KTT Orange vs. Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie
An in-depth look at the KTT Orange and the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When exploring the world of mechanical keyboards, one of the key decisions revolves around the choice of switch, which can dramatically influence your typing experience. The KTT Orange switch is celebrated for its bouncy feel, characterized by a 22mm long spring that results in a frictionless typing experience. Its combination of a polycarbonate milky top housing, a long pole POM stem, and a vivid orange nylon bottom housing not only enhances the tactile experience but also offers a low-pitched sound profile, making it an excellent choice for those who appreciate a smooth and quiet keystroke. On the other hand, the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie presents a compelling alternative with its medium-weight all-POM construction, delivering a distinctive thocky sound and an exceptionally smooth key travel. This switch is perfect for enthusiasts looking for a high-quality option that doesn’t break the bank. Both switches cater to different preferences and needs, with the KTT Orange focusing on a bouncy, low-pitched feel and the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie emphasizing a rich auditory experience. 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
46g
Actuation force
48g
Bottom-out force
53g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
3.70 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
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm gold-plated spring
Spring
20mm extended double-stage spring
Housing materials
When comparing the KTT Orange and the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie, the differences in housing materials have a significant impact on their respective sound profiles. The KTT Orange utilizes polycarbonate for both its top and bottom housings, which results in a brighter, crisper sound with higher-pitched characteristics. Polycarbonate, being a stiffer plastic, enhances the clarity and resonance of the sound produced, making these switches articulate and lively. In contrast, the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie features POM (Polyoxymethylene) for its top and bottom housings, which tends to create a deeper, more muted sound profile. The POM material consists of properties that deliver a softer, more subdued audio experience, providing a pleasant yet less sharp feedback compared to the KTT Orange.
The aesthetic elements also differ between the two switch designs, heavily influenced by the materials used. The translucent nature of the polycarbonate in the KTT Orange housing offers significant advantages for RGB lighting setups, allowing the light to shine through more vibrantly. This visual appeal is ideal for enthusiasts looking to add an element of customization and illumination to their keyboards. On the other hand, while POM in the Sea Salt Smoothie is not as translucent, it has its own unique aesthetic that provides a smooth and matte finish. The muted sound characteristic of the Sea Salt Smoothie emphasizes a more understated elegance that might appeal to users favoring a subtle and refined look.
When it comes to tactile feedback and sound output, the differences in housing materials result in a varied user experience. In a switch that combines both polycarbonate and POM housings, the characteristics of each material will influence how the switch feels and sounds, offering a balanced experience upon actuation and bottom-out. However, since the KTT Orange features polycarbonate for both the top and bottom, users can expect consistent sound clarity and resonance throughout; similarly, with the Sea Salt Smoothie, the consistent POM application results in a cohesive muted sound. Thus, if a keyboard build utilizes switches from both types, one will need to manage expectations regarding the auditory feedback and tactile sensations, which will distinctly reflect the unique properties of the housing materials involved.
Weight
When comparing the KTT Orange linear switch and the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie linear switch, the actuation forces and bottom-out forces present distinct characteristics. The KTT Orange has an actuation force of 46 grams and a bottom-out force of 53 grams, making it a medium-light option that is well-suited for users who prefer a lighter touch for extended typing or gaming sessions. In contrast, the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie boasts a slightly heavier actuation force of 48 grams, which may appeal to those who prefer a more substantial feel when typing. However, since the bottom-out force of the Sea Salt Smoothie is not provided, we cannot make a direct comparison in that aspect. Therefore, based on the available information, the KTT Orange can be classified as the lighter switch, while the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie is slightly heavier in terms of actuation force. Users seeking a lighter typing experience might lean towards the KTT Orange, whereas those desiring a firmer keypress might find the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie more appealing.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the KTT Orange linear switch and the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie linear switch, it's clear that the two are not the same. The KTT Orange has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie offers a slightly longer travel distance of 3.7 mm. This makes the KTT Orange the shorter option, appealing to those who prefer a more responsive feel and quicker actuation, which is often favored by gamers. On the other hand, the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie, with its longer travel distance, may provide a more satisfying depth for users who enjoy a hearty keystroke, potentially leading to a more stable typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between these switches hinges on personal preference regarding the balance between responsiveness and depth.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The KTT Orange has an MSRP of $5.55 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Orange for $4.15.
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
When it comes to sound, the KTT Orange switch presents a low-pitched sound profile that offers a bass-heavy and mellow tone, making it quite pleasant during prolonged typing sessions. In contrast, the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie has a "thocky" sound profile, which can be characterized as a deeper, more resonant thock compared to the crisp sound often associated with other switches. It's important to note that the sound of each switch can be influenced by various elements such as the keyboard's construction and keycap material, so your experience may vary depending on your setup.
In terms of feel, the KTT Orange switch is renowned for its bouncy sensation due to the 22mm long spring, providing a lively and spring-like feedback with each keystroke. This switch also boasts a frictionless feel, courtesy of its long pole POM stem and excellent factory lubrication, allowing for a smooth, effortless typing experience. While the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie is known for its exceptional smoothness as well, specific descriptors for its tactile feedback weren't provided. However, the overall POM construction and the medium weight suggest a balance that might be similar in providing satisfying and reliable keystrokes.
In summary, when comparing the KTT Orange and Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie switches, both share a commitment to smoothness and quality, but they offer different auditory experiences. The Orange’s low pitch provides a subdued auditory presence, while the Sea Salt Smoothie leans towards a more resonant thock. Feel-wise, both switches strive for a fluid typing experience, with the Orange excelling in its bouncy and frictionless characteristics. Choosing between them will ultimately come down to your personal preference in sound and tactile feedback.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between the KTT Orange linear switch and the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie linear switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences in typing feel and sound profile. If you enjoy a medium-light actuation force combined with a bouncy and frictionless typing experience, the KTT Orange is an excellent option. Its refined factory-lubing and low-pitched sound profile make it particularly appealing for those who prefer a smooth and pleasant auditory feedback while typing. On the other hand, if you're seeking a more affordable yet high-quality switch that delivers a thocky sound profile—providing a more satisfying audible feedback—and you prioritize smoothness over the specific actuation force, the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie may be your preferred choice. In essence, consider your typing style and the auditory experience you desire; both switches have their unique strengths that cater to different user preferences.
Mentioned in this article
