KTT Mint vs. Gateron Smoothie
An in-depth look at the KTT Mint and the Gateron Smoothie switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options to compare are the KTT Mint and the Gateron Smoothie, both of which are linear switches. The mint is favored for its satisfyingly smooth typing experience, characterized by a poppy thockiness and a light touch. On the other hand, the smoothie stands out for its all-POM construction, providing a thocky sound signature, remarkable smoothness, and a lightweight feel. While the mint is described as having a low-pitched, neutral, mild, polished profile, the smoothie is categorized as buttery, thocky, low-pitched, creamy, subdued, silky. Choosing between these switches ultimately depends on personal preferences, but it's important to delve deeper into their specific characteristics to make the best decision for your typing needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
40g
Bottom-out force
53g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
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
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
15mm spring
Spring
22mm extended double-stage spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the KTT Mint and the Gateron Smoothie differ in terms of their top and bottom housings. The Mint utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to its stiffness. On the other hand, the Smoothie features a POM top housing, resulting in a deeper and more muted sound. While the Mint's nylon bottom housing contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile, the Smoothie's POM bottom housing offers a similar deep and muted sound profile. Overall, both switches provide unique sound experiences, but the Mint leans towards a crisper sound, while the Smoothie offers a more mellow tone.
In terms of aesthetics, the Mint's polycarbonate top housing is translucent, making it ideal for switches with RGB lighting. On the other hand, the Smoothie's POM top housing does not offer the same translucency, which may limit its compatibility with RGB lighting setups. However, both switches provide a pleasing and unique sound experience, with the Mint offering a sharper sound profile while the Smoothie produces a deeper and more muted sound. The different housing materials of the switches result in distinct sound profiles that cater to different preferences in typing experience.
When it comes to the overall typing experience, the housing materials play a significant role in determining the sound and feel of the switches. The bottom housing material has a greater impact on the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing down on a key, while the top housing influences the sound when releasing the key. As such, the combination of polycarbonate and nylon in the Mint provides a mix of sharpness and fullness in sound, whereas the blend of POM in the Smoothie results in a deeper and more muted sound profile. Ultimately, these differences in housing materials contribute to the unique typing experiences offered by the KTT Mint and Gateron Smoothie switches.
Weight
The KTT Mint linear switch and the Gateron Smoothie linear switch both offer a smooth typing experience, but they differ in terms of actuation force and bottom out force. The Mint has an actuation force of 45 grams, slightly heavier than the Smoothie's 40 grams. This means that the Mint requires a bit more force to register a keystroke compared to the Smoothie. In terms of bottom out force, the Mint requires 53 grams, while the Smoothie's bottom out force is unknown. This makes the Mint a medium-light switch, while the Smoothie's bottom out force remains a mystery. When it comes to weight preference, some may prefer the lighter actuation force of the Smoothie for longer typing sessions, while others may enjoy the more substantial typing experience provided by the slightly heavier Mint switch. Ultimately, choosing between the two will depend on individual preferences for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The KTT Mint linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, making it the longer of the two options. On the other hand, the Gateron Smoothie linear switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, making it the shorter option. The shorter travel distance of the Smoothie may appeal to gamers looking for faster response times, while the Mint may be preferred by those who enjoy a more substantial keypress feel. Both switches offer different typing experiences based on their travel distances, so it ultimately comes down to personal preference in choosing the right switch for your needs.
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 Mint comes in at $2.91 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 Mint linear switch is known for its low-pitched and neutral sound profile, which provides a bass-heavy and mellow tone ideal for various typing environments. On the other hand, the Gateron Smoothie linear switch offers a thocky sound signature with a low-pitched and subdued profile, creating a deep and satisfying sound when pressed. While both switches offer unique sound qualities, the Mint provides a more neutral and versatile option, while the Smoothie delivers a richer and more immersive auditory experience.
When it comes to feel, the KTT Mint linear switch offers a mild and polished typing experience, with a gentle feel and smooth key travel due to its refined finish. In contrast, the Gateron Smoothie linear switch provides a buttery, creamy, and silky keystroke sensation, offering a seamless and effortless typing experience with minimal resistance. Both switches excel in providing a smooth and enjoyable typing feel, but the Mint focuses on a safe middle-ground zone, while the Smoothie prioritizes a luxurious and effortless typing experience.
Considering the subjective qualities of the KTT Mint and Gateron Smoothie linear switches, it is clear that both options offer unique sound and feel profiles tailored to different preferences. While the Mint provides a more neutral and versatile sound and feel experience, the Smoothie excels in delivering a rich and luxurious typing sensation. Ultimately, choosing between the two switches depends on individual preferences for sound and feel, with both options guaranteeing a satisfying typing experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the KTT Mint linear switch and the Gateron Smoothie linear switch, consider the following guidelines: If you prefer a switch with a medium-light bottom out force and enjoy a satisfyingly smooth typing experience with a poppy thockiness, the Mint might be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you are looking for a switch with unknown bottom out force that offers a thocky sound signature, remarkable smoothness, and a lightweight touch, then the Gateron Smoothie could be the switch for you. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preferences for sound, feel, and typing experience. Choose the switch that aligns best with your preferences and typing style to enhance your overall keyboarding experience.
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