TTC Bluish White vs. KTT Sea Salt Lemon
An in-depth look at the TTC Bluish White and the KTT Sea Salt Lemon switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
If you're in the market for a new mechanical keyboard switch, you may have come across the TTC Bluish White and the KTT Sea Salt Lemon. These two switches offer unique advantages for different types of typists. The Bluish White is a tactile switch that provides a satisfyingly poppy typing experience, accompanied by a snappy sound profile. With its 'Buttery', 'Mild', 'Stepped', 'Subtle', 'Polished', and 'Low-pitched' characteristics, the TTC Bluish White is perfect for those who crave a tactile sensation while typing. On the other hand, the KTT Sea Salt Lemon is a linear switch that showcases the best of what a linear switch can offer. With its progressive spring and KTT's dry-lube design, the Sea Salt Lemons provide a buttery smooth typing experience. This switch is characterized by its 'Low-pitched', 'Neutral', and 'Mild' attributes. 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
42g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
50g
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
Partial box
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
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
13mm progressive spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the TTC Bluish White and the KTT Sea Salt Lemon switches share many similarities. Both switches utilize polycarbonate for their top housings, resulting in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. Polycarbonate is known for its translucency, making it ideal for switches that plan to incorporate RGB lighting. This aesthetic advantage is shared by both switches.
In terms of the bottom housings, both the Bluish White and the Sea Salt Lemon switches feature nylon. Nylon is a classic switch housing material that contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile. Its relatively softer composition allows for better sound absorption and results in a slightly duller and rounder sound. This characteristic is present in both switches.
However, it's important to note that if a switch has different top and bottom housings, the qualities of each housing material will be divided between the top and bottom of the switch. When pressing down on the switch, the impact on the bottom-out sound and feel will primarily come from the bottom housing. Conversely, the top housing will have a greater impact on the sound when releasing a key. This distinction applies to both the Bluish White and the Sea Salt Lemon switches, as they feature different housing materials for the top and bottom sections.
Overall, while there may be slight variations in the sound profile due to different bottom housings, the similarities between the polycarbonate top housings and the nylon bottom housings of the TTC Bluish White and the KTT Sea Salt Lemon switches ensure comparable results in terms of sound quality and aesthetics.
Weight
When comparing the TTC Bluish White tactile switch and the KTT Sea Salt Lemon linear switch, a noticeable difference can be found in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Bluish White switch features a lighter actuation force of 42 grams, while the Sea Salt Lemon switch requires slightly more force at 45 grams. Similarly, in terms of bottom out forces, the Bluish White requires 50 grams, while the Sea Salt Lemon necessitates 53 grams. Both switches provide a relatively light typing experience, but the Sea Salt Lemon switch may offer a slightly more substantial feel due to its slightly higher actuation and bottom out forces. However, it is important to note that the differences between these forces are relatively minor and may not significantly impact the typing experience.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the TTC Bluish White tactile switch and the KTT Sea Salt Lemon linear switch, there is a difference in the distance they travel from the top to the bottom. The Bluish White has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Sea Salt Lemon has a slightly longer travel distance of 4 mm.
In terms of traditional travel distances, 4.0 mm is the most common, while 3.0 mm is considered shallow. However, the preference for shorter travel distances has been growing, especially among gamers who desire faster response times. If you value responsiveness, opting for the Bluish White with its shorter travel distance may be the better choice for you.
On the other hand, some individuals find short travel distances to feel too abrupt and prefer a more substantial key press. For those who appreciate a deeper and more satisfying typing experience, the Sea Salt Lemon's longer travel distance could be the ideal option.
Ultimately, the decision between these two switches depends on personal preferences. Understanding whether you prioritize quick responsiveness or a more substantial key press will help you determine whether the shorter travel distance of the TTC Bluish White or the longer travel distance of the KTT Sea Salt Lemon is more suitable for your needs.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The TTC Bluish White has an MSRP of $6.60 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Bluish White for $4.63.
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, both the TTC Bluish White tactile switch and the KTT Sea Salt Lemon linear switch are described as having a low-pitched tone. Low-pitched switches typically feature a more bass-heavy and mellow sound compared to higher-pitched switches. However, it's important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the choice of board and keycaps. So while the sound profiles may be similar, the overall sound experience can vary depending on these additional elements.
Moving on to feel, the Bluish White switch is described as having a buttery, mild, stepped, subtle, and polished feel. A buttery switch implies a smooth and fluid keystroke experience, providing a seamless and effortless typing sensation. The mild characteristic offers a gentle typing experience, while the stepped feature refers to a tactile switch that feels like it has two stages, with some pre-travel and/or post-travel. The subtle resistance of the Bluish White switch maintains a light typing feel and its polished finish ensures reduced friction and smooth key travel.
On the other hand, the Sea Salt Lemon switch is described as having a mild feel, which offers a more gentle typing experience compared to switches with more pronounced characteristics. While the specific qualities of the Sea Salt Lemon switch are not further detailed, it can be inferred that it falls within a safe and approachable middle-ground zone in terms of its feel.
Based on the available information, both the TTC Bluish White tactile switch and the KTT Sea Salt Lemon linear switch offer satisfying and smooth typing experiences. They both have a low-pitched sound profile, providing a bass-heavy and mellow tone. The Bluish White switch has additional features such as a buttery, stepped, subtle, and polished feel, which contribute to its overall typing experience. While the exact qualities of the Sea Salt Lemon switch are not explicitly mentioned, it can be assumed to have a mild feel that is comfortable for most users. Therefore, if one is looking for a satisfyingly poppy typing experience with a low-pitched sound and smooth typing feel, both switches can provide similar results.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you're looking for a satisfyingly poppy typing experience with a light bottom out force, then the TTC Bluish White tactile switch is for you. These switches provide a snappy sound profile and offer a buttery smooth and mild typing experience. They have a polished finish and a low-pitched sound, making them suitable for shared spaces. On the other hand, if you prefer a linear switch with a medium-light bottom out force, then the KTT Sea Salt Lemon is a great choice. These switches have a progressive spring and KTT's dry-lube design, resulting in a buttery smooth typing experience. They offer a mild typing feel and have a low-pitched sound profile as well, making them suitable for both beginners and advanced users, whether at home or work. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches boils down to personal preference and the specific typing experience you're seeking.