KTT Phalaenopsis vs. Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie
An in-depth look at the KTT Phalaenopsis and the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the KTT Phalaenopsis and the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie offer distinctive experiences tailored to different typing preferences. The Phalaenopsis is a tactile switch boasting a light actuation force of 37g, which minimizes finger fatigue during long typing sessions, while its 50g tactile bump provides a satisfying feedback that enhances each keystroke—ideal for those who enjoy a noticeable response with every press. Its unique sound profile, described as 'bassy,' 'stepped,' and 'thocky,' further elevates the typing experience. In contrast, the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie is a linear switch characterized by exceptional smoothness and a balanced medium weight, delivering a satisfying thocky sound without the tactile bump, making it a great choice for those who prefer a quieter, uninterrupted to keystrokes. While both switches cater to different typing styles, choosing the right switch ultimately depends on personal preference and intended use. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the ideal switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
37g
Actuation force
48g
Bottom-out force
50g
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
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
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
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm gold-plated spring
Spring
20mm extended double-stage spring
Housing materials
The KTT Phalaenopsis and the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie employ different materials for their top and bottom housings, which significantly influences their sound profiles and overall tactile experiences. The Phalaenopsis utilizes polycarbonate for both the top and bottom housings, leading to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This stiffer plastic enhances the clarity and resonance of the sound generated when the key is pressed and released. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate is especially beneficial for users who prefer RGB lighting, as it allows for a brighter, more vivid illumination of the switch.
In contrast, the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie incorporates polyoxymethylene (POM) for its top and bottom housings, resulting in a distinctly deeper and more muted sound profile. The unique properties of POM contribute to a sound that is softer and less resonant than that of polycarbonate, creating an overall smoother feel. While the Phalaenopsis showcases a more defined acoustics thanks to its polycarbonate materials, the Sea Salt Smoothie's POM construction aims for a satisfying yet subdued auditory experience that some users may find preferable for a quieter, more refined keystroke.
Despite their differences, both switches can deliver unique acoustic profiles depending on the combination of materials used. If one were to achieve comparable results between the two switches, understanding how the sound qualities mesh with the user's typing experience would be essential. The contrast between the crisp, clear sounds of the Phalaenopsis and the deeper, muted tones of the Sea Salt Smoothie illustrates how different materials can curate distinct auditory experiences, yet both serve to meet the varied preferences of mechanical keyboard enthusiasts seeking diverse tactile and acoustic feedback.
Weight
The KTT Phalaenopsis tactile switch and the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie linear switch offer distinct experiences when it comes to actuation and bottom out forces. The Phalaenopsis features a light actuation force of 37 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, making it a more suitable option for users who favor a lighter touch, particularly during long typing sessions or extended gaming. In contrast, the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie has a heavier actuation force of 48 grams, which appeals to those who prefer a more substantial typing experience. Notably, while the Phalaenopsis's bottom out force is clearly defined, the Sea Salt Smoothie's bottom out force remains unknown. This ambiguity makes it difficult to fully compare the feel of the two switches during extreme key presses. Overall, if you prefer a lighter switch, the Phalaenopsis is the clear choice, whereas for a more pronounced push feel, the Sea Salt Smoothie would be more suitable.
Travel distance
The KTT Phalaenopsis tactile switch and the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie linear switch differ in their travel distances, with the Phalaenopsis featuring a travel distance of 4 mm and the Sea Salt Smoothie at 3.7 mm. This makes the Phalaenopsis the longer switch, providing a more pronounced depth when pressed compared to the Sea Salt Smoothie. The shorter travel distance of the Sea Salt Smoothie might appeal to gamers seeking a quicker response time, offering a more immediate actuation that some users may find more efficient for fast-paced gaming. On the other hand, those who prefer a deeper keystroke might gravitate towards the Phalaenopsis for its more substantial feel. Thus, if you desire responsiveness, the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie would likely be more suitable, while the KTT Phalaenopsis caters to those who appreciate a more traditional and ergonomic typing experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The KTT Phalaenopsis has an MSRP of $4.73 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Phalaenopsis 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 Phalaenopsis tactile switch is characterized by a rich, bassy sound profile that creates a pleasing auditory experience during typing. It produces a deep thocky sound, resembling a soft thud, which adds an element of satisfaction with each keystroke. This deeper resonance can enhance the overall typing atmosphere, making it enjoyable for those who appreciate a robust auditory feedback. On the other hand, the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie lacks a detailed sound description in the information provided, but it is known for its smoothness. It may not produce the same thockiness as the Phalaenopsis, leaving it somewhat ambiguous in comparison.
In terms of feel, the Phalaenopsis offers a uniquely stepped tactile experience. This means that typers will notice a mild tactile bump during key presses, providing a clear distinction between pre-travel and post-travel sections of the keystroke. This design can lead to a more nuanced typing experience, particularly appreciated by those who enjoy feeling the progression of their keystrokes. Conversely, the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie does not have a defined tactile feel indicated in the provided information, leaving its tactile characteristics up for speculation but it is renowned for smooth actuation, which appeals to those who prefer a fluid keystroke without distinct tactile feedback.
In conclusion, both the KTT Phalaenopsis and the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences. The Phalaenopsis shines with its rich sound and stepped tactile experience, delivering a delightful auditory and tactile feedback for typists who enjoy a more pronounced sensation. The Sea Salt Smoothie, while lacking detailed sound and feel descriptions, promises exceptional smoothness, potentially appealing to typists who prioritize fluidity over tactile bumps. Depending on your preferences for sound and feel, these switches may contribute to a satisfying typing experience, be it a rich auditory experience or one that focuses on smoothness.
Conclusion
To conclude, when deciding between the KTT Phalaenopsis tactile switch and the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie linear switch, it ultimately comes down to your personal preferences and typing style. If you prioritize a tactile experience with a satisfying feedback and a reduced effort during extended typing sessions, the Phalaenopsis is an excellent choice. With its light actuation force of 37 grams and a tactile bump that provides clear feedback at a bottom out force of 50 grams, you will experience a delightful typing feel that minimizes finger fatigue, making it perfect for long hours of work or gaming. Additionally, its bassy and thocky sound profile enhances the overall experience, giving every keystroke a rich auditory satisfaction. On the other hand, if you are looking for a smooth and quiet typing experience, the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie switch might be the better option for you. This switch is characterized by its medium weight and smoothness, allowing for fluid key presses without noticeable tactile feedback. It's particularly suitable for those who prefer a cleaner sound and experience, especially when gaming or writing. Ultimately, choose the Phalaenopsis for its tactile satisfaction and engaging sound if you enjoy a more interactive typing experience, while the Sea Salt Smoothie is ideal for those seeking smoothness and simplicity in their keystrokes.
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