Gateron Smoothie vs. KTT Strawberry
An in-depth look at the Gateron Smoothie and the KTT Strawberry switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the Gateron Smoothie and KTT Strawberry both stand out for their unique characteristics. The Smoothie is praised for its all-POM construction, providing a thocky sound, exceptional smoothness, and a light touch. On the other hand, the Strawberry features a smooth actuation, comfortable feel, and reliable performance, enclosed in an attractive pink and clear housing. While both switches share attributes such as low-pitched sound and a silky feel, the Smoothie leans towards a creamy and subdued experience, whereas the Strawberry offers a frictionless and polished typing sensation. If you're looking for a buttery and thocky switch, the Smoothie may be the ideal choice; however, if you prefer a low-pitched and silky switch with a touch of buttery feel, the Strawberry could be more to your liking. 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
40g
Actuation force
43g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
62g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Total travel
3.60 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
22mm extended double-stage spring
Spring
Gold-plated
Housing materials
Overall, the Gateron Smoothie and KTT Strawberry both offer unique experiences based on their housing materials. The Smoothie's POM top and bottom housing create a deeper, more muted sound profile, while the Strawberry's polycarbonate housing produces a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. Visually, the use of polycarbonate in the Strawberry allows for RGB lighting to shine through, adding a touch of aesthetic flair. In contrast, the POM housing of the Smoothie does not offer the same translucent properties for RGB lighting.
Despite their differences, both the Smoothie and Strawberry switches excel in providing a satisfying typing experience. The choice between POM and polycarbonate housing ultimately comes down to personal preference and desired sound profile. While the POM housing of the Smoothie may appeal to those seeking a deeper and more muted sound, the polycarbonate housing of the Strawberry offers a crisper and more resonant typing experience. In terms of aesthetics, the clarity of the polycarbonate housing in the Strawberry may appeal to those looking to show off their RGB lighting setups.
In terms of functionality, the choice between the Smoothie and Strawberry housing materials can impact how the switch feels and sounds during typing. The characteristics of each housing material play a significant role in the overall typing experience, with the bottom housing affecting the bottom-out sound and feel, and the top housing impacting the sound when releasing a key. Both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences, making them suitable choices for keyboard enthusiasts looking for variety in their typing experience.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron Smoothie linear switch and the KTT Strawberry linear switch, it is evident that the Smoothie has a lighter actuation force of 40 grams compared to the Strawberry's 43 grams. Additionally, the Smoothie does not disclose its bottom out force, while the Strawberry has a bottom out force of 62 grams, which is considered medium. In terms of weight, those who prefer a lighter typing experience may lean towards the Gateron Smoothie for longer typing sessions or gaming sessions. Conversely, individuals seeking a more substantial typing experience may choose the KTT Strawberry due to its heavier actuation force. While the actuation forces between the two switches differ slightly, the bottom out force discrepancy could potentially provide a more tactile typing experience with the KTT Strawberry. Ultimately, selecting between the two switches will depend on personal preference for typing feel and force required for keystrokes.
Travel distance
The Gateron Smoothie linear switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the KTT Strawberry linear switch has a slightly longer travel distance of 4 mm. The Smoothie offers a shorter travel distance, making it ideal for those seeking faster response times, such as gamers. On the other hand, the Strawberry switch provides a slightly deeper travel distance, which may be preferred by individuals who enjoy a more substantial key press. Both switches fall within the range of popular travel distances, with the Smoothie being slightly shorter and the Strawberry being slightly longer. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on personal preference for key press depth and responsiveness.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron 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 Smoothie for $2.60.
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 Smoothie linear switch is known for its thocky sound signature, providing a deep and satisfying tone when pressed. It also offers a low-pitched and subdued sound that is not completely silent but offers a more subtle sound profile. On the other hand, the KTT Strawberry linear switch is described as having a low-pitched sound, which tends to be more bass-heavy and mellow compared to higher-pitched switches. Both switches provide a pleasant auditory experience, with the Smoothie emphasizing a thocky and subdued sound, while the Strawberry focuses on a low-pitched tone.
When it comes to the feel of the switches, the Gateron Smoothie linear switch is praised for its buttery, creamy, and silky typing experience. These descriptors imply a smooth and fluid keystroke that enhances the overall typing feel. On the other hand, the KTT Strawberry linear switch offers a frictionless and silky typing experience, minimizing resistance and providing a fluid travel. Both switches prioritize smoothness and ease of typing, with the Smoothie emphasizing buttery and creamy sensations and the Strawberry highlighting a polished and frictionless feel.
In conclusion, both the Gateron Smoothie linear switch and the KTT Strawberry linear switch offer excellent sound and feel qualities that cater to different preferences. The Smoothie excels in providing a thocky and smooth typing experience with a lightweight touch, while the Strawberry emphasizes a low-pitched sound and a comfortable feel. Ultimately, choosing between the two switches would depend on personal preference regarding sound and feel, as both switches are designed to deliver a satisfying and reliable typing experience. Overall, users can expect similar results in terms of smoothness and quality performance from both the Gateron Smoothie and KTT Strawberry linear switches.
Conclusion
To wrap up, when considering whether to choose the Gateron Smoothie linear switch or the KTT Strawberry linear switch, it ultimately comes down to your personal preferences and priorities. If you prioritize a switch with a lower bottom out force and a thocky sound signature, as well as a buttery and silky typing feel, then the Gateron Smoothie may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a switch with a medium bottom out force, a low-pitched sound profile, and a frictionless and silky typing experience, then the KTT Strawberry could be the perfect fit for your needs. Both switches offer unique characteristics that may cater to different preferences, so it's important to consider what factors are most important to you when making your decision. Ultimately, the choice between the Gateron Smoothie and the KTT Strawberry will depend on your individual preferences for sound, feel, and actuation force.
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