Keygeek Keylin vs. KTT Sea Salt Lemon
An in-depth look at the Keygeek Keylin and the KTT Sea Salt Lemon switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
In the world of mechanical keyboards, the choice of switches can drastically influence your typing experience, and two noteworthy contenders are the Keygeek Keylin and the KTT Sea Salt Lemon, both of which are linear switches. The Keygeek Keylin is celebrated for its innovative molds that produce not only a smooth keystroke but also rich acoustics, making it an appealing choice for users who value both sound and feel. On the other hand, the KTT Sea Salt Lemon impresses with its progressive spring and unique dry-lube design, which creates an exceptionally buttery smooth typing experience, along with a low-pitched, neutral tone that can cater to those who prefer a subtler sound profile. While the Keylin offers a premium acoustic experience, the Sea Salt Lemon shines in its overall smoothness and versatile performance, giving users distinct advantages depending on their preferences. 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
38g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
48g
Bottom-out force
53g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
No
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
UPE
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
21mm single-stage spring
Spring
13mm progressive spring
Housing materials
When comparing the Keygeek Keylin and the KTT Sea Salt Lemon, one of the most notable differences lies in the materials used for their top housings. The Keylin utilizes nylon for its top housing, which produces a deeper and fuller sound profile due to the softer nature of the plastic. This material absorbs sound effectively, contributing to a more muted auditory experience compared to its counterpart. In contrast, the KTT Sea Salt Lemon employs polycarbonate for its top housing, resulting in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The stiffer characteristics of polycarbonate lead to more resonance, enhancing the clarity of the auditory feedback. Aesthetically, the transparent nature of polycarbonate allows for distinctive RGB lighting effects, which is an added advantage for users who enjoy visual customization in their keyboards.
Interestingly, both the Keylin and the Sea Salt Lemon share a commonality in their bottom housing, as both models use nylon. This consistency in material gives them a similar auditory underpinning when it comes to the bottom-out sound and feel. Since nylon is a classic switch housing material known for its ability to create a deeper and fuller sound, both switches will deliver a comparable experience when pressed down, despite their top housing contrast. This shared bottom housing helps establish a balanced auditory output, as it absorbs sound and mitigates unnecessary noise, contributing to a rounded sound profile during typing.
Ultimately, the interaction between the different materials in both models leads to a unique typing experience. In the Keylin, the combination of a nylon top and nylon bottom housing results in a cohesive sound profile characterized by its deep resonance. The Sea Salt Lemon, however, balances the crispness of its polycarbonate top with a nylon bottom, giving it a distinctive auditory impression that is high in clarity but still grounded by the full-bodied sound characteristic of nylon. Thus, while each switch brings its own characteristic sound, both can provide satisfying results for users who appreciate diverse auditory feedback in their typing experience, highlighting the importance of both materials working in harmony.
Weight
When comparing the Keygeek Keylin linear switch with an actuation force of 38 grams and a bottom out force of 48 grams to the KTT Sea Salt Lemon linear switch, which has an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 53 grams, we find distinct differences in their weight and feel. The Keylin switch is the lighter option, making it ideal for extended typing sessions or long gaming marathons due to its softer touch. In contrast, the Sea Salt Lemon switch is slightly heavier, appealing to those who prefer a more substantial typing experience with a bit more resistance. Both switches have different actuation and bottom out forces, which would result in varying tactile experiences; therefore, users should choose based on their preference for either ease of actuation or a firmer push.
Travel distance
The Keygeek Keylin linear switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, making it a shorter option compared to the KTT Sea Salt Lemon linear switch, which features a travel distance of 4 mm. This difference highlights that the Keylin switch is designed to provide a more responsive feel, catering to gamers and those who prioritize quick response times. Conversely, the Sea Salt Lemon offers a more traditional travel distance, which may appeal to users who favor a deeper pressing experience. For those who prefer a balance between responsiveness and depth, the Keylin switch may feel too abrupt, while the Sea Salt Lemon offers a more pronounced sense of travel, giving the user a satisfactory tactile feedback. Ultimately, your choice will depend on your personal preference for shallower versus deeper key travel.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Keygeek Keylin has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Keylin for $3.29.
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 Keygeek Keylin linear switch offers rich acoustics, providing a pleasant auditory experience that many users find enjoyable during extended typing sessions. This switch delivers a balanced tone that is neither overly pronounced nor too subdued, making it versatile for a variety of environments. In contrast, the KTT Sea Salt Lemon linear switch is characterized by a low-pitched sound that features a bass-heavy and mellow tone, complemented by a neutral sound profile. This combination allows the Sea Salt Lemon to produce a more laid-back auditory response that is suitable for both casual and professional use. The sound experience of both switches can also be influenced by the choice of keyboard, case, and keycap materials.
When it comes to feel, the Keylin linear switch stands out for its exceptional smoothness, providing a buttery experience reminiscent of high-quality switches. Although no specific descriptors are provided, users can expect a seamless typing experience that is gentle on the fingers, making it suitable for long typing sessions. The KTT Sea Salt Lemon switch, on the other hand, is described as having a mild feel, which offers a gentle typing experience that is approachable for both novices and seasoned typists. This mild quality means that the Sea Salt Lemon appeals to a broad range of users without overwhelming them with exaggerated tactile sensations or resistance.
In conclusion, both the Keygeek Keylin and KTT Sea Salt Lemon linear switches provide distinct yet complementary experiences. While the Keylin excels in rich acoustics and exceptional smoothness, the Sea Salt Lemon offers a mellow sound profile and a mild typing experience. Users can expect an enjoyable typing experience with either option, making both switches well-suited for anyone looking to upgrade their mechanical keyboard. Ultimately, choosing between the two may come down to personal preference, particularly concerning sound and tactile feedback in a variety of typing scenarios.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the Keygeek Keylin linear switch and the KTT Sea Salt Lemon linear switch ultimately depends on your specific preferences and typing habits. If you prefer a lighter key feel with a bottom-out force of just 48 grams, the Keylin switch might be your best choice. Its premium acoustics and exceptional smoothness are particularly appealing if you're looking for an overall satisfying typing experience that emphasizes speed and responsiveness. Additionally, if you enjoy unique switch designs, the Keylin’s new molds could add an interesting touch to your keyboard aesthetics. On the other hand, if you prefer a slightly firmer touch, the KTT Sea Salt Lemon, with its 53 grams of bottom-out force, provides a medium-light option that balances comfort with controlled typing. Its low-pitched and neutral sound profile, along with a mild feel, makes it versatile for various environments, whether at home or in an office setting. Therefore, if you value a balance between smoothness and sound characteristics, the Sea Salt Lemon would likely serve you well. Ultimately, considering the acoustic and tactile qualities of both switches will help you make an informed decision that enhances your mechanical keyboard experience.
Mentioned in this article
