KTT Sea Salt Lemon vs. Gateron Smoothie Silver
An in-depth look at the KTT Sea Salt Lemon and the Gateron Smoothie Silver switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between the KTT Sea Salt Lemon and the Gateron Smoothie Silver mechanical keyboard switches, both linear switches offer unique features that cater to different preferences. The Sea Salt Lemon stands out for its buttery smooth typing experience, thanks to its progressive spring and dry-lube design. Its low-pitched and mild characteristics make it a great choice for those who prefer a more neutral feel. On the other hand, the Smoothie Silver is known for its lightning-fast actuation and thocky sound, attributed to its all-POM construction. With unparalleled smoothness and a feather-light touch, this switch appeals to typists who prioritize speed and a unique tactile 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
45g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
53g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.20 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.40 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 KTT Sea Salt Lemon and the Gateron Smoothie Silver switches both offer unique housing materials that contribute to their overall sound profiles. The Sea Salt Lemon features a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharp, high-pitched, and crisp sound profile. On the other hand, the Smoothie Silver has a POM top housing, resulting in a deeper and more muted sound. While the polycarbonate creates a clear and resonant sound, the POM provides a pleasing and unique sound that leans towards the deeper end of the spectrum.
In terms of bottom housings, the Sea Salt Lemon utilizes a nylon material, known for producing a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its soft nature that absorbs sound effectively. Conversely, the Smoothie Silver also employs a POM bottom housing, which contributes to the same deep and muted sound profile found in its top housing. Despite the difference in material between the two switches' bottom housings, both nylon and POM share similarities in creating a rounder and duller sound compared to harder plastics.
Although the Sea Salt Lemon and Smoothie Silver differ in their choice of housing materials, they both aim to provide a unique and pleasing sound experience for users. While the Sea Salt Lemon's polycarbonate top housing offers a distinct sharp and crisp sound, the Smoothie Silver's POM top housing provides a deeper and more muted sound. Similarly, both switches utilize bottom housings that contribute to a fuller sound profile, with nylon in the Sea Salt Lemon and POM in the Smoothie Silver. Overall, the choice between these switches will depend on personal preference for sound profile and the type of typing experience desired.
Weight
The KTT Sea Salt Lemon linear switch and Gateron Smoothie Silver linear switch have similar actuation forces of 45 grams. However, the Sea Salt Lemon has a bottom out force of 53 grams, while the Smoothie Silver’s bottom out force is unknown. This makes the Sea Salt Lemon switch slightly heavier overall. For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the Smoothie Silver may be the better choice since its bottom out force is unknown. On the other hand, the Sea Salt Lemon switch may be preferred by those who enjoy a bit more resistance when typing. Both switches offer a medium-light actuation force, making them suitable for those who prefer a lighter touch when typing for extended periods.
Travel distance
The KTT Sea Salt Lemon linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Gateron Smoothie Silver linear switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm. The Smoothie Silver offers a slightly shorter travel distance compared to the Sea Salt Lemon. Gamers may prefer the Smoothie Silver for its faster response time due to the shorter travel distance, while typists who enjoy a more satisfying keypress may lean towards the Sea Salt Lemon with its longer travel distance. Both switches offer a different experience when it comes to keypress depth, so choosing between the two ultimately depends on personal preference.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron Smoothie Silver 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 Silver 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
When it comes to 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 both beginner and advanced users. On the other hand, the Gateron Smoothie Silver linear switch features a thocky sound, known for its smoothness and feather-light touch. If you prefer a more traditional and neutral sound, the Sea Salt Lemon would be the better choice, while the Smoothie Silver is ideal for those looking for a unique and smooth typing experience with a distinct sound.
Moving on to feel, the Sea Salt Lemon linear switch provides a mild typing experience, offering a gentle feel that falls in a safe, middle-ground zone. Its progressive spring and dry-lube design contribute to a buttery smooth typing experience that is approachable to most users. As for the Gateron Smoothie Silver linear switch, information on its feel is unknown. However, based on its short travel distance for fast actuation, it can be inferred that the Smoothie Silver offers a quick and responsive typing feel that may appeal to users who prefer a lightweight touch.
Taking into account the available information, the KTT Sea Salt Lemon linear switch stands out for its low-pitched and neutral sound profile, as well as its mild and gentle typing feel. On the other hand, the Gateron Smoothie Silver linear switch is best known for its thocky sound, smoothness, and feather-light touch. Both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences, so choosing between them ultimately depends on whether you prioritize sound, feel, or both in your mechanical keyboard experience. Despite their differences, both switches provide a reliable and satisfying typing experience that is sure to enhance your overall keyboarding experience.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the KTT Sea Salt Lemon linear switch and the Gateron Smoothie Silver linear switch, consider the type of typing experience you prefer. If you value a buttery smooth typing experience with a medium-light bottom out force and a low-pitched, neutral sound profile, the Sea Salt Lemon may be the better choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a switch with a short travel distance for quick actuation, a thocky sound, and a feather-light touch, then the Smoothie Silver might be more suitable. Ultimately, the decision comes down to personal preference and what characteristics you prioritize in a mechanical keyboard switch. Choose wisely based on your typing style and preferences.
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