KTT Purple Star vs. Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie
An in-depth look at the KTT Purple Star and the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When selecting a mechanical keyboard switch, enthusiasts often weigh the benefits of various options, and two prominent choices are the KTT Purple Star and the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie, both linear switches that cater to distinct preferences. The KTT Purple Star is renowned for its all-POM construction, which offers a remarkably smooth typing experience paired with a neutral sound signature. With a lightweight 45g bottom-out force, it stands out as an ideal option for light typists seeking both comfort and responsiveness. In contrast, the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie, while also made entirely of POM, offers a medium-weight feel that strikes a balance between performance and durability. Its "thocky" sound profile adds an auditory dimension that many typists find satisfying, making it a great choice for those who enjoy a bit more feedback in their keystrokes. Choosing between these two may come down to your typing style and sound preference; 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
43g
Actuation force
48g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
3.70 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
POM
Top housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
20mm extended double-stage spring
Housing materials
The KTT Purple Star and the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie switches share remarkable similarities, particularly in their choice of housing material. Both switches feature POM (Polyoxymethylene) for their top and bottom housings, a material known for its durability and low friction characteristics. The utilization of POM in both models results in an incredibly pleasing sound profile that is distinctly muted compared to other housing materials. The deeper sound signature contributes to a more subdued auditory experience when typing or gaming, making both switches desirable for users seeking a quieter operation without sacrificing aural enjoyment.
Despite their similarities, the differences in their packaging or internal components may influence user experience, even if the housing materials are the same. When pressing either switch, the POM bottom housing significantly affects the bottom-out sound and feel due to its solid construction, while the POM top housing plays a crucial role in the auditory feedback during release. Because both switches utilize identical POM materials for both their top and bottom housings, users can expect a comparable sensation and sound profile whether they are using the KTT Purple Star or the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie. This notion of shared material provides a consistent user experience across both models.
In summary, both the KTT Purple Star and Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie switches are constructed with POM for their top and bottom housings, resulting in a similar sound profile that is both deep and muted. The overall performance of both switches is dependent on the POM material's properties, which facilitate a pleasing sound experience regardless of the brand. Therefore, users who appreciate the acoustic qualities of one switch may find that they achieve comparable results with the other, thanks to their shared POM housing, ensuring a satisfying balance of sound and feel in typing and gaming applications.
Weight
The KTT Purple Star linear switch and the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie linear switch present an interesting comparison in terms of actuation and bottom out forces. The Purple Star features a relatively light actuation force of 43 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, making it a more accessible option for those who prefer longer typing sessions without fatigue. In contrast, the Sea Salt Smoothie has a higher actuation force of 48 grams, suggesting a slightly stiffer press that may cater to users seeking a more substantial typing experience. However, the bottom out force for the Sea Salt Smoothie remains unknown, which leaves some uncertainty regarding how it compares in that regard. Overall, the Purple Star can be considered the lighter switch, ideal for extended use, while the Sea Salt Smoothie is heavier, potentially appealing to those who enjoy a firmer key feel. Despite these differences, both switches may yield satisfactory typing experiences tailored to their respective user preferences.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the KTT Purple Star linear switch and the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie linear switch, the two options differ. The Purple Star has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Sea Salt Smoothie features a slightly longer travel distance of 3.7 mm. This means that the Purple Star provides a more responsive feel, which may be preferable for gamers seeking quicker response times. On the other hand, the Sea Salt Smoothie, with its longer travel distance, might appeal to those who enjoy a deeper, more substantial keystroke. Thus, the Purple Star is the shorter option, while the Sea Salt Smoothie offers a longer travel distance. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on individual preferences for tactile feedback and response times.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
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.
The KTT Purple Star comes in at $4.88 per 10 switches.
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 Star switches produce a low-pitched, bass-heavy tone that offers a mellow auditory experience, making them suitable for those who prefer a subtle sound profile while typing. This contributes to a more relaxed atmosphere when in use, perfect for office settings or quiet environments. In contrast, the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie switch's sound characteristics aren't specified, but it is known to deliver a thocky sound profile along with exceptional smoothness. This indicates that the Smoothie may offer a rich, satisfying acoustic feedback, which is often appreciated by users who enjoy a more pronounced auditory cue when they type. However, as the sound experience can vary based on the keyboard and keycaps used, both switches can deliver satisfying results in their own right.
In terms of feel, the Purple Star switch provides a mild and approachable typing experience, characterized by a light actuation force of 45g that makes them easy to press. This design significantly reduces finger fatigue, allowing for extended typing sessions without discomfort. Their smoothness further enhances this ease, creating a comfortable interface ideal for light typists. On the other hand, the feel of the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie switch is not detailed, but it generally maintains a medium-weight characteristic which may offer a different typing experience, possibly providing a balance between pronounced feedback and smoothness. This could cater to typists who prefer a tad more resistance than what the Purple Star offers, potentially resulting in a tactile response that feels more robust while still ensuring smooth operation.
In conclusion, the KTT Purple Star and Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie switches offer distinct qualities that cater to different preferences. The Purple Star excels in delivering a low-pitched sound and super light, easy-to-press feel, which is perfect for users who prioritize a gentle typing experience. On the other hand, while the Sea Salt Smoothie's sound profile implies a more robust auditory experience with its thocky tone, its specific feel characteristics remain unspecified. Ultimately, both switches promise comfort and smoothness, yet they target slightly different user preferences in sound and feel, giving typists options to select what best suits their individual style and typing environment.
Conclusion
To wrap up, your choice between the KTT Purple Star linear switch and the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie linear switch should be guided by your typing style and preferences. If you prefer a light typing experience with minimal resistance, the KTT Purple Star is an excellent option due to its low 45g bottom-out force and buttery smooth all-POM construction. This makes it particularly suitable for light typists who appreciate a mild and easy-to-press feel, enhancing comfort during long typing sessions. The low-pitched sound of the Purple Star provides a soft, bass-heavy tone that many find appealing. In contrast, if you're looking for something that balances quality and price while offering a satisfying thocky sound profile, the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie would be the way to go. Its medium-weight feel promises a sturdy yet smooth typing experience that caters well to those who enjoy a bit more resistance in their keystrokes. Ultimately, the choice should align with whether you prioritize a lightweight, effortless touch or a more substantial key press that delivers a rich auditory feedback.
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