Outemu Lime (V3) vs. KTT Sea Salt Lemon
An in-depth look at the Outemu Lime (V3) and the KTT Sea Salt Lemon switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, there are a plethora of options to choose from. Two popular choices that offer unique characteristics are the Outemu Lime, a tactile switch, and the KTT Sea Salt Lemon, a linear switch. The Lime switches are well-known for their lightweight nature, approachable tactility, and the fact that they are silenced, making them perfect for those who desire a feathery light typing experience with just a touch of tactility. On the other hand, the Sea Salt Lemons showcase what a smooth linear switch can offer, thanks to its progressive spring and KTT's dry-lube design, resulting in a buttery smooth typing experience. Both switches have their own advantages and it ultimately 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 perfect switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
35g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
45g
Bottom-out force
53g
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.30 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
Stainless steel
Spring
13mm progressive spring
Housing materials
The Outemu Lime and the KTT Sea Salt Lemon differ in their housing materials. The Lime features a nylon top housing, while the Sea Salt Lemon uses a polycarbonate top housing. Nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile. On the other hand, polycarbonate is a stiffer plastic that creates a sharper and crisper sound profile. Additionally, the Sea Salt Lemon's clear housing allows for a more pronounced effect when using RGB lighting. Despite these differences, both nylon and polycarbonate are classic switch housing materials that elicit a deeper and fuller sound profile.
In terms of the bottom housing, both the Lime and the Sea Salt Lemon have a nylon bottom housing. This material also contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile, as it is softer and absorbs more sound than harder plastics. Therefore, when pressing down on either switch, the qualities of the nylon bottom housing will be felt, resulting in a duller and rounder sound and feel upon bottoming out.
Interestingly, the top and bottom housings play different roles in the overall sound of a switch. The bottom housing has a greater impact on the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing affects the sound when releasing a key. Therefore, even though the Lime and the Sea Salt Lemon have different top and bottom housing materials, the overall feel and sound of the switches may still provide similar results due to the similarities in the nylon housing materials.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Outemu Lime tactile switch and the KTT Sea Salt Lemon linear switch, it becomes clear that there are notable differences between the two. The Lime switch has a lighter actuation force of 35 grams, making it easier to trigger keystrokes with minimal effort. In contrast, the Sea Salt Lemon switch requires a slightly heavier actuation force of 45 grams. This means that users who prefer a lighter touch might find the Lime switch more suitable for their needs, allowing for longer typing sessions or extended gaming periods without straining their fingers.
Moving on to the bottom out force, the Lime switch has a force of 45 grams, while the Sea Salt Lemon switch has a slightly heavier force of 53 grams. This means that when pressing the keys all the way down, the Sea Salt Lemon switch will provide a more substantial typing experience due to the increased resistance. Some users might appreciate this heavier bottom out force as it can enhance the tactile feedback and provide a satisfying keystroke.
Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on personal preference. Those who prioritize a lighter touch and ease of actuation might opt for the Lime switch, while those who desire a more substantial and responsive typing experience might prefer the Sea Salt Lemon switch. In either case, users can expect satisfactory results based on their unique typing style and preferences.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the Outemu Lime tactile switch is 3.3 mm, while the KTT Sea Salt Lemon linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. In terms of travel distance, the Sea Salt Lemon is longer compared to the Lime. The Lime falls into the category of shorter travel distances, which have become popular among gamers due to their faster response times. These shorter travel distances are preferred by those seeking quick and precise keystrokes. On the other hand, the Sea Salt Lemon switch offers a longer travel distance, which some users may find more satisfying as it provides a deeper and more substantial feel when pressing the keys. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on personal preference - if you prioritize responsiveness, the Lime would be a suitable option, whereas if you prefer a deeper and more immersive typing experience, the Sea Salt Lemon switch would be a better choice.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
For 10 switches, the Outemu Lime (V3) comes in at $3.40, whereas the KTT Sea Salt Lemon comes in at $2.80.
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
In terms of sound, the Outemu Lime tactile switch is best described as having a muted sound profile. This means that it produces a softer and quieter sound compared to regular mechanical switches. The Sea Salt Lemon linear switch, on the other hand, is described as having a low-pitched sound profile. This means that it has a more bass-heavy and mellow tone. Both switches are classified as having a neutral sound profile, which means they have a moderate sound level suitable for most purposes. It is important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard and keycaps used.
In terms of feel, the Outemu Lime tactile switch offers a mild and feathery typing experience. It is exceptionally light to press and requires little exertion from the fingers, reducing finger fatigue. The switch also has a subtle and polished feel, with a gentle resistance and a smooth and refined finish. These qualities make it comfortable for extended typing sessions and suitable for shared spaces. On the other hand, the Sea Salt Lemon linear switch is also described as having a mild feel, offering a more gentle typing experience compared to switches with more pronounced characteristics. However, no other specific qualities are mentioned.
Based on the available information, the Outemu Lime tactile switch and the KTT Sea Salt Lemon linear switch offer different subjective qualities. The Lime switch is best known for its lightweight, approachable tactility, and silenced feature, providing a feathery light typing experience with a touch of tactility. On the other hand, the Sea Salt Lemon switch is described as having a buttery smooth typing experience, thanks to its progressive spring and KTT's dry-lube design. In terms of sound, the Lime switch produces a muted sound, while the Sea Salt Lemon switch has a low-pitched sound. Both switches have a mild feel, offering a gentle typing experience. Overall, the Lime and Sea Salt Lemon switches provide distinct characteristics and users can choose based on their personal preferences.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are a tactile fan who prefers a lightweight switch with a touch of tactility and a feathery light typing experience, then the Outemu Lime tactile switch is the perfect choice for you. These switches offer an approachable tactility and are silenced, making them ideal for those who want a comfortable and quiet typing experience. On the other hand, if you prefer a smooth and buttery typing experience with a moderate actuation force, the KTT Sea Salt Lemon linear switch would be the better option. These switches feature a progressive spring and KTT's dry-lube design, resulting in a satisfyingly smooth typing experience. Additionally, the Sea Salt Lemon switches have a low-pitched sound profile, which is bass-heavy and mellow, making it suitable for shared spaces. Ultimately, the choice between the Lime tactile and the Sea Salt Lemon linear switch depends on your preference for tactility, typing experience, and sound profile.
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