Gateron Melodic vs. KTT Sea Salt Lemon
An in-depth look at the Gateron Melodic and the KTT Sea Salt Lemon switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options to consider are the Gateron Melodic, a clicky switch, and the KTT Sea Salt Lemon, a linear switch. The Gateron Melodic offers a classic clicky sound and tactile feedback with the added benefit of smooth factory lubing and dual-railed stems, making it stand out as a 'Buttery', 'Resonant', 'Invigorating', and 'Crunchy' switch. On the other hand, the KTT Sea Salt Lemon provides a buttery smooth typing experience thanks to its progressive spring and dry-lube design, categorizing it as 'Low-pitched', 'Neutral', and 'Mild'. While both switches have their unique strengths, such as the Melodic's satisfying clickiness and the Sea Salt Lemon's smoothness, it's essential to delve deeper into their specific characteristics to determine which one best suits your 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
N/A
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
53g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
No
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
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
Both the Gateron Melodic and the KTT Sea Salt Lemon use polycarbonate for their top housing, providing a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches with RGB lighting, allowing the light to shine through and create visually appealing effects. However, while both switches feature the same material for their top housing, the differences may lie in the design and construction of the housing itself, leading to variations in sound and feel.
In terms of the bottom housing, both switches utilize nylon, known for producing a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to harder plastics. Nylon has the ability to absorb more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound that adds a unique tactile experience to typing on these switches. Despite using the same material for the bottom housing, subtle differences in the design and thickness of the housing could contribute to variations in the overall typing experience between the Gateron Melodic and the KTT Sea Salt Lemon.
Overall, the combination of polycarbonate top housing and nylon bottom housing in both the Gateron Melodic and the KTT Sea Salt Lemon contributes to a well-rounded typing experience with distinct sound profiles. While the use of polycarbonate results in sharp and clear sound characteristics, nylon offers a deeper and fuller sound quality that enhances the overall typing feel. Whether choosing the Melodic or the Sea Salt Lemon, users can expect similar results in terms of sound and feel, with slight variations depending on design and construction specifics.
Weight
The Gateron Melodic clicky switch and the KTT Sea Salt Lemon linear switch differ in terms of actuation force and bottom out force. The Melodic switch has an actuation force of None grams, meaning it requires no force to trigger a keystroke, while the Sea Salt Lemon switch has an actuation force of 45 grams. Both switches have a medium bottom out force, with the Melodic requiring 60 grams and the Sea Salt Lemon requiring 53 grams. In terms of weight, the Sea Salt Lemon is lighter with a lower actuation force compared to the Melodic switch. For those looking for a lighter key press for longer typing or gaming sessions, the Sea Salt Lemon may be the better choice. However, for those who prefer a more substantial typing experience with a heavier push feel, the Melodic switch would be the ideal option. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences regarding actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
Both the Gateron Melodic clicky switch and the KTT Sea Salt Lemon linear switch have a travel distance of 4 mm, making them equally responsive. When pressing down on a key with either switch, users will experience the same level of tactile feedback and travel distance. This similarity ensures that typists will get consistent results in terms of key press feel and responsiveness. Overall, the travel distance of both switches is identical, providing a familiar typing experience regardless of which switch is chosen.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron Melodic has an MSRP of $6.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Melodic for $6.00.
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
In terms of sound, the Gateron Melodic clicky switch offers a resonant and crunchy typing experience, with a higher-pitched sound profile that provides an immersive auditory experience similar to stepping on piles of crisp autumn leaves. On the other hand, the KTT Sea Salt Lemon linear switch produces a low-pitched and neutral sound, with a more bass-heavy and mellow tone that is suitable for most intents and purposes. While the Melodic switch delivers a sharper and more engaging sound, the Sea Salt Lemon switch offers a more relaxed and versatile sound profile that may cater to a wider range of preferences.
Moving on to the feel, the Gateron Melodic switch provides a buttery and invigorating typing sensation, with a smooth and fluid keystroke experience that is effortless and uniform. The pronounced feedback and moderate to firm actuation force of this switch create a snappy and reactive feel that enhances the overall typing experience. In contrast, the KTT Sea Salt Lemon switch offers a mild typing experience that is gentle and approachable to most users. Its qualities stand in a safe middle-ground zone, providing a comfortable and consistent typing feel without any extreme characteristics.
In conclusion, the Gateron Melodic clicky switch and the KTT Sea Salt Lemon linear switch offer distinct sound and feel qualities that cater to different preferences. While the Melodic switch provides a sharper and more engaging sound with a buttery and invigorating feel, the Sea Salt Lemon switch offers a more relaxed and versatile sound profile with a mild and gentle typing experience. Choosing between these switches will depend on individual preferences for sound, feel, and overall typing experience. Ultimately, both switches are capable of delivering satisfying results, ensuring an enjoyable and personalized mechanical keyboard experience.
Conclusion
To summarize, if you are looking for a switch with a medium bottom out force and a classic clicky sound with smoothness, the Gateron Melodic clicky switch would be a great choice. It offers a resonant and crunchy sound profile, along with a buttery and invigorating typing feel. On the other hand, if you prefer a switch with a slightly lighter bottom out force and a buttery smooth typing experience, the KTT Sea Salt Lemon linear switch is the way to go. It provides a low-pitched and neutral sound profile, along with a mild typing feel that is approachable to most users. Ultimately, your decision should be based on whether you prioritize the classic clicky sound and tactile feedback of the Melodic or the smooth and buttery typing experience of the Sea Salt Lemon.
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