Cherry MX Brown vs. KTT Sea Salt Lemon
An in-depth look at the Cherry MX Brown and the KTT Sea Salt Lemon switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options to consider are the Cherry MX Brown and the KTT Sea Salt Lemon. The Cherry MX Brown is known for its subtlety, offering a relatively light typing experience with gentle tactility and subdued audio feedback. On the other hand, the Sea Salt Lemon from KTT represents a linear switch that boasts a buttery smooth typing experience, thanks to its progressive spring and KTT's dry-lube design. Both switches have their own distinct characteristics that appeal to different users. The MX Brown provides a textured and bassy feel with low-pitched audio, while the Sea Salt Lemon offers a neutral and mild typing experience, also with low-pitched audio. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can best decide on the ideal switch for your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
55g
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
No
Factory lubed
No
Stem construction
Standard
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 housing materials of the Cherry MX Brown and the KTT Sea Salt Lemon switches differ in terms of their composition. The MX Brown uses a nylon top housing, while the Sea Salt Lemon employs a polycarbonate top housing. Nylon is known for its softer nature, absorbing more sound and creating a deeper and fuller sound profile. In contrast, polycarbonate is a stiffer plastic that generates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. Therefore, users can expect a difference in the sound produced when typing on these switches, with the MX Brown delivering a duller and rounder sound and the Sea Salt Lemon providing a clearer and more resonant tone. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it an ideal choice for switches with RGB lighting, enhancing the overall aesthetic appeal.
Similarly, the bottom housing materials of the MX Brown and the Sea Salt Lemon are both made of nylon. This shared material composition means that the two switches will have similarities in terms of their sound profiles. Nylon, being a softer plastic, absorbs more sound, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound when typing on switches. Therefore, users can expect a similar experience in terms of the sound produced when bottoming out keys on both the MX Brown and the Sea Salt Lemon switches. Both switches will offer a duller and rounder sound, creating a satisfying typing experience.
While the top and bottom housings of a switch may have different materials, it is essential to note that they each contribute distinct qualities to the overall sound and feel. When pressing down on a switch, the bottom housing has a greater impact on the bottom-out sound and feel experienced by the user. On the other hand, the top housing influences the sound when releasing a key. Therefore, even though the MX Brown and the Sea Salt Lemon may have different top and bottom housings, users can still expect variations in the sound profile based on the different housing materials utilized. These differences in sound can enhance the typing experience and allow users to choose a switch that best suits their preferences.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Cherry MX Brown tactile switch and the KTT Sea Salt Lemon linear switch, it is evident that they have similar characteristics in terms of weight. Both switches have an actuation force of 45 grams, meaning that the force required to trigger a keystroke is the same for both. This ensures that users can achieve consistent results and a responsive typing experience with either switch.
However, when it comes to the bottom out force, there is a slight difference between the two switches. The Cherry MX Brown tactile switch has a bottom out force of 55 grams, while the KTT Sea Salt Lemon linear switch has a bottom out force of 53 grams. This means that the Cherry MX Brown switch requires slightly more force to fully press the key compared to the Sea Salt Lemon switch.
In terms of weight preference, individuals who prefer a lighter typing experience may opt for the Sea Salt Lemon switch, as its bottom out force is slightly lower. This lighter force allows for effortless keystrokes and is particularly advantageous for extended typing sessions or marathon gaming sessions. On the other hand, those who prefer a more substantial and tactile typing experience may prefer the Cherry MX Brown switch due to its slightly heavier bottom out force. This provides a firmer and more satisfying push feel upon pressing the key.
Overall, the actuation force of both the Cherry MX Brown tactile switch and the KTT Sea Salt Lemon linear switch is the same, ensuring a consistent typing experience. The slight difference lies in the bottom out force, with the Cherry MX Brown switch being slightly heavier. Ultimately, the choice between these switches depends on individual preferences for a lighter or heavier typing feel.
Travel distance
The Cherry MX Brown tactile switch and the KTT Sea Salt Lemon linear switch have the same travel distance of 4 mm. This means that both switches will provide a similar experience in terms of the distance they travel from the top to the bottom. Whether you're typing on the MX Brown or the Sea Salt Lemon, you can expect to feel a consistent travel distance of 4 mm when pressing down on the keys.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
For 10 switches, the Cherry MX Brown comes in at $4.00, 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
When it comes to sound, the Cherry MX Brown switches offer a subtler experience. They produce a low-pitched, bass-heavy sound during key presses. This results in a deeper and richer audio profile that is pleasing to the ears. On the other hand, the KTT Sea Salt Lemon switches also produce a low-pitched sound, but it is described as more neutral in nature. This means that it falls in the middle ground, neither too high-pitched nor too bass-heavy. Both switches offer enjoyable auditory feedback, but the MX Brown switches lean towards a more bass-rich sound while the Sea Salt Lemons provide a more balanced and versatile audio profile.
In terms of feel, the Cherry MX Brown switches are known for their subtle tactility. They offer a relatively light typing experience with a gentle tactile bump. This means you'll feel a slight resistance when pressing the keys, providing feedback without being too pronounced. On the other hand, the KTT Sea Salt Lemon switches are described as mild in their feel. They offer a more gentle typing experience compared to switches with more pronounced characteristics. This indicates that the Sea Salt Lemon switches have a smoother and less noticeable tactile feedback. If you prefer a subtle and gentle tactile feel, the MX Browns would be the way to go, while the Sea Salt Lemons provide a smoother and more approachable typing experience.
Considering the available information, the Cherry MX Brown switches are characterized by their subtlety, with a light typing experience and subdued audio feedback. They offer a bassy sound profile and a textured feel that some users prefer. On the other hand, the KTT Sea Salt Lemon switches represent a lovely example of linear switches with a buttery smooth typing experience. They produce a neutral, low-pitched sound and offer a mild typing feel that appeals to a wide range of users. Based on these qualities, if you are looking for a switch with a more pronounced tactile feedback and richer sound, the Cherry MX Browns would be a good choice. However, if you prefer a smoother and more gentle typing experience with versatile sound characteristics, the KTT Sea Salt Lemons would be a suitable option. Both switches have their own strengths, and depending on your preferences, you can achieve similar results in terms of sound and feel.
Conclusion
In conclusion, if you prioritize a subtle and gentle typing experience with subdued audio feedback, the Cherry MX Brown tactile switch would be the ideal choice for you. With its medium-light bottom out force of 55 grams, these switches offer a light typing experience with a gentle tactility that many users appreciate. Additionally, the MX Brown switches are known for their low-pitched and bassy sound profile, which adds a deeper and richer tone to your typing experience.
On the other hand, if you value a buttery smooth typing experience, the KTT Sea Salt Lemon linear switch would be a great option. With its slightly lower bottom out force of 53 grams, these switches provide a similar medium-light typing experience. The Sea Salt Lemon switches are loved for their progressive spring and KTT's dry-lube design, which makes typing feel incredibly smooth. The sound profile of the Sea Salt Lemon is described as low-pitched and neutral, offering a mellow tone suitable for various purposes.
Considering the feel of the switches, if you prefer a textured typing experience with noticeable friction, the MX Brown switches would be more suitable for you. However, if you prefer a more gentle and approachable feel, the Sea Salt Lemon switches, with their mild characteristics, would be the better choice.
Ultimately, the decision between the Cherry MX Brown tactile switch and the KTT Sea Salt Lemon linear switch will depend on your personal preferences regarding typing experience, sound profile, and feel. Both switches have their unique qualities, providing options for different typing preferences.
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