KTT Mint vs. Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie

Overview

When it comes to choosing the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, the KTT Mint and the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie both offer unique tactile experiences tailored to different preferences. The KTT Mint is renowned for its satisfyingly smooth linear action, characterized by its long pole stem that produces a delightful poppy thockiness with each keystroke. Its light and fleeting typing feel makes it an appealing option for those who enjoy quick and responsive feedback without the distractions of clicky or tactile bumps. In contrast, the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie stands out as a medium-weight all-POM switch that doesn't compromise on quality while remaining affordable. It delivers a thocky sound profile paired with exceptional smoothness, making it a great choice for users who appreciate a more substantial feel while typing. Both switches provide a thrilling typing experience, but their distinct characteristics cater to varying preferences in sound and feedback. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.

By the numbers

KTT Mint Linear

Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie Linear

$2.91 per 10

$3.00

$2.70 per 10

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Housing materials

When comparing the KTT Mint and Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie switches, the impact of housing material on sound profile becomes evident. The Mint features a polycarbonate top housing, which contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound due to its stiffer plastic composition. This quality allows the Mint switches to resonate more effectively, producing a clearer audio response especially favorable for those who enjoy RGB lighting effects, as the translucent nature of polycarbonate makes it visually appealing. In contrast, the Sea Salt Smoothie opts for a POM top housing, which lends itself to a deeper, more muted sound profile. POM, while also a robust material, has different acoustic properties that prioritize richness and warmth, creating an experience that is distinctively different from the brighter tones of the Mint switches.

On the other hand, the bottom housing material also plays a crucial role in sound profile and overall typing experience. The KTT Mint’s nylon bottom housing delivers a deeper and fuller sound, as nylon absorbs sound waves more effectively, resulting in a sound that is rounded and warm. This contrasts with the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie's POM bottom housing, which shares some tonal similarity with the Mint's nylon. Although both materials aim for a muted sound profile, POM presents its own unique acoustics that potentially shift the emphasis towards a less resonant experience. The outcome here is that while both switches provide a balanced sound across deeper tones, the characteristics of the nylon in the Mint will yield a distinctly different auditory sensation compared to the POM bottom of the Sea Salt Smoothie.

Ultimately, the combination of materials in each switch ensures unique responses while still retaining certain overlapping qualities. With the Mint's polycarbonate top and nylon bottom, users can expect a higher-pitched initial impact followed by a deep, absorbing finish due to the nylon. The Sea Salt Smoothie, with its POM top and bottom housing, offers a consistent, deeper audio experience throughout the keystroke. While the final auditory experience will differ based on distinct housing materials, both switches can still provide similar results in terms of comfortable typing and a pleasing sound profile, making them appealing to different user preferences. The key distinction lies in the tonal qualities brought forth by the stiffer polycarbonate versus the more muted POM, providing a spectrum of options for enthusiasts in the mechanical keyboard community.

Weight

The KTT Mint linear switch and the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie linear switch present different actuation forces that cater to varying user preferences. The Mint switch features an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 53 grams, classifying it as medium-light and offering a typing experience that is easy on the fingers, making it suitable for extended use, whether for work or gaming. In contrast, the Sea Salt Smoothie has a slightly heavier actuation force of 48 grams, which could provide a more substantial feel during typing. However, its bottom out force remains unknown, creating uncertainty about how it compares to the Mint's measured bottom out force. Given that the Mint is lighter in terms of actuation force and offers a complete force measurement, it is likely the better option for typists seeking comfort over long periods. Conversely, the Sea Salt Smoothie's heavier actuation force may appeal to those who prefer a firmer feel, but without knowledge of its bottom out force, its overall typing experience remains partly enigmatic.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distances of the KTT Mint linear switch and the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie linear switch, it's evident that the Mint has a longer travel distance at 4 mm, whereas the Sea Salt Smoothie measures at 3.7 mm. This 0.3 mm difference highlights a distinction between the two switches, appealing to different preferences among users. The Mint’s greater travel distance may appeal to those who enjoy a more substantial feel and depth when typing, while the Sea Salt Smoothie's shorter travel distance can provide quicker feedback and responsiveness, making it a preferred choice for gamers who value speed. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on whether a user favors a more traditional, deeper key feel or a snappier, more responsive typing experience.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound, both the KTT Mint and the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie present appealing profiles with distinct qualities. The Mint switch is characterized by a low-pitched sound that delivers a thocky yet neutral tone, making it versatile and suitable for various environments, whether at home or work. The bass-heavy undertones contribute to a satisfying auditory experience. However, the specifics of the Sea Salt Smoothie’s sound profile are unknown, which leaves it open to interpretation and personal experience during use. Ultimately, both switches are likely to provide a thocky sound, but the specific tonal quality of the Sea Salt Smoothie may vary depending on factors such as the keyboard and keycap choices.

In terms of feel, the Mint switch stands out for its mild and polished characteristics. The mild nature offers a gentle typing experience that is approachable for both beginners and seasoned typists, while the polished finish ensures a smooth and refined key travel, reducing friction and enhancing the overall typing experience. The Sea Salt Smoothie's feel attributes remain unspecified, which makes direct comparison challenging. However, given the Mint's exceptional smoothness combined with its long pole stem providing a poppy thockiness, it's reasonable to expect that the Sea Salt Smoothie could offer a comfortable experience akin to that of the Mint, albeit without definitive details.

In summary, the KTT Mint linear switch is well-regarded for its smooth operation and satisfying thocky sound, accompanied by a mild and polished typing feel. The Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie, on the other hand, holds promise with its own qualities but lacks detailed descriptions on sound and feel. While both switches are likely to deliver a smooth and enjoyable typing experience, the Mint may edge out in certain acoustic and tactile aspects. Ultimately, personal preference and the specific context of use will dictate the best choice between these two appealing switches.

Conclusion

To conclude, when deciding between the KTT Mint linear switch and the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie linear switch, your choice ultimately depends on your personal preferences for weight, sound profile, and the typing experience you seek. If you enjoy a medium-light switch that offers a satisfyingly smooth and light feel while typifying a poppy thockiness, the KTT Mint would be your ideal option. Its low-pitched sound profile and polished feel make it accessible for both newcomers and seasoned typists, ensuring an enjoyable experience whether you're working or gaming. On the other hand, if you prefer a switch known for its medium-weight feel and exceptional smoothness, the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie may be the better fit, especially if you value that balanced thocky sound profile and robust material quality. Consider your typing habits, whether you lean towards a lighter or more substantial feel, and the context in which you'll be using your keyboard. By reflecting on these factors, you can make an informed decision that enhances your typing experience to match your specific needs.

Mentioned in this article

KTT Mint Linear

$2.91 per 10

Learn more

Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie Linear

$3.00

$2.70 per 10

Learn more