KTT MoonRosa vs. Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie
An in-depth look at the KTT MoonRosa and the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the KTT MoonRosa and the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie, both linear mechanical switches provide a unique typing experience that caters to different user preferences. The MoonRosa, celebrated for its all-POM construction, offers a buttery smooth feel with a mild, low-pitched sound profile that ensures minimal distraction while typing. This makes it an excellent choice for users seeking a quiet and effortless experience, especially in shared or professional environments. On the other hand, the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie, also constructed from POM, stands out for its medium weight and a thocky sound profile, providing a more pronounced auditory feedback that can enhance the tactile satisfaction for users who enjoy a bit more character in their keystrokes. While both switches ensure smooth operation, the choice between them ultimately boils down to personal preference regarding sound and feel. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the right switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
37g
Actuation force
48g
Bottom-out force
45g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 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
POM
Top housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm spring
Spring
20mm extended double-stage spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of both the KTT MoonRosa and Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie are made from Polyoxymethylene (POM), a thermoplastic known for its excellent durability and low friction properties. Both switches utilize this material for their top and bottom housings, resulting in a sound profile that is described as incredibly pleasing and notably unique. The sound produced by both switches is characterized as deeper and more muted, which appeals to users seeking a quieter yet rich auditory experience while typing or gaming. Since the same POM material is employed for both switches, users can expect similarly satisfying acoustic results across both models.
In terms of the design, while both the MoonRosa and Sea Salt Smoothie benefit from POM as a common material, the interaction of the switch components during usage may vary slightly based on their internal designs, even if the sound profile remains consistent. The bottom housing tends to influence the bottom-out experience more significantly, making it an integral factor for tactile feedback when a key is pressed down. Conversely, the top housing primarily impacts the auditory feedback when the key is released. Thus, while the materials are the same, the exact user experience could differ slightly owing to variations in how these switches are engineered, despite sharing the same foundational characteristics.
Ultimately, both switches demonstrate how different models can harness similar material properties to deliver a comparable user experience. With POM's inherent qualities leading to a satisfying sound and feel, both the KTT MoonRosa and Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie will deliver a pleasurable typing experience with a muted, deep auditory signature. Users looking for a switch that excels in sound quality, while benefitting from the advantages of a common material, would find both options compelling. The choice between the two may then hinge on additional design features or personal aesthetic preferences, rather than any significant differences in the core functionalities provided by the POM housings.
Weight
When comparing the KTT MoonRosa linear switch and the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie linear switch, there is a distinct difference in their actuation forces, while the bottom out force for the Sea Salt Smoothie remains unknown. The MoonRosa features a light actuation force of 37 grams, making it more suitable for extended typing sessions or gaming, as it requires less effort to trigger key presses. In contrast, the Sea Salt Smoothie has a heavier actuation force of 48 grams, providing a more substantial feel that some users may prefer for a robust typing experience. While the MoonRosa's bottom out force is 45 grams, the Sea Salt Smoothie's bottom out force is not specified, leaving a gap in our comparison. Overall, the KTT MoonRosa is the lighter switch, ideal for those who favor ease and comfort, whereas the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie caters to those who appreciate a firmer touch.
Travel distance
In comparing the travel distances of the KTT MoonRosa and Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie linear switches, there is a clear distinction: the MoonRosa features a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Sea Salt Smoothie has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.7 mm. This means that if you opt for the MoonRosa, you will experience a more responsive feel, which can be particularly advantageous for gamers seeking quick keystrokes. On the other hand, the Sea Salt Smoothie, with its longer travel, may provide a more substantial depth that some users prefer for a satisfying keypress. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on whether you value a quicker response or a more pronounced keystroke 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 MoonRosa comes in at $4.88 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 MoonRosa switch is known for its low-pitched, bass-heavy tone, which provides a mellow auditory experience that is pleasant without being overpowering. This neutral sound signature complements its overall typing experience delicately, making it suitable for quieter environments or those who prefer a less pronounced sound profile. On the other hand, the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie switch boasts a thocky sound profile that is deeper and richer, offering a more pronounced auditory feedback with each keystroke. This can enhance the typing experience for users who enjoy a more tactile and resonant sound while they type. It’s essential to remember that the sound produced by both switches can also be significantly influenced by the keyboard board and keycap material used.
Regarding feel, the MoonRosa switch is lauded for its mild characteristics, which create a gentle typing experience ideal for novice users or anyone seeking comfort in their key presses. The gentle resistance required for activation ensures that typists can type with ease and comfort, reducing fatigue during long sessions. Its easy-to-press nature adds to this pleasant experience, making it accessible for a wide range of users. In contrast, while the Sea Salt Smoothie's detailed feel characteristics are unknown, the general reputation of Gateron switches suggests that they also emphasize smoothness and comfort, potentially aligning closely with MoonRosa's user-friendly feel.
In summary, both the KTT MoonRosa and Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie linear switches offer distinct sound and feel profiles that cater to different preferences. The MoonRosa features a low-pitched sound that promotes a soft and gentle typing experience, while the Sea Salt Smoothie’s thocky auditory feedback provides a more robust sound. In terms of feel, the MoonRosa promotes a mild, easy-to-press experience perfect for effortless typing. With both switches constructed from all-POM, users can expect a smooth typing experience from each. Ultimately, the choice between these switches may come down to personal preference for sound and tactile response.
Conclusion
In conclusion, your choice between the KTT MoonRosa and the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie will hinge on your typing preferences and the type of experience you seek. If you prioritize a light, effortless feel coupled with a mellow sound profile, the KTT MoonRosa is your ideal switch. Its gentle resistance and buttery smooth action make it excellent for extended typing sessions without causing finger fatigue. This switch is suited for those who appreciate a low-pitched, mild typing experience where you can comfortably type away at length. On the other hand, if you are looking for a medium-weight switch that still provides a high-quality typing experience with a thocky sound, the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie is worth considering. This switch may cater to those who enjoy a bit more resistance without sacrificing smoothness, making it a versatile option for both typing and gaming. In summary, choose the MoonRosa for its lightweight and soft typing touch, while opting for the Sea Salt Smoothie if you prefer a balanced feel with a satisfying audio element.
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