Cherry Nixie vs. KTT Sea Salt Lemon
An in-depth look at the Cherry Nixie and the KTT Sea Salt Lemon switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, two popular options to consider are the Cherry Nixie and the KTT Sea Salt Lemon, both linear switches. The Cherry Nixie is well-known for its substantial heft and textured typing experience, thanks to the use of updated materials and springs from Cherry's MX2A update. On the other hand, the KTT Sea Salt Lemon offers a buttery smooth typing experience with its progressive spring and dry-lube design. While the Nixie is categorized as 'Textured', 'Thocky', and 'Low-pitched', the Sea Salt Lemon falls under 'Low-pitched', 'Neutral', and 'Mild'. Each switch has its own unique characteristics that cater to different preferences in typing feel and sound. 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
63.5g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
80g
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
Gold-plated
Spring
13mm progressive spring
Housing materials
The Cherry Nixie and KTT Sea Salt Lemon have differing housing materials in their top housings, with the Nixie utilizing nylon and the Sea Salt Lemon utilizing polycarbonate. The nylon housing of the Nixie creates a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer plastic composition, absorbing more sound and resulting in a duller and rounder sound. On the other hand, the polycarbonate housing of the Sea Salt Lemon produces a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The translucency of polycarbonate also makes it ideal for switches that incorporate RGB lighting, providing a visually pleasing element to the switch.
In terms of the bottom housing material, both the Cherry Nixie and KTT Sea Salt Lemon rely on nylon. This classic switch housing material contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile for both switches, as nylon's softer plastic composition absorbs more sound than harder plastics. This characteristic creates a duller and rounder sound quality when typing on switches with nylon bottom housings. Despite the similarities in bottom housing materials, the overall sound profile of the switches may still differ due to the contrasting top housing materials used in each switch.
When comparing the impact of different housing materials in switches, it becomes evident that the qualities of the top and bottom housings play a significant role in the overall sound and feel of the switch. The bottom housing material of a switch influences the bottom-out sound and feel when a key is pressed, while the top housing material has a more pronounced effect on the sound produced when a key is released. Therefore, the choice between nylon and polycarbonate housing materials not only affects the sound profile of the switches but also contributes to the overall typing experience for users.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Cherry Nixie linear switch and the KTT Sea Salt Lemon linear switch, it is evident that the Nixie is heavier than the Sea Salt Lemon. The Nixie has an actuation force of 63.5 grams and a bottom out force of 80 grams, which makes it a heavier option. On the other hand, the Sea Salt Lemon has an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 53 grams, making it a lighter option compared to the Nixie. The difference in weight between these two switches can significantly impact the typing experience for users. Those who prefer a lighter touch may opt for the Sea Salt Lemon, ideal for extended typing or gaming sessions, while those who prefer a more substantial typing feel may lean towards the Nixie for a heavier force. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on individual preference for actuation and bottom out force.
Travel distance
Both the Cherry Nixie and the KTT Sea Salt Lemon linear switches have a travel distance of 4 mm, making them equal in this aspect. This means that when pressing down on a key with either of these switches, users will experience the same distance traveled from the top to the bottom. Therefore, in terms of travel distance, both switches will provide a similar typing experience in that aspect.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Cherry Nixie has an MSRP of $6.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Nixie for $4.19.
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
When it comes to sound, the Cherry Nixie linear switch is renowned for its thocky and low-pitched sound profile, providing users with a deep and satisfying auditory experience. On the other hand, the KTT Sea Salt Lemon linear switch offers a low-pitched and neutral sound, making it a versatile option suitable for various typing environments. Both switches offer a pleasant typing sound, with the Nixie leaning towards a deeper tone while the Sea Salt Lemon provides a more balanced sound profile.
Moving on to the feel, the Cherry Nixie switch is known for its textured typing experience, offering users a tactile sensation with noticeable friction when pressed. In contrast, the KTT Sea Salt Lemon switch provides a mild typing experience, offering a gentle feel that falls in a safe middle ground zone. While the Nixie switch leans towards a more tactile and textured feel, the Sea Salt Lemon switch offers a smoother and more approachable typing experience for most users.
In conclusion, when comparing the subjective qualities of the Cherry Nixie linear switch and the KTT Sea Salt Lemon linear switch, both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences. While the Nixie switch provides a textured and thocky sound with a heavier typing feel, the Sea Salt Lemon switch offers a smoother and more neutral sound with a lighter typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on individual preferences for sound, feel, and typing style, but users can expect a satisfying and enjoyable typing experience with either option.
Conclusion
In closing, when choosing between the Cherry Nixie linear switch and the KTT Sea Salt Lemon linear switch, consider your preference for bottom out force. If you prefer a heavier switch, opt for the Nixie with 80 grams of force. However, if you prefer a lighter feel, the Sea Salt Lemon with 53 grams may be more suitable for you. Additionally, if you enjoy a thocky and low-pitched sound, the Nixie is a great choice. On the other hand, if you prefer a low-pitched and neutral sound, the Sea Salt Lemon is the way to go. Lastly, if you appreciate a textured typing experience, you may lean towards the Nixie, but if you prefer a milder feel, the Sea Salt Lemon is a better fit. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preferences and typing style to ensure a satisfying typing experience.
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