Durock Black Lotus vs. KTT Sea Salt Lemon
An in-depth look at the Durock Black Lotus and the KTT Sea Salt Lemon switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, two popular options to consider are the Durock Black Lotus and the KTT Sea Salt Lemon, both of which fall under the category of linear switches. The Black Lotus is highly regarded for its silky smooth feel and unmatched precision, offering reduced housing and stem wobble for maximum typing satisfaction. With an actuation weight of 55g, it strikes a balance between substantial and comfortable. Additionally, its unique light column provides in-switch lighting that can be fully removed as desired. On the other hand, the Sea Salt Lemon switches from KTT offer a different take on linears. With their progressive spring and KTT's dry-lube design, they deliver a buttery smooth typing experience. These switches are characterized by their low-pitched, neutral sound and mild keypress feedback. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities to help you make the best decision on which switch is most suitable for your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
55g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Bottom-out force
53g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 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
Modified PC & UPE Blend
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated
Spring
13mm progressive spring
Housing materials
The Durock Black Lotus and the KTT Sea Salt Lemon have different materials for their top housings. The Black Lotus features a modified PC and UPE Blend housing, which gives it a unique and premium feel. On the other hand, the Sea Salt Lemon utilizes a polycarbonate top housing. Polycarbonate is known for creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. Additionally, its translucency makes it ideal for RGB lighting. Despite these differences, both housing materials offer distinct advantages in terms of sound and aesthetics. While the Black Lotus provides a premium feel, the Sea Salt Lemon's polycarbonate top housing ensures a clear and resonant sound output.
When it comes to the bottom housings, both the Black Lotus and the Sea Salt Lemon employ nylon. Nylon is a classic switch housing material known for eliciting a deeper and fuller sound profile. Its relatively softer plastic absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. This characteristic of nylon is present in both switches, further highlighting their similarities. Typing on switches that use nylon consistently provides a satisfying sound experience with a deeper and fuller sound profile.
While the top and bottom housings play different roles in the overall switch construction, they both contribute to the switch's sound and feel. The Black Lotus's bottom housing has a significant impact on the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing influences the sound when releasing a key. Similarly, the Sea Salt Lemon's nylon bottom housing also affects the bottom-out sound and feel, while the polycarbonate top housing contributes to the sound when releasing a key. Therefore, despite the differences in materials, the two switches offer similar results in terms of the overall sound and feel, ensuring a satisfying typing experience.
Weight
When comparing the Durock Black Lotus linear switch and the KTT Sea Salt Lemon linear switch, there are noticeable differences in their actuation forces and bottom out forces. The Black Lotus has a higher actuation force of 55 grams compared to the Sea Salt Lemon's lighter actuation force of 45 grams. This means that the Black Lotus requires a slightly stronger push to trigger a keystroke. Similarly, the Black Lotus has a heavier bottom out force of 63.5 grams compared to the Sea Salt Lemon's bottom out force of 53 grams. This indicates that the Black Lotus provides a more substantial typing experience with a stronger push feel.
If you prefer a lighter typing experience and the ability to type for extended periods, the Sea Salt Lemon with its lighter actuation and bottom out forces would be a suitable choice. However, if you prefer a more robust and substantial typing feel, the Black Lotus with its heavier actuation and bottom out forces would be more suitable. Both switches have medium levels of force, but the Black Lotus leans towards the medium-heavy range, while the Sea Salt Lemon falls into the medium-light category. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on personal preference and the desired typing experience.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Durock Black Lotus linear switch and the KTT Sea Salt Lemon linear switch, it becomes evident that both switches have an equal travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when pressing down on a key with either of these switches, the distance that the switch travels from the top to the bottom will be the same. Therefore, users can expect similar results in terms of the tactile feedback and overall typing experience provided by both switches. Whether it is the Black Lotus or the Sea Salt Lemon, both switches offer the convenience of a consistent travel distance for a comfortable typing experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Durock Black Lotus has an MSRP of $5.60 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Black Lotus for $4.57.
The KTT Sea Salt Lemon comes in at $2.80 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 Durock Black Lotus is known for its low-pitched sound profile. This means that it produces a bass-heavy and mellow tone, which can be quite pleasing to the ears. However, it's important to note that the sound of a switch is also influenced by other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used, so individual experiences may vary. On the other hand, the KTT Sea Salt Lemon is described as having a neutral sound profile. This means that it has a moderate actuation force requirement and a moderate sound level, making it suitable for various uses. Whether you are a beginner or advanced user, or if you plan to use the switches at home or work, the Sea Salt Lemon's sound profile should be well-rounded and versatile.
When it comes to feel, the Durock Black Lotus offers a silky and polished typing experience. These switches are designed to provide an exceptionally smooth and refined feel, reducing resistance when pressing and releasing keys. The use of high-quality materials and possible factory lubing contribute to the smooth key travel and minimal friction. The mild characteristics of the Black Lotus make it approachable to most users, as it falls within a safe, middle-ground zone for typing satisfaction. On the other hand, the KTT Sea Salt Lemon is also described as having a mild typing experience. While more specific details about the Sea Salt Lemon's feel are unknown, its mild nature suggests that it provides a gentler typing experience without any pronounced characteristics.
In conclusion, the Durock Black Lotus and KTT Sea Salt Lemon both offer subjective qualities that can enhance your typing experience. The Black Lotus is known for its low-pitched sound and silky, polished feel. Meanwhile, the Sea Salt Lemon has a neutral sound profile and a mild typing experience. Although there may be some similarities in terms of feel, their distinct sound profiles provide different auditory experiences. Ultimately, the choice between these two linear switches will depend on your personal preferences and typing style.
Conclusion
Bringing it all together, when choosing between the Durock Black Lotus linear switch and the KTT Sea Salt Lemon linear switch, there are a few factors to consider.
Firstly, in terms of bottom out force, the Black Lotus has a medium-heavy force of 63.5 grams, while the Sea Salt Lemon has a medium-light force of 53 grams. If you prefer a switch with a slightly lighter touch, the Sea Salt Lemon may be a better option for you.
In terms of sound, the Black Lotus does not have a specific descriptor mentioned, so its sound profile may be more subjective and open to interpretation. On the other hand, the Sea Salt Lemon is described as having a low-pitched sound, which typically features a more bass-heavy and mellow tone. If you prefer a switch with a low-pitched sound, the Sea Salt Lemon would be a suitable choice.
When it comes to feel, both switches offer a smooth typing experience. The Black Lotus is described as silky, buttery, mild, and polished, all qualities that contribute to a refined and seamless typing sensation. Meanwhile, the Sea Salt Lemon is described as mild, offering a gentle typing experience that is approachable to most users. If you prefer a switch with a slightly more gentle feel, the Sea Salt Lemon may be the better option for you.
Ultimately, the choice between the Durock Black Lotus and the KTT Sea Salt Lemon comes down to personal preference. If you prefer a slightly heavier bottom out force, a switch with a low-pitched sound, and a polished and refined feel, the Black Lotus would be an excellent choice. However, if you prefer a switch with a lighter touch, a mild sound profile, and a more gentle typing experience, the Sea Salt Lemon would be a great option. Consider your own preferences and prioritize what qualities are most important to you in a switch, and make your decision accordingly.
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