KTT Purple Click vs. Gateron Smoothie Silver
An in-depth look at the KTT Purple Click and the Gateron Smoothie Silver switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the KTT Purple Click and the Gateron Smoothie Silver offer distinct characteristics to cater to different preferences. The Purple Click is praised for its high-pitched, satisfying click and light keystrokes that strike a perfect balance between tactility and comfort. On the other hand, the Smoothie Silver is known for its lightning-fast actuation due to a short travel distance, along with a thocky sound, smoothness, and feather-light touch. The Purple Click is ideal for those seeking a clicky switch with pronounced tactility, while the Smoothie Silver is perfect for users who prioritize speed and smoothness in their keystrokes. 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
45g
Bottom-out force
55g
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
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 housing materials of the KTT Purple Click and the Gateron Smoothie Silver offer distinct characteristics that contribute to the overall sound profile of the switches. The Purple Click features a polycarbonate top housing, known for its sharp, higher-pitched, and crisp sound profile. In contrast, the Smoothie Silver utilizes a POM top housing, which produces a deeper and more muted sound. While the Purple Click's polycarbonate housing is stiffer and more resonant, the Smoothie Silver's POM housing creates a unique and pleasing sound that leans towards the lower end of the spectrum.
In terms of bottom housing materials, the Purple Click utilizes nylon, which results in a deeper and fuller sound profile due to the softer nature of the plastic. On the other hand, the Smoothie Silver's POM bottom housing also contributes to a deep and muted sound profile. Both switches offer a unique typing experience, with the bottom housing material influencing the bottom-out sound and feel of the switch. The use of nylon in the Purple Click and POM in the Smoothie Silver showcases how different materials can impact the overall typing experience.
Overall, while the top and bottom housing materials of the Purple Click and the Smoothie Silver differ, they both contribute to creating a unique sound profile for each switch. The polycarbonate top housing of the Purple Click offers a sharper and clearer sound, while the POM top housing of the Smoothie Silver creates a deeper and more muted sound. Similarly, the nylon bottom housing of the Purple Click and the POM bottom housing of the Smoothie Silver both contribute to a fuller and more rounded sound experience. Despite the differences in housing materials, both switches provide a satisfying typing experience with their distinct sound profiles.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the KTT Purple Click clicky switch and the Gateron Smoothie Silver linear switch, we can see some notable differences. The Purple Click has a lighter actuation force of 40 grams compared to the Smoothie Silver's 45 grams, making the Purple Click slightly easier to trigger. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Purple Click requires 55 grams while the Smoothie Silver's force is unknown. This means that the Purple Click has a more consistent typing experience throughout the keystroke, while the Smoothie Silver's force remains a mystery. In terms of weight, the Purple Click falls on the medium-light side, making it suitable for longer typing sessions, while the Smoothie Silver's weight remains unknown. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on whether you prefer a lighter actuation force or a more substantial typing experience.
Travel distance
The KTT Purple Click clicky switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Gateron Smoothie Silver linear switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm. The Purple Click offers a slightly longer travel distance, providing a more traditional feel when pressing down on the key. On the other hand, the Smoothie Silver offers a slightly shorter travel distance, making it a preferred choice for gamers who prioritize faster response times. Both switches fall within the range of typical travel distances, with the Purple Click being a bit on the longer side and the Smoothie Silver being a bit on the shorter side. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on personal preference for key press feel and responsiveness.
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 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
In terms of sound, the KTT Purple Click clicky switch stands out for its crunchy and resonant sound profile, reminiscent of stepping on piles of autumn leaves and offering a higher-pitched, immersive auditory experience. On the other hand, the Gateron Smoothie Silver linear switch is known for its thocky sound, which is smooth and light, providing a different auditory experience. Both switches offer unique sound profiles that cater to different preferences, with the Purple Click offering a satisfying click while the Smoothie Silver delivers a smoother, quieter typing experience.
When it comes to feel, the Purple Click switch is described as invigorating and stepped, providing pronounced feedback, moderate to firm actuation force, and a snappy, reactive feel that enhances the typing sensation. In contrast, information about the feel of the Gateron Smoothie Silver switch is currently unavailable. Considering the descriptions provided, it can be inferred that the Purple Click switch offers a tactile typing experience with a satisfying click, while the Smoothie Silver switch likely provides a smooth, linear feel with minimal resistance.
Overall, the KTT Purple Click clicky switch and the Gateron Smoothie Silver linear switch offer distinct qualities in terms of sound and potentially feel. The Purple Click provides a crunchy and resonant sound with an invigorating and stepped feel, striking a balance between tactility and feedback. On the other hand, the Smoothie Silver switch likely offers a thocky sound and smooth, light keystrokes, emphasizing speed and fluidity in typing. Depending on your preference for sound and feel, both switches can provide a unique typing experience that caters to different preferences.
Conclusion
To sum up, when considering whether to choose the KTT Purple Click clicky switch or the Gateron Smoothie Silver linear switch, it really comes down to your personal preferences and typing style. If you enjoy a satisfying click with each keystroke, a medium-light bottom out force, and a balanced tactile experience, then the Purple Click may be the perfect choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer lightning-fast actuation, a thocky sound, unparalleled smoothness, and a feather-light touch, then the Smoothie Silver could be more aligned with your typing needs. Both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences, so it ultimately depends on what you prioritize in a keyboard switch. Happy typing!
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