KTT Purple Click vs. Gateron Smoothie
An in-depth look at the KTT Purple Click and the Gateron Smoothie switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options to compare are the KTT Purple Click, a clicky switch, and the Gateron Smoothie, a linear switch. The purple click is praised for its high-pitched and satisfying click, providing light keystrokes with a noticeable tactility. On the other hand, the smoothie stands out for its all-POM construction, offering a thocky sound signature, remarkable smoothness, and a lightweight touch. While the purple click is described as crunchy, invigorating, resonant, and stepped, the smoothie is categorized as buttery, thocky, low-pitched, creamy, subdued, and silky. Each switch has its own unique characteristics that 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
40g
Actuation force
40g
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
3.60 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
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
18mm spring
Spring
22mm extended double-stage spring
Housing materials
The KTT Purple Click and Gateron Smoothie switches both have unique housing materials that contribute to their distinct sound profiles. The Purple Click features a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper and crisper sound profile compared to the Smoothie's POM top housing, which produces a deeper and more muted sound. While both materials are aesthetically pleasing and allow for RGB lighting, they offer different auditory experiences for users. The nylon bottom housing of the Purple Click provides a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer material, while the POM bottom housing of the Smoothie offers a similar deep and muted sound experience.
In terms of sound and feel, the housing materials of the Purple Click and Smoothie switches play a significant role in shaping the overall typing experience. The polycarbonate top housing of the Purple Click results in a clearer and more resonant sound when pressing down on a key, while the POM top housing of the Smoothie creates a more subdued sound profile. On the other hand, the bottom housing materials, nylon for the Purple Click and POM for the Smoothie, impact the sound and feel of the bottom-out action of the switches. With the nylon bottom housing absorbing more sound and creating a rounder sound profile than the POM material, users can expect a different tactile experience when using these switches.
While the Purple Click and Smoothie switches have different housing materials for both their top and bottom housings, they ultimately offer similar results in terms of providing a unique and pleasing typing sound experience. Both switches feature materials that contribute to a deep and full sound profile, with the polycarbonate top housing of the Purple Click offering a sharper sound compared to the more muted POM top housing of the Smoothie. Regardless of the differences in housing materials, users can enjoy a distinct typing experience with either switch, as the combination of materials in each switch creates a harmonious blend of sound and feel.
Weight
The KTT Purple Click clicky switch and Gateron Smoothie linear switch both have an actuation force of 40 grams, making them equally light to the touch. However, the Purple Click has a bottom out force of 55 grams, providing a bit more resistance and feedback compared to the Smoothie, which has an unknown bottom out force. The Purple Click offers a more tactile typing experience with a noticeable bump when actuating the keys, while the Smoothie provides a smoother keystroke without the audible click. Those who prefer a lighter typing experience may lean towards the Smoothie, while the Purple Click would be a better choice for those who desire a slightly heavier touch for a more satisfying typing feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and typing style.
Travel distance
The KTT Purple Click clicky switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Gateron Smoothie linear switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm. The Purple Click offers a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Smoothie, which means you may feel a bit more cushion when pressing down on the keys. Gamers who prefer faster response times may opt for the shorter travel distance of the Smoothie, while those who prefer a more tactile feel may lean towards the Purple Click. Both switches provide a satisfying typing experience, but the Purple Click offers a slightly longer travel distance than the Smoothie.
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 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
Looking at the sound quality of the KTT Purple Click and the Gateron Smoothie switches, the Purple Click switch is known for its crisp and crunchy sound, reminiscent of stepping on autumn leaves, with a resonant and sharp sound profile. On the other hand, the Smoothie switch offers a thocky, low-pitched sound that is deep and rich, providing a more subdued and mellow tone. Both switches offer unique auditory experiences, with the Purple Click leaning towards a higher-pitched and crunchy sound, while the Smoothie provides a deeper and softer sound.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the Purple Click switch is described as invigorating and stepped, offering a tactile bump with moderate to firm actuation force for a snappy and reactive typing experience. In contrast, the Gateron Smoothie switch is described as buttery, creamy, and silky, providing a smooth and fluid keystroke experience that is seamless and effortless. The Smoothie switch focuses on delivering a silky typing sensation, while the Purple Click emphasizes a more tactile and pronounced feedback during typing.
Considering all the available information, it is evident that the KTT Purple Click and Gateron Smoothie switches offer distinct characteristics in terms of sound and feel. While the Purple Click switch excels in providing a satisfying click sound with a balanced tactile feedback, the Gateron Smoothie switch stands out for its smooth and buttery keystrokes with a thocky and low-pitched sound profile. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on personal preference for sound and typing feel, as both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different typing preferences.
Conclusion
In closing, when considering whether to choose the KTT Purple Click clicky switch or the Gateron Smoothie linear switch, it ultimately comes down to your personal preferences and typing style. If you value a high-pitched, satisfying click with light keystrokes and pronounced tactility, the Purple Click may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a thocky sound, remarkable smoothness, and a lightweight touch without the clicky feedback, the Smoothie switch might be more suitable for your needs. Both switches offer unique characteristics in terms of sound and feel, so make sure to consider what qualities are most important to you when making your decision. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on your individual typing preferences and requirements.
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