavier typing experience that still prioritizes quality and sound, the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie might be the better option for you. Although the exact bottom-out force is unknown, its reputation for a thocky sound profile and exceptional smoothness suggests it may provide a fulfilling typing sensation, perfect for those who enjoy a more substantial feel in their keystrokes. Ultimately, your choice should align with your personal preferences for feedback, sound, and overall typing comfort.
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