Dareu Master vs. KTT Sea Salt Lemon
An in-depth look at the Dareu Master and the KTT Sea Salt Lemon switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, the Dareu Master and the KTT Sea Salt Lemon both offer unique features that cater to different preferences. The Dareu Master switch is a linear switch known for its medium weight, classic clacky sound, and exceptional smoothness, making it a popular choice for users seeking a polished typing experience. On the other hand, the KTT Sea Salt Lemon linear switch stands out for its progressive spring and buttery smooth typing experience thanks to KTT's dry-lube design. While the Master switch is categorized as 'Clacky', 'Mild', and 'Polished', the Sea Salt Lemon switch is described as 'Low-pitched', 'Neutral', and 'Mild'. 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
N/A
Bottom-out force
53g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.40 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
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
13mm progressive spring
Housing materials
The Dareu Master and the KTT Sea Salt Lemon both offer unique housing materials that contribute to the overall sound profile of the switches. The Master features a POM top and bottom housing, which creates a deeper and more muted sound profile. In contrast, the Sea Salt Lemon utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, resulting in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. This difference in housing materials can greatly impact the typing experience, as the sound produced by each switch will vary in tone and intensity.
While the Master and Sea Salt Lemon have differing top housing materials, they both share a commonality in their bottom housing materials. The Master's POM bottom housing and the Sea Salt Lemon's nylon bottom housing both contribute to a deeper and fuller sound profile. However, the nylon material in the Sea Salt Lemon absorbs more sound than POM, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. This similarity in bottom housing materials may lead to a comparable typing experience in terms of the depth and richness of the sound produced.
When considering the impact of housing materials on switch performance, it is important to recognize how the top and bottom housing materials work together to create the overall sound profile. The bottom housing has a greater influence on the bottom-out sound and feel when a key is pressed, while the top housing affects the sound when the key is released. Therefore, the choice between POM and polycarbonate for the top housing, or between POM and nylon for the bottom housing, can significantly alter the typing experience and overall acoustic characteristics of the switch.
Weight
The Dareu Master linear switch and the KTT Sea Salt Lemon linear switch both have an actuation force of 45 grams, indicating that they will feel quite similar in terms of initial keypress resistance. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Master has unknown information while Sea Salt Lemon has a bottom out force of 53 grams, making it slightly heavier than the actuation force. This means that typing on the Sea Salt Lemon switch may feel a bit firmer and more substantial compared to the Master switch. For those who prefer a lighter typing experience that allows for longer typing sessions, the Dareu Master linear switch might be the preferred choice. On the other hand, if someone enjoys a bit more resistance and feedback while typing, the KTT Sea Salt Lemon linear switch with its slightly higher bottom out force could be the better option. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will come down to personal preference regarding typing feel and weight preference.
Travel distance
In comparing the travel distance of the Dareu Master linear switch and the KTT Sea Salt Lemon linear switch, we can see that the Master has a travel distance of 3.4 mm, while the Sea Salt Lemon has a travel distance of 4 mm. This means that the Sea Salt Lemon has a slightly longer travel distance than the Master. Generally, a shorter travel distance is preferred by gamers for faster response times, while a longer travel distance can provide a more substantial feeling when typing. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, making them suitable for users looking for a more responsive typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for travel distance and typing feel.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Dareu Master has an MSRP of $7.78 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Master for $4.76.
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 sound, the Dareu Master linear switch is known for its classic clacky sound signature, providing users with a sharp and snappy noise when pressed. On the other hand, the KTT Sea Salt Lemon linear switch offers a low-pitched and neutral sound profile, which is more bass-heavy and mellow compared to the Master switch. Depending on your preference, the Master switch may be better suited for those who enjoy a more crisp and bright sound, while the Sea Salt Lemon switch may appeal to those who prefer a deeper and more relaxed tone.
In terms of feel, both the Dareu Master and the KTT Sea Salt Lemon linear switches are described as providing a mild typing experience. The Master switch offers exceptional smoothness in operation, thanks to its all-POM construction, while the Sea Salt Lemon switch boasts a buttery smooth typing experience due to its progressive spring and dry-lube design. Both switches offer a gentle and approachable typing experience, making them suitable for a wide range of users.
Overall, while the Dareu Master linear switch and the KTT Sea Salt Lemon linear switch may differ slightly in sound and feel, they both offer a high-quality typing experience for users. Whether you prefer a clacky sound with medium weight or a low-pitched, buttery smooth feel, both switches are excellent choices for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts. Ultimately, your choice between the two switches may come down to personal preference and the specific typing experience you are looking to achieve.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Dareu Master linear switch and the KTT Sea Salt Lemon linear switch, consider your preferences for bottom out force, sound, and feel. If you prefer a switch with an unknown bottom out force for a medium weight feel, a classic clacky sound signature, and exceptional smoothness in operation, then the Dareu Master switch may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a switch with a bottom out force of 53 grams for a medium-light feel, a buttery smooth typing experience, a low-pitched and neutral sound profile, and a mild typing experience, then the KTT Sea Salt Lemon switch might be more suitable for your needs. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches will depend on your personal preferences and typing style.
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