Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie vs. KTT Vanilla Ice Cream

Overview

When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie and KTT Vanilla Ice Cream represent two appealing options for typists and gamers alike, each bringing unique characteristics to the table. The Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie is known for its medium-weight all-POM construction, offering an impressive combination of smoothness and a satisfying thocky sound profile, making it an excellent choice for those who value a reliable and pleasant typing experience without breaking the bank. On the other hand, the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream switch stands out due to its innovative use of POK material in both the stem and bottom housing, providing a creamy and buttery tactile sensation that delights typists with a subtle yet distinct high-pitched clacky sound. While both switches fall under the linear category, the Sea Salt Smoothie emphasizes a deeper acoustic profile, whereas the Vanilla Ice Cream leans into a more resonant, lively experience. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the right switch for you.

By the numbers

Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie Linear

KTT Vanilla Ice Cream Linear

$3.00

$2.70 per 10

$5.78

$4.60 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

When comparing the housing materials of the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie and the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream switches, it becomes evident that they serve different auditory experiences due to their distinct material compositions. The Sea Salt Smoothie features a POM (Polyoxymethylene) top housing, which is known for producing a deep, muted sound profile. This contributes to a unique acoustic experience that is pleasing to many users who prefer a more subdued keypress sound. In contrast, the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream switch employs a proprietary blend for its top housing, which the manufacturer describes as "special mixed materials." This specific blend allows for a higher-pitched and clacky sound signature, appealing to those who enjoy a more pronounced auditory feedback during typing.

When examining the bottom housings, the differences continue to illustrate the contrasting approaches of the two switches. The Sea Salt Smoothie's bottom housing is also made from POM, reinforcing the deep and muted sound profile it offers. This consistency in material across both the top and bottom housings means that users can expect similar auditory characteristics—both elements work together to create a cohesive sound experience. In contrast, the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream utilizes a POK (polyketone) bottom housing, known for its durability and smoothness, leading to higher clarity in sound and a firmer bottom-out feel. This difference in the bottom housing material suggests that while the Sea Salt Smoothie emphasizes a unified sound, the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream switches may deliver a more diverse sound experience, with the POK housing enhancing the feeling of speed and responsiveness.

Overall, the impact of housing materials on sound characteristics is crucial in determining user preference. The Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie's consistent use of POM for both top and bottom hones in on a soft, engaging auditory experience where both housings cooperate seamlessly. In contrast, the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream’s separation of materials between the top and bottom allows for a clackier sound with a sharper auditory feedback, particularly during key release. Essentially, while both switches provide enjoyable typing experiences, the Sea Salt Smoothie leans toward depth and mutedness, whereas the Vanilla Ice Cream emphasizes clarity and sharpness. Depending on user intent—whether seeking a more uniform or varied sound experience—each switch offers unique advantages rooted in its housing materials.

Weight

When comparing the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie linear switch to the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream linear switch, there are notable differences in their actuation forces. The Sea Salt Smoothie requires an actuation force of 48 grams, while the Vanilla Ice Cream is a bit lighter at 43 grams. This difference means that users who prefer a lighter switch for extended typing or gaming sessions might find the Vanilla Ice Cream more comfortable. However, while the Sea Salt Smoothie provides a heavier actuation, the bottom out force for the Sea Salt Smoothie remains unknown, preventing a direct comparison. The Vanilla Ice Cream, on the other hand, has a bottom out force of 48 grams, indicating a firmer feel at the end of the keystroke. Therefore, if a user is seeking a more substantial typing experience, the Sea Salt Smoothie, while slightly heavier, could be more appealing. In summary, users looking for a lighter switch that offers ease during long periods of use would benefit from the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream, whereas those requiring a heavier actuation may prefer the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distances of the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie linear switch and the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream linear switch, it is evident that the Sea Salt Smoothie offers a slightly longer travel distance at 3.7 mm, while the Vanilla Ice Cream is shorter at 3.5 mm. This difference of 0.2 mm may seem minimal, but it can influence the overall feel and responsiveness of the switches. Gamers and those who prioritize quick response times might lean toward the Vanilla Ice Cream for its shorter travel distance, enhancing their performance with quicker key presses. Conversely, players or typists who prefer a more substantial depth and feedback when typing may find the Sea Salt Smoothie more appealing due to its longer travel distance. Hence, your choice between these switches will ultimately depend on your personal preference for responsiveness versus depth in keystrokes.

Price comparison

Typing experience

In terms of sound, the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie switch is characterized by a thocky sound profile, which is associated with a deeper, richer auditory experience that many typists find satisfying. This contrasts with the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream switch, which delivers a high-pitched, clacky sound signature that is distinctly sharper and crispier. The Vanilla Ice Cream also features marbly and resonant qualities, providing a clean and immersive auditory experience when each keystroke is executed. Both switches will interact with factors such as the board and keycap construction, which can influence the final sound; however, they cater to different auditory preferences.

Regarding feel, the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie offers exceptional smoothness characteristic of POM switches, though specific descriptors for its tactile experience aren't provided. On the other hand, the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream switch shines with its buttery and creamy sensations, delivering an effortless, silky typing experience. The smoothness attributed to both the materials and construction of the Vanilla Ice Cream allows for a fluid keystroke that many users appreciate. While the Sea Salt Smoothie's feel is generally smooth, the added buttery and creamy elements of the Vanilla Ice Cream enhance its appeal and provide a delightful tactile sensation.

In conclusion, while the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie switch offers a thocky sound and excellent smoothness without precise descriptors, the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream switch stands out with its high-pitched, clacky sound and an incredibly buttery and creamy typing experience. Choosing between these two will ultimately depend on your sound preference—whether you favor a deeper thock or a bright clack—as well as your tactile desire for a seamless typing feel versus the unique creamy sensation. Both switches provide outstanding performance but cater to distinctly different preferences.

Conclusion

To wrap up, the choice between the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie and the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream linear switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences and typing style. If you prioritize a smooth and supportive typing experience with a thocky sound profile, the Sea Salt Smoothie is likely the right fit for you. Its medium-weight design offers a balanced feel that many find comfortable for both typing and gaming, entirely suited for users who appreciate a solid and satisfying keystroke. On the other hand, if you lean towards a lighter touch and crave a high-pitched, clacky auditory feedback, then the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream switch would be an excellent choice. Its unique POK material gives it an exceptionally creamy and buttery feel, which can be particularly enjoyable during extensive typing sessions. If the sound profile and tactile sensation are essential to you, choosing the Vanilla Ice Cream switch allows you to enjoy a distinctly lively and resonant experience. Ultimately, both switches cater to different typing preferences, so it’s worthwhile to consider what aspects matter most to you before making your final decision.

Mentioned in this article

Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie Linear

$3.00

$2.70 per 10

Learn more

KTT Vanilla Ice Cream Linear

$5.78

$4.60 per 10

Learn more