Gateron Smoothie vs. KTT Wine Red
An in-depth look at the Gateron Smoothie and the KTT Wine Red switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the Gateron Smoothie and KTT Wine Red both offer unique characteristics to enhance your typing experience. The Smoothie stands out for its all-POM construction, providing a thocky sound signature, exceptional smoothness, and a feather-light touch. On the other hand, the Wine Red switches offer a pillowy light typing feel paired with a deep and rich sound profile. While the Smoothie is praised for its buttery and creamy typing experience, the Wine Red switches are noted for their bassy and low-pitched characteristics. Choosing between these two switches will ultimately depend on your personal preferences for sound, feel, and keypress weight. 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
44g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
55g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 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
22mm extended double-stage spring
Spring
Progressive spring
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Gateron Smoothie and the KTT Wine Red, a key difference lies in the materials used for both the top and bottom housings. The Smoothie utilizes POM for both the top and bottom housings, creating a deep, muted sound profile. In contrast, the Wine Red utilizes polycarbonate for both the top and bottom housings, resulting in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This difference in material choice leads to distinct auditory experiences for users of these switches.
Furthermore, aesthetically speaking, the housing materials of the Smoothie and Wine Red contribute to their overall appearance. The POM top and bottom housings of the Smoothie offer a classic, opaque look, while the polycarbonate top and bottom housings of the Wine Red provide a clear, transparent appearance. This distinction in appearance can be a factor for users who prioritize the visual aspect of their keyboard switches. Additionally, the use of polycarbonate in the housing of the Wine Red allows for enhanced RGB lighting effects, making it an attractive choice for those who enjoy customizable lighting options on their keyboard.
Despite differences in housing materials, both the Gateron Smoothie and KTT Wine Red aim to provide users with a unique and pleasing typing experience. While the specific sound profiles may vary due to the use of different materials, both switches offer a tactile and responsive feel when typing. Ultimately, whether you prefer the deep, muted sound of POM in the Smoothie or the sharp, crisp sound of polycarbonate in the Wine Red, both switches can deliver a satisfying typing experience based on individual preferences.
Weight
In comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron Smoothie linear switch and the KTT Wine Red linear switch, it is clear that the Smoothie is lighter in terms of actuation force at 40 grams compared to the Wine Red's 44 grams. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Wine Red is heavier at 55 grams while the bottom out force of the Smoothie is unknown. For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the Smoothie may be more suitable as it requires less force to actuate. On the other hand, individuals looking for a more substantial typing feel may lean towards the Wine Red due to its heavier bottom out force. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and typing habits, with the actuation and bottom out forces playing a significant role in determining the typing experience.
Travel distance
The Gateron Smoothie linear switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the KTT Wine Red linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. In this case, the Wine Red switch has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Smoothie switch. The difference between the two distances is not significant, as both fall within the range of traditional travel distances for mechanical switches. For those who prioritize faster response times, the shorter travel distance of the Smoothie switch may be preferable. On the other hand, individuals who enjoy a more substantial keypress may opt for the slightly longer travel distance of the Wine Red switch. Ultimately, both switches offer a reasonable travel distance and will provide a similar typing experience with only a minor variation in keypress depth.
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 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 Smoothie linear switch offers a thocky, low-pitched, and subdued sound profile when pressed, creating a deep and satisfying typing experience. On the other hand, the KTT Wine Red linear switch provides a bassy and low-pitched sound, giving a pillowy light typing feel with a deep and rich sound profile. While both switches have a rich and deep sound, the Smoothie emphasizes a more subdued sound, while the Wine Red focuses on a bass-heavy tone. Depending on personal preference and the setup of the keyboard, users may find either switch more appealing.
When it comes to the feel of the switches, the Gateron Smoothie is praised for its buttery, creamy, and silky typing experience, offering a seamless, effortless, and uniform sensation when pressing the keys. On the other hand, information on the feel of the KTT Wine Red switch is currently unknown. The lack of detailed descriptors for the Wine Red switch makes it difficult to directly compare the feel of the two switches. However, based on the information available for the Smoothie, it is likely that the Wine Red switch also provides a smooth and comfortable typing experience, although nuances in feel may vary.
Overall, the Gateron Smoothie and KTT Wine Red linear switches both offer unique sound profiles and likely similar smooth typing experiences. While the Smoothie is known for its thocky sound and buttery feel, the Wine Red boasts a rich and deep sound profile. Ultimately, the choice between these switches may come down to personal preference in sound and feel, as well as compatibility with one's keyboard setup and keycap choices. Experimenting with both switches and considering individual preferences will help determine which switch aligns best with the user's typing style and preferences.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Gateron Smoothie linear switch and the KTT Wine Red linear switch, consider the following guidelines based on your preferences and typing style. If you prioritize a lightweight touch, a smooth keystroke experience, and a thocky sound profile, the Gateron Smoothie may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-light bottom out force, a pillowy light typing feel, and a bassy sound profile, the KTT Wine Red could be the better option. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches comes down to your personal preferences for sound, feel, and typing experience. Choose wisely based on what matters most to you in a mechanical keyboard switch.
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