KTT Lightning vs. Gateron Smoothie
An in-depth look at the KTT Lightning and the Gateron Smoothie switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the KTT Lightning and Gateron Smoothie stand out as excellent options, both being linear switches. The Lightning is ideal for gamers seeking speed and precision, with its clacky sound profile and high-pitched feel. On the other hand, the Smoothie offers a more subdued typing experience with a thocky sound signature and buttery smoothness. While the Lightning excels in providing a polished and chirpy typing experience for competitive gaming, the Smoothie stands out for its creamy and silky touch, making it a popular choice for office workers and typists. 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
40g
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
3.60 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
22mm extended double-stage spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the KTT Lightning and the Gateron Smoothie play a significant role in determining the sound profile of the switches. The Lightning features a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched sound compared to the Smoothie's POM top housing, which produces a deeper and more muted sound. While both materials offer unique sound profiles, the choice between them ultimately comes down to personal preference - whether you prefer a crisper sound or a richer, fuller sound.
In terms of the bottom housing, the Lightning's nylon bottom housing produces a deeper and fuller sound, while the Smoothie's POM bottom housing also contributes to a deeper sound profile, albeit more muted. The softer nature of nylon absorbs more sound than harder plastics, resulting in a rounder and duller sound compared to the POM material. Both housings offer a unique typing experience, with the differences in sound profile likely to appeal to different preferences among keyboard enthusiasts.
Overall, the combination of polycarbonate and nylon housing in the KTT Lightning offers a contrasting sound profile to the POM housing of the Gateron Smoothie. The clear polycarbonate top housing of the Lightning contributes to a sharper and crisper sound, while the nylon bottom housing adds depth and fullness to the overall typing experience. On the other hand, the POM top and bottom housing of the Smoothie create a deeper and more muted sound profile. Whether you prefer a clear and resonant sound or a deeper, more muted sound, both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences in mechanical keyboards.
Weight
Comparing the actuation and bottom out forces of the KTT Lightning linear switch and the Gateron Smoothie linear switch reveals some interesting differences. The Lightning switch has a slightly higher actuation force of 43 grams compared to the Smoothie's lighter 40 grams. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Lightning requires 50 grams while the Smoothie's force remains unknown. While both switches offer a relatively light actuation force, the Lightning switch provides a slightly heavier bottom out force, adding a bit more resistance to each keystroke. For those who prefer a stronger push feel, the Lightning switch may be the preferred choice. On the other hand, the lighter actuation force of the Smoothie switch may appeal to users who prefer a more effortless typing experience. In terms of weight, both switches offer similar results, making them suitable for extended typing or gaming sessions. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The KTT Lightning linear switch has a travel distance of 3 mm, while the Gateron Smoothie linear switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm. In this case, the KTT Lightning has a shorter travel distance compared to the Gateron Smoothie. The shorter travel distance on the Lightning switch may appeal to gamers looking for quicker response times, while the longer travel distance on the Smoothie switch may provide a more substantial and satisfying key press for some users. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preference for travel distance and responsiveness.
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 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
When it comes to sound, the KTT Lightning linear switch offers a clacky and high-pitched sound profile, providing a sharp and snappy typing experience with a bit of chirpiness. On the other hand, the Gateron Smoothie linear switch is known for its thocky and low-pitched sound signature, creating a deep and satisfying typing sound that is more bass-heavy and mellow. Depending on individual preference, the Lightning switch would be preferred for those who enjoy a crisp and bright typing sound, while the Smoothie switch would appeal to those seeking a richer and more subdued typing sound.
In terms of feel, the KTT Lightning switch provides a subtle and polished typing experience, offering a light typing feel with a refined finish for smooth key travel. On the other hand, the Gateron Smoothie switch is described as buttery, creamy, and silky, delivering a smooth and fluid keystroke experience that is seamless and effortless. The choice between the two switches would depend on whether one prefers a lighter and polished typing feel with the Lightning switch or a more luxurious and smooth typing experience with the Smoothie switch.
Overall, while the KTT Lightning linear switch and the Gateron Smoothie linear switch offer different sound and feel profiles, they both provide quality linear switch options for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts. Depending on personal preferences for sound and feel, individuals can choose between the clacky and polished Lightning switch or the thocky and buttery Smoothie switch to enhance their typing experience. Ultimately, both switches offer reliable performance and durability, ensuring a satisfying typing experience regardless of the choice made.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the KTT Lightning linear switch and the Gateron Smoothie linear switch, consider your priorities. If you value speed and a more tactile typing experience with a clacky sound profile, the Lightning switch may be the best choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a thocky sound signature, remarkable smoothness, and a lightweight touch, the Smoothie switch could be more to your liking. Both switches have unique characteristics that cater to different preferences, so ultimately, the decision comes down to what feels and sounds best to you as you type. Happy typing!
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