TTC Brother vs. KTT Sea Salt Lemon
An in-depth look at the TTC Brother and the KTT Sea Salt Lemon switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options to consider are the clicky TTC Brother and the linear KTT Sea Salt Lemon. The TTC Brother is hailed as a standout clicky switch, offering a lightweight actuation of just 37g for a tactile experience that is both satisfying and effortless. With a crunchy sound signature that is sure to please enthusiasts of clicky switches, the Brother also boasts a well-balanced tactile bump that adds to its overall appeal. On the other hand, the KTT Sea Salt Lemon linear switch is praised for its buttery smooth typing experience, thanks to its progressive spring and dry-lube design by KTT. While the Brother is characterized as 'Crunchy', 'Easy-to-press', and 'Stepped', the Sea Salt Lemon is known for being 'Low-pitched', 'Neutral', and 'Mild'. Each switch offers its unique benefits and features, appealing to different preferences and typing styles. 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
37g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
53g
Pre-travel
2.20 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
17.5mm spring
Spring
13mm progressive spring
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the TTC Brother and the KTT Sea Salt Lemon, both keyboards feature polycarbonate top housings which create a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to the relatively stiff nature of polycarbonate, resulting in a clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches with RGB lighting. On the other hand, the nylon bottom housings of both keyboards provide a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound when typing.
Despite their differences, the housing materials of the TTC Brother and the KTT Sea Salt Lemon both contribute to the overall sound profile of the keyboards. The use of polycarbonate in the top housing creates a distinct sound when pressing down on the keys, while the nylon bottom housing provides a deeper tone. The split qualities of the top and bottom housings highlight how each material affects the sound when typing on the keyboards. Additionally, the use of different materials in the housing allows for a unique typing experience, as the impact of the bottom housing is felt when pressing down on the keys, while the top housing influences the sound when releasing a key.
In conclusion, the TTC Brother and the KTT Sea Salt Lemon may have different housing materials, but both keyboards offer a unique typing experience based on the qualities of their respective housings. The polycarbonate top housings create a sharp and clear sound profile, while the nylon bottom housings provide a deeper and fuller tone. Whether pressing down on the keys or releasing them, the housing materials play a key role in shaping the sound and feel of the typing experience on these keyboards. Overall, while the specific qualities of each housing material may differ, both keyboards offer a satisfying typing experience with their distinct sound profiles.
Weight
The TTC Brother clicky switch has a lighter actuation force of 37 grams compared to the KTT Sea Salt Lemon linear switch, which has a heavier actuation force of 45 grams. Both switches have an unknown bottom out force, so it is unclear how they compare in that aspect. For those who prefer a lighter touch, the Brother switch would be more suitable for extended typing or gaming sessions. On the other hand, the Sea Salt Lemon switch provides a more substantial typing experience with its heavier actuation force. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for actuation force and bottom out force.
Travel distance
The TTC Brother clicky switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the KTT Sea Salt Lemon linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. In this case, the Sea Salt Lemon has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Brother switch. The Brother switch's 3.5 mm travel distance is on the shorter side, making it a preferred choice for gamers looking for faster response times. On the other hand, the Sea Salt Lemon's 4 mm travel distance offers a bit more depth, which some users may find more satisfying to type on. Both switches offer different experiences based on their travel distances, with the Brother switch providing a shorter travel distance for quicker input, and the Sea Salt Lemon switch offering a longer travel distance for a more deliberate keystroke. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for travel distance.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The TTC Brother has an MSRP of $5.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Brother for $3.30.
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 TTC Brother clicky switch offers a satisfyingly crunchy sound signature, akin to stepping on piles of crisp autumn leaves, which is a hallmark of clicky switches. On the other hand, the KTT Sea Salt Lemon linear switch provides a low-pitched and neutral sound profile, featuring a more bass-heavy and mellow tone suitable for a variety of environments. The sound of each switch will also be influenced by the user's choice of keyboard and keycaps.
When it comes to the feel of the switches, the TTC Brother clicky switch is easy-to-press and provides a stepped tactile bump. This means that the keypress has two distinct stages, offering a gentle resistance that is easy on the fingers and reduces fatigue during long typing sessions. In contrast, the KTT Sea Salt Lemon linear switch offers a mild typing experience, with a more approachable sound and feel that falls within a safe middle-ground zone. Each switch provides a unique typing experience tailored to different preferences.
Overall, the TTC Brother clicky switch impresses with its lightweight nature, crisp tactile feedback, and satisfying clicky sound. On the other hand, the KTT Sea Salt Lemon linear switch stands out for its buttery smooth typing experience and mild characteristics. Both switches offer distinct qualities that cater to different preferences, ensuring that users can find the perfect switch to suit their typing needs. Whether you prefer the crunchy click of the Brother or the gentle feel of the Sea Salt Lemon, you can expect a high-quality typing experience with either option.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a satisfyingly crunchy and tactile typing experience with a lightweight actuation force, then the TTC Brother clicky switch would be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a buttery smooth and gentle typing experience with a medium-light bottom out force, the KTT Sea Salt Lemon linear switch would suit your preferences better. Ultimately, your decision should be based on whether you prioritize the audible feedback and light actuation of the Brother or the smoothness and moderate feel of the Sea Salt Lemon. Both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different typing preferences, so choose wisely based on your personal preferences and typing style.
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