KTT Purple Click vs. Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie
An in-depth look at the KTT Purple Click and the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch, preferences can greatly vary based on individual typing styles and tactile desires. The KTT Purple Click switch, often referred to as Purple Sauce, is celebrated for its signature high-pitched, satisfying click, providing a light keystroke with pronounced tactility that strikes a fine balance between feedback and comfort. This clicky switch is perfect for those who enjoy auditory engagement while typing, making it a favorite for typists who seek an invigorating experience with each keystroke. On the other hand, the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie switch offers a different experience entirely, featuring a medium-weight all-POM design that emphasizes smoothness and a deep, thocky sound profile. Ideal for gamers and typists who prefer a quieter workspace without the clicky distraction, the Sea Salt Smoothie delivers exceptional performance while breaking the price barrier without compromising on quality. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the perfect switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
40g
Actuation force
48g
Bottom-out force
55g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 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
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
18mm spring
Spring
20mm extended double-stage spring
Housing materials
The KTT Purple Click and Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie switches employ different materials for their top housings, resulting in distinct sound profiles. The Purple Click features a polycarbonate top housing, renowned for its stiffness, which leads to a sharper, more resonant sound. This choice enhances the keyboard's overall acoustic feedback, especially notable when RGB lighting is used, as the translucency of polycarbonate allows light to shine through vividly. Conversely, the Sea Salt Smoothie's top housing is made of POM (polyoxymethylene), which tends to create a deeper and more muted sound profile. The softer, denser nature of POM results in a unique auditory experience that is less piercing than that of polycarbonate. While both materials contribute to engaging sound characteristics, they cater to different auditory preferences.
When examining the bottom housing, both switches utilize nylon for the Purple Click and POM for the Sea Salt Smoothie. The Purple Click’s nylon bottom housing is characteristic of a classic switch material that offers a fuller and deeper sound, absorbing sound waves more efficiently than harder plastics. This leads to a duller and rounder auditory profile, focusing on the lower frequencies. On the other hand, the POM used in the Sea Salt Smoothie’s bottom housing also produces a pleasing sound, albeit it is described as being relatively muted. Both switches thus possess bottom housings that contribute to a deeper sound, yet the use of nylon in the Purple Click enhances its fullness, while the POM offers a different muted quality.
In essence, while the KTT Purple Click and Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie have differing top housing materials, their bottom housings share similarities that influence their overall sound profiles. The sharp clarity of the Purple Click’s polycarbonate top contrasts decisively with the muted depth of the Sea Salt Smoothie’s POM housing; however, both profiles can evoke a satisfying experience depending on what a typist is looking for. Ultimately, if one desires a more resonant acoustics coupled with deeper notes, both switches can deliver those experiences, albeit through the varying contributions of their respective materials. Thus, a keyboard enthusiast may find value in either switch depending on their acoustic preferences and aesthetic requirements.
Weight
The KTT Purple Click switch and the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie switch offer distinct tactile experiences due to their differing actuation forces. The Purple Click features a lighter actuation force of 40 grams, compared to the Sea Salt Smoothie's actuation force of 48 grams, making the Purple Click more suitable for extended typing sessions or gaming, as users may find it easier to press down over long periods. In terms of bottoming out, the Purple Click has a bottom out force of 55 grams, while the Sea Salt Smoothie's bottom out force is unknown. This means that while the Purple Click provides a medium-light feel that may cater to those who prefer a lighter touch, the Sea Salt Smoothie's lack of defined bottom out force leaves its overall tactile feedback and resistance unmeasured. Consequently, the Purple Click offers a more quantifiable typing experience, which some may prefer for a heavier, more responsive feel compared to the uncharted territory of the Sea Salt Smoothie. Overall, if you're looking for a lighter switch with a defined actuation and bottom out force, the KTT Purple Click is the way to go, while the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie may appeal to those seeking to explore a switch with unknown characteristics.
Travel distance
The KTT Purple Click clicky switch features a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie linear switch has a travel distance of 3.7 mm. This makes the KTT Purple Click the longer travel option, offering a more substantial depth that may appeal to users who prefer a tactile experience with each keystroke. In contrast, the Sea Salt Smoothie, with its shorter 3.7 mm travel distance, can provide quicker response times, making it preferable for gamers seeking fast actuation. While both switches have their unique characteristics, the longer travel of the Purple Click may be ideal for those who appreciate a more pronounced feel, whereas the shorter travel of the Sea Salt Smoothie might be seen as less abrupt, catering to users who enjoy fluid key presses without the resistance of deeper switches.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The KTT Purple Click has an MSRP of $3.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Purple Click for $2.55.
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 Purple Click switch is characterized by its distinctly high-pitched and satisfying click, offering a crisp and resonant auditory experience that many typists find enjoyable. This crunchiness can be likened to the sound of stepping on autumn leaves, creating a unique and immersive environment while typing. The clarity of the click combined with its light keystrokes creates a sound profile that is clean and sharp, ideal for those who appreciate a more auditory typing experience. In contrast, the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie is known for delivering a thocky sound profile. While specific descriptors for its sound are not available, the thocky quality typically resonates with users who enjoy a deeper, muted auditory feedback compared to the bright click of traditional clicky switches. Both switches will produce sounds that can be influenced by the choice of keyboard and keycaps, giving users some degree of customization in their auditory experience.
In terms of feel, the Purple Click switch is invigorating, presenting a pronounced feedback that can be attributed to its tactile bump. This allows for a snappy and reactive sensation with a moderate to firm actuation force, creating a dynamic typing experience. Its stepped design adds another layer, where users can feel a distinct pre-travel and/or post-travel sensation, making every keystroke engaging without overwhelming the typist. Unfortunately, the feel of the Sea Salt Smoothie remains somewhat undefined, as no specific descriptors are provided. However, as a medium-weight smooth switch, it is expected to offer excellent smoothness, making it comfortable for extended typing sessions, albeit without the tactility that clicky enthusiasts often seek.
In summary, the KTT Purple Click switch offers a vibrant and responsive typing experience, both in sound and feel, embodying the characteristics of a clicky switch with an invigorating tactile feedback that many enthusiasts cherish. The Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie, while lacking specific descriptors for its sound and feel, presents a smooth and thocky typing experience ideal for those looking for linearity and comfort. Ultimately, choosing between them will depend on personal preference for auditory feedback and tactile feedback; the Purple Click is for those who thrive on engagement and auditory pleasure, while the Sea Salt Smoothie will appeal to users who favor a smoother, more subdued experience.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the KTT Purple Click clicky switch and the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie linear switch ultimately depends on your typing preferences and what you value in your keyboard experience. If you enjoy a tactile and auditory feedback while typing, the Purple Click is an appealing choice. Its satisfying click and invigorating feedback can make typing feel more engaging and alive, especially if you appreciate a distinct sound reminiscent of stepping on crispy autumn leaves. The moderate to light actuation of 55 grams strikes a nice balance that can be comfortable for extended typing sessions. Conversely, if you prefer a smooth and quieter typing experience, the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie switch may be the better option for you. Its linear design ensures that keystrokes are seamless and effortless, providing a thocky sound profile that can enhance your typing rhythm without the distraction of a click. This switch is ideal for gaming or environments where noise might be a concern. In essence, your choice should reflect whether you seek tactile feedback and sound or a smooth and unobtrusive typing experience.
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