KTT Pine vs. Gateron Smoothie Silver
An in-depth look at the KTT Pine and the Gateron Smoothie Silver switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the KTT Pine linear switch to the Gateron Smoothie Silver linear switch, we can see some key differences. The KTT Pine is known for its medium-heavy feel, buttery smooth key travel, and effortless typing experience. On the other hand, the Gateron Smoothie Silver boasts a short travel distance for quick actuation, a thocky sound, unparalleled smoothness, and a feather-light touch. While the Pine switch is described as 'Bassy', 'Buttery', 'Creamy', and 'Low-pitched', the Smoothie Silver lacks specific categorizations. Depending on your preference for key feel and sound, each switch offers unique benefits. 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
45g
Bottom-out force
58g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Pre-travel
1.20 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.40 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
The housing materials of the KTT Pine and Gateron Smoothie Silver switches offer unique sound profiles and aesthetic qualities. The Pine's polycarbonate top housing creates a sharp, high-pitched, and crisp sound, perfect for those who prefer a more resonant typing experience. In contrast, the Smoothie Silver's POM top housing produces a deeper and more muted sound, appealing to users looking for a quieter typing experience. While both materials offer different sound profiles, they both excel in providing a visually appealing option for switches with RGB lighting due to their translucency.
In terms of the bottom housing, the KTT Pine and Gateron Smoothie Silver switches differ in their material choices as well. The Pine's polycarbonate bottom housing continues to deliver a sharp and crisp sound profile, complementing the top housing's characteristics. On the other hand, the Smoothie Silver's POM bottom housing offers a pleasing and unique sound that leans towards the deeper end of the spectrum. This difference in material choice between the bottom housings further highlights the contrast in sound profiles between the two switches, catering to a variety of user preferences.
When comparing the overall typing experience of the KTT Pine and Gateron Smoothie Silver switches, it is important to consider the impact of the top and bottom housing materials. While the top housing influences the sound when letting go of a key, the bottom housing plays a significant role in the bottom-out sound and feel. Therefore, users can expect distinct sound signatures and tactile feedback from each switch based on the combination of polycarbonate and POM materials used in their housings. Ultimately, the choice between the Pine and Smoothie Silver switches will depend on individual preferences for sound profile, typing feel, and aesthetic appeal.
Weight
The KTT Pine linear switch and the Gateron Smoothie Silver linear switch both have an actuation force of 45 grams, providing a light and responsive typing experience. However, the KTT Pine has a bottom out force of 58 grams, slightly heavier than the Gateron Smoothie Silver, which has an unknown bottom out force. The weight difference between the two switches may be subtle but can make a difference to users who prefer a slightly heavier or lighter feel while typing. Users who enjoy a more substantial typing experience may lean towards the KTT Pine, while those who prefer a lighter touch may opt for the Gateron Smoothie Silver. Ultimately, both switches offer a smooth keystroke with a relatively low actuation force, providing a comfortable typing experience.
Travel distance
In comparing the travel distance of the KTT Pine linear switch and the Gateron Smoothie Silver linear switch, the Pine has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Smoothie Silver has a travel distance of 3.4 mm. The Pine switch offers a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Smoothie Silver, which means that it may provide a more deliberate and pronounced keystroke feel. On the other hand, the Smoothie Silver's shorter travel distance could appeal to those looking for quicker response times, particularly in gaming scenarios. Both switches fall within the spectrum of common travel distances, with the Pine leaning towards the traditional end of the scale and the Smoothie Silver offering a slightly shallower experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two would come down to personal preference in regards to typing or gaming style.
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 Silver 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 Silver 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
When it comes to sound, the KTT Pine linear switch is known for its bassy and low-pitched characteristics, offering a deep and rich sound profile during key presses. On the other hand, the Gateron Smoothie Silver linear switch does not have specific sound descriptors provided. Both switches can offer a satisfying typing experience, but the Pine may deliver a more pronounced and bass-heavy sound compared to the Smoothie Silver. However, it's important to consider that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard layout, case material, and keycap design.
In terms of feel, the KTT Pine linear switch is praised for its buttery and creamy typing experience, providing a smooth, seamless, and effortless keystroke sensation. This is achieved through the factory-lubed finish that minimizes friction for a fluid key travel. On the other hand, the Gateron Smoothie Silver linear switch does not have specific feel descriptors provided. Both switches may offer a silky and uniform typing experience, with the Pine potentially offering a slightly more lubricated and effortless feel compared to the Smoothie Silver.
Overall, both the KTT Pine linear switch and the Gateron Smoothie Silver linear switch have their unique characteristics that cater to different preferences in sound and feel. While the Pine is known for its smoother and bassier sound profile as well as its buttery typing experience, the Smoothie Silver offers lightning-fast actuation and a feather-light touch. Ultimately, the best switch for you will depend on your personal preferences in terms of sound, feel, and typing experience. Experimenting with both switches on different keyboards and keycap setups can help you determine which one suits your preferences and typing style best.
Conclusion
To sum up, when considering whether to choose the KTT Pine linear switch or the Gateron Smoothie Silver linear switch, it ultimately comes down to your personal preferences and typing style. If you prefer a medium-heavy bottom out force and are looking for a smooth and effortless typing experience with a bassy and low-pitched sound profile, then the Pine switch would be a great choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a switch with a shorter travel distance for faster actuation, a feather-light touch, and a thocky sound, then the Smoothie Silver switch might be more suitable for you. Both switches have their own unique characteristics, so it's important to consider what features are most important to you in a mechanical keyboard switch before making your decision. Ultimately, the choice between the Pine and the Smoothie Silver will depend on your individual preferences and typing needs.
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