KTT Pine vs. Gateron Smoothie
An in-depth look at the KTT Pine and the Gateron Smoothie switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the KTT Pine linear switch to the Gateron Smoothie linear switch, it becomes evident that both offer a buttery smooth typing experience. The KTT Pine is medium-heavy, boasting a polished, factory-lubed finish that minimizes friction for effortless key travel, delivering a 'bassy' and 'creamy' typing feel. On the other hand, the Gateron Smoothie stands out for its all-POM construction, providing a thocky sound signature and lightweight touch while still maintaining smoothness. Both switches share similarities such as being low-pitched and creamy; however, the Smoothie offers a more subdued and silky feel compared to the Pine. Ultimately, your choice between the KTT Pine and the Gateron Smoothie depends on your preference for specific typing characteristics. 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
40g
Bottom-out force
58g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
1.90 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
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
15.5mm gold-plated spring
Spring
22mm extended double-stage spring
Housing materials
Both the KTT Pine and Gateron Smoothie feature unique housing materials that contribute to their sound profiles. The Pine's polycarbonate top and bottom housing create a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile, while the Smoothie's POM top and bottom housing produce a deeper, more muted sound. This difference in sound can affect the overall typing experience for users, with the Pine offering a more distinctive and clear sound, and the Smoothie providing a more subtle and understated sound.
In terms of aesthetics, the Pine's polycarbonate housing is clear, making it ideal for switches that plan to use RGB lighting. The transparency of the polycarbonate allows for the lighting to shine through, creating a visually appealing effect. On the other hand, the Smoothie's POM housing is solid and opaque, giving it a more traditional and understated appearance. While both housing materials have their own unique visual appeal, the choice between clear polycarbonate and opaque POM will ultimately come down to personal preference and the desired look for the keyboard.
While the qualities of the housing material may be split between the top and bottom of the switch, both the Pine and Smoothie offer distinct characteristics that cater to different preferences. The impact of the bottom housing on the bottom-out sound and feel, and the top housing on the sound when releasing a key, will vary between the two switches. Whether you prefer the sharper, crisper sound of polycarbonate or the deeper, more muted sound of POM, both the KTT Pine and Gateron Smoothie provide unique typing experiences that cater to different sound preferences.
Weight
The KTT Pine linear switch has a slightly higher actuation force of 45 grams compared to the Gateron Smoothie linear switch which has an actuation force of 40 grams. This means that the Pine switch requires a bit more force to register a keystroke. In terms of bottom out force, the Pine switch also has a higher force of 58 grams compared to the unknown bottom out force of the Smoothie switch. This indicates that the Pine switch will provide a firmer bottoming out experience.
For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the Gateron Smoothie switch might be the better option due to its lower actuation force. However, for users who enjoy a more substantial typing feel, the KTT Pine switch with its higher actuation and bottom out forces would be the preferred choice. Both switches offer different typing experiences based on their actuation and bottom out forces, so users should choose based on their personal preferences for typing feel.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the KTT Pine linear switch and the Gateron Smoothie linear switch, it is evident that the Pine has a longer travel distance of 4 mm, while the Smoothie has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm. Both switches fall within the range of traditional travel distances for keyboard switches, with the Pine being on the longer end and the Smoothie being slightly shorter. Gamers who prioritize fast response times may prefer the Smoothie due to its shorter travel distance, while those who prefer a more substantial key press may lean towards the Pine. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for travel distance and key press feel.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The KTT Pine has an MSRP of $4.60 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Pine for $4.15.
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.
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 Pine linear switch offers a bassy and low-pitched experience, providing a deep and rich sound profile during key presses. On the other hand, the Gateron Smoothie linear switch is known for its thocky and low-pitched sound, creating a satisfying and mellow tone when typing. Both switches offer a subdued sound, with the Smoothie providing a dampened sound when pressed. Ultimately, the sound of a switch can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard's construction and the keycaps used.
When it comes to feel, both the KTT Pine and Gateron Smoothie linear switches are described as buttery and creamy, offering a smooth and fluid typing experience. The keystrokes on these switches are seamless, effortless, and uniform, providing a silky sensation that feels like gliding fingers across the keys with ease. Additionally, the Smoothie switch is also noted for its silky feel, enhancing the overall smoothness of the typing experience and minimizing resistance when pressing and releasing keys.
In conclusion, both the KTT Pine linear switch and the Gateron Smoothie linear switch offer a similar smooth and buttery typing experience in terms of feel. While the Pine switch provides a bassy sound profile, the Smoothie switch offers a thocky sound signature with a dampened quality. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will come down to individual preferences in sound and feel, with both options promising a high-quality typing experience.
Conclusion
In closing, if you are looking for a medium-heavy switch with a buttery smooth typing experience and a bassy sound profile, the KTT Pine linear switch would be a great choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a lightweight touch, a thocky sound signature, and a switch that is all-POM, then the Gateron Smoothie linear switch would be more suitable for your preferences. Ultimately, the decision between the Pine and the Smoothie will come down to your specific typing style and sound preference. Both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different user preferences, so consider these factors carefully before making your choice.
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