KTT Cream Yellow vs. KTT Sea Salt Lemon

Overview

When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, there are numerous options to choose from. Two popular linear switches that offer distinct qualities are the KTT Cream Yellow and the KTT Sea Salt Lemon. The cream yellow switch is designed to deliver a distinctively clacky sound, thanks to its shortened bottom-out distance and long-pole stem that provides resonant audio feedback. Furthermore, its lengthened spring contributes to a uniquely bouncy typing feel. On the other hand, the sea salt lemon showcases KTT's dry-lube design and a progressive spring, resulting in a buttery smooth typing experience. Categorized as bouncy and clacky, and low-pitched, neutral, and mild respectively, these switches offer their own set of advantages. However, let's delve a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the perfect switch for your typing preferences.

By the numbers

KTT Cream Yellow Linear

KTT Sea Salt Lemon Linear

$2.75

$2.55 per 10

$2.80 per 10

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Housing materials

The housing materials of the KTT Cream Yellow and KTT Sea Salt Lemon switches are quite similar. Both switches feature a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The translucency of polycarbonate makes it especially useful for users who plan to utilize RGB lighting. The top housing of both switches contributes to the sound when the key is released, giving them comparable results in terms of sound quality.

However, where the Cream Yellow and Sea Salt Lemon switches differ is in their bottom housing material. The Cream Yellow utilizes a nylon bottom housing, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon is known for its ability to absorb more sound than harder plastics, creating a duller and rounder sound. This means that when typing on the Cream Yellow switch, the qualities of the bottom housing will be more prominent, impacting the bottom-out sound and feel of the switch.

In contrast, the Sea Salt Lemon switch also features a nylon bottom housing, resulting in a similar deeper and fuller sound profile as the Cream Yellow. Like the Cream Yellow, typing on the Sea Salt Lemon will elicit a duller and rounder sound due to the sound-absorbing properties of nylon. Thus, both switches offer comparable results when it comes to the overall sound profile and feel, thanks to their shared use of nylon in the bottom housing.

In summary, the KTT Cream Yellow and KTT Sea Salt Lemon switches have similar polycarbonate top housing, providing them with a sharper and crisper sound profile, especially when it comes to key release. However, their nylon bottom housing sets them apart. The Cream Yellow's nylon bottom housing produces a deeper and fuller sound, while the Sea Salt Lemon's nylon bottom housing offers a similar sound profile. Consequently, both switches deliver similar results in terms of sound quality, but with slight variations in the bottom-out sound depending on the specific switch being used.

Weight

When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the KTT Cream Yellow linear switch and the KTT Sea Salt Lemon linear switch, there are both similarities and differences to consider. In terms of actuation force, the Cream Yellow requires slightly more force at 50 grams, while the Sea Salt Lemon requires 45 grams. Both switches have a medium-level actuation force, meaning that they provide a balanced experience between light and heavy typing.

Moving on to the bottom out force, the Cream Yellow has a heavier force of 58 grams, whereas the Sea Salt Lemon has a lighter force of 53 grams. This indicates that the Cream Yellow switch would offer a more substantial typing experience for those who prefer a stronger push feel, while the Sea Salt Lemon switch would provide a slightly lighter bottom out force for those who prefer a lighter typing experience.

Considering the weight aspect, the Cream Yellow switch can be considered slightly heavier due to its higher bottom out force, making it suitable for individuals who prefer a more substantial typing feedback. On the other hand, the Sea Salt Lemon switch can be considered slightly lighter due to its lower bottom out force, making it ideal for users who prefer a lighter key press for extended typing sessions or gaming.

Overall, although there are some differences in the actuation and bottom out forces between the Cream Yellow and Sea Salt Lemon switches, they both fall within the medium range and thus provide a similar typing experience. The choice between the two would ultimately come down to personal preference regarding the desired level of tactile feedback and typing intensity.

Travel distance

The travel distance of the KTT Cream Yellow linear switch is 3.5 mm, while the KTT Sea Salt Lemon linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. In terms of travel distance, the Sea Salt Lemon switch is slightly longer than the Cream Yellow. This means that when pressing down on a key with the Sea Salt Lemon switch, there is an extra 0.5 mm of distance that it travels compared to the Cream Yellow switch. While 4.0 mm is considered the more traditional travel distance, some individuals, particularly gamers, prefer shorter travel distances for faster response times. In this case, the Cream Yellow switch with its 3.5 mm travel distance would be a better choice. However, for those who enjoy a more substantial feeling when pressing down on a key, the Sea Salt Lemon switch with its longer travel distance may be a preferable option. It ultimately depends on personal preference and the desired level of responsiveness.

Price comparison

Typing experience

The Cream Yellow switch is best known for its distinctively clacky sound. When pressed, these switches produce a sharp and snappy sound that is described as crisp, bright, and percussive. This sound is achieved through the switch's shortened bottom-out distance and long-pole stem, which provide resonant audio feedback. Additionally, the Cream Yellow switch has a lengthened spring, contributing to a uniquely bouncy typing feel. The keys have a lively feel, offering a spring-like or elastic feedback sensation for a rebound effect when pressed.

On the other hand, the Sea Salt Lemon switch offers a different sound experience. These switches are described as low-pitched, featuring a more bass-heavy and mellow tone compared to higher-pitched switches. The sound produced is not as sharp as the Cream Yellow, providing a more relaxed and soothing auditory experience. The Sea Salt Lemon switch is also described as neutral, meaning it has a moderate actuation force requirement and a moderate sound profile. This makes it suitable for most intents and purposes, whether you are a beginner or advanced user, or if you are using the switches at home or work.

In terms of feel, the Cream Yellow switch's bouncy characteristics provide a lively and spring-like typing experience. The keys have a distinct rebound when pressed, making typing on these switches feel energetic. On the other hand, the Sea Salt Lemon switch offers a more mild typing experience. It falls into the category of mild switches, which provide a gentle and approachable typing sensation. The sound and feel of these switches are balanced, making them suitable for a wider range of users.

Overall, the Cream Yellow and Sea Salt Lemon switches offer different subjective qualities. The Cream Yellow switch is known for its clacky sound, shortened bottom-out distance, and bouncy typing feel. On the other hand, the Sea Salt Lemon switch provides a low-pitched and mellow sound, as well as a more mild and balanced typing experience. Both switches have their unique characteristics, and depending on personal preference, either switch can provide a satisfying typing experience. It's important to consider factors such as the choice of keyboard and keycaps to further enhance the overall sound and feel of the switches.

Conclusion

In closing, if you prioritize a distinctively clacky sound and a uniquely bouncy typing feel, the KTT Cream Yellow linear switch would be an excellent choice for you. It offers a medium bottom out force of 58 grams, providing a satisfying amount of resistance. The Cream Yellow switch's shortened bottom-out distance, long-pole stem, and lengthened spring contribute to its resonant audio feedback and bouncy typing experience. On the other hand, if you prefer a buttery smooth typing experience and a more mellow, low-pitched sound, the KTT Sea Salt Lemon linear switch would be more suitable. With a bottom out force of 53 grams, the Sea Salt Lemon switch offers a medium-light resistance. Its progressive spring and dry-lube design ensure a smooth typing experience while producing a bass-heavy, mellow tone. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your preference for sound and feel, and whether you prioritize the clacky and bouncy nature of the Cream Yellow or the smoothness and mellowness of the Sea Salt Lemon.

Mentioned in this article

KTT Cream Yellow Linear

$2.75

$2.55 per 10

Learn more

KTT Sea Salt Lemon Linear

$2.80 per 10

Learn more