Huano Acacia vs. KTT Sea Salt Lemon
An in-depth look at the Huano Acacia and the KTT Sea Salt Lemon switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Huano Acacia and KTT Sea Salt Lemon both offer distinctive characteristics that cater to diverse typing preferences. The Acacia is celebrated for its medium-light weight, generous factory lubrication, and minimal stem wobble, which together create an exceptional out-of-the-box typing experience that is both responsive and enjoyable. In contrast, the Sea Salt Lemon stands out with its unique progressive spring and KTT's innovative dry-lube design, resulting in a buttery smooth feel that elevates any typing session. While both switches fall under the linear category and aim to provide a seamless experience, the Acacia focuses on an immediate, tactile satisfaction, whereas the Sea Salt Lemon embodies a more refined, consistent feedback with a slightly lower pitch. Choosing between these two options ultimately comes down to personal preference in 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
45g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
55g
Bottom-out force
53g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 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
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
22mm single-staged spring
Spring
13mm progressive spring
Housing materials
Both the Huano Acacia and the KTT Sea Salt Lemon switches utilize polycarbonate for their top housing, leading to notable similarities in their sound profiles. The polycarbonate material is characterized by its stiffness, which produces a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound when keys are pressed. This quality is particularly advantageous for users who value clear and resonant auditory feedback in their typing experience. Additionally, both switches benefit aesthetically from the translucency of polycarbonate, making them suitable options for RGB lighting setups. When comparing their top housings, it's clear that each switch will yield comparable results in terms of sound clarity and light diffusion, enhancing the overall visual and auditory experience.
In contrast to their shared polycarbonate top, the bottom housing of the Huano Acacia and KTT Sea Salt Lemon switches features nylon, which significantly influences the overall sound profile of each switch. Nylon, being a softer material, absorbs sound more effectively than harder plastics, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound during typing. This difference in material composition will shape the acoustic experience distinctly, with the nylon bottom contributing a more rounded tone while the polycarbonate top maintains clarity. When pressed, the characteristics of the bottom housing will mainly dictate the bottom-out sound and feel, showcasing a blending of the two materials' effects that enriches the switches' performance.
Ultimately, while both the Huano Acacia and KTT Sea Salt Lemon switches share similarities in their top housing materials—contributing to sharp and clear auditory feedback—it's their differing bottom housing materials that create a contrast in their overall sound profiles. Each switch brings a unique blend of clarity from the polycarbonate and warmth from the nylon, resulting in a nuanced acoustic experience. Therefore, users can expect satisfying performance from either switch; however, the personal preference for sound fullness versus clarity will play a significant role in choosing between them.
Weight
The Huano Acacia and KTT Sea Salt Lemon linear switches both feature an identical actuation force of 45 grams, making them equally suitable for those who prefer a lighter touch when typing or gaming, thereby allowing for extended use without fatigue. However, when it comes to bottom out force, there is a slight difference: the Acacia has a bottom out force of 55 grams, while the Sea Salt Lemon is slightly lighter at 53 grams. This distinction gives the Acacia a heavier overall feel compared to the Sea Salt Lemon, which could appeal to users who enjoy a more substantial typing experience. Overall, while both switches offer the same actuation force, the Sea Salt Lemon is the lighter option due to its lower bottom out force, potentially making it more comfortable for prolonged use.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Huano Acacia linear switch and the KTT Sea Salt Lemon linear switch, the Acacia measures 3.5 mm while the Sea Salt Lemon extends to 4 mm. This means that the Sea Salt Lemon is the longer option, offering a deeper keypress that some users may prefer for a more substantial tactile experience. In contrast, the Acacia’s shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm might appeal to gamers or those who favor quicker responses in their typing or gaming activities. While both switches provide a satisfying experience, the choice between them depends largely on personal preference: the Acacia for responsiveness and speed, and the Sea Salt Lemon for depth and a more traditional feel.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
For 10 switches, the Huano Acacia comes in at $3.39, whereas the KTT Sea Salt Lemon comes in at $2.80.
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
When it comes to sound, the Huano Acacia linear switch does not have specific descriptors, but it's worth noting that its medium-light weight and generous factory lubrication can contribute to an overall pleasant acoustic profile, likely leading to a smooth and quieter typing experience. On the other hand, the KTT Sea Salt Lemon linear switch is characterized by a low-pitched tone, which provides a deeper, bass-heavy sound that can be pleasing to the ear. Its neutral sound profile means it performs well in various environments, making it suitable for both casual and professional settings. The sound ultimately can vary based on the keyboard build and keycap choices, but the Sea Salt Lemon will generally offer a more distinct auditory character compared to the more subtle Acacia.
In terms of feel, the Huano Acacia offers an excellent typing experience straight out of the box, mainly due to its medium-light weight, ample factory lubrication, and minimal stem wobble. This ensures a responsive and comfortable experience for typists who appreciate a bit of feedback without too much resistance. Conversely, the KTT Sea Salt Lemon switch provides a mild feel that ensures a gentle typing experience. Its progressive spring and dry-lube design create an exceptionally smooth action, making it approachable for most users. While both switches excel in providing a pleasant feel, the Acacia might be slightly more direct and responsive, while the Sea Salt Lemon offers a softer, more subdued typing sensation.
In conclusion, both the Huano Acacia and KTT Sea Salt Lemon linear switches have unique qualities that cater to different preferences. The Acacia stands out with its minimal wobble and well-balanced feel, while the Sea Salt Lemon boasts a silky smooth action and a warmer sound profile. Whether you prefer the more direct experience of the Acacia or the mild, buttery touch of the Sea Salt Lemon, both options ensure satisfying results for your typing experience. Depending on your specific preferences for sound and feel, you can select one that aligns best with your typing style, but either will provide a solid performance on your mechanical keyboard.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the Huano Acacia and the KTT Sea Salt Lemon linear switches ultimately hinges on your specific typing preferences and usage scenarios. If you value a reliable typing experience straight out of the box, the Acacia switches are an excellent choice with their medium-light bottom-out force of 55 grams, generous factory lubrication, and minimal stem wobble. They are well-suited for users who want a smooth operation right from the start, making them ideal for both casual typing and extended work sessions. On the other hand, if you're looking for a buttery smooth experience paired with a unique, progressive spring feel, the Sea Salt Lemon switches, with their slightly lower bottom-out force of 53 grams, may be more appealing. Their low-pitched and neutral sound profile, along with a mild typing feel, may be particularly advantageous if you're aiming for a subdued yet pleasant acoustic environment, whether you're at home or in a shared workspace. Ultimately, consider your own typing style and the environment in which you’ll be using your keyboard to make the best decision between these two delightful options.
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