Kailh Box Jade vs. KTT Sea Salt Lemon
An in-depth look at the Kailh Box Jade and the KTT Sea Salt Lemon switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
The Kailh Box Jade and the KTT Sea Salt Lemon are two distinct mechanical keyboard switches with their own unique characteristics. The Box Jade is the ideal choice for those seeking a medium-heavy typing experience accompanied by a satisfying clicky sound profile and pronounced tactility. The crisp clicks and crunchy tactile bumps of the Box Jade make every keystroke feel invigorating. On the other hand, the Sea Salt Lemon represents a superb linear switch option. With its progressive spring and KTT's dry-lube design, these switches offer a buttery smooth typing experience. The Sea Salt Lemon's low-pitched sound, neutral feel, and mild feedback add to its allure. However, let's delve deeper beyond generalities so you can make an informed decision on the best switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
50g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
53g
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
No
Factory lubed
No
Stem construction
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
Kailh Box spring
Spring
13mm progressive spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Kailh Box Jade and the KTT Sea Salt Lemon switches are quite similar. Both switches utilize polycarbonate for their top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is because polycarbonate is a relatively stiffer plastic, resulting in a clearer and more resonant sound. Additionally, polycarbonate's translucency is beneficial for switches that plan to utilize RGB lighting. In terms of aesthetics and sound profile, the two switches offer similar results.
However, when it comes to the bottom housing, there is a slight difference between the two switches. The Box Jade features a nylon bottom housing, while the Sea Salt Lemon also incorporates a nylon bottom housing. Nylon is a classic switch housing material known for eliciting a deeper and fuller sound profile. Due to its relatively softer nature, nylon absorbs more sound than harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. Therefore, both switches offer a similar typing experience and sound profile due to their nylon bottom housing.
It is important to note that the top and bottom housings of a switch play different roles in the typing experience. While the bottom housing influences the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing down on a key, the top housing affects the sound when letting go of a key. As both the Kailh Box Jade and the KTT Sea Salt Lemon have different top and bottom housing materials, these qualities are split between the two sections of the switch. However, due to the similar properties of polycarbonate and nylon, users can expect comparable results in terms of sound profile and typing experience for both switches.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Kailh Box Jade clicky switch and the KTT Sea Salt Lemon linear switch, there are some notable differences. The Box Jade has a slightly higher actuation force of 50 grams compared to the Sea Salt Lemon's 45 grams. However, both switches fall within the medium range, providing a satisfying tactile response without being too heavy.
In terms of bottom out force, the Box Jade requires 60 grams of force, while the Sea Salt Lemon requires 53 grams. This means that the Box Jade has a slightly heavier bottom out force.
Considering weight as a factor, those who prefer a lighter typing experience may find the Sea Salt Lemon more suitable. Its lower actuation and bottom out forces make it easier to type for extended periods without causing fatigue. This makes it ideal for individuals who use their keyboards for work or indulge in lengthy gaming sessions.
On the other hand, for those who prefer a more substantial typing feel and are willing to exert a bit more force, the Box Jade offers a stronger push with its higher actuation and bottom out forces. This can provide a satisfying feedback for users who enjoy a more pronounced keystroke sensation.
While both switches have their own distinct characteristics, it is worth noting that individuals seeking a similar result can achieve it with either switch. Despite their differences, both the Kailh Box Jade and the KTT Sea Salt Lemon provide a satisfying typing experience within the medium to medium-light range of actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The Kailh Box Jade clicky switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the KTT Sea Salt Lemon linear switch has a longer travel distance of 4 mm. In terms of their travel distances, the Sea Salt Lemon switch is the longer option. A 4.0mm travel distance is considered to be the most traditional, while a 3.0mm travel distance is the most shallow. However, with the increasing popularity of shorter travel distances, gamers, in particular, prefer switches with shorter distances for faster response times. If you prioritize quick and responsive keystrokes, the Kailh Box Jade clicky switch with its shorter travel distance would be a suitable choice. On the other hand, for those who prefer a more substantial and satisfying keystroke, the KTT Sea Salt Lemon linear switch with its longer travel distance may be more appealing. Ultimately, the choice comes down to personal preference and whether you value speed or a deeper keystroke experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
For 10 switches, the Kailh Box Jade comes in at $5.50, 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
In terms of sound, the Box Jade switch has a high-pitched and crunchy sound profile. The high-pitched nature of these switches produces a sharp and crisp sound when pressed, which can be preferred by those who don't like rich and bassy sound profiles. Additionally, the crunchy sound of the Box Jade switches is reminiscent of stepping on piles of crisp autumn leaves. On the other hand, the Sea Salt Lemon switch has a low-pitched sound profile that is more bass-heavy and mellow compared to higher-pitched switches. This neutral sound profile makes it suitable for various purposes, whether you are a beginner or advanced user, and whether you use them at home or work. 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.
In terms of feel, the Box Jade switch provides an accented and invigorating typing experience. The accented tactile feel of these switches falls in the middle ground, providing a notable amount of tactility without being overwhelming or subtle. This creates a medium tactile switch that offers a satisfying typing experience. Furthermore, the invigorating nature of the Box Jade switch means it offers pronounced feedback, a moderate to firm actuation force, and a snappy and reactive feel, immersing the user in their typing experience. On the other hand, the Sea Salt Lemon switch offers a mild typing experience. With a more gentle feel compared to switches with more pronounced characteristics, the Sea Salt Lemon provides an approachable sound and feel that most users will find comfortable. Its qualities fall within a safe middle-ground zone.
In conclusion, the Kailh Box Jade clicky switch and the KTT Sea Salt Lemon linear switch offer distinct subjective qualities. The Box Jade switch provides a high-pitched and crunchy sound profile, along with an accented and invigorating tactile feel. This switch is ideal for users who enjoy medium-heavy typing with crisp clicks and crunchy tactile bumps. On the other hand, the Sea Salt Lemon switch offers a low-pitched sound profile and a mild typing experience. Its buttery smoothness and progressive spring make it an excellent choice for those seeking a linear switch with a more relaxed and approachable feel. Both switches have their own unique characteristics, allowing users to choose according to their preferences. However, if you are looking for a similar typing experience and sound profile, the Sea Salt Lemon switch can provide comparable results with its neutral sound and mild feel.
Conclusion
In conclusion, if you are looking for a medium-heavy typing experience with a clicky sound profile and prominent tactile feedback, the Kailh Box Jade switches are the perfect choice for you. These switches provide crisp clicks and crunchy tactile bumps, making typing on them a satisfying experience. The high-pitched and crunchy sound they produce adds to the overall enjoyment.
On the other hand, if you prefer a buttery-smooth typing experience with a light-medium actuation force, the KTT Sea Salt Lemon linear switches are the ideal option. Their progressive spring and dry-lube design result in a smooth and effortless typing feel. The low-pitched and neutral sound profile of these switches creates a more mellow and bassy overall sound.
Overall, the Kailh Box Jade switches are best suited for those who want a more immersive and invigorating typing sensation with distinct feedback. Conversely, the KTT Sea Salt Lemon switches offer a mild and approachable typing experience that can be enjoyed by beginners and advanced users alike. Choose the switch that aligns with your preferences and enjoy the ultimate typing experience.
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