TTC Light Cloud V2 vs. KTT Sea Salt Lemon
An in-depth look at the TTC Light Cloud V2 and the KTT Sea Salt Lemon switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When selecting a mechanical keyboard switch, the TTC Light Cloud V2 and KTT Sea Salt Lemon linear switches both offer unique benefits to consider. The TTC Light Cloud V2 is praised for its refined and silent typing feel, ideal for those who prefer a delicate and nuanced typing experience. On the other hand, the KTT Sea Salt Lemon boasts a buttery smooth typing experience due to its progressive spring and dry-lube design. The Light Cloud V2 is categorized as mild, muted, neutral, easy-to-press, and feathery, while the Sea Salt Lemon is described as low-pitched, neutral, and mild. Each switch has its own merits to offer depending on individual 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
45g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
58g
Bottom-out force
53g
Pre-travel
1.20 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 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
Nylon
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated double-staged spring
Spring
13mm progressive spring
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the TTC Light Cloud V2 and the KTT Sea Salt Lemon, it is clear that they both utilize nylon for their bottom housings. This means that both switches will produce a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing, thanks to nylon's softer plastic composition that absorbs sound effectively. However, while the Light Cloud V2 uses nylon for its top housing as well, resulting in a duller and rounder sound, the Sea Salt Lemon employs polycarbonate for its top housing. This leads to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile, as polycarbonate is a stiffer plastic that produces a clear and resonant sound. Aesthetic-wise, the Sea Salt Lemon's polycarbonate top housing also allows for RGB lighting due to its translucency, providing a more visually dynamic experience.
The differences between the nylon bottom housing of the Light Cloud V2 and the Sea Salt Lemon are minimal, as both switches will offer a similar typing experience with a deep and full sound profile. However, when it comes to the top housing, the contrast is more pronounced. While the Light Cloud V2's nylon top housing results in a duller and rounder sound profile, the Sea Salt Lemon's polycarbonate top housing creates a sharper and crisper sound. This difference in material composition highlights how the choice of housing material can significantly impact the overall sound and feel of a switch, showcasing the importance of selecting the right materials for specific desired outcomes.
In considering how the top and bottom housings influence the overall sound and feel of a switch, it becomes apparent that the choice of material for each plays a crucial role in shaping the typing experience. With the bottom housing impacting the bottom-out sound and feel, and the top housing affecting the sound when releasing a key, it is essential to strike a balance between housing materials to achieve the desired sound profile. While both the Light Cloud V2 and the Sea Salt Lemon utilize nylon for their bottom housings, the Sea Salt Lemon stands out for its polycarbonate top housing, offering a distinctively sharp and resonant sound. Ultimately, the housing materials chosen for a switch can significantly alter the typing experience, highlighting the importance of material selection in keyboard design.
Weight
In comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the TTC Light Cloud V2 linear switch and the KTT Sea Salt Lemon linear switch, both switches have the same actuation force of 45 grams. However, the Light Cloud V2 has a heavier bottom out force of 58 grams, while the Sea Salt Lemon has a lighter bottom out force of 53 grams. This means that the Light Cloud V2 provides a slightly more substantial typing experience with a heavier bottom out force, whereas the Sea Salt Lemon offers a lighter touch for those who prefer a softer feel. Both switches fall within the medium actuation force range, making them suitable options for a variety of users. Ultimately, choosing between the two will depend on personal preferences for typing feel and force feedback.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the TTC Light Cloud V2 linear switch is 3.5 mm, while the KTT Sea Salt Lemon linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. In this case, the Sea Salt Lemon has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Light Cloud V2. A difference of 0.5 mm may not seem significant, but it can affect the feel and responsiveness of the switch when typing or gaming. Gamers who prioritize faster response times may lean towards the Light Cloud V2 with its shorter travel distance, while those who prefer a more substantial keypress may opt for the Sea Salt Lemon. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches comes down to personal preference and the typing experience you are looking for.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The TTC Light Cloud V2 has an MSRP of $6.80 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Light Cloud V2 for $5.49.
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 Light Cloud V2 linear switch offers a muted and neutral sound profile, providing a quieter typing experience compared to regular switches. On the other hand, the KTT Sea Salt Lemon linear switch emits a low-pitched and neutral sound, featuring a more bass-heavy and mellow tone. When it comes to feel, both switches are described as offering a mild typing experience, making them approachable to most users. The Light Cloud V2 boasts an easy-to-press and feathery feel, requiring minimal force to activate and reducing finger fatigue during extended typing sessions. Similarly, the Sea Salt Lemon provides a mild typing experience without any specific additional descriptors.
Overall, both the TTC Light Cloud V2 and KTT Sea Salt Lemon linear switches offer a refined and smooth typing experience with subtle differences in sound and feel. Whether you prefer a muted and easy-to-press switch or a low-pitched and mild switch, both options provide a delicate and nuanced typing experience suitable for various preferences. Depending on personal preference for sound and feel, you can expect similar results in terms of quality and performance from these two switches. Ultimately, it comes down to individual preferences and typing style when choosing between these two exceptional linear switches.
Conclusion
In closing, when considering whether to choose the TTC Light Cloud V2 linear switch or the KTT Sea Salt Lemon linear switch, it all comes down to your personal preferences and typing needs. If you are looking for a supremely refined and delicate typing experience with a muted and neutral sound profile, the Light Cloud V2 may be the perfect choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a buttery smooth typing experience with a low-pitched and neutral sound profile, the Sea Salt Lemon could be the ideal option. Ultimately, both switches offer their own unique qualities, so take into account factors such as bottom out force, sound, and feel to determine which switch aligns best with your typing preferences.
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