KTT Sea Salt Lemon vs. Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie
An in-depth look at the KTT Sea Salt Lemon and the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to the world of mechanical keyboards, the choice of switch can greatly impact your typing experience, particularly when exploring options like the KTT Sea Salt Lemon and the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie, both of which are linear switches. The Sea Salt Lemon shines with its progressive spring and ingenious dry-lube design, offering a buttery smooth typing journey that many users appreciate for its low-pitched, neutral, and mild characteristics. This makes it an excellent selection for those who prioritize consistency and a refined feel without any tactile bumps. On the other hand, the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie stands out for its medium-weight all-POM construction, delivering a "thocky" sound profile that enhances the auditory experience while maintaining impressive smoothness. This switch is ideal for users who are looking for a more pronounced auditory feedback without compromising on quality. Each switch offers distinct benefits, catering to different preferences in typing feel and sound. 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
45g
Actuation force
48g
Bottom-out force
53g
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
No
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
13mm progressive spring
Spring
20mm extended double-stage spring
Housing materials
The KTT Sea Salt Lemon and the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie showcase distinct characteristics in their top housing materials that create different sound profiles. The Sea Salt Lemon utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, which is known for producing a sharper and crisper sound due to its stiffer nature. This material's translucency also makes it an excellent choice for RGB lighting, enhancing the aesthetic appeal of keyboards. In contrast, the Sea Salt Smoothie features a POM top housing, which tends to deliver a more muted, deeper sound. The differences between polycarbonate's more pronounced highs and POM's subdued tones create a unique auditory experience for each switch, influencing how users perceive each switch when typing or gaming.
When examining the bottom housings, both switches employ a nylon bottom housing for the KTT Sea Salt Lemon and a POM bottom housing for the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie. The nylon bottom housing in the Lemon provides a fuller and rounder sound profile, as it absorbs more sound due to its softer material. Conversely, the POM bottom of the Sea Salt Smoothie is designed to produce a similarly deep and muted sound, akin to the nylon but with distinct acoustic properties. This harmony between the types of materials—nylon in the Sea Salt Lemon and POM in the Smoothie—establishes a different tactile and auditory experience that reflects each material’s unique contributions.
Overall, while the Sea Salt Lemon and Sea Salt Smoothie use different materials for their top and bottom housings, there are intriguing similarities and contrasts. The polycarbonate top housing of the Lemon generates clear, higher-pitched sounds, complemented by the fuller depths of the nylon bottom, leading to an overall balanced sound profile. The Smoothie, with POM in both the top and bottom, results in a cohesively muted sound. Despite these differences, the two switches serve distinct user preferences, providing varied experiences that cater to individual typing sensations. Therefore, while each switch delivers unique results, enthusiasts can appreciate how the properties of each material contribute to the overall feel and sound of keyboard operation.
Weight
The KTT Sea Salt Lemon linear switch and the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie linear switch offer different actuation forces that cater to varying user preferences. The Sea Salt Lemon has an actuation force of 45 grams, making it lighter and easier to press compared to the Sea Salt Smoothie, which requires a slightly higher actuation force of 48 grams. This difference may appeal to users who prefer a lighter touch for longer typing sessions or extended gaming, as the lower force of the Lemon switch can reduce finger fatigue. Additionally, the bottom out force of the Sea Salt Lemon is 53 grams, indicating that it provides a more substantial feel when pressed all the way down. In contrast, the bottom out force for the Sea Salt Smoothie remains unknown. This unpredictability means that the typing experience may differ significantly, with users potentially finding the Sea Salt Lemon to provide a more defined feedback when bottoming out. Therefore, while both switches are linear and share the characteristic of smooth keystrokes, the Sea Salt Lemon is the lighter option with a specified bottom out force, making it potentially more suitable for typists looking for ease and comfort.
Travel distance
The KTT Sea Salt Lemon linear switch boasts a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie linear switch features a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.7 mm. This difference indicates that the Sea Salt Lemon offers a more substantial depth of travel compared to the Sea Salt Smoothie, catering to users who prefer a distinct tactile experience while typing. The longer travel distance of the Lemon switch may appeal to those who enjoy a more traditional feel and a deeper engagement with each keystroke. In contrast, the Sea Salt Smoothie, with its shorter 3.7 mm travel distance, is likely to be favored by gamers or those who prioritize quicker response times. Ultimately, if someone aims for a responsive experience, they may prefer the smoother and quicker feedback of the Sea Salt Smoothie, while others who enjoy a hearty depth in their keystrokes will likely opt for the Sea Salt Lemon.
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 Sea Salt Lemon comes in at $2.80 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
In terms of sound, the KTT Sea Salt Lemon linear switch is characterized by its low-pitched and neutral sound profile. This combination provides a bass-heavy and mellow tone, making it suitable for use in a variety of environments, whether at home or in an office setting. The neutral nature of the switch’s sound allows for a balanced auditory experience, appealing to both beginners and seasoned typists alike. In contrast, the sound characteristics of the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie linear switch are not specified in the available information, meaning a direct comparison cannot be made regarding its auditory profile. However, since the overall construction and material selection tends to influence sound, it is likely you may experience different auditory results based on the specific components of your keyboard build.
When considering the feel of these switches, the KTT Sea Salt Lemon stands out for its mild typing experience. The switch is designed to offer a gentle touch, making it approachable for users of all skill levels. This means that typing on the Sea Salt Lemon is generally comfortable and doesn't overwhelm the user with overly intense feedback. The feel of the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie, however, remains unspecified. Therefore, while one can anticipate that it may also incorporate some smoothness—seen as a key trait in high-quality linear switches—without direct information, it is impossible to characterize its tactile experience fully.
In conclusion, both switches have their strengths, with the KTT Sea Salt Lemon offering a well-rounded auditory experience and a gentle typing feel, making it very user-friendly. The Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie, while known for its quality, does not have enough detailed sound or feel characteristics available for a comprehensive comparison. If you prioritize a mellow auditory profile and approachable tactile sensation, the Sea Salt Lemon is an excellent choice. Conversely, if you seek a smooth typing experience at a potentially more accessible price point, the Sea Salt Smoothie might be worth exploring, though one should keep in mind the need for further information regarding its auditory and tactile qualities.
Conclusion
To conclude, when deciding between the KTT Sea Salt Lemon and the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie linear switches, your choice should reflect your typing preference and needs. If you lean towards a smooth typing experience with a low-pitched sound that offers a gentle and mild feel, the Sea Salt Lemon is an excellent option. Its 53-gram actuation force provides a pleasant typing resistance suitable for both casual and professional use, making it versatile for various environments. Conversely, if you prioritize a thocky sound profile combined with smoothness and seek a reliable switch at an accessible price point, the Sea Salt Smoothie is the way to go, especially if you appreciate the POM material and medium-weight performance. Ultimately, your decision should be based on whether you value a mellow, easily approachable switch or a more textured auditory experience without compromising on smoothness. Each switch caters to different styles and preferences, ensuring you can find one that enhances your overall typing satisfaction.
Mentioned in this article
