TTC Gold Red Pro vs. KTT Sea Salt Lemon
An in-depth look at the TTC Gold Red Pro and the KTT Sea Salt Lemon switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the TTC Gold Red Pro and the KTT Sea Salt Lemon both offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences. The Gold Red Pro is praised for its versatility, providing a seamless typing experience with its ease of press and neutral sound signature. Whether you're gaming, working in the office, or typing for leisure, this switch is adaptable to any setting. On the other hand, the Sea Salt Lemon is celebrated for its buttery smooth typing experience, thanks to its progressive spring and dry-lube design by KTT. While the Gold Red Pro is characterized as polished, thocky, low-pitched, silky, mild, neutral, and subtle, the Sea Salt Lemon is described as low-pitched, neutral, and mild. 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
43g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
53g
Pre-travel
1.80 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
NPI
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
18.5mm spring
Spring
13mm progressive spring
Housing materials
Both the Gold Red Pro and the Sea Salt Lemon feature polycarbonate top housings, which create a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to the stiffness of the plastic. The translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches intended to be used with RGB lighting. This common material choice ensures a consistent sound profile and aesthetic appeal for both switches.
However, the Gold Red Pro features a nylon bottom housing, while the Sea Salt Lemon also utilizes nylon for its bottom housing. Nylon is known for producing a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to polycarbonate. The softer nature of nylon absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. This difference in bottom housing material may lead to slightly varying sound experiences between the switches when typing or gaming.
Despite the differences in bottom housing material, the overall sound profiles of the Gold Red Pro and the Sea Salt Lemon may still be quite similar when considering the impact of both the top and bottom housings. The split qualities of the housing materials contribute to different aspects of the typing experience, with the bottom housing affecting the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing plays a role in the sound when a key is released. Overall, both switches offer a unique combination of materials that contribute to their distinct sound profiles.
Weight
The TTC Gold Red Pro linear switch has a lighter actuation force of 43 grams compared to the KTT Sea Salt Lemon linear switch's 45 grams. However, the Gold Red Pro lacks information on the bottom out force, while the Sea Salt Lemon has a bottom out force of 53 grams, making it heavier in comparison. For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the Gold Red Pro may be the better option, allowing for longer typing sessions without as much finger fatigue. In contrast, the Sea Salt Lemon provides a more substantial typing feel with its higher bottom out force, catering to those who enjoy a stronger push when typing. Both switches offer unique qualities, with the Gold Red Pro being lighter in actuation force and the Sea Salt Lemon being heavier overall. Ultimately, the choice between the two would depend on personal preference for typing feel and weight.
Travel distance
The TTC Gold Red Pro linear switch has a travel distance of 3.8 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 Gold Red Pro. The 0.2 mm may not seem like a significant difference, but it can affect the feel and response of the switch. Gamers who prioritize faster response times may prefer the Gold Red Pro with its shorter travel distance, while those who prefer a more substantial feel when pressing down on a key may opt for the Sea Salt Lemon with its longer travel distance. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and what feels more comfortable to the individual using them.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The TTC Gold Red Pro has an MSRP of $6.11 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Gold Red Pro for $2.90.
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
When it comes to sound, the TTC Gold Red Pro linear switch is known for its thocky and low-pitched profile, providing a deep and satisfying typing experience that is not too loud or intrusive. This makes it suitable for various environments without causing a disturbance. On the other hand, the KTT Sea Salt Lemon linear switch also offers a low-pitched sound that is neutral, making it versatile for different settings as well. Both switches excel in providing a pleasant auditory experience that is not overly distracting, allowing for comfortable typing sessions.
In terms of feel, the TTC Gold Red Pro switch boasts a polished and silky typing experience, characterized by its smooth and refined finish that reduces friction and provides a sleek key travel. Additionally, its mild and subtle characteristics offer a gentle resistance and light typing feel, making it accessible to a wide range of users. Similarly, the KTT Sea Salt Lemon switch is described as mild, offering a more gentle typing experience that is approachable and comfortable for most individuals. Both switches prioritize smoothness and ease of use, ensuring a pleasant typing experience for users with varying preferences.
Overall, both the TTC Gold Red Pro linear switch and the KTT Sea Salt Lemon linear switch showcase impressive qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the Gold Red Pro switch offers a slightly more polished and subtle typing experience, the Sea Salt Lemon switch provides a mild and gentle feel that is equally satisfying. Ultimately, choosing between the two switches will depend on individual preferences and the specific requirements of the user, but rest assured that both options promise a high-quality and enjoyable typing experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the TTC Gold Red Pro linear switch and the KTT Sea Salt Lemon linear switch, consider your preference for bottom out force. If you prefer a switch with no prescribed bottom out force, the Gold Red Pro may be the better choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a switch with a medium-light 53-gram bottom out force, the Sea Salt Lemon would be a suitable option. Additionally, consider the sound and feel profiles of each switch. The Gold Red Pro offers a neutral and thocky sound with a polished, silky, mild, and subtle feel. In contrast, the Sea Salt Lemon provides a low-pitched and neutral sound with a mild feel. Ultimately, your decision should align with your desired typing experience and preferences.
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