KTT Lightning vs. Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie
An in-depth look at the KTT Lightning and the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the KTT Lightning and the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie offer distinct experiences despite both being linear switches. The KTT Lightning is designed for speed, making it an excellent choice for gamers who rely on quick responses; its slick typing feel paired with a clacky sound profile allows for an engaging typing experience that can enhance performance in fast-paced situations. On the other hand, the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie caters to those who prioritize smoothness and a richer acoustic experience, featuring a medium-weight all-POM construction that delivers a satisfying thocky sound with every keystroke. While the Lightning excels in competitive environments, the Sea Salt Smoothie appeals to users seeking a balance between quality and affordability without sacrificing performance. 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
1.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.00 mm
Total travel
3.70 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
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
20mm extended double-stage spring
Housing materials
The KTT Lightning and the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie exhibit distinct differences in their housing materials, which significantly influence their sound profiles and overall typing experience. The Lightning features a polycarbonate top housing, known for its sharp, higher-pitched, and crisper sound, a result of its stiffer properties. This characteristic allows the Lightning to resonate clearly, making it well-suited for RGB lighting setups due to its translucency. In contrast, the Sea Salt Smoothie utilizes a POM top housing, contributing to a deeper and more muted sound profile. While both housings serve to create unique auditory experiences, the polycarbonate in the Lightning promotes a brighter sound, while the POM in the Sea Salt Smoothie tempers this brightness for a more subdued effect.
Examining the bottom housings, the KTT Lightning employs nylon, a traditional choice that provides a fuller and deeper sound profile. Nylon's softer characteristics contribute to a sound that is less resonant, offering a rounder bottom-out feel compared to the sharper impact of the Lightning's top. Conversely, the Sea Salt Smoothie's bottom housing is also crafted from POM, mirroring the top housing's properties to produce a rich and unique sound experience that leans towards muted tones. Thus, while both switches utilize different materials for their top housings, the similarities in the POM bottom housing of the Sea Salt Smoothie create a more balanced auditory experience compared to the more pronounced nylon used in the Lightning.
In terms of overall performance, the interplay between the materials in both switches leads to differing tactile and auditory qualities. For the KTT Lightning, the combination of polycarbonate and nylon yields a switch with a pronounced top end while providing a deeper, more resonant bottom-out sound. Meanwhile, the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie's dual POM construction ensures a consistently muted sound profile that enhances a smooth typing experience. If a user prefers the brightness of the Lightning but craves a fuller response like that of the Sea Salt Smoothie, a careful balance or mix of these characteristics can result in desirable outcomes, albeit with varying auditory signatures. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on personal preferences regarding sound and typing feel, as each material brings its unique qualities to the forefront.
Weight
The KTT Lightning linear switch and the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie linear switch present distinct characteristics in terms of actuation force, with the Lightning being the lighter option. The Lightning has an actuation force of 43 grams, compared to the Sea Salt Smoothie's 48 grams, indicating that the Lightning may be preferable for users who favor a lighter feel that allows for extended typing sessions with less fatigue. However, the bottom out force for the Sea Salt Smoothie remains unknown, making it difficult to fully evaluate its force characteristics in comparison to the Lightning's bottom out force of 50 grams. This knowledge gap suggests that while the Lightning is quantifiably lighter in actuation force, the complete tactile experience of the Sea Salt Smoothie cannot be fully assessed without its bottom out measurement. Those who prefer a more substantial typing experience might lean towards the Sea Salt Smoothie, but with the heavier actuation force, they may also enjoy additional control during typing.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the KTT Lightning linear switch and the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie linear switch, it is clear that the two differ significantly. The KTT Lightning features a shorter travel distance of 3 mm, making it a more responsive option that caters to gamers who prioritize quick key actions. In contrast, the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie has a travel distance of 3.7 mm, providing a deeper feel that some users may find more satisfying and less abrupt. This means that if you prefer a snappier response, the Lightning switch would be the better choice, whereas the Sea Salt Smoothie may appeal to those who enjoy a bit more depth in their keystrokes. Thus, for those seeking faster response times, the KTT Lightning's shorter travel distance is more suitable, while the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie offers a longer travel distance ideal for a more substantial typing experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
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.
The KTT Lightning comes in at $3.41 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 Lightning linear switch features a distinct clacky sound profile, characterized by its crisp and bright auditory feedback. This high-pitched sound adds a sharpness to the keystrokes, creating an engaging typing experience that is both snappy and percussive. Individuals who appreciate a more pronounced auditory response will likely enjoy the Lightning’s chirpy quality, which adds a unique acoustic signature to every key press. On the other hand, while the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie lacks a specific sound description, being a medium-weight switch, it likely produces a sound that aligns with its design philosophy of delivering quality without being overly intrusive. However, it may lean towards a more subdued or thocky sound profile that is rich yet not overwhelmingly loud.
When it comes to feel, the KTT Lightning switches are highlighted for their polished and subtle characteristics, offering a gentle yet responsive typing experience. The subtle resistance allows for comfortable typing over extended periods and the refined feel is due to either superior materials or factory lubing, which reduces friction and enhances smooth key travel. Although we do not have specific information on the feel of the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie, it is crafted from POM, a material known for its smoothness and consistency in key travel. Therefore, the Smoothie might also provide a comparable level of smoothness, ensuring a satisfying typing experience, but the absence of detailed descriptions leaves its tactile feedback open to interpretation.
In conclusion, both the KTT Lightning and Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie linear switches cater to distinct preferences in sound and feel. The Lightning’s clacky, high-pitched sound profile provides an engaging and dynamic experience, while its polished typing feel excels in smoothness and subtlety. While we lack specific information on the Smoothie's sound and tactile experience, it promises quality shooting for a well-rounded experience owing to its POM construction. Regardless of personal choice, both switches offer unique attributes that could appeal to different users, making them strong contenders in the linear switch market.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between the KTT Lightning linear switch and the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie linear switch largely depends on your personal preferences and typing needs. If you're someone who prioritizes quick response times and enjoys a lively typing experience, the KTT Lightning is an excellent choice. Its lightweight 50-gram bottom-out force allows for swift key presses, making it particularly well-suited for gaming where every millisecond counts. The clacky, high-pitched sound profile adds a vibrant auditory feedback that can enhance your gaming setup's atmosphere. On the other hand, if you prefer a more balanced, solid typing experience with a focus on smoothness, the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie might be the better option. Although its specific bottom-out force isn't available, this medium-weight switch promises a thocky sound profile and exceptional smoothness thanks to its POM construction. This makes it ideal for typing tasks or long hours of work, providing a satisfying feedback without being overly noisy. Ultimately, your decision should hinge on whether you value the speed and energy of the KTT Lightning or the smooth, mellow feel of the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie for your mechanical keyboard setup.
Mentioned in this article
