Huano Elf vs. KTT Sea Salt Lemon
An in-depth look at the Huano Elf and the KTT Sea Salt Lemon switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Huano Elf and KTT Sea Salt Lemon both offer unique experiences despite being categorized as linear switches. The Huano Elf is renowned for its POK top housing, which not only enhances acoustics but also produces a deep sound signature that pairs well with its medium-light feel, creating a satisfying typing experience that many users appreciate for both gaming and typing. On the other hand, the KTT Sea Salt Lemon stands out for its exceptional smoothness, thanks to its progressive spring and KTT's dry-lube design, making it a favorite among those who prioritize a silky typing feel without distractions. While the Elf's sound profile appeals to users who enjoy audible feedback from their keystrokes, the Sea Salt Lemon seduces with its nearly effortless actuation and neutral sound. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the ideal switch for your keyboard.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
42g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
53g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 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
POK
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel spring
Spring
13mm progressive spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Huano Elf and the KTT Sea Salt Lemon, we find that while both switches utilize nylon for the bottom housing, they differ significantly in their top housing materials. The Elf employs a POK (polyketone) top housing, which is known for its durability, smoothness, and excellent resistance to wear and shock. With a higher coefficient of friction, the POK material provides a distinct tactile experience that leads to smooth, clacky acoustics upon key release. In contrast, the Sea Salt Lemon opts for a polycarbonate top housing, which is characterized by its stiffness and translucency. This results in a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile, making it suitable for enthusiasts looking to enhance their RGB lighting experience.
The bottom housing of both switches perfectly aligns, as they both utilize nylon. This material is celebrated for its ability to absorb sound, contributing to a deeper and fuller auditory experience when typing. While the Elf’s top housing enhances the smoothness and durability of the switch, the nylon bottom housing in both switches maintains a similarly rich sound profile, ensuring that users experience a satisfying keypress. As a result, the deeper, rounded sound signature produced by the nylon bottom housing remains consistent between the two models, providing a common ground for users who appreciate the tactile feedback associated with nylon.
In terms of overall sound and feel, the distinct characteristics of the top housing materials lead to contrasting experiences despite the shared nylon bottom. The POK top in the Elf promotes a smooth and clacking sound, enhancing the tactile feedback during the release of each key, while the polycarbonate top in the Sea Salt Lemon delivers a crisper and more resonant note. This divergence suggests that while the two switches share a similar bottom housing that provides a uniform auditory foundation, the variation in top materials produces differing sound profiles and user experiences during the typing process. This illustrates how different materials can complement one another to create unique combinations in mechanical switch design, allowing users to choose based on their individual sound preferences and tactile sensations.
Weight
In comparing the Huano Elf linear switch and the KTT Sea Salt Lemon linear switch, we see distinct differences in actuation force, while the bottom out force for the Elf is unknown. The Huano Elf requires a lighter actuation force of 42 grams, making it more suitable for users who prefer effortless typing and longer gaming sessions. In contrast, the KTT Sea Salt Lemon has a slightly heavier actuation force of 45 grams and a well-defined bottom out force of 53 grams. This heavier actuation and defined bottom out may offer a more substantial feel that some typists appreciate for feedback during key presses. Thus, while both switches aim to deliver a distinct typing experience, the Elf can be characterized as lighter and likely more comfortable for extended use, while the Sea Salt Lemon is heavier, potentially appealing to those who enjoy a firmer keystroke.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the Huano Elf linear switch is notably shorter at 3.6 mm compared to the KTT Sea Salt Lemon linear switch, which has a travel distance of 4 mm. This difference means that the Elf switch may provide a more responsive feel, ideal for those who favor quicker key presses common in gaming scenarios. On the other hand, the Sea Salt Lemon, with its longer travel distance, offers a more satisfying depth that some users may find preferable for typing or gaming styles that require more deliberate key actions. Therefore, individuals seeking a snappier experience might lean towards the Huano Elf, while those who enjoy a pronounced key travel might opt for the KTT Sea Salt Lemon.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Huano Elf has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Elf for $3.29.
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 Huano Elf switch is renowned for its deep sound signature, likely enhanced by its POK top housing, which contributes to better acoustics. This results in a rich auditory experience favored by those who appreciate a low and resonant tone while typing. On the other hand, the KTT Sea Salt Lemon switch is characterized by its low-pitched and neutral sound profile. The low-pitched nature offers a bass-heavy and mellow tone, making it pleasant for both casual and professional environments. The neutrality of the sound allows for versatility, appealing to users who prefer a balanced acoustical experience. While both switches provide satisfying auditory feedback, the Elf leans towards a more profound resonance, while the Sea Salt Lemon remains more subdued and adaptable across various settings.
When it comes to feel, the Elf switch presents a medium-light typing experience, designed to ensure a satisfying interaction with each keystroke. This balance strikes a chord with typists who enjoy a blend of feedback without feeling overpowered by resistance. In contrast, the Sea Salt Lemon offers a mild feel, making it approachable and smooth for users of all experience levels. This gentleness in its typing experience sets it apart as an ideal choice for those looking for comfort over pronounced tactile feedback. Both switches, while differing slightly in feel, cater to individuals who appreciate a smooth typing experience; the Elf focuses on a light touch, whereas the Sea Salt Lemon emphasizes a buttery smoothness.
In conclusion, both the Huano Elf and KTT Sea Salt Lemon linear switches offer unique qualities that can enhance your typing experience. The Elf is distinguished by its deep sound and medium-light feel, ideal for users who enjoy rich acoustics and a balanced response during use. Conversely, the Sea Salt Lemon caters to those who prefer a low-pitched and neutral sound, paired with a mild and smooth typing experience. Ultimately, your choice between these switches may come down to personal preferences regarding sound and tactile feedback; either way, both options assure you will enjoy a fulfilling experience at the keyboard.
Conclusion
In conclusion, when deciding between the Huano Elf linear switch and the KTT Sea Salt Lemon linear switch, your choice ultimately depends on your typing preferences and the environment in which you plan to use the keyboard. If you value deep sound acoustics and a medium-light typing feel, the Huano Elf can provide an enjoyable experience, particularly if you prefer a low-pitched and resonant sound profile. This makes it ideal for enthusiasts who appreciate a rich auditory feedback while typing. On the other hand, if you’re looking for a smoother, gentle touch with a medium-light bottom-out force, the KTT Sea Salt Lemon is an excellent choice. Its dry-lube design and progressive spring ensure a buttery smooth experience, suited for both casual typing and professional environments where a neutral tone is preferred. Ultimately, your choice will reflect whether you prioritize enhanced acoustics and character (Elf) or a refined, neutral typing feel that works well in any setting (Sea Salt Lemon).
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