Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie vs. KTT Wine Red
An in-depth look at the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie and the KTT Wine Red switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie and the KTT Wine Red both offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences among typists and gamers. The Sea Salt Smoothie is celebrated for its medium weight and exceptional smoothness, featuring a distinctive thocky sound profile that enriches the typing experience while breaking the price barrier without compromising quality. On the other hand, the Wine Red switch is known for its pillowy light feel and deep, rich sound profile—perfect for those who enjoy a softer touch with bassy undertones. Both switches are linear, providing a consistent keystroke without a tactile bump, but they each bring their own personality to the table. The Smoothie is ideal for users seeking a balance of responsiveness and auditory satisfaction, while the Wine Red appeals to those who prefer a more cushioned typing 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
48g
Actuation force
44g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
55g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.70 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
No
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
Progressive spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie and the KTT Wine Red switches, it's evident that they bring distinct auditory characteristics to the table. The Sea Salt Smoothie's top housing is made of POM (polyoxymethylene), which is known for its ability to create a sound profile that is deeper and more muted. This contrasts sharply with the KTT Wine Red's polycarbonate top housing, which produces a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. The inherent stiffness of polycarbonate contributes to this clarity, making it an excellent choice for users who enjoy a more resonant auditory experience. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate allows it to effectively showcase RGB lighting, adding an aesthetic value that the opaque POM material lacks.
In terms of bottom housing, the differences continue. The Sea Salt Smoothie again utilizes POM, which maintains the same deeper, muted sound profile as its top housing. This consistency in material leads to a cohesive auditory experience that focuses on dampening sound, making it appealing for those who prefer a more subdued typing experience. On the other hand, the Wine Red's bottom housing is made of polycarbonate, complementing its top housing and further enhancing its sharp, crisp sound profile. The polycarbonate material allows for a brighter auditory experience, which may resonate well with users seeking clarity and definition in their keystrokes. Consequently, while both switches utilize different materials for their housing, the distinct qualities brought by these materials can greatly enhance the overall typing experience.
If a switch features different materials for its top and bottom housings, this will result in an auditory experience that is influenced by both materials. As continually observed in the Sea Salt Smoothie, the POM material will contribute to a deeper sound when bottoming out, while the polycarbonate components of the KTT Wine Red will elevate the higher-pitched sounds upon release. This interplay can lead to a unique acoustic profile, combining the muted depth of POM with the crisp clarity of polycarbonate. Users seeking a versatile auditory experience will appreciate this blend, as it allows them to enjoy the benefits of both materials in a single switch motion. Thus, both switch types provide their unique sound signatures, and depending on personal preferences, one might lean towards the deeper tones of POM or the sharper tones of polycarbonate.
Weight
When comparing the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie linear switch and the KTT Wine Red 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 Wine Red, which has an actuation force of 44 grams. This means that the Sea Salt Smoothie may provide a more substantial typing experience, while the Wine Red caters to those who prefer a lighter touch, potentially allowing for longer typing sessions with less fatigue. In terms of bottom out force, the Sea Salt Smoothie's measurement is unknown, whereas the Wine Red has a bottom out force of 55 grams, which indicates a medium-light resistance when fully pressed down. As a result, while users of the Sea Salt Smoothie may find it suitable for longer typing or gaming sessions, those who enjoy a softer actuation may lean towards the KTT Wine Red. Overall, the Sea Salt Smoothie is the heavier switch, while the Wine Red offers a lighter actuation force, catering to different user preferences.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie linear switch and the KTT Wine Red linear switch, a notable difference emerges. The Sea Salt Smoothie has a travel distance of 3.7 mm, while the Wine Red boasts a slightly longer travel distance of 4.0 mm. This means that the Sea Salt Smoothie provides a more responsive feel, appealing to gamers and those who favor quicker key presses. Conversely, the KTT Wine Red, with its longer travel distance, may appeal to users seeking a more substantial typing experience, allowing for a deeper key press without the abruptness that can accompany shorter switches. Therefore, if you prioritize response times, the Sea Salt Smoothie is the preferable choice, while the Wine Red is ideal for those who prefer a heartier typing 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 Wine Red comes in at $2.71 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 is celebrated for its thocky sound profile, which delivers a satisfying auditory experience particularly suited for those who appreciate a pronounced acoustic feedback with each key press. This quality is enhanced by the switch's all-POM construction that contributes to its smooth operation. On the other hand, the KTT Wine Red switch is characterized by a deeper, bassy sound that provides a rich and low-pitched auditory experience. This means that while both switches offer enjoyable sound profiles, the Sea Salt Smoothie leans more towards a crisp thock, whereas the Wine Red offers a mellow and deep resonance, though sound can vary significantly depending on the keyboard's construction and the type of keycaps used.
When it comes to the feel, the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie is known for its exceptional smoothness, making it ideal for users who prefer a lightweight typing experience without any tactile bumps. The all-POM material enhances this sensation, allowing for fluid keypresses. In contrast, the KTT Wine Red switch features a pillowy light typing feel, which provides a unique softness in its actuation. This could appeal to those who prefer a cushioned experience while typing, differing from the smoothness of the Sea Salt Smoothie. Both switches, however, highlight a comforting typing experience in their own right, appealing to different preferences among typists.
In conclusion, both the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie and KTT Wine Red linear switches offer distinct auditory and tactile experiences. While the Sea Salt Smoothie features a thocky sound and exceptional smoothness, the Wine Red provides a rich, bassy sound paired with a pillowy typing feel. Ultimately, your choice between the two will depend on your personal preferences regarding sound profile and tactile feedback, although both will deliver high-quality performance suitable for enthusiasts looking to elevate their typing experience.
Conclusion
To conclude, when deciding between the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie and the KTT Wine Red linear switches, it ultimately boils down to your personal preferences and typing style. If you favor a switch that offers a unique balance of smoothness and a thocky sound profile while being budget-friendly, the Sea Salt Smoothie would be your ideal choice. This switch is particularly well-suited for users who enjoy a soft touch and don’t mind an unknown bottom-out force, making it a great option for extended typing or gaming sessions where comfort is a priority. On the other hand, if you’re drawn to a medium-light switch with a satisfying, pillowy feel and an impressively deep, rich sound, the KTT Wine Red would be the better pick. This switch is perfect for those who appreciate a bassy, low-pitched auditory experience during both typing and gaming, coupled with the security of a known bottom-out force at 55 grams, which can enhance typing accuracy and tactile feedback. Ultimately, the choice hinges on whether you prioritize smoothness and sound characteristics of the Sea Salt Smoothie or the rich auditory experience and tactile feedback of the Wine Red.
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