Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie vs. KTT Strawberry
An in-depth look at the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie and the KTT Strawberry switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to selecting a linear mechanical keyboard switch, the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie and the KTT Strawberry both offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences. The Sea Salt Smoothie, known for its medium-weight and all-POM build, stands out due to its thocky sound profile and exceptional smoothness, making it a great choice for users who appreciate a tactile experience without the clicky noise. On the other hand, the KTT Strawberry impresses with its visually appealing pink and clear housings, as well as its silky, buttery feel and frictionless actuation. This switch is favored for its reliable performance and comfortable typing experience, perfect for those who prioritize a smooth key press during long typing sessions. Both switches provide high-quality performance at accessible price points, appealing to a range of users from casual typists to serious gamers. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the ideal switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
48g
Actuation force
43g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
62g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.90 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
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
20mm extended double-stage spring
Spring
Gold-plated
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie and the KTT Strawberry switches, it is evident that they differ significantly in both composition and resulting sound profiles. The Sea Salt Smoothie utilizes a POM (Polyoxymethylene) top and bottom housing, renowned for its ability to produce a deeper, more muted sound. This characteristic is attributed to the unique resonance properties of POM, which provide a fulfilling auditory experience that many users appreciate. In contrast, the KTT Strawberry features polycarbonate for both the top and bottom housings, resulting in a sound profile that is sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper. Polycarbonate’s stiffness contributes to this clarity and resonance, making it an excellent choice for users who prefer a more pronounced sound during typing or gaming.
Aesthetic qualities also play a role in the comparison between these two switches. The Sea Salt Smoothie’s POM housing offers a subtle appeal that aligns with its muted sound profile, while the KTT Strawberry's polycarbonate housing, often clear or translucent, not only enhances its sound but also allows RGB lighting to shine through effectively. The translucent nature of polycarbonate is particularly advantageous for those looking to customize their keyboards visually, as it produces a striking illumination effect. Therefore, for users who prioritize aesthetics alongside sound quality, the decision between these two switches may largely hinge on personal preference regarding visual appeal, as the design will inherently change how the sound is perceived.
Ultimately, the different materials used in the Sea Salt Smoothie and KTT Strawberry switches lead to distinct tactile and auditory experiences. While the POM housings of the Sea Salt Smoothie enhance deeper, more muted sounds that resonate well with users seeking a smooth typing experience, the KTT Strawberry’s polycarbonate offers sharper and crisper auditory feedback that might appeal to a different audience. However, it’s important to note that if users wish to achieve a specific auditory experience, combining these switches with different keycap materials or settings on their keyboards can help tailor the sound, providing avenues to explore customized experiences even further. Ultimately, each switch offers unique qualities that cater to different user preferences, allowing for a wide variety of setups in the mechanical keyboard community.
Weight
The Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie linear switch and the KTT Strawberry linear switch present notable differences in their actuation forces, offering distinct typing experiences. The Sea Salt Smoothie requires an actuation force of 48 grams, while the Strawberry is lighter at 43 grams. This makes the Strawberry a potentially better choice for those who prefer a keyboard that allows for longer typing sessions without fatigue. In contrast, the missing bottom out force for the Sea Salt Smoothie leaves some uncertainty about the overall resistance it offers when fully pressed down, whereas the Strawberry features a bottom out force of 62 grams, providing a more substantial feel that may appeal to users who prefer a heavier switch. Overall, those who prefer a lighter typing experience might lean towards the KTT Strawberry, while those seeking a more substantial tactile feedback might find themselves drawn to the more robust action of the Sea Salt Smoothie, despite its unknown bottom out force.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie linear switch and the KTT Strawberry linear switch, the Sea Salt Smoothie has a travel distance of 3.7 mm, while the Strawberry features a slightly longer travel distance of 4 mm. This makes the Sea Salt Smoothie the shorter option, offering a more rapid response that may appeal to gamers who prioritize quick key presses. On the other hand, the Strawberry, with its longer travel distance, provides a more pronounced tactile feel, which some users may find preferable for a more satisfying typing experience. If you choose either switch, you can expect a difference in responsiveness, with the Sea Salt Smoothie delivering a quicker actuation compared to the more deliberate action of the Strawberry.
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 Strawberry comes in at $4.91 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 Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie switch features a thocky sound profile, which tends to offer a balanced and pleasant auditory feedback characterized by a full, soft thud upon actuation. This sound is generally appealing to users looking for a satisfying auditory experience without being overly loud or shrill. On the other hand, the KTT Strawberry switch is known for its low-pitched tone that tends to be more bass-heavy, providing a mellow sound when typing. The muted characteristics of the Strawberry switch contribute to a quieter typing experience, making it less intrusive in shared environments. It's worth noting that the sound perception can also vary based on the keyboard build and keycap choice, meaning both switches can work well in different setups.
When considering the feel, the Sea Salt Smoothie is reputed for its exceptional smoothness, although specifics on its tactile characteristics are not detailed. In contrast, the KTT Strawberry excels in providing a frictionless, silky, buttery, and polished typing experience, contributing to a remarkably effortless keystroke. Users can expect to glide through key presses without encountering any noticeable resistance, enhancing the overall typing comfort and efficiency. This fluid travel associated with the Strawberry switch sets it apart in terms of tactile satisfaction, creating a typing experience that is both enjoyable and efficient.
In conclusion, the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie offers a thocky sound and a smooth feel, while the KTT Strawberry provides a low-pitched sound complemented by an incredibly silky and frictionless typing experience. While the Sea Salt Smoothie focuses on sound quality and smooth action, the Strawberry brings a more refined and enjoyable typing experience to the table. Ultimately, those who appreciate a thocky sound with smooth actuation may prefer the Sea Salt Smoothie, while users prioritizing a buttery feel might lean towards the KTT Strawberry. Both switches can cater to enthusiasts seeking high-quality performance, albeit with distinct auditory and tactile experiences.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie linear switch and the KTT Strawberry linear switch largely depends on your personal preferences and typing style. If you prioritize a switch that delivers a unique sound profile combined with top-tier smoothness, the Sea Salt Smoothie could be your go-to option. It is particularly suited for users who appreciate a thocky sound and may value a more subdued bottom-out force for a more relaxed typing experience, though the specific bottom-out force remains unknown. On the other hand, if you prefer a more defined tactile feel accompanied by a reliable performance, the KTT Strawberry is an excellent choice, especially with its medium bottom-out force of 62 grams, which provides a tactile feedback that many users find satisfying. The Strawberry's low-pitched sound and its frictionless, silky, and buttery characteristics cater to those who enjoy a truly effortless and satisfying typing journey. Ultimately, if you’re leaning towards a plush and smooth feel, go for the Sea Salt Smoothie; but if you want a balance of comfort and feedback, the KTT Strawberry would be the switch for you.
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