Haimu Neo White vs. KTT Sea Salt Lemon
An in-depth look at the Haimu Neo White and the KTT Sea Salt Lemon switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Haimu Neo White and the KTT Sea Salt Lemon mechanical keyboard switches, both linear switches offer a smooth typing experience. The Neo White stands out with its medium weight and slightly reduced total travel, thanks to the rare Ly stem that contributes to its smooth actuation, making each keystroke satisfying. On the other hand, the Sea Salt Lemon showcases a buttery smooth typing experience with its progressive spring and KTT's dry-lube design. While the Neo White is categorized as 'Mild' and 'Neutral', the Sea Salt Lemon is categorized as 'Low-pitched', 'Neutral', and 'Mild'. Both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different 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
58g
Bottom-out force
53g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
No
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
Ly
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
Double-staged spring
Spring
13mm progressive spring
Housing materials
Both the Haimu Neo White and the KTT Sea Salt Lemon feature polycarbonate top housings, which are known for creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to polycarbonate's stiffness, which leads to a clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches that utilize RGB lighting, providing a visually appealing experience. As a result, users can expect similar sound characteristics from both switches when it comes to their polycarbonate top housings.
However, the differences between the two switches become evident when looking at their nylon bottom housings. The Neo White's nylon bottom housing is known for eliciting a deeper and fuller sound profile due to nylon's softer nature, which absorbs more sound and creates a duller and rounder sound. On the other hand, the Sea Salt Lemon also utilizes a nylon bottom housing, offering a similar typing experience with its deep and rich sound profile. Both switches provide users with a different sound profile based on the material used in their bottom housing.
When it comes to the overall typing experience, the characteristics of the bottom and top housings play a significant role. The bottom housing affects the bottom-out sound and feel of the switch when pressed down, while the top housing influences the sound when releasing a key. Therefore, the combination of materials used in both the top and bottom housings of the Haimu Neo White and the KTT Sea Salt Lemon contributes to their unique sound profiles and typing experiences, providing users with distinct options to choose from based on their preferences.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Haimu Neo White linear switch and the KTT Sea Salt Lemon linear switch, it is clear that the Neo White has a higher bottom out force of 58 grams compared to Sea Salt Lemon's 53 grams. However, the Sea Salt Lemon has a lower actuation force of 45 grams, while the actuation force of the Neo White is unspecified. In terms of weight, the Sea Salt Lemon is lighter, making it ideal for extended typing sessions or gaming, whereas the Neo White may provide a more substantial typing experience due to its higher bottom out force. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for lighter or heavier actuation forces.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the Haimu Neo White linear switch is 3.6 mm, making it the shorter option compared to the KTT Sea Salt Lemon linear switch with a travel distance of 4 mm. The Neo White offers a slightly shallower travel distance, which may be preferred by gamers looking for faster response times. On the other hand, the Sea Salt Lemon provides a slightly deeper travel distance, which may be favored by those looking for a more substantial key press feeling. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for travel distance and key press feedback.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
For 10 switches, the Haimu Neo White comes in at $2.70, 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
In terms of sound, the Haimu Neo White linear switch offers a neutral sound profile, making it suitable for various purposes and preferences. On the other hand, the KTT Sea Salt Lemon linear switch produces a low-pitched sound with a more bass-heavy and mellow tone. Both switches are considered moderate in terms of actuation force requirement, providing a comfortable typing experience for users. While sound can also be influenced by other factors such as keyboard and keycap choices, the Neo White and Sea Salt Lemon switches offer distinct auditory experiences to cater to different preferences.
Moving on to the feel, both the Neo White and Sea Salt Lemon linear switches provide a mild typing experience, appealing to a wide range of users with their gentle characteristics. The Neo White switch stands out with its medium weight and slightly reduced total travel, contributing to a smooth actuation that enhances the overall typing feel. Similarly, the Sea Salt Lemon switch boasts a buttery smooth typing experience, thanks to its progressive spring and dry-lube design. Both switches fall into the mild category, offering a safe middle-ground zone that is approachable to most users seeking a comfortable and satisfying typing feel.
Overall, while the Haimu Neo White linear switch and the KTT Sea Salt Lemon linear switch may differ in sound profiles, they both provide a pleasant typing experience with their mild characteristics and smooth actuation. Whether you prefer a neutral sound profile like the Neo White or a low-pitched sound like the Sea Salt Lemon, both switches offer a satisfying typing feel that caters to a broad range of users. Ultimately, choosing between the two switches will come down to personal preference in sound profile and the overall typing experience desired.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the Haimu Neo White linear switch and the KTT Sea Salt Lemon linear switch, consider your preference for typing feel and sound. If you prefer a slightly heavier actuation force and a distinctive typing experience with smooth actuation, the Neo White may be the better choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter actuation force and a buttery smooth typing experience with a low-pitched sound profile, the Sea Salt Lemon switch would be more suitable. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preferences for typing feel and sound when selecting between these two linear switches.
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