Keygeek Keygeek Raw vs. KTT Sea Salt Lemon
An in-depth look at the Keygeek Keygeek Raw and the KTT Sea Salt Lemon switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
The Keygeek Keygeek Raw and the KTT Sea Salt Lemon are two unique mechanical keyboard switches that offer different qualities and experiences for users. The Keygeek Raw stands out for its unique material blend of Nylon, UMPE, and Silicon, creating a creamy yet lightweight switch with a slightly textured feel right out of the box. Ideal for enthusiasts who prefer hand-lubing their switches, the Keygeek Raw is categorized as textured, mild, neutral, and subtle. On the other hand, the KTT Sea Salt Lemon impresses with its buttery smooth typing experience brought by its progressive spring and dry-lube design. Categorized as low-pitched, neutral, and mild, these switches offer a different typing experience compared to the Keygeek Raw. Ultimately, when choosing between these two switches, it comes down to personal preference and typing style. 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
N/A
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
57.5g
Bottom-out force
53g
Pre-travel
1.40 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
No
Factory lubed
No
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Nylon & UPE blend
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
UMPE & Si blend
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
22mm single-stage spring
Spring
13mm progressive spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Keygeek Raw and KTT Sea Salt Lemon switches offer unique characteristics that affect the sound and feel of typing. The Keygeek Raw features a Nylon & UPE blend top housing, which is exclusive to Keygeek Raw switches. On the other hand, the Sea Salt Lemon has a polycarbonate top housing, known for creating a sharper and crisper sound profile. While both materials provide a clear sound, the polycarbonate in the Sea Salt Lemon switch offers a higher-pitched tone compared to the Nylon & UPE blend of the Keygeek Raw.
In terms of the bottom housing, the Keygeek Raw utilizes a UMPE & Si blend, while the KTT Sea Salt Lemon incorporates a nylon material. Nylon is a classic switch housing material that produces a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer nature, which absorbs more sound than harder plastics. However, the UMPE & Si blend in the Keygeek Raw offers its own exclusive qualities that contribute to the overall typing experience. The difference in bottom housing materials between the two switches results in distinct sound and feel characteristics when typing.
Despite the differences in housing materials between the Keygeek Raw and KTT Sea Salt Lemon switches, both switches are designed to enhance the overall typing experience. While the Keygeek Raw's Nylon & UPE blend top housing and UMPE & Si blend bottom housing offer exclusive qualities, the Sea Salt Lemon's polycarbonate top housing and nylon bottom housing provide their own unique sound profiles. Ultimately, whether you choose the Keygeek Raw or the KTT Sea Salt Lemon, both switches are designed with precision and care to deliver a satisfying typing experience.
Weight
In comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Keygeek Keygeek Raw linear switch and the KTT Sea Salt Lemon linear switch, we find that the Keygeek Raw has a bottom out force of 57.5 grams, which is heavier than the Sea Salt Lemon's 53 grams. However, the actuation force of the Sea Salt Lemon at 45 grams is lighter than the Keygeek Raw, which has an actuation force of None grams. This means that while the Keygeek Raw may feel slightly heavier to press down fully, it requires less force to initiate a keystroke compared to the Sea Salt Lemon. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference - whether one prefers a lighter actuation force for quick typing or a heavier bottom out force for a more substantial typing experience. Both switches offer a different tactile experience, so users can choose based on their typing style and comfort preferences.
Travel distance
The Keygeek Raw linear switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm, making it shorter than the KTT Sea Salt Lemon linear switch which has a travel distance of 4 mm. The Keygeek Raw would be more suitable for those looking for a quicker response time, such as gamers, due to its shorter travel distance. On the other hand, the KTT Sea Salt Lemon switch with the longer travel distance may appeal to individuals who prefer a deeper key press feel. Both switches offer different experiences based on their travel distances, with the Keygeek Raw providing a quicker and more responsive typing experience compared to the KTT Sea Salt Lemon.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Keygeek Keygeek Raw has an MSRP of $5.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Keygeek Raw for $3.51.
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 the sound produced by the Keygeek Raw and KTT Sea Salt Lemon linear switches, they both fall under the neutral category, making them suitable for various typing environments and preferences. The Keygeek Raw offers a moderate actuation force requirement and sound profile, while the Sea Salt Lemon provides a low-pitched, bass-heavy tone that is also moderate in sound level. Ultimately, the sound quality of these switches will also depend on factors such as the keyboard they are installed in and the keycaps used.
Moving on to the feel of these switches, the Keygeek Raw is noted for its textured feel, which adds a subtle friction when pressed. Additionally, it offers a mild typing experience that falls in the middle ground in terms of resistance and sound, making it suitable for most users. On the other hand, the Sea Salt Lemon provides a mild typing experience that is gentle and approachable. It lacks the textured feel of the Keygeek Raw but still offers a smooth and comfortable typing experience that many users would enjoy.
In conclusion, both the Keygeek Raw and KTT Sea Salt Lemon linear switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences in the mechanical keyboard community. While the Keygeek Raw provides a slightly textured feel and a moderate sound profile, the Sea Salt Lemon offers a smooth typing experience with a low-pitched sound. Depending on personal preference and typing style, users can expect similar results in terms of overall typing performance and satisfaction with either of these switches.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Keygeek Keygeek Raw linear switch and the KTT Sea Salt Lemon linear switch, consider your preference for bottom out force. If you prefer a slightly higher bottom out force, the Keygeek Raw with 57.5 grams may be more suitable for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter bottom out force, the Sea Salt Lemon with 53 grams may be the better option. Additionally, take into account the unique material blend of the Keygeek Raw for a creamy yet lightweight feel, versus the buttery smooth typing experience of the Sea Salt Lemon. Lastly, consider the sound and feel characteristics of each switch to align with your preferences. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on your personal typing preferences and priorities in a mechanical keyboard switch.
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