Cherry MX Speed Silver vs. KTT Sea Salt Lemon
An in-depth look at the Cherry MX Speed Silver and the KTT Sea Salt Lemon switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Cherry MX Speed Silver and the KTT Sea Salt Lemon mechanical keyboard switches, both switches offer a linear typing experience, but with different characteristics. The MX Speed Silver is designed for maximum speed and responsiveness, making it an ideal choice for gamers who need quick and precise key presses. On the other hand, the Sea Salt Lemon offers a smoother and more comfortable typing experience, perfect for long typing sessions or those who prioritize comfort over speed. 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
1.20 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.40 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
Overall, the Cherry MX Speed Silver and KTT Sea Salt Lemon switches have different housing materials, with the former featuring a nylon top and bottom housing, while the latter has a polycarbonate top housing and a nylon bottom housing. The nylon housing in both switches creates a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer nature, which absorbs more sound. In contrast, the polycarbonate top housing of the Sea Salt Lemon switch produces a sharper and crisper sound profile, with its stiffer plastic leading to a more clear and resonant sound. Aesthetically, the translucent polycarbonate top housing of the Sea Salt Lemon switch can enhance RGB lighting effects, making it a preferred choice for those looking to add visual flair to their setup.
While both switches share a nylon bottom housing, the differing top housing materials impact the sound and feel of typing on each switch. The bottom housing plays a significant role in the bottom-out sound and feel when a key is pressed, with the nylon material in both switches contributing to a rounder and duller sound profile. On the other hand, the top housing material has a greater influence on the sound produced when a key is released. The nylon top housing of the MX Speed Silver creates a deeper sound, while the polycarbonate top housing of the Sea Salt Lemon generates a crisper sound, emphasizing the importance of housing materials in the overall typing experience.
In conclusion, the Cherry MX Speed Silver and KTT Sea Salt Lemon switches showcase how different housing materials can impact the sound and feel of typing. While both switches utilize nylon in the bottom housing for a deeper sound profile, the choice of polycarbonate in the Sea Salt Lemon's top housing adds a sharper and clearer sound component, as well as aesthetic benefits with its translucent design for RGB lighting. Understanding the characteristics of each housing material can help users tailor their keyboard preferences to achieve the desired typing experience.
Weight
In comparing the Cherry MX Speed Silver linear switch and the KTT Sea Salt Lemon linear switch, it is evident that they differ in terms of actuation and bottom out forces. The MX Speed Silver has a lighter actuation force of 30 grams, making it easier to trigger keystrokes quickly. However, the bottom out force for this switch is unknown, which may affect how it feels when fully pressing down. On the other hand, the Sea Salt Lemon switch has a higher actuation force of 45 grams, providing a more substantial typing experience. Additionally, the bottom out force for the Sea Salt Lemon is 53 grams, indicating a medium-light resistance when fully pressed. Ultimately, the MX Speed Silver is lighter in terms of actuation force, while the Sea Salt Lemon is heavier, offering users a choice based on their preference for typing comfort and feedback.
Travel distance
The Cherry MX Speed Silver linear switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm, making it shorter than the KTT Sea Salt Lemon linear switch, which has a travel distance of 4 mm. The shorter travel distance of the MX Speed Silver may appeal to gamers looking for faster response times, while the longer travel distance of the Sea Salt Lemon may provide a more substantial and satisfying key press. Both switches offer unique benefits depending on individual preferences. If you enjoy a more responsive feel, the MX Speed Silver may be the better choice, while those seeking a deeper key press may prefer the Sea Salt Lemon. Ultimately, choosing between the two will depend on personal preference and the type of typing or gaming experience desired.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Cherry MX Speed Silver has an MSRP of $5.90 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the MX Speed Silver for $4.00.
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 Cherry MX Speed Silver switch offers a thocky and low-pitched typing experience, producing a deep and satisfying sound with every key press, ideal for those looking for a more bass-heavy tone. On the other hand, the KTT Sea Salt Lemon switch provides a low-pitched and neutral sound profile, making it suitable for a wide range of users, whether they are beginners or advanced typists. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will come down to personal preference and the overall sound profile desired when typing.
Moving on to feel, the Cherry MX Speed Silver switch is known for its textured feel, providing users with noticeable friction when pressed. This unique tactile feedback may appeal to users looking for a more tactile typing experience. In contrast, the KTT Sea Salt Lemon switch offers a mild and gentle typing experience, with a smooth and approachable feel that falls into a safe middle-ground zone. Those who prefer a smoother, friction-free typing experience may find the Sea Salt Lemon switch more to their liking.
In conclusion, both the Cherry MX Speed Silver and KTT Sea Salt Lemon switches offer unique sound and feel qualities that cater to different preferences. While the Speed Silver switch excels in providing a rapid response and a thocky sound, the Sea Salt Lemon switch offers a buttery smooth typing experience with a mild feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference, typing style, and the overall sound and feel desired in a mechanical keyboard switch. However, if the desired outcome is similar sound and feel, both switches can provide satisfying results for their respective qualities.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Cherry MX Speed Silver linear switch and the KTT Sea Salt Lemon linear switch, consider the specific needs and preferences you have for your keyboard. If you prioritize lightning-fast response times and a linear action with minimal spring resistance, the MX Speed Silver is the ideal choice, especially for competitive gamers seeking every advantage. On the other hand, if you prefer a buttery smooth typing experience with a progressive spring and a neutral sound profile, the Sea Salt Lemon switch from KTT may be more appealing. Ultimately, your decision should be based on whether you value speed and responsiveness or a comfortable and versatile typing experience.
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