TTC Flaming Pink vs. KTT Sea Salt Lemon
An in-depth look at the TTC Flaming Pink 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, the TTC Flaming Pink and KTT Sea Salt Lemon both offer unique advantages despite sharing the same linear switch classification. The TTC Flaming Pink is lauded for its smooth, responsive feel and a satisfying bottom-out sound, creating a premium typing experience that excels in both gaming and everyday activities. This switch boasts a bright yet not overly loud sound profile, appealing to those who appreciate a more auditory feedback without the distraction of excessive noise. In contrast, the KTT Sea Salt Lemon showcases an exceptionally buttery smooth typing experience, courtesy of its progressive spring and KTT's dry-lube design. This switch is characterized by a low-pitched, neutral, and mild sound profile, making it an excellent choice for users who prefer a more subtle auditory experience while typing. Ultimately, both switches offer compelling features that cater to different preferences; however, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the perfect switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
43g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
53g
Pre-travel
1.60 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 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
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
24mm single-staged spring
Spring
13mm progressive spring
Housing materials
Both the TTC Flaming Pink and the KTT Sea Salt Lemon switches utilize polycarbonate for their top housing, resulting in very similar audio characteristics. This choice of housing material contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile that is notably crisper than that produced by other housing materials. The stiffness of polycarbonate allows for enhanced resonance and clarity, making it particularly favorable for users who appreciate a distinct auditory feedback when typing. Additionally, as both switches feature translucent top housings, they are well-suited for RGB lighting setups, allowing for visually stunning illumination effects that complement the sound properties of the switches.
In contrast, the two switches diverge in their bottom housing materials, with the Flaming Pink utilizing nylon and the Sea Salt Lemon similarly adopting nylon as well. As a classic choice for switch housings, nylon contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to harder materials. Its softer nature absorbs more sound, resulting in a rounder and duller acoustic experience that enhances the overall typing feel. The similarities in bottom housing materials mean that both switches will offer a rich, muted sound signature that is less aggressive than their top housing counterparts, promoting a balanced auditory experience during each keystroke.
In summary, the TTC Flaming Pink and KTT Sea Salt Lemon switches exhibit a harmonious blend of sound characteristics, with their polycarbonate top housings providing clarity and vibrancy while their nylon bottom housings ensure depth and warmth. While the top housings dictate the sound produced when releasing a key, the bottom housings significantly impact the bottom-out sound and feel associated with typing. Users can expect a cohesive sound experience from both switches, with a lively upper range and a lush undertone, proving that even minor differences in design can yield an impressive auditory performance.
Weight
When comparing the TTC Flaming Pink linear switch to the KTT Sea Salt Lemon linear switch, we observe notable differences in both actuation force and bottom out force. The Flaming Pink switch features a lighter actuation force of 43 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, while the Sea Salt Lemon switch has a slightly heavier actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 53 grams, categorizing it as medium-light. This distinction in force means that users who prefer a lighter touch may gravitate towards the Flaming Pink for longer typing sessions or gaming, as it requires less effort to actuate. In contrast, those who appreciate a more substantial typing experience might find the Sea Salt Lemon's heavier feel more satisfying. Overall, while both switches offer a smooth linear experience, the Flaming Pink is the lighter option, making it better suited for prolonged use, whereas the Sea Salt Lemon provides a bit more resistance for those preferring a firmer keystroke.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the TTC Flaming Pink linear switch and the KTT Sea Salt Lemon linear switch, we find a notable difference. The Flaming Pink has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, whereas the Sea Salt Lemon features a longer travel distance of 4 mm. This indicates that the Sea Salt Lemon offers a more traditional feel, which may appeal to those who favor a hearty depth in their keystrokes. In contrast, the Flaming Pink's shorter travel distance could be more suitable for gamers or users looking for faster response times, as it allows quicker actuation. As such, those who prioritize speed and responsiveness might prefer the Flaming Pink, while those who appreciate a deeper, more deliberate keystroke may opt for the Sea Salt Lemon.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The TTC Flaming Pink has an MSRP of $4.29 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Flaming Pink for $4.00.
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 Flaming Pink switch provides a bright yet not overly loud audio profile, which strikes a balance that can suit both gaming and typing without becoming intrusive. This pleasant acoustic feedback contributes to a premium experience, making it suitable for extended use. On the other hand, the KTT Sea Salt Lemon switch is characterized by a low-pitched, bass-heavy tone that offers a mellow sound profile. Its neutral sound nature makes it versatile enough for various environments, catering to both beginners and advanced users alike. Both switches will produce distinct sounds depending on the keyboard they are mounted on and the type of keycaps used, but the Flaming Pink favors a brighter, more responsive auditory signal compared to the Sea Salt Lemon's more subdued bass qualities.
When it comes to feel, the TTC Flaming Pink switch boasts a smooth and responsive typing experience, which is particularly favored in both gaming and day-to-day tasks. This creates an engaging interaction with every keystroke, making it enjoyable over time. Conversely, the KTT Sea Salt Lemon switch offers a mild feel due to its progressive spring and dry-lube design, which provides a buttery smooth typing experience that encourages a gentle touch. This mild characteristic makes it approachable for those who may be new to mechanical keyboards while still providing comfort for experienced typists. While both switches deliver distinct tactile experiences, they cater to varying preferences, with the Flaming Pink leaning towards a more pronounced feedback and the Sea Salt Lemon embodying a gentle, nuanced approach.
In conclusion, both the TTC Flaming Pink and KTT Sea Salt Lemon linear switches present their unique takes on sound and feel that appeal to different types of users. The Flaming Pink offers a bright sound and a smooth, responsive feel, making it an excellent choice for those who prefer an engaging typing experience. In contrast, the Sea Salt Lemon provides a mellow, low-pitched sound alongside a mild touch that is welcoming to newcomers. Whether you lean towards a more pronounced auditory experience or a gentle, buttery feel, you can expect quality performance from either switch, depending on your specific needs.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between the TTC Flaming Pink and the KTT Sea Salt Lemon linear switches ultimately depends on your personal preferences and intended use. If you favor a lighter switch that provides a smooth and responsive feel alongside a delightful bottom-out sound, the Flaming Pink is an excellent choice for both gaming and everyday typing. Its 50-gram actuation force cultivates a quick responsiveness that can enhance your gaming performance, making it a top pick for those who thrive on swift actions. On the other hand, if you lean towards a slightly heavier switch with a soft and mellow sound profile, the KTT Sea Salt Lemon may be more your style. Its 53-gram bottom-out force and unique dry-lube design yield a buttery smooth experience while providing a more neutral sound that blends seamlessly into different environments, whether you’re working from home or in a bustling office. Ultimately, consider your typing habits and sound preferences: if you're seeking a lively feel and a bit more auditory flair, go with the Flaming Pink; but if you appreciate a balanced approach with a mild touch, the Lemon might be your ideal match.
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