KTT Rose vs. Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie
An in-depth look at the KTT Rose and the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the KTT Rose and the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie both present compelling options, each appealing to different preferences and typing experiences. The KTT Rose, celebrated for its elegant aesthetics, offers a unique typing feel thanks to its progressive springs that provide a substantial yet lightweight experience. Users often describe the sound as akin to "bassy raindrops," making for a mellow and enjoyable typing atmosphere. In contrast, the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie delivers a medium-weight typing experience with a thocky sound profile, crafted from durable POM material that ensures smoothness at an attractive price point. While the Rose excels in its beautiful design and nuanced auditory feedback, the Sea Salt Smoothie is praised for its robustness and affordability. Each switch has its merits depending on what you prioritize in your keyboard experience. 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
N/A
Actuation force
48g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 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
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Progressive spring
Spring
20mm extended double-stage spring
Housing materials
The KTT Rose and Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie switches feature different materials in their top housings, which significantly influences their respective sound profiles. The Rose utilizes polycarbonate for its top housing, resulting in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper audio experience. This stiffer material not only contributes to the clarity and resonance of the sound but also enhances the aesthetics, especially when RGB lighting is employed due to its translucency. In contrast, the Sea Salt Smoothie opts for POM in its top housing, which fosters a deeper and more muted sound profile. The differences in these materials mean that while both switches are designed to deliver distinct auditory experiences, the overall sound characteristics will vary greatly, appreciating the individual nuances provided by each housing type.
When it comes to the bottom housing, both switches employ nylon in the KTT Rose and POM in the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie, creating a more interesting comparison in terms of sound and feel. Nylon, known for its softer properties, contributes to a fuller and rounder sound, allowing it to absorb vibrations and produce a deeper tone upon bottoming out when compared to the stiffer POM. On the other hand, the POM bottom housing of the Sea Salt Smoothie leads to a unique, albeit muted, sound experience. Though both switches draw from a soft plastic for the bottom housing, the individual characteristics of nylon and POM will still lead to different auditory outcomes due to their distinct sound absorption qualities.
Ultimately, the combination of housing materials in both switches results in multifaceted sound profiles. While the Rose’s polycarbonate top focuses on clarity and brightness, the deep and muted tones of the Sea Salt Smoothie's POM top create contrasting experiences. Nonetheless, with the nylon and POM in the bottom housing of each switch, there is a shared emphasis on a deeper sound profile. If one desired to achieve similar results from these switches, attention must be paid to how each housing material interacts upon actuation and release, as the combined effects of the top and bottom housing greatly influence the final auditory outcome. Thus, understanding how the unique characteristics of each material play off one another offers insight into generating tailored auditory experiences in mechanical keyboards.
Weight
When comparing the KTT Rose linear switch and the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie linear switch, there are notable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The KTT Rose switch has an unspecified actuation force, but it features a bottom out force of 63.5 grams, indicating a medium-heavy feel when fully pressed down. In contrast, the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie has a defined actuation force of 48 grams, which makes it lighter in terms of how much force is needed to trigger a keystroke. However, the bottom out force for the Sea Salt Smoothie is unknown, making it difficult to gauge its overall typing experience in that regard. For users who prefer a lighter feel suitable for extended typing, the Sea Salt Smoothie may be the better choice, while those who favor a heavier and more substantial typing experience may lean towards the KTT Rose.
Travel distance
The KTT Rose linear switch features a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie linear switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.7 mm. This makes the Rose switch the longer of the two, providing a more traditional depth that some users may prefer for a more robust tactile feedback when keypresses are registered. In contrast, the shorter 3.7 mm travel distance of the Sea Salt Smoothie caters to gamers and users who appreciate quicker response times and a more immediate feel with their keystrokes. This difference highlights the trade-off between depth and responsiveness: those who lean towards the KTT Rose may enjoy a more substantial typing experience, while those opting for the Sea Salt Smoothie may appreciate the faster actuation. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on individual preferences for either hearty depth or snappy responsiveness.
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 Rose comes in at $3.01 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 Rose linear switch offers a low-pitched and bassy sound profile, resembling the calming sound of raindrops when typing. The neutrality of its acoustic character makes it versatile, suitable for various environments, whether at home or in the office. In contrast, the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie produces a thocky sound profile, which provides a deeper and more resonant feedback on keystrokes. This richer auditory experience is generally preferred by users seeking a more tactile auditory sensation, though the overall sound can be influenced by the keyboard used and the choice of keycaps.
In terms of feel, the KTT Rose switch presents a mild and polished typing experience. Its mildness delivers a gentle touch that's approachable for both beginners and seasoned typists, while the polished finish ensures smooth key travel that minimizes friction. This quality promotes a refined and comfortable typing experience. The Sea Salt Smoothie, while not fully described in terms of feel, is noted for its exceptional smoothness, suggesting a refined tactile feedback, possibly akin to the polished aspect of the Rose switch.
Overall, while both the KTT Rose and Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie linear switches cater to users looking for a smooth typing experience, they differ in sound profiles, giving each a unique auditory presence. The Rose’s low-pitched, mellow sounds create a calming atmosphere, whereas the thocky tones of the Sea Salt Smoothie may appeal more to those who prefer a noticeable auditory response. In terms of feel, the mild and polished characteristics of the Rose resonate with users seeking a gentle experience, while the Sea Salt Smoothie's smoothness ensures an enjoyable typing journey. Ultimately, your selection between these switches will likely come down to your sound preferences and the type of tactile feedback you desire in your mechanical keyboard experience.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between the KTT Rose linear switch and the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie linear switch ultimately hinges on your personal preferences and typing needs. If you appreciate a richer, low-pitched sound and a substantial yet comfortable typing experience, the KTT Rose would be an excellent choice. Its medium-heavy bottom-out force of 63.5 grams and the unique characteristics of its progressive springs make it ideal for those seeking both satisfying feedback and a mildly robust feel. On the other hand, if you're looking for a polished and exceptionally smooth typing experience that doesn’t compromise on quality despite being an affordable option, the Sea Salt Smoothie should definitely be on your radar. While its bottom-out force remains unspecified, its reputation for delivering a thocky sound profile makes it a captivating option for those who enjoy a balanced auditory experience without being overly pronounced. Ultimately, your decision may also depend on where you plan to use your keyboard—if you prioritize versatility, the neutral qualities of the KTT Rose might serve better in various environments, while the premium feel of the Smoothie can enhance the user experience in a more casual setup. Consider these factors carefully to find which switch aligns best with your typing style and aesthetic preferences.
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