Bsun Olive vs. KTT Sea Salt Lemon
An in-depth look at the Bsun Olive and the KTT Sea Salt Lemon switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
The Bsun Olive and KTT Sea Salt Lemon are two distinct mechanical keyboard switches, each offering unique characteristics and benefits to the user. The Olive switch is celebrated for its tactile feedback and deep, resonant sound, providing a satisfying typing experience with its pronounced feedback and sharp bottom-out. On the other hand, the Sea Salt Lemon stands out for its buttery smooth typing experience, thanks to its progressive spring and dry-lube design. While the Olive switch may appeal to individuals seeking an invigorating and sharp typing experience, the Sea Salt Lemon is ideal for those looking for a milder and more neutral typing feel. 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
65g
Bottom-out force
53g
Pre-travel
2.00 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
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
13mm progressive spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Bsun Olive and the KTT Sea Salt Lemon offer distinct sound profiles due to the differences in material composition. The Olive's POM top and bottom housing create a deeper and more muted sound, while the Sea Salt Lemon's polycarbonate top and nylon bottom housing combination produces a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile. This contrast in sound characteristics can greatly impact the user experience and preference for typing on these switches.
In terms of aesthetics, the materials used in the housing of these switches also play a key role. The translucent nature of polycarbonate in the Sea Salt Lemon allows for RGB lighting to shine through, enhancing the visual appeal of the switch. On the other hand, the POM housing of the Olive may not offer the same light transmission capabilities. This difference in visual presentation can be a deciding factor for users who prioritize the overall look of their keyboard setup.
Despite the differences in housing materials, both the Bsun Olive and the KTT Sea Salt Lemon provide unique and pleasing sound profiles. While the Olive's POM housing creates a deeper sound, the Sea Salt Lemon's polycarbonate and nylon combination offers a crisper and fuller sound experience. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will come down to personal preference in terms of sound, aesthetics, and typing feel.
Weight
The Bsun Olive tactile switch and the KTT Sea Salt Lemon linear switch both have an actuation force of 45 grams, providing a light touch for typing or gaming. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Olive requires 65 grams, making it heavier and providing a more substantial typing experience. In contrast, the Sea Salt Lemon only requires 53 grams to bottom out, making it lighter and more suitable for extended typing sessions. Both switches offer a different feel and experience based on their force requirements, catering to individual preferences for typing or gaming. If a lighter touch is preferred, the Sea Salt Lemon would be the better option, while those seeking a heavier feel may lean towards the Olive.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Bsun Olive tactile switch and the KTT Sea Salt Lemon linear switch, it is clear that the Olive has a shorter travel distance of 3.4 mm compared to the Sea Salt Lemon's 4 mm. The Olive's shorter travel distance may make it more favorable for those seeking a faster response time, such as gamers. On the other hand, the Sea Salt Lemon's longer travel distance may provide a more satisfying key press for those who prefer a deeper and more substantial feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches comes down to personal preference in terms of responsiveness and key press depth. Both switches offer differing travel distances that cater to different preferences, ensuring that users will find a switch that aligns with their specific needs.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Bsun Olive has an MSRP of $5.80 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Olive for $4.70.
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 Bsun Olive tactile switch is known for delivering a resonant and deep tone that sets it apart from other switches. On the other hand, the KTT Sea Salt Lemon linear switch offers a low-pitched and neutral sound profile, making it suitable for a wide range of users and purposes. Both switches offer unique sound profiles that can be further customized based on the keyboard and keycaps used.
In terms of feel, the Bsun Olive tactile switch is characterized by its accented, invigorating, sharp, and snappy tactile feedback. This provides a distinct typing sensation that is immersive and satisfying for users who enjoy pronounced feedback. On the other hand, the KTT Sea Salt Lemon linear switch offers a mild typing experience that is gentle and approachable to most users. Both switches provide a unique feel that caters to different preferences and typing styles.
Overall, the Bsun Olive tactile switch offers a tactile and satisfying typing experience with its pronounced tactile feedback and deep sound profile. In contrast, the KTT Sea Salt Lemon linear switch provides a smooth and buttery typing experience with its progressive spring design. Depending on your preferences for sound and feel, both switches offer unique qualities that can enhance your typing experience. Ultimately, choosing between the two switches will depend on personal preference and typing style, but rest assured that you'll get a satisfying typing experience with either option.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the BSUN Olive tactile switch and the KTT Sea Salt Lemon linear switch, consider the type of typing experience you prefer. If you enjoy a pronounced tactile feedback with a medium-heavy bottom out force and a deep, resonant sound, the Olive switch may be the better choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a buttery smooth typing experience with a medium-light bottom out force and a low-pitched, neutral sound profile, the Sea Salt Lemon switch may be more suitable. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preferences for feel, sound, and overall typing experience.
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