Kailh BCP vs. KTT Sea Salt Lemon
An in-depth look at the Kailh BCP and the KTT Sea Salt Lemon switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing mechanical keyboard switches, the Kailh BCP and KTT Sea Salt Lemon both stand out as impressive linear options, each offering distinct tactile experiences that cater to different user preferences. The Kailh BCP switches are celebrated for their unique creamy, viscous feel and a signature clacky sound, designed to enhance the overall typing experience without the need for disassembly due to their custom-molded structure. This makes them an attractive choice for typists who appreciate a bit of auditory feedback and an engaging touch. On the other hand, the KTT Sea Salt Lemon switches excel in providing a buttery smooth typing experience, thanks to their progressive spring design and dry-lube application. This feature makes them appealing for those who prioritize a seamless keystroke and a more muted sound profile, ideal for quieter environments. Both switches cater to specific needs—Kailh BCP for those who enjoy a poppy sound and a bouncy feel, and KTT Sea Salt Lemon for a smooth, low-pitched typing experience. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the ideal switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
52g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Bottom-out force
53g
Pre-travel
1.40 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
No
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Nylon
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
20mm single-staged spring
Spring
13mm progressive spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Kailh BCP and the KTT Sea Salt Lemon, it's clear that they utilize different top housing materials, while their bottom housings share the same nylon composition. The Kailh BCP features a nylon top housing, known for its ability to create a deeper and fuller sound profile. The softer nature of nylon helps absorb sound, resulting in a duller and rounder auditory experience. In contrast, the KTT Sea Salt Lemon sports a polycarbonate top housing, which produces a sharper and crisper sound. Polycarbonate's heightened stiffness contributes to this clearer, more resonant sound profile, which is particularly advantageous when RGB lighting is a consideration due to its translucency.
Both switches share the same nylon bottom housing, which impacts their sound as well. The nylon material's inherent properties allow both switches to produce a similar deep and full sound profile when bottoming out. These similarities in sound production stem from the softer plastic nature of nylon, which absorbs more sound waves, creating a more muted auditory experience for the transition of keystrokes. Thus, irrespective of the top housing material, the KTT Sea Salt Lemon and Kailh BCP can achieve an underlying tonal consistency because of their shared nylon bottom housing.
The distinct differences in their top housings ultimately create a varied typing experience between the two switches. With the Kailh BCP's nylon top contributing a softer and more subdued tonal character, users may prefer it for a quieter, more tactile typing experience. In contrast, those who favor a more pronounced sound may find the KTT Sea Salt Lemon's polycarbonate top housing ideally suited to their preferences. The unique combination of materials ensures that while the bottom housing provides a common sonic foundation, the overall auditory and tactile feedback differs, offering users varied experiences based on the chosen switch.
Weight
When comparing the Kailh BCP linear switch with its 52-gram actuation force and 63.5-gram bottom out force to the KTT Sea Salt Lemon linear switch, which has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 53 grams, notable differences emerge. The Kailh BCP is classified as medium-heavy, providing a heavier typing experience that might appeal to users who prefer a more substantial feel or a tactile push when typing or gaming. Conversely, the KTT Sea Salt Lemon, with its lighter actuation and bottom out forces, caters to those who might enjoy longer typing sessions with less effort, making it ideal for work or extended gaming. Overall, the Kailh BCP is the heavier switch, while the KTT Sea Salt Lemon provides a lighter option, indicating that users will experience different levels of resistance depending on their choice.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Kailh BCP linear switch and the KTT Sea Salt Lemon linear switch, we notice distinct differences. The Kailh BCP features a travel distance of 3.5 mm, which is slightly shorter than the KTT Sea Salt Lemon's travel distance of 4 mm. This means that the BCP may appeal to gamers looking for a more responsive keypress, as shorter travel distances often facilitate quicker action. On the other hand, the KTT Sea Salt Lemon, with its longer 4 mm travel distance, might be preferred by users who appreciate a more pronounced keypress, providing a sense of depth with each actuation. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will hinge on individual preferences regarding keystroke responsiveness versus a more substantial feel.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Kailh BCP has an MSRP of $5.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the BCP for $4.75.
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 sound profile of the Kailh BCP linear switch is characterized by a signature poppy and clacky tone, which adds a distinctly engaging auditory element to the typing experience. This lively sound can enhance the overall enjoyment and provide a satisfying feedback loop for many users. In contrast, the KTT Sea Salt Lemon switch offers a low-pitched, mellow sound complemented by a neutral tone, making it a more balanced choice. The bass-heavy nature of the Sea Salt Lemon adds a soothing quality, making it suitable for various environments, whether at home or in a work setting. This difference means that those who prefer a more pronounced auditory feedback will gravitate towards the BCP, while others who seek a subtler sound may find the Sea Salt Lemon more appealing.
When it comes to the feel of these switches, the Kailh BCP is renowned for its creamy, viscous, elastic, and bouncy sensation, providing a unique typing experience that many users find enjoyable. The tactile feedback of the BCP sets it apart, offering a more dynamic interaction with each keystroke. On the other hand, the KTT Sea Salt Lemon is described as delivering a mild typing experience, which presents a gentle touch that is easily approachable for all users. This middle-ground feel may appeal to those who prefer a smoother and less pronounced sensation when typing, allowing for more comfortable and prolonged use without the more intense characteristics of other switches.
In summary, the Kailh BCP and KTT Sea Salt Lemon linear switches cater to different preferences in terms of sound and feel. The BCP excites with its vibrant sound and elastic, bouncy feel, perfect for users who enjoy more dynamic feedback. Meanwhile, the Sea Salt Lemon provides a low-pitched, mellow auditory experience alongside a gentle typing sensation, appealing to those favoring a smoother approach. Ultimately, each switch offers a unique set of qualities that can significantly enhance the typing experience, and choosing between them will depend on individual taste and usage preferences.
Conclusion
To conclude, when deciding between the Kailh BCP and the KTT Sea Salt Lemon linear switches, you should consider the overall typing experience you desire. If you prefer a more substantial feel that provides a tactile response with a medium-heavy actuation force, the Kailh BCP is an excellent choice for you. Its creamy, elastic feel combined with a satisfying poppy and clacky sound profile makes it particularly suited for users who enjoy a dynamic typing experience, especially in environments where the acoustics can be embraced. On the other hand, if you're seeking a smoother and more subdued typing experience, the KTT Sea Salt Lemon may be the better option. With its medium-light actuation force, along with a low-pitched and neutral sound that resonates well in various settings, this switch is ideal for both beginners and seasoned typists looking for a gentle yet refined typing experience. Ultimately, your choice should reflect your personal preferences and the context in which you'll be using your keyboard; whether you want the engaging feedback of Kailh BCP or the silky smoothness of the Sea Salt Lemon, both switches offer something unique for different typing styles.
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