Cherry MX Purple RGB vs. KTT Sea Salt Lemon
An in-depth look at the Cherry MX Purple RGB and the KTT Sea Salt Lemon switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing mechanical keyboard switches, the Cherry MX Purple RGB and the KTT Sea Salt Lemon each bring unique characteristics to the table that cater to different typing preferences. The Cherry MX Purple RGB is celebrated for its refined tactile feedback, offering a medium-strength bump that enhances the typing experience, making it an excellent choice for those who thrive on tactile responses and enjoy a bit of resistance while typing. In contrast, the KTT Sea Salt Lemon exemplifies what a linear switch should be with its smooth, buttery action, thanks to its progressive spring and dry-lube design; it is ideal for users who prefer a seamless keystroke without any tactile interruption. While the MX Purple RGB provides a satisfying tactile sensation, the Sea Salt Lemon focuses on delivering a tranquil and consistent typing experience. 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
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
When comparing the housing materials of the Cherry MX Purple RGB and the KTT Sea Salt Lemon, significant differences arise primarily from the materials used in their respective top housings. The Cherry MX Purple RGB employs nylon for its top housing, resulting in a deeper, fuller sound profile thanks to nylon's softer and sound-absorbing properties. This construction promotes a rounder auditory experience, making it favorable for users seeking a more subdued sound while typing. In contrast, the KTT Sea Salt Lemon features a polycarbonate top housing, which is stiffer and creates a sharper, crisper sound. This contributes to a resonant sound profile, enhancing the acoustic feedback during use, particularly for those who prefer an engaging typing experience. The visual clarity of the polycarbonate also complements RGB lighting effectively, allowing for striking illumination effects when combined with the switch's design.
On the other hand, both switches share the same material—nylon—when it comes to their bottom housings. As with the top housing, nylon promotes a fuller, deeper sound profile in the KTT Sea Salt Lemon just as it does in the Cherry MX Purple RGB. This similarity implies that, while the top housings of the two switches lead to varied sound experiences, both switches can potentially offer a consistent and rich bottom-out sound. The bottom housing's influence is particularly noteworthy, as it shapes the experience when the key is fully pressed down. Consequently, even though their top housings yield different auditory results, the commonality of nylon in the bottom construction ensures that users will have a familiar and harmonious typing feel.
Ultimately, the differences in housing material choices create distinct acoustic signatures for each switch, fundamentally affecting user experience. The Cherry MX Purple RGB leans towards a softer, more muted sound due to its nylon top housing, whereas the polycarbonate top of the KTT Sea Salt Lemon fosters a high-pitched, clear auditory response. However, since both switches utilize nylon for their bottom housings, they maintain a similar acoustic foundation when bottoming out. This duality in design showcases how the combination of materials can influence the overall typing feel and sound profile, ultimately catering to diverse preferences among users.
Weight
When comparing the Cherry MX Purple RGB tactile switch and the KTT Sea Salt Lemon linear switch, we find that both switches have the same actuation force of 45 grams, meaning they require the same amount of force to register a keystroke. This similarity allows users to expect comparable typing experiences in terms of initial resistance. However, the bottom out force differs significantly; while the bottom out force for the Cherry MX Purple RGB is unspecified, the KTT Sea Salt Lemon has a bottom out force of 53 grams, making it notably heavier when fully pressed down. This disparity suggests that users might find the Cherry MX Purple RGB to be more comfortable for extended typing sessions due to its lack of a defined bottom out force, while the KTT Sea Salt Lemon provides a more substantial feedback feel at the bottom of the key press, catering to those who prefer a stronger push feel. Overall, the Cherry MX Purple RGB can be considered the lighter option, while the KTT Sea Salt Lemon is the heavier choice.
Travel distance
The Cherry MX Purple RGB tactile switch and the KTT Sea Salt Lemon linear switch both feature an identical travel distance of 4 mm. This similarity in travel distance means that users can expect a comparable experience when pressing down on the keys of either switch. As a result, both switches will feel equally responsive in terms of key travel, making them suitable for similar typing and gaming experiences where precision is key. Since their travel distances are the same, one could argue that the user experience will be mostly consistent, while differences in tactile feedback and actuation force may provide distinct sensations when using each switch.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Cherry MX Purple RGB has an MSRP of $6.19 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the MX Purple RGB for $5.79.
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
The Cherry MX Purple RGB switch offers a refined tactile experience with a short, medium-strength bump, which typically produces a sound that is more pronounced compared to lower-pitched switches. In contrast, the KTT Sea Salt Lemon switch is characterized by its low-pitched and neutral sound profile. The bass-heavy tones of the Sea Salt Lemon provide a mellow auditory experience, making it an excellent choice for quieter environments. Despite the differences, both switches' overall sound can be influenced by the choice of keyboard board and keycaps, so you may achieve somewhat similar audio results depending on those factors.
When it comes to feel, the MX Purple RGB is designed to give a clear tactile feedback with its medium-strength bump, making each keystroke feel distinct and responsive. This switch is generally known for providing a more engaging typing experience, which can be particularly satisfying for users who enjoy tactile feedback. On the other hand, the KTT Sea Salt Lemon offers a mild and gentle typing experience, ensuring that the feel is comfortable and approachable for all types of users, whether they are beginners or advanced typists. While the Cherry MX Purple leans toward a more pronounced tactile sensation, the Sea Salt Lemon’s smooth linear action allows for an effortless glide, catering to different preferences.
Ultimately, both the Cherry MX Purple RGB and KTT Sea Salt Lemon switches present unique qualities that appeal to different types of users. The MX Purple’s tactile feedback and distinct sound cater to enthusiasts who appreciate a more involved typing experience, while the Sea Salt Lemon provides a smooth and low-pitched auditory experience that remains versatile for any setting. Depending on your personal preferences for sound and feel, either switch can offer a satisfying typing experience, but the choice comes down to whether you prefer tactile bumps or a smoother stroke in your keyboard use.
Conclusion
To conclude, when deciding between the Cherry MX Purple RGB tactile switch and the KTT Sea Salt Lemon linear switch, your choice should align with your typing preferences and use cases. If you enjoy a tactile feedback experience while typing or gaming, the Cherry MX Purple RGB is an excellent option. Its refined tactile bump provides a satisfying sensation without being overly aggressive, making it suitable for both intense gaming sessions and lengthy typing tasks. On the other hand, if you prioritize a smooth and fluid typing experience, the KTT Sea Salt Lemon should be your go-to choice. With its low-pitched sound and mild feel, this switch offers a buttery smooth action that's ideal for long hours of typing or a peaceful work environment where a softer touch is appreciated. Ultimately, consider your primary activities and desired typing experience; whether you seek the tactile nature of the MX Purple RGB or the silky smoothness of the Sea Salt Lemon will lead you to the perfect switch for your mechanical keyboard journey.
Mentioned in this article
