Cherry MX Orange vs. KTT Sea Salt Lemon
An in-depth look at the Cherry MX Orange 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 that cater to different preferences are the Cherry MX Orange and the KTT Sea Salt Lemon. The Cherry MX Orange switches are a revival of the original design by Cherry's Japanese partner, Hirose, revitalized with the MX2A generation enhancements to meet the growing demand for a refined clicking experience. These switches are lauded for their dependable performance and tactile feedback, making them an excellent choice for gamers and typists who appreciate a reliable, consistent response. On the other hand, the KTT Sea Salt Lemon switches stand out for their delightful representation of linear switching mechanics. Featuring a progressive spring and a unique dry-lube design, they provide a buttery smooth typing experience that is both enjoyable and satisfying, ideal for those who prefer a more fluid keystroke without tactile bumps. While both switches offer distinct and compelling features, it’s essential to explore their characteristics further to determine which switch aligns best with your personal typing style and preferences.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
55g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
N/A
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
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 Cherry MX Orange and the KTT Sea Salt Lemon switches exhibit notable differences in their top housing materials, which significantly influence their respective sound profiles. The MX Orange utilizes a nylon top housing, renowned for producing a deeper and fuller sound when typing. This effect is attributed to nylon's softer texture, which absorbs sound waves and helps create a more muffled and rounded auditory experience. In contrast, the KTT Sea Salt Lemon features a polycarbonate top housing, which accentuates a sharper and crisper sound. The rigidity of polycarbonate allows for clearer resonance, resulting in a more vibrant and high-pitched auditory profile. Therefore, users seeking a more subdued and warm sound may prefer the MX Orange, whereas those inclined towards brighter and clearer acoustics would find the KTT Sea Salt Lemon more appealing.
Examining the bottom housings of the two switches reveals a similarity that promotes a consistent typing experience across both models. Both the MX Orange and the KTT Sea Salt Lemon utilize nylon for their bottom housings, contributing to a fuller sound when the key bottoms out. Nylon’s inherent properties provide a soft cushion that absorbs vibrations, producing a duller, more muted sound. This shared nylon bottom housing indicates that, regardless of the differences in top housing materials, the bottom-out sound and feel will retain a similar quality between the two switches. As such, users can expect a familiar tactile experience when pressing down on either switch.
The combination of differing top housings and similar bottom housings leads to distinct yet complementary overall sound experiences. Since the top housing impacts the sound during key release and the bottom housing affects the bottom-out sound, the synergy between the materials can create a unique auditory response. While the MX Orange emphasizes a nuanced, bass-driven tone due to its nylon top, the Sea Salt Lemon sharpens the sound as it releases, thanks to the polycarbonate. However, both switches maintain a cohesive feel from their nylon bottom housing, ensuring that users experience a comfortable typing sensation regardless of the tonal differences. This combination of materials highlights how diverse sound profiles can coexist while still providing a satisfying tactile feedback.
Weight
When comparing the Cherry MX Orange linear switch to the KTT Sea Salt Lemon linear switch, notable differences in actuation force and bottom out force emerge. The Cherry MX Orange has an actuation force of 55 grams, while the KTT Sea Salt Lemon is lighter at 45 grams, making it more suitable for extended typing sessions or gaming marathons for those who prefer less resistance. In terms of bottom out force, the MX Orange lacks a specified value, while the Sea Salt Lemon has a bottom out force of 53 grams. This difference indicates that the KTT Sea Salt Lemon not only requires less force to actuate but also provides a definitive stopping point when fully pressed down. For users who enjoy a heavier typing experience, the Cherry MX Orange may be preferable despite its missing bottom out specification. In summary, the KTT Sea Salt Lemon is the lighter option with a clearer force measurement, while the Cherry MX Orange offers a stronger push that might appeal to those who favor a more substantial feel under their fingers.
Travel distance
Both the Cherry MX Orange linear switch and the KTT Sea Salt Lemon linear switch feature an identical travel distance of 4 mm, meaning that when a user presses down on a key for either switch, they will experience the same distance from the top to the bottom. This uniformity in travel distance results in similar tactile feedback and keystroke action, allowing for a comparable typing experience. Consequently, users looking for either switch can expect consistent performance in terms of key travel, making both options equally suitable for those who prefer a specific feel without variations in travel distance.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Cherry MX Orange has an MSRP of $4.10 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the MX Orange for $3.89.
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 Cherry MX Orange switches produce a sound profile that is subtle and balanced, making them a great option for both home and work environments where noise levels matter. They offer a smooth typing sound that can be considered neutral, blending well into the background without becoming overly distracting. The KTT Sea Salt Lemon switches feature a low-pitched sound that is heavy in bass and a more mellow tone. Their neutral sound profile provides an adaptable quality suitable for various environments, making them equally fitting for users who prefer a quieter typing experience. However, it’s worth noting that both switches' auditory characteristics can be influenced by factors like the choice of keyboard case and keycaps.
When it comes to feel, the MX Orange switches deliver a smooth and consistent typing experience, offering tactile feedback that is often appreciated by users who enjoy a refined key operation without any additional noise. On the other hand, the KTT Sea Salt Lemon switches provide a mild feel that leans toward a gentle typing experience. This makes them approachable for newcomers, offering a comfortable middle ground that does not overwhelm the user with pronounced feedback. Both switches aim for smoothness in actuation, but the MX Orange might cater more to those who appreciate a slight tactility, while the Sea Salt Lemon stands out for its easy-going, buttery feel.
Overall, both the Cherry MX Orange and KTT Sea Salt Lemon switches offer unique sound and feel characteristics that cater to different preferences. The MX Orange is characterized by a subtle, balanced sound and a refined typing experience, while the Sea Salt Lemon distinguishes itself with a low-pitched sound and a mild, smooth feel. Choosing between them ultimately comes down to individual preference, but either option will provide a quality typing experience with their respective strengths.
Conclusion
To conclude, when deciding between the Cherry MX Orange and the KTT Sea Salt Lemon linear switches, you should consider your specific preferences and usage scenarios. If you value a mild and forgiving typing experience, the Cherry MX Orange is a great choice, especially if you appreciate the nostalgia of its reissued design and its smooth feel. This switch caters to a range of typing styles and is suitable for both casual and professional environments, providing a comfortable experience without any auditory distractions. On the other hand, if you prefer a more pronounced medium-light actuation force paired with a low-pitched, mellow sound profile, the KTT Sea Salt Lemon may be the way to go. Its progressive spring design enhances that buttery smooth typing experience, making it ideal for both gaming and long typing sessions. Therefore, your final choice should align with whether you prioritize the embraced vintage feel of the MX Orange or the modern buttery smoothness and unique characteristics of the Sea Salt Lemon.
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