TTC Ice vs. KTT Sea Salt Lemon
An in-depth look at the TTC Ice 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 Ice and KTT Sea Salt Lemon both shine brightly as exceptional linear options, yet they each bring unique qualities to the table. The TTC Ice is celebrated for its stunning, crystal-clear transparent design, providing not only a visually appealing aesthetic but also a smooth and responsive typing feel paired with a satisfying bottom-out sound. This makes the Ice switch an excellent choice for users seeking a premium typing experience, whether for gaming or everyday tasks. In contrast, the KTT Sea Salt Lemon impresses with its progressive spring and dry-lube design, delivering a buttery smooth typing experience characterized as low-pitched and neutral, perfect for those who prefer a more understated auditory feedback while typing. Both switches cater to different preferences and use cases, making them compelling choices for different types of users. 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
45g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
60g
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
Box
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
24mm single-stage spring
Spring
13mm progressive spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the TTC Ice and the KTT Sea Salt Lemon switches, there are notable similarities in their top housings, both made from polycarbonate. This common material lends both switches a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile, attributed to polycarbonate's relatively stiff characteristics. The translucency of polycarbonate also enhances their aesthetic appeal, especially when RGB lighting is involved, as it allows light to diffuse beautifully, creating visually stunning effects. Therefore, users can expect a similar auditory experience when pressing down on the switches, particularly during the actuation phase, as both top housings maximally utilize polycarbonate’s acoustic properties.
However, the switches diverge significantly when it comes to their bottom housings. The TTC Ice incorporates a polycarbonate bottom housing, reinforcing the high-pitched clarity associated with polycarbonate, thus providing a balanced resonance throughout the entire key press. In stark contrast, the KTT Sea Salt Lemon features a nylon bottom housing, which fundamentally changes the acoustic profile. The softer nature of nylon results in deeper, fuller sound qualities as it tends to absorb more sound. This softer absorption creates a rounder sound that contrasts with the crispness offered by polycarbonate, indicating that the bottom housing's material will play a critical role in determining the overall auditory experience when bottoming out on the key.
In essence, the TTC Ice presents a more uniform sound profile due to its dual polycarbonate housing, while the KTT Sea Salt Lemon's mixed materials introduce distinct auditory characteristics that influence performance. The combination of the sharper top and the rounder bottom in the KTT Sea Salt Lemon eventually leads to a unique typing experience, where the qualities of both materials interact during a key press. Ultimately, users seeking a sharper, clearer sound may prefer the Ice for its consistent polycarbonate configuration, while those desiring a more textured and rounded auditory experience might find the Sea Salt Lemon more appealing. Both options cater to different tastes and typing experiences, highlighting the importance of material choice in mechanical switch design.
Weight
The TTC Ice linear switch and the KTT Sea Salt Lemon linear switch both feature the same actuation force of 45 grams, indicating that they require an equal amount of force to register a keystroke. However, the bottom out forces differ, with the Ice switch bottoming out at 60 grams, while the Sea Salt Lemon is lighter at 53 grams. This discrepancy suggests that the Ice switch provides a more substantial tactile experience when fully pressed, which may appeal to users who prefer a heavier, more reinforced feel. Conversely, the Sea Salt Lemon's lower bottom out force makes it a better choice for those who favor a lighter touch, suitable for extended use in both work and gaming environments. Overall, while the actuation forces align, the difference in bottom out forces offers users distinct options based on their preferences for typing experience; the Ice is the heavier switch, while the Sea Salt Lemon is the lighter alternative.
Travel distance
The TTC Ice linear switch features a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the KTT Sea Salt Lemon linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. This means that the Ice switch offers a slightly shorter travel distance compared to the Sea Salt Lemon, making it potentially more responsive for users who favor quicker key presses, such as gamers. In contrast, the Sea Salt Lemon's longer travel distance can provide a more substantial key feel, appealing to those who appreciate a deeper and more pronounced typing experience. If you lean towards a more tactile sensation with each keystroke, the Sea Salt Lemon may be the preferable choice. However, if you prioritize speed and quick responsiveness, the shorter travel distance of the Ice switch could be more beneficial. Thus, the Ice switch is shorter at 3.6 mm, while the Sea Salt Lemon is longer at 4 mm.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The TTC Ice has an MSRP of $7.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Ice for $5.99.
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
The TTC Ice linear switch boasts a bottom-out sound that is satisfying, contributing to a premium typing experience without being overly intrusive. While specific details about the sound profile are not available, its notable clarity and responsiveness make it a versatile option that aligns well with both gaming and typing activities. In contrast, the KTT Sea Salt Lemon switch produces a low-pitched, bass-heavy tone that offers a mellow, more neutral auditory experience. This neutral sound profile makes the Sea Salt Lemon suitable for a variety of environments, whether at home or in an office, allowing for a more adaptable sound that can cater to both beginners and experienced users alike.
When it comes to feel, the TTC Ice offers a smooth and responsive typing experience, ideal for users looking for a straightforward linear switch with little resistance. Unfortunately, detailed characteristics of its feel are not specified. Conversely, the Sea Salt Lemon linear switch features a mild feel, enhanced by a progressive spring and KTT's dry-lube treatment, which contributes to an exceptionally buttery smooth typing experience. This mild characteristic creates an approachable experience for all users, making it a friendly option for newcomers who might be apprehensive about more aggressive switches.
Considering all the available information, both switches shine in their own right but cater to slightly different user preferences. The Ice switch excels in offering a satisfying auditory and tactile experience that suits a range of applications, while the Sea Salt Lemon provides a mellow sound profile alongside a smooth, gentle feel. If you seek a familiar typing scenario similar to the Ice, you'll enjoy comparable results with the Sea Salt Lemon's mild characteristics, making either switch a solid choice depending on your personal preference for sound and sensation.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the TTC Ice linear switch and the KTT Sea Salt Lemon linear switch, it largely depends on your personal preferences and typing style. If you value a slightly heavier key press with a responsive feel and a satisfying sound during your typing or gaming sessions, the TTC Ice would be an excellent choice for you. Its crystal-clear design and moderate bottom-out force of 60 grams offer a premium typing experience, making it suitable for both competitive gamers and daily typists alike. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter touch with a smoother and quieter operation, the KTT Sea Salt Lemon with its bottom-out force of 53 grams would be ideal. Its buttery smooth feel, complemented by a low-pitched sound profile, is perfect for those who appreciate a gentle, yet effective typing experience in a varied environment, whether at home or in a professional setting. Ultimately, your decision should hinge on whether you seek a more pronounced tactile experience or a softer, milder typing sensation.