KTT Mallo vs. Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie
An in-depth look at the KTT Mallo 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, the KTT Mallo and Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie offer distinct experiences tailored to different preferences. The KTT Mallo, a tactile switch, is celebrated for its subtlety and finesse, featuring a gentle tactile bump that provides just enough feedback to enhance typing precision without distracting from the flow. Its medium-light actuation force complements its neutral sound, making it a versatile option for both quiet office environments and lively gaming sessions. On the other hand, the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie is a linear switch that prioritizes smoothness and a satisfying thocky sound profile, appealing to those who prefer a frictionless keystroke without any tactile interruptions. Its medium weight strikes a fine balance, making it ideal for users who want a seamless typing experience, whether for gaming or extensive typing sessions. Ultimately, both switches cater to different preferences, with the Mallo favoring tactility and subtlety, while the Sea Salt Smoothie champions smoothness and sound. However, let’s dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the ideal switch for your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
N/A
Actuation force
48g
Bottom-out force
55g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.70 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
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
20mm extended double-stage spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the KTT Mallo and the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie, a starting point is the top housing composition. The Mallo utilizes polycarbonate, a stiffer plastic known for creating a crisper and higher-pitched sound profile. This allows for a clear and resonant auditory experience, particularly advantageous for setups with RGB lighting due to the material's translucency. In contrast, the Sea Salt Smoothie opts for POM, which tends to produce a deeper and more muted sound profile. While both materials serve to define the sound characteristics of the switches, they achieve different auditory outcomes; the Mallo's polycarbonate favors brightness, while the POM of the Sea Salt Smoothie leans toward a more subdued acoustic presence.
Turning to the bottom housing, the Mallo employs nylon, a classic choice recognized for its ability to create a deeper and fuller sound profile that retains warmth and enhances typing comfort. The softness of nylon contributes to a sound that absorbs vibrations, resulting in a more muffled auditory experience. On the other hand, the Sea Salt Smoothie also features POM for its bottom housing, echoing the characteristic sound profile that is defined as muted yet pleasing. This similarity means that the sound quality between the two switches might not be dramatically different in bottoming out—both materials provide a sound that leans towards the deeper side, while maintaining their individual acoustic identities through the different top housing materials.
Ultimately, the combination of these housing materials illustrates how the overall sound and feel of a switch can vary considerably, even when utilizing one common component. For both the KTT Mallo and the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie, the nature of the top and bottom housing materials means that the auditory experience will be a blend of the distinct properties of each housing. Therefore, while users can expect a broader spectrum of resonance with the Mallo and a warmer sound with the Sea Salt Smoothie, the end results can complement the preferences and setups of different users. Whether one seeks the bright clarity of polycarbonate or the rounded depth of nylon and POM, both switches provide rich and engaging typing experiences.
Weight
When comparing the KTT Mallo tactile switch and the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie linear switch, we find some notable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Mallo switch has an unknown actuation force but possesses a bottom out force of 55 grams, which is classified as medium-light. In contrast, the Sea Salt Smoothie has a defined actuation force of 48 grams, but its bottom out force remains unspecified. This suggests that the Mallo provides a lighter experience when bottoming out, despite not having an actuation force disclosed, while the Sea Salt Smoothie is lighter in terms of the actuation force. For those who prefer a lighter touch for extended typing or gaming sessions, the Sea Salt Smoothie may be more appealing due to its 48 grams actuation force. On the other hand, users who appreciate a heavier key feel may gravitate towards the Mallo switch, especially considering its bottom out force is comparatively higher. Users aiming for a more substantial typing experience might prefer the medium-light bottom out feel of the Mallo switch. Ultimately, each switch caters to different preferences depending on whether one values a lighter or heavier typing experience.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the KTT Mallo tactile switch measures 4 mm, while the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie linear switch has a shorter travel distance of 3.7 mm. This difference in travel distance indicates that the Mallo switch provides a more substantial feel when pressed, which may appeal to those who prefer a traditional and hearty depth in their typing experience. In contrast, the Sea Salt Smoothie's shorter travel distance could be more suited for gamers or those seeking a quicker response time, as it allows for faster actuation. Therefore, if you prioritize depth, the KTT Mallo is the better option, whereas the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie caters to those who favor a more responsive touch.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The KTT Mallo has an MSRP of $5.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Mallo for $4.40.
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 sound profile of the KTT Mallo tactile switch is characterized by a neutral, subdued signature. This allows the Mallo switch to blend seamlessly into various environments, making it an adaptable choice whether you're at home or in a workplace setting. The moderate sound output means it won't be overly distracting or obtrusive, striking a harmonious balance between being audible and discreet. In contrast, the sound profile for the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie is defined as "thocky," indicating a deeper and richer sound that's more pronounced when keystrokes are executed. This difference in auditory experience might appeal to those who enjoy a more resonant feedback while typing, providing a satisfying acoustic response that is a hallmark of linear switches.
In terms of feel, the KTT Mallo switch presents a gentle, tactile responsiveness. The feathery actuation combined with its mild and subtle characteristics allow for a comfortable typing experience. The stepped tactile sensation provides enough feedback without overwhelming the typist, making it an optimal choice for those engaging in long typing sessions. On the other hand, the feel of the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie, while described in less detail, is implied to deliver exceptional smoothness common to POM switches. This could mean a consistently effortless keystroke with fluid movement across the keypress, appealing to users who prioritize a seamless typing experience without tactile interruptions.
In conclusion, if you’re deliberating between the KTT Mallo and Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie switches, consider your auditory and tactile preferences. The Mallo's neutral and subdued sound coupled with its feathery, mild feel caters well to typists seeking an understated and comfortable experience. Conversely, the Sea Salt Smoothie's thocky sound profile and exceptional smoothness could provide a more exhilarating typing sensation for those who enjoy more auditory feedback. Ultimately, both switches offer distinct experiences, but they can both cater to a wide range of preferences, ensuring that you'll find satisfaction whether you lean towards the tactile feedback of the Mallo or the smoothness of the Sea Salt Smoothie.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the KTT Mallo tactile switch and the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie linear switch ultimately comes down to your specific typing preferences and use case. If you value a tactile response that provides just enough feedback without being overwhelming, the KTT Mallo is likely the better choice for you. Its medium-light actuation force makes it suitable for extended typing sessions, minimizing finger fatigue while maintaining a comfortable, feathery feel. Furthermore, the neutral and subdued sound profile of the Mallo makes it versatile for various environments, whether you’re working in a shared office or gaming at home. On the other hand, if you prioritize smoothness and a “thocky” sound profile in your mechanical keyboard experience, the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie would be more appropriate. This switch offers a medium-weight feel that strikes a different balance, favoring smooth key presses that can enhance your gaming or typing experience. Ultimately, consider what matters most in your typing experience: the subtle feedback of the Mallo or the silky, satisfying smoothness of the Sea Salt Smoothie.
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