TTC Iron vs. KTT Sea Salt Lemon
An in-depth look at the TTC Iron and the KTT Sea Salt Lemon switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the TTC Iron and the KTT Sea Salt Lemon both offer unique features that cater to different preferences. The TTC Iron, a linear switch, is renowned for its pronounced clacky sound signature that resonates with each press, providing an aural satisfaction to typing. With its light actuation and buttery smooth travel, it is favored by enthusiasts and daily users seeking precision and pleasure in their keystrokes. On the other hand, the KTT Sea Salt Lemon, also a linear switch, stands out for its progressive spring and KTT's dry-lube design, offering a buttery smooth typing experience. While the Iron switch is characterized as easy-to-press and clacky, the Sea Salt Lemon switch is described as low-pitched 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
41g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
53g
Pre-travel
1.40 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.80 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
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
22mm single-stage spring
Spring
13mm progressive spring
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the TTC Iron and the KTT Sea Salt Lemon, it is evident that both switches offer unique sound profiles based on their respective materials. The Iron's POM housing provides a deeper and more muted sound, while the Sea Salt Lemon's polycarbonate housing creates a sharper and crisper sound. The Iron's POM bottom housing leads to a deeper sound profile, whereas the Sea Salt Lemon's nylon bottom housing offers a fuller and rounder sound. Despite these differences, both switches aim to provide a pleasing typing experience through the use of distinct housing materials.
Aesthetically, the housing materials of the TTC Iron and the KTT Sea Salt Lemon also differ in their translucency and appearance. The Sea Salt Lemon's polycarbonate top housing allows for RGB lighting to shine through, adding a visually appealing element to the switch. In contrast, the Iron's POM housing does not offer the same level of translucency, resulting in a more opaque and solid look. While the appearance may vary between the two switches, both housing materials serve a practical purpose in enhancing the overall typing experience for users.
Overall, the choice between the TTC Iron and the KTT Sea Salt Lemon ultimately comes down to personal preference in sound profile and aesthetics. The POM housing of the Iron provides a unique sound that is deeper and more muted, while the polycarbonate and nylon housing of the Sea Salt Lemon offer sharper and fuller sound profiles. Whether one prefers a softer or stiffer plastic for their switch housing, both options cater to different preferences and provide a satisfying typing experience. Ultimately, selecting between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for sound, feel, and visual appeal.
Weight
The TTC Iron linear switch and the KTT Sea Salt Lemon linear switch have different actuation and bottom out forces, with the Iron being the lighter of the two. The Iron has an actuation force of 41 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, while the Sea Salt Lemon has an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 53 grams. The Iron switch is better suited for those who prefer a lighter typing experience, allowing for longer typing sessions without fatigue. On the other hand, the Sea Salt Lemon switch provides a slightly heavier push feel, giving users a more substantial typing experience. Both switches offer a different feel when typing, so depending on personal preference, one may be more suitable than the other. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will come down to whether a lighter or heavier force is preferred for typing.
Travel distance
The TTC Iron linear switch has a travel distance of 3.8 mm, making it slightly shorter than the KTT Sea Salt Lemon linear switch with a travel distance of 4 mm. The Iron switch is closer to the traditional 4.0mm travel distance, while the Sea Salt Lemon switch offers a slightly deeper press. Gamers seeking faster response times may prefer the Iron switch due to its shorter travel distance, while those looking for a more substantial key press may lean towards the Sea Salt Lemon switch. Both switches offer a different feel in terms of travel distance, so choosing between the two ultimately depends on personal preference.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The TTC Iron has an MSRP of $5.40 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Iron for $4.30.
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 Iron linear switch is best known for its clacky nature, producing a sharp and snappy sound with each key press. This characteristic adds a satisfyingly crisp and bright dimension to the typing experience. On the other hand, the KTT Sea Salt Lemon switch is described as having a low-pitched sound profile, offering a more bass-heavy and mellow tone. Both switches fall under the category of neutral, ensuring a moderate actuation force requirement and sound profile suitable for various users and environments. Ultimately, the choice between the two would depend on personal preference for either the liveliness of the clacky Iron or the mellowness of the Sea Salt Lemon.
In terms of feel, the TTC Iron linear switch is highlighted for its easy-to-press quality, offering gentle resistance during key presses and requiring minimal force to activate. This results in an effortless and comfortable typing experience, reducing finger fatigue during long typing sessions. Conversely, the KTT Sea Salt Lemon switch provides a mild typing experience that is approachable to most users. Its gentle characteristics create a satisfying middle-ground feel that is comfortable for extended use. Both switches promise a buttery smooth travel, enhancing the overall typing sensation.
Taking all the available information into account, the TTC Iron linear switch stands out for its distinctive sound profile and easy-to-press feel, making it a solid choice for those who enjoy a lively typing experience. On the other hand, the KTT Sea Salt Lemon switch offers a more soothing and mild sound and feel, catering to users who prefer a softer touch. Despite their differences, both switches promise a smooth typing experience that is sure to please enthusiasts and daily users alike. Ultimately, the decision between the TTC Iron and KTT Sea Salt Lemon switches would come down to individual preferences for sound, feel, and typing style.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you're looking for a light switch with a pronounced clacky sound and buttery smooth travel, the TTC Iron linear switch would be a great choice. It provides a satisfying typing experience with its swift actuation and distinct sound signature. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-light switch with a low-pitched, mellow sound and buttery smooth typing feel, the KTT Sea Salt Lemon linear switch would be a perfect fit. It offers a gentle typing experience that is approachable to most users. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your preference for sound, feel, and actuation force. Both switches have their own unique characteristics that cater to different typing preferences.
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