KTT Peach vs. Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie
An in-depth look at the KTT Peach 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 switches, enthusiasts often find themselves torn between options that each bring unique characteristics to the table. The KTT Peach switches are celebrated for their syrupy smooth typing experience and deep, thocky sound profile, which many users find satisfying and immersive. With a low-pitched, neutral, and mild acoustic nature, they cater to those who appreciate a balanced typing experience. On the other hand, the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie offers a medium-weight, all-POM design that not only breaks the price barrier but also maintains exceptional quality. Its thocky sound profile, similar to that of the Peach, complements its remarkable smoothness, making it an attractive option for keyboard enthusiasts who seek both value and performance. While both switches feature desirable traits characteristic of linear switches, they cater to different preferences and typing styles. 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
45g
Actuation force
48g
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
3.70 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
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
13mm progressive spring
Spring
20mm extended double-stage spring
Housing materials
The KTT Peach and the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie exhibit differing housing materials that significantly influence their overall sound profiles and typing experiences. The KTT Peach features a polycarbonate top housing, known for its sharp, higher-pitched, and crisper sound characteristics. This is attributed to polycarbonate's stiffer properties, providing a clear and resonant acoustic experience, especially when combined with RGB lighting due to its translucency. In contrast, the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie utilizes POM (Polyoxymethylene) for its top housing, which yields a deeper, more muted sound profile. The POM material is typically associated with a more subdued sound, lacking the brightness that polycarbonate offers, thus creating a distinct auditory experience for users.
When examining the bottom housing, the KTT Peach employs nylon, a classic choice that delivers a deeper and fuller sound profile during typing. Nylon's softer plastic composition allows it to absorb more sound, resulting in a rounder, less resonant feel at bottom out. Conversely, the Sea Salt Smoothie uses POM for its bottom housing as well. While POM can offer a unique and pleasant sound, it aligns more closely with the deeper and more muted auditory quality seen with the Sea Salt Smoothie's top housing. This brings a cohesiveness to the overall sound but contrasts with the KTT Peach's approach of combining nylon's damping qualities with polycarbonate's brightness.
Ultimately, even though there are stark differences in the materials used for housing, both the KTT Peach and Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie can provide effective typing experiences that cater to different sound preferences. The Peach's dual housing strategy allows for a dynamic mix of clarity from the top and depth from the bottom, making it more versatile for users who appreciate a sharper auditory signal paired with a fuller bottoming-out sensation. Meanwhile, the Sea Salt Smoothie's uniform use of POM in both top and bottom offers a harmonious sound landscape that leans towards a softer, more muted experience. Despite the material divergences, users might find satisfaction in both switches by adjusting their typing style and expectations, as the sound and feel will ultimately be influenced by the interplay of their unique housing compositions.
Weight
When comparing the KTT Peach linear switch and the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie linear switch, there are notable differences in their actuation forces, while the bottom out force of the Sea Salt Smoothie remains unknown. The KTT Peach requires a 45-gram actuation force and a 53-gram bottom out force, making it a medium-light option suitable for longer typing sessions or gaming. In contrast, the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie has a slightly heavier actuation force of 48 grams, which may appeal to users who prefer a more substantial typing experience. However, since the bottom out force for the Sea Salt Smoothie is not specified, it’s unclear how it compares in that aspect. Overall, users seeking a lighter switch might gravitate towards the KTT Peach, while those desiring a heavier feel may opt for the Sea Salt Smoothie, depending on the unknown bottom out specification.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the KTT Peach linear switch is 4 mm, while the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie linear switch has a travel distance of 3.7 mm. This makes the KTT Peach the longer option, offering a more substantial feel with its traditional travel distance. In contrast, the Sea Salt Smoothie, with its shorter travel distance, caters to those who prefer quicker key presses, making it potentially more responsive for gaming or fast typing scenarios. While both switches can offer satisfactory results depending on personal preference, the longer travel distance of the Peach may feel more satisfying to those who enjoy a deeper key press, whereas the shorter travel distance of the Smoothie might appeal to users looking for rapid actuation.
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 Peach 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
The KTT Peach linear switch features a distinctly thocky sound profile, characterized by a low-pitched tone that delivers a bass-heavy, mellow auditory experience. This low-pitched quality, combined with a neutral aspect, makes them suitable for diverse environments, whether you're at home or in a professional setting. The sound that these switches produce can be both soothing and satisfying, allowing users to enjoy an engaging typing experience without being overly distracting. In contrast, the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie is also noted for its thocky sound profile; however, additional specifics about its sound characteristics are not detailed. Generally speaking, if both switches maintain similar thocky profiles, users can expect a comparable auditory experience, although the unique materials and construction of each may yield slight variations.
When it comes to feel, the Peach switch is crafted for a mild typing experience, making it approachable for users regardless of their familiarity with mechanical keyboards. This gentleness translates into a typing sensation that is neither too harsh nor overly soft, striking a balance that caters to a wide range of preferences. Its syrupy smoothness enhances the overall tactile experience, ensuring that each keystroke feels satisfying without overwhelming the user. For the Sea Salt Smoothie, specific feel descriptors are not provided, but as a medium-weight switch made from POM, it is designed to offer smoothness as well. Thus, while the Peach has the advantage of established mild characteristics, the Smoothie may also provide a pleasant feel, especially if similar construction principles are followed.
In conclusion, both the KTT Peach and Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie linear switches showcase thocky sound profiles and aim for smooth performance, making them suitable options for users looking for a satisfying typing experience. While the Peach is well-defined with its mild feel and auditory qualities, the Smoothie remains an attractive alternative, promising a similar experience with its medium-weight design and reputed smoothness. Ultimately, users seeking either switch can look forward to a richly satisfying typing experience, with the potential for individualized preference based on other factors like board and keycap choices.
Conclusion
To conclude, when deciding between the KTT Peach linear switch and the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie linear switch, your preferences and intended usage will play significant roles in your choice. If you favor a medium-light actuation force and are seeking a smooth, syrupy typing experience combined with a low-pitched, thocky sound, the KTT Peach is an excellent candidate. Its mild feel makes it approachable for both newcomers and seasoned typists alike, making it suitable for a variety of settings, from casual gaming to extensive typing sessions. On the other hand, if you prioritize robust quality at a competitive price and appreciate the thocky sound profile along with excellent smoothness, the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie may be the better option, especially if you’re looking for a balance of performance and affordability. Ultimately, both switches have their own distinct characteristics that may cater to different preferences, so consider what aspects you value most in your typing experience before making your decision.
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