KTT Sea Salt Lemon vs. Gateron Smoothie
An in-depth look at the KTT Sea Salt Lemon and the Gateron Smoothie switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the KTT Sea Salt Lemon and the Gateron Smoothie are both stellar choices to consider. The Sea Salt Lemon is a linear switch that offers a buttery smooth typing experience, thanks to its progressive spring and dry-lube design by KTT. With a profile categorized as 'Low-pitched', 'Neutral', and 'Mild', this switch provides a seamless and consistent keystroke. On the other hand, the Gateron Smoothie, also a linear switch, stands out for its all-POM construction which delivers a thocky sound signature and remarkable smoothness. Categorized as 'Buttery', 'Thocky', 'Low-pitched', 'Creamy', 'Subdued', and 'Silky', the Smoothie offers a lightweight touch without compromising on quality. Both switches have their own unique characteristics that may cater 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
45g
Actuation force
40g
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
3.60 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
22mm extended double-stage spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the KTT Sea Salt Lemon and the Gateron Smoothie differ in their composition and resulting sound profiles. The Sea Salt Lemon features a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to polycarbonate's stiffness, which allows for a clear and resonant sound. In contrast, the Smoothie's POM top housing produces a deeper and more muted sound, offering a distinctly unique auditory experience. However, both switches prioritize aesthetic appeal, with the Sea Salt Lemon's clear polycarbonate housing ideal for showcasing RGB lighting, while the Smoothie's POM housing adds a sleek and modern look to any setup.
On the other hand, the bottom housing materials of the Sea Salt Lemon and the Smoothie also play a crucial role in determining the overall sound profile of the switches. The Sea Salt Lemon's nylon bottom housing contributes to a deeper and fuller sound, thanks to nylon's softer nature that absorbs more sound and creates a duller, rounder sound. Similarly, the Smoothie's POM bottom housing adds to the switch's unique sound profile, offering a deeper and more muted tone. Both switches aim to provide a satisfying typing experience, with the bottom housing affecting the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing influences the sound when releasing a key.
Ultimately, while the housing materials of the Sea Salt Lemon and the Smoothie offer distinct sound profiles and aesthetic qualities, they both prioritize delivering a satisfying typing experience to users. The different properties of polycarbonate and POM contribute to a variety of sound profiles, from sharper and crisper to deeper and more muted. Whether you prefer the sharpness of polycarbonate or the depth of POM, both switches are designed to enhance your typing experience and provide a unique auditory and visual appeal.
Weight
The KTT Sea Salt Lemon linear switch has a slightly heavier actuation force of 45 grams compared to the Gateron Smoothie linear switch, which has an actuation force of 40 grams. Both switches have an unknown bottom out force. The Sea Salt Lemon switch provides a medium-light typing experience, while the Smoothie switch offers a lighter touch. Those who prefer a lighter typing experience may gravitate towards the Smoothie switch for longer typing sessions, while those who enjoy a more substantial push feel may opt for the Sea Salt Lemon switch for a more pronounced typing experience. Overall, the actuation force and bottom out force of a switch play a significant role in determining the typing experience and comfort level for the user.
Travel distance
The KTT Sea Salt Lemon linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Gateron Smoothie linear switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm. This means that the Sea Salt Lemon switch has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Smoothie switch. The Sea Salt Lemon switch offers a traditional travel distance, which may appeal to those who prefer a bit more depth when pressing the keys. On the other hand, the Smoothie switch provides a slightly shorter travel distance, which can be ideal for gamers seeking faster response times. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for travel distance and desired 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 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 offers a low-pitched and neutral sound profile, providing a bass-heavy and mellow tone that is suitable for various typing environments. On the other hand, the Gateron Smoothie linear switch produces a thocky, low-pitched, and subdued sound, creating a deep, rich, and satisfying typing experience with a more subtle sound signature. While both switches offer unique sound qualities, the Sea Salt Lemon leans towards a more neutral tone, while the Smoothie excels in producing a thocky and pleasing sound when pressed. Keep in mind that the sound of a switch can also vary based on other factors such as your keyboard and keycaps.
When it comes to feel, the KTT Sea Salt Lemon linear switch is known for its mild typing experience, offering a gentle and approachable feel that falls within a safe, middle-ground zone. In contrast, the Gateron Smoothie linear switch is described as buttery, creamy, and silky, providing a smooth and fluid keystroke experience that effortlessly glides under your fingers. The Smoothie switch excels in delivering a seamless and uniform typing sensation, thanks to its creamy and silky attributes, while the Sea Salt Lemon offers a mild and comfortable typing feel that caters to a wider range of users.
In conclusion, both the KTT Sea Salt Lemon and the Gateron Smoothie linear switches bring distinct qualities to the table. While the Sea Salt Lemon excels in providing a neutral and mild sound and feel, the Smoothie stands out with its thocky and buttery typing experience. Depending on your preferences, you can expect a satisfying typing experience from either switch. Due to their unique characteristics, you'll achieve similar results in terms of sound and feel, albeit with their own nuances and qualities that cater to different typing preferences. Ultimately, the choice between the Sea Salt Lemon and the Smoothie comes down to personal preference and the type of typing experience you desire.
Conclusion
Ultimately, when deciding between the KTT Sea Salt Lemon linear switch and the Gateron Smoothie linear switch, consider what factors are most important to you in a keyboard switch. If you value a medium-light bottom out force and a buttery smooth typing experience with a low-pitched sound, the Sea Salt Lemon may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a switch with an unknown bottom out force, a thocky sound signature, and a lightweight touch with a buttery, creamy, and silky typing experience, the Gateron Smoothie could be the perfect fit for your needs. Both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences, so take into account your personal typing style and sound preferences when making your decision.
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