TTC Neptune vs. KTT Sea Salt Lemon
An in-depth look at the TTC Neptune and the KTT Sea Salt Lemon switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the TTC Neptune and KTT Sea Salt Lemon mechanical keyboard switches, it becomes evident that both offer unique features that cater to different preferences. The Neptune stands out with its innovative internal structure, providing a smooth and frictionless typing experience with a springy resistance akin to chewy delicacies like mochi. On the other hand, the Sea Salt Lemon impresses with its buttery smooth typing experience thanks to its progressive spring and dry-lube design. Both switches offer muted sound signatures, making them ideal for those who prefer a refined and unobtrusive auditory ambiance while typing. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities to help you make the best decision on the ideal switch for your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
41g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
53g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.80 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
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Lengthened 21.5mm spring
Spring
13mm progressive spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the TTC Neptune and the KTT Sea Salt Lemon both play a significant role in determining the sound profile of the switches. The Neptune's POM top housing offers a deeper and more muted sound, while the Sea Salt Lemon's polycarbonate top housing creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. The use of polycarbonate in the Sea Salt Lemon's top housing is particularly beneficial for those looking to incorporate RGB lighting, thanks to its translucency. In contrast, the POM top housing of the Neptune may appeal to those seeking a more subtle and understated sound experience.
In terms of the bottom housing, the Neptune's polycarbonate bottom housing mirrors the characteristics of the Sea Salt Lemon's top housing, providing a sharp and clear sound profile. On the other hand, the Sea Salt Lemon's nylon bottom housing offers a deeper and fuller sound, as nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound profile. This difference in materials highlights how the bottom housing of a switch can significantly impact the bottom-out sound and feel when typing.
Despite their differences in housing materials, both the Neptune and the Sea Salt Lemon demonstrate how the choice of material can influence the overall sound profile of a switch. Whether it's the sharper, crisper sound of polycarbonate in the Sea Salt Lemon or the deeper, more muted sound of POM in the Neptune, each material brings its own unique characteristics to the typing experience. Ultimately, the combination of top and bottom housing materials in a switch can create a harmonious blend of qualities that cater to different preferences in sound and feel.
Weight
In comparing the TTC Neptune linear switch and the KTT Sea Salt Lemon linear switch, it is evident that both switches have relatively light actuation and bottom out forces compared to other switches on the market. The Neptune has an actuation force of 41 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, while the Sea Salt Lemon has an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 53 grams. The Neptune is slightly lighter in both actuation and bottom out forces, making it a good choice for those who prefer a lighter typing experience for extended periods of time. On the other hand, the Sea Salt Lemon offers a slightly heavier push feel, which may be more appealing to users looking for a bit more resistance and feedback while typing. Both switches provide a smooth linear feel, ensuring a comfortable typing experience overall. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will come down to personal preference in terms of actuation and bottom out force.
Travel distance
In comparing the travel distance of the TTC Neptune linear switch and the KTT Sea Salt Lemon linear switch, we find that the Neptune has a travel distance of 3.8 mm, while the Sea Salt Lemon has a travel distance of 4 mm. The Neptune has a slightly shorter travel distance than the Sea Salt Lemon, making it the quicker option for those seeking a faster response time. On the other hand, the Sea Salt Lemon provides a slightly longer travel distance, which may appeal to those who prefer a more substantial key press. Both switches fall within the range of traditional travel distances, with the Neptune being the shorter of the two options. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for key responsiveness and feel.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The TTC Neptune has an MSRP of $7.99 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Neptune for $5.09.
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 TTC Neptune linear switch offers a low-pitched, muted, and subdued sound profile, providing a refined and unobtrusive auditory experience. On the other hand, the KTT Sea Salt Lemon linear switch also has a low-pitched sound with a neutral profile, making it suitable for a variety of environments. While both switches share a low-pitched characteristic, the Neptune's muted and subdued sound may appeal more to those seeking a quieter typing experience.
When it comes to feel, the TTC Neptune linear switch is known for its buttery, gummy, frictionless, mild, and polished typing experience, providing a smooth and effortless keystroke sensation. In contrast, the KTT Sea Salt Lemon linear switch offers a mild typing experience, which is gentle and approachable to most users. While both switches aim to provide a comfortable typing experience, the Neptune's unique blend of buttery and frictionless qualities may offer a more immersive and textured feel during use.
Overall, while both the TTC Neptune and KTT Sea Salt Lemon linear switches share some similarities in their low-pitched sound profiles, the Neptune stands out for its muted and subdued sound quality, as well as its unique combination of buttery and frictionless feel. Depending on individual preferences, the Neptune may appeal more to users looking for a switch that offers both a refined sound and a textured typing experience. However, those who prefer a more straightforward and gentle feel may find the Sea Salt Lemon to be a versatile and approachable choice. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches will come down to personal preference and the specific typing experience each user is seeking.
Conclusion
To sum up, when considering whether to choose the TTC Neptune linear switch or the KTT Sea Salt Lemon linear switch, your decision should be guided by your preference for typing experience. If you prioritize a smooth and textured feel with a matte finish and muted sound signature, the TTC Neptune would be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a buttery smooth typing experience with a progressive spring and a neutral sound profile, the KTT Sea Salt Lemon would be more suited to your preferences. Ultimately, your decision should be based on the type of typing experience you value the most, whether it be the unique "matte" feel of the Neptune or the buttery smoothness of the Sea Salt Lemon.
Mentioned in this article
