HMX FJ400 vs. KTT Sea Salt Lemon
An in-depth look at the HMX FJ400 and the KTT Sea Salt Lemon switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, personal preference plays a crucial role, and two noteworthy options are the HMX FJ400 and the KTT Sea Salt Lemon, both of which fall under the category of linear switches. The HMX FJ400 stands out as a balanced choice within the HMX Film switch lineup, characterized by its middle-ground sound profile that caters to users who appreciate a harmonious blend of auditory and tactile feedback. On the other hand, the KTT Sea Salt Lemon captures the essence of linear switches with its progressive spring and KTT's dry-lube design, providing a buttery smooth typing experience that appeals to enthusiasts seeking a sleek and effortless keystroke. While the FJ400 offers a versatile sound profile perfect for the everyday typist, the Sea Salt Lemon is a delightful option for those who prioritize an ultra-smooth feel. 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
50g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
58g
Bottom-out force
53g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
No
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
T2
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
22mm single-stage spring
Spring
13mm progressive spring
Housing materials
The HMX FJ400 and KTT Sea Salt Lemon switches both utilize nylon for the bottom housing, which is praised for its ability to produce a deep and fuller sound profile. This characteristic is due to nylon's softer plastic composition, allowing it to absorb more sound and resulting in a more muted auditory experience. As such, both switches are likely to offer similar acoustic qualities when it comes to the bottom-out sound. Therefore, if users prioritize the rich, round sound typically associated with nylon, they can expect fairly consistent results from either model in this respect.
In contrast, the top housings of the FJ400 and Sea Salt Lemon differ significantly. The FJ400 features a top housing made from POM, which contributes a muted, deeper sound profile distinct from the sharper and crisper sound produced by the polycarbonate top housing of the Sea Salt Lemon. The inherent qualities of POM allow for a unique auditory experience that leans towards lower frequencies, while the polycarbonate's stiffness enhances sound clarity and increases the likelihood of a high-pitch resonance. For users who prefer a more subdued sound, the FJ400 might be more appealing, whereas those seeking clarity and brightness may gravitate towards the KTT Sea Salt Lemon.
Ultimately, the combination of housing materials in both switches will influence the overall sound experience during typing. While the nylon bottom housing ensures that both models provide a firm foundation with deeper acoustic qualities, the differing top housings will lead to varying sound profiles upon key release. Users looking for a sound that resonates with deep tones might find the HMX FJ400 appealing, whereas if brightness and clarity with RGB lighting effect are priorities, the KTT Sea Salt Lemon could be the preferred choice. By understanding how the materials interact, switch enthusiasts can select a switch that best aligns with their auditory preferences.
Weight
When comparing the HMX FJ400 linear switch to the KTT Sea Salt Lemon linear switch, there are notable differences in both actuation and bottom out forces. The FJ400 has an actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 58 grams, while the Sea Salt Lemon features a lighter actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 53 grams. This makes the Sea Salt Lemon the lighter option, appealing to users who prefer a less strenuous typing experience, which is ideal for long work sessions or gaming marathons. Conversely, the FJ400, with its heavier forces, provides a more substantial typing experience that may be preferred by those who enjoy a stronger push feel. In summary, while both switches offer a medium to medium-light typing experience, the FJ400 is the heavier option, delivering a firmer response, whereas the KTT Sea Salt Lemon caters to users looking for a lighter touch.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the HMX FJ400 linear switch and the KTT Sea Salt Lemon linear switch, it is evident that there is a notable difference between the two. The FJ400 features a travel distance of 3.8 mm, making it a slightly shorter option, while the Sea Salt Lemon has a travel distance of 4 mm, which aligns more closely with the traditional travel distance of 4.0 mm. For gamers or users who favor quicker response times, the FJ400’s shorter travel might be more appealing, providing a more immediate feedback with each key press. On the other hand, the Sea Salt Lemon switch, with its longer travel distance, offers a more pronounced depth, which some users might prefer for a more substantial typing experience. Thus, those who appreciate responsiveness should consider the FJ400, while those desiring a fuller key feel may opt for the Sea Salt Lemon.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The HMX FJ400 has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the FJ400 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 HMX FJ400 linear switch offers a balanced sound profile that caters to a range of preferences without being overpowering. It's designed to be versatile, making it suitable for various environments, whether at home or in an office setting. On the other hand, the KTT Sea Salt Lemon linear switch features a low-pitched sound that provides a mellow tone, along with a neutral sound profile that fits well for both beginners and experienced users alike. The combination of its bass-heavy characteristics and moderate sound level means these switches can blend seamlessly into any workspace or casual setup, allowing for a pleasant auditory experience without drawing too much attention.
When it comes to feel, the FJ400 is celebrated for its balance, though the specific details of its tactile feedback and action are not provided. In contrast, the KTT Sea Salt Lemon offers a mild typing experience, characterized by its buttery smooth engagement due to a progressive spring and a dry-lube design. This gentler feel makes it approachable for anyone, as it strikes a safe middle ground that doesn't overwhelm the typist. This smoothness may contribute to longer typing sessions without causing finger fatigue, an appealing quality for many users.
In summary, both the HMX FJ400 and KTT Sea Salt Lemon linear switches provide unique qualities that cater to different preferences. The FJ400 boasts a balanced sound profile, while the Sea Salt Lemon delivers a low-pitched, mellow tone. In terms of feel, the FJ400 offers a more generalized experience, while the Sea Salt Lemon shines with its smooth, mild feedback. Choosing between them will ultimately depend on personal preference in sound and feel, but both promise satisfactory performance for any user.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the HMX FJ400 and the KTT Sea Salt Lemon linear switches largely depends on your preferences for actuation force, sound profile, and typing experience. If you prefer a slightly firmer press and are looking for a balanced sound profile, the FJ400, with its medium bottom-out force of 58 grams, acts as a versatile choice that caters well to both gaming and typing experiences. Its balanced sound makes it suitable for various environments, whether bustling offices or quiet home setups. Conversely, if you desire a lighter touch and a butter-smooth typing experience, the KTT Sea Salt Lemon with its medium-light bottom-out force of 53 grams could be your ideal pick. Its low-pitched and neutral sound characteristics make it a pleasant companion for long typing sessions, feeling approachable and gentle on the fingers. Ultimately, your choice should reflect your specific typing habits and environments; whether you lean towards the more robust feel of the FJ400 or the silky smoothness of the Sea Salt Lemon, both switches can elevate your mechanical keyboard experience in their unique ways.
Mentioned in this article
