KTT Purple Star vs. Gateron Smoothie
An in-depth look at the KTT Purple Star and the Gateron Smoothie switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, the KTT Purple Star and the Gateron Smoothie both offer standout features that cater to different preferences. The Purple Star switch stands out for its all-Pom construction, providing a buttery smooth typing experience with a light 45g bottom-out force, making it perfect for light typists seeking ease and comfort. On the other hand, the Gateron Smoothie offers a thocky sound signature, incredible smoothness, and a lightweight touch, all at an affordable price point. While the Purple Star is categorized as mild, low-pitched, and easy to press, the Smoothie is described as buttery, thocky, low-pitched, creamy, subdued, and silky. Both switches have their unique qualities that appeal to different preferences, 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
40g
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
3.60 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
22mm extended double-stage spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the KTT Purple Star and the Gateron Smoothie both feature POM top and bottom housings, which create a pleasing and unique sound profile that is deeper and relatively muted. This similarity in material indicates that both switches are likely to share comparable acoustic characteristics, providing a consistent typing experience in terms of sound and feel. However, the specific design and construction of each switch may still result in subtle differences in sound and feel, despite the shared material.
While the POM top and bottom housings of the Purple Star and the Smoothie offer similar sound profiles, the distribution of qualities between the top and bottom housings can influence the overall typing experience. The bottom housing of a switch tends to have a greater impact on the bottom-out sound and feel when a key is pressed, while the top housing primarily affects the sound when a key is released. This distinction suggests that even though both switches may share the same housing material, their design differences could lead to variations in typing dynamics such as keypress feedback and key release sound.
In comparing the housing materials of the Purple Star and the Smoothie, it is important to consider how the unique characteristics of POM housings contribute to the overall typing experience. The deep and muted sound profile created by POM material is known for providing a satisfying typing sound while minimizing noise. By utilizing this material in both the top and bottom housings, both switches are likely to offer a consistent and enjoyable typing experience, with slight nuances in keypress feedback and sound based on the individual design of each switch. Ultimately, the similarities in housing materials between the Purple Star and the Smoothie suggest that both switches are designed to provide a high-quality and aesthetically pleasing typing experience for users.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the KTT Purple Star linear switch and the Gateron Smoothie linear switch, it is evident that the Purple Star is slightly lighter in terms of both forces. The Purple Star has an actuation force of 43 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, while the Smoothie has an actuation force of 40 grams, but the bottom out force is unknown. This makes the Purple Star a lighter option overall. The difference in actuation force may not be very noticeable in practical use, but for those who prefer a slightly lighter touch, the Purple Star may be the preferred choice. On the other hand, the Smoothie's force remains unknown, so it is not possible to definitively say if it is heavier or lighter than the Purple Star. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for typing experience and desired force feedback.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the KTT Purple Star linear switch is 3.5 mm, while the Gateron Smoothie linear switch has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.6 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, which are popular among gamers for quicker response times. The difference of 0.1 mm between the two switches may not be noticeable for most users, but if you prefer a slightly deeper key press, the Gateron Smoothie may be the better choice. On the other hand, if you prefer a more sensitive and responsive key press, the KTT Purple Star with its slightly shorter travel distance could be the ideal option. In general, the travel distance of 3.5 mm for the KTT Purple Star and 3.6 mm for the Gateron Smoothie are quite similar and will provide a comparable typing experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
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.
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 linear switch offers a low-pitched and neutral sound signature, providing a bass-heavy and mellow tone that is not too loud or distracting. On the other hand, the Gateron Smoothie linear switch produces a thocky and subdued sound, with a deep, rich thud that is satisfying to the ears. Both switches offer unique sound characteristics that cater to different preferences, but overall, you can expect a pleasant typing experience with either option depending on your personal sound preferences and setup.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the KTT Purple Star linear switch is described as providing a mild and easy-to-press typing experience, offering a gentle resistance that requires minimal force to activate. This makes typing effortless and comfortable, reducing finger fatigue during long typing sessions. On the other hand, the Gateron Smoothie linear switch is known for its buttery, creamy, and silky smooth keystrokes, offering a seamless and uniform typing sensation that feels like gliding your fingers effortlessly across the keys. Both switches excel in providing a comfortable typing experience, with the Gateron Smoothie offering a slightly smoother and more luxurious feel compared to the KTT Purple Star.
In conclusion, both the KTT Purple Star linear switch and the Gateron Smoothie linear switch offer unique sound and feel characteristics that cater to different preferences. While the Purple Star provides a light and neutral sound with an easy-to-press typing feel, the Gateron Smoothie delivers a satisfying thocky sound with a buttery and luxurious typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on your personal preference for sound and feel, but you can expect a high-quality and enjoyable typing experience with either option.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a light and effortless typing experience with a neutral sound signature, the KTT Purple Star linear switch would be a great choice for you. The 45g bottom-out force and buttery smooth typing feel make it ideal for light typists who value comfort and ease of use. On the other hand, if you are interested in a switch that offers a thocky sound profile with a smooth and fluid keystroke experience, the Gateron Smoothie linear switch may be more suitable for you. The thocky sound, creamy feel, and lightweight touch of the Smoothie switch provide a unique typing experience that focuses on satisfaction and smoothness. Ultimately, the decision between the KTT Purple Star and Gateron Smoothie switches will depend on your personal preferences for typing feel and sound profile.
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