Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie vs. KTT Semi Mute
An in-depth look at the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie and the KTT Semi Mute switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the choice between the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie and the KTT Semi Mute can significantly shape your typing and gaming experience. The Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie, with its all-POM construction, strikes a balance between price and performance. Renowned for its thocky sound profile and exceptional smoothness, this medium-weight linear switch is ideal for users who appreciate a tactile yet quiet experience. On the other hand, the KTT Semi Mute offers a completely silent operation, making it the perfect selection for those who prioritize a noise-free environment, especially during late-night typing sessions. Featuring advanced dampening technology and a buttery, neutral feel, the Semi Mute ensures a gratifying experience without disturbing others around you. While both switches cater to different preferences, they each bring unique advantages to the table; however, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
48g
Actuation force
43g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
58g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.60 mm
Total travel
3.70 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
20mm extended double-stage spring
Spring
15mm spring
Housing materials
When comparing the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie and the KTT Semi Mute switches, we see a significant contrast in the materials used for their housings. The Sea Salt Smoothie utilizes POM (polyoxymethylene) for both its top and bottom housings, which contributes to a distinctive sound profile that is deeper and more muted. POM's unique characteristics lead to a satisfying acoustic experience, favoring those who appreciate a more hushed keystroke. In contrast, the KTT Semi Mute employs polycarbonate for its top and bottom housings, which lends itself to a higher-pitched and crisper sound profile. The stiffer nature of polycarbonate enhances the resonance of the sound, resulting in a sharper auditory response that may appeal to users who prefer a more pronounced key performance.
Despite the differences in the materials, both switch types demonstrate how housing materials influence the user experience. The Sea Salt Smoothie's POM housing creates a cohesive sound environment, where the muted qualities of the bottom housing resonate into the overall keystroke, providing a plush, enveloping experience. This balance means that when users press a key, they feel a uniform softness that can be soothing during extended typing sessions. Conversely, the KTT Semi Mute's polycarbonate exudes clarity, where both housing components work together to produce a precise sound that is distinctly bright. This variance can lead to excitement during typing, with each keypress delivering a satisfying and responsive auditory feedback.
Ultimately, while the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie gives users a muted and pleasing acoustic experience through the embracing warmth of POM, the KTT Semi Mute offers a sharper and more defined typing feedback through polycarbonate. For users who appreciate the qualities of both sound profiles, there are potential methods to achieve similar results; for instance, utilizing sound-dampening materials or O-rings can soften the sharper tones of the KTT Semi Mute, while adding elements such as foam in the casing of the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie can help emphasize its unique sound. Thus, through careful modulation and enhancement of each switch type's inherent properties, typists can tailor their keyboards to match their desired auditory experience.
Weight
When comparing the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie linear switch and the KTT Semi Mute linear switch, there are notable differences in their actuation forces. The Sea Salt Smoothie has an actuation force of 48 grams, making it slightly heavier than the KTT Semi Mute, which features a lighter actuation force of 43 grams. This means that users who prefer a lighter feel for longer typing or gaming sessions may gravitate towards the Semi Mute switch. However, the Sea Salt Smoothie's bottom out force is not specified, while the Semi Mute has a defined bottom out force of 58 grams, categorized as medium. This indicates that even though the actuation forces differ, the Semi Mute switch offers a more tangible resistance when pressing the key all the way down, which might contribute to a more substantial typing experience. In summary, if someone values a lighter switch for extended use, the KTT Semi Mute is the better choice, but those who prefer a firmer push feel might lean toward the Sea Salt Smoothie, barring its unknown bottom out force.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie linear switch and the KTT Semi Mute linear switch, a notable difference emerges. The Sea Salt Smoothie features a travel distance of 3.7 mm, while the Semi Mute has a slightly longer travel distance of 4 mm. This makes the Sea Salt Smoothie the shorter option, appealing to gamers or users seeking quicker response times due to its reduced travel distance. Conversely, the Semi Mute, with its greater depth, might be preferred by those who appreciate a more substantial keypress feel, allowing for a more deliberate typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on individual preferences regarding responsiveness versus key depth.
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 Semi Mute has an MSRP of $3.97 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Semi Mute for $3.55.
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 Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie is known for its distinct thocky sound profile, which adds a satisfying acoustic element to the typing experience. This switch strikes a balance between pleasant auditory feedback and a polished, low-noise interaction, making it ideal for those who enjoy a tactile sound while still being suitable for quieter environments. In contrast, the KTT Semi Mute switches are designed for silent operation, effectively minimizing any noise typically associated with mechanical keyboards. The Semi Mute switches, as their name suggests, deliver a muted sound profile that is perfect for users who prefer a noise-free atmosphere, particularly during late-night typing sessions. While the Sea Salt Smoothie provides a more pronounced sound experience, the Semi Mute excels in quietness, catering to vastly different preferences.
In terms of feel, the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie features a smooth and satisfying keystroke, making it a pleasure to type on. Its medium-weight all-POM construction ensures that each press is fluid and responsive, appealing to users who appreciate a balance of feedback without being overly tactile. On the other hand, the KTT Semi Mute switches offer a buttery smooth typing experience, characterized by effortless keystrokes that glide seamlessly without abrupt stops. This allows for a gently satisfying feedback that is approachable for all users, from newcomers to seasoned typists. The Semi Mute switches lean towards providing a mild typing experience, ensuring comfort over long typing sessions while retaining an enjoyable feel.
In summary, the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie and the KTT Semi Mute linear switches present distinct options depending on your preferences. The Sea Salt Smoothie shines with its thocky sound and smooth keystroke, making it a great choice for those who value auditory feedback alongside a fluid typing experience. Meanwhile, the KTT Semi Mute stands out as an excellent option for users seeking an utterly silent and buttery smooth experience with mild feedback. Both switches offer exceptional qualities, allowing users to find their ideal typing companion based on the ambiance they wish to create and their preferred typing sensation. Whether you prioritize sound or feel, you will find satisfying results with either of these switches based on your specific needs.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie linear switch and the KTT Semi Mute linear switch ultimately hinges on your typing environment and personal preferences. If you desire a smooth typing experience and are drawn to a thocky sound profile that still maintains a level of noise, the Sea Salt Smoothie would be an excellent choice. It excels in providing a satisfying tactile feedback that is ideal for both gaming and typing during the day when you don't need to worry about disturbing others. Conversely, if you're looking for a completely silent operation, particularly for those late-night sessions where noise could be a concern, the KTT Semi Mute switches are tailored to meet that need. They offer a muted and buttery feel with a gentle actuation force, ensuring that your typing is not only quiet but also comfortable. In summary, your ultimate decision should be guided by whether you prioritize sound and tactile feedback or a noise-free experience while typing.
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