Outemu Blue vs. KTT Sea Salt Lemon
An in-depth look at the Outemu Blue and the KTT Sea Salt Lemon switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
Mechanical keyboards are highly customizable and offer a wide array of switch options to cater to individual preferences. Two popular choices are the Outemu Blue, known for its satisfying clicky sound, and the KTT Sea Salt Lemon, lauded for its smooth linear feel. The Outemu Blue switch is categorized as a clicky switch, providing a tactile and audible feedback with each key press. On the other hand, the KTT Sea Salt Lemon is a linear switch, offering a smoother typing experience with a progressive spring and dry-lube design. While the Outemu Blue is ideal for those who enjoy the audible feedback and precise tactile feel, the Sea Salt Lemon is perfect for those seeking a quiet and smooth typing experience. 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
50g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
53g
Pre-travel
2.20 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
No
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
13mm progressive spring
Housing materials
Both the Outemu Blue and the KTT Sea Salt Lemon switches feature polycarbonate top housings, which create a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The use of polycarbonate in both switches also allows for RGB lighting to shine through, making them visually appealing options for those who enjoy customizable lighting effects. In terms of sound, the stiffer nature of polycarbonate plastic leads to a more clear and resonant sound profile, adding to the overall typing experience for users of these switches.
On the other hand, both switches utilize nylon bottom housings, known for creating a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing. Nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound than harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. This material choice impacts the bottom-out sound and feel of the switches, enhancing the overall typing experience by providing a satisfying and tactile response. The use of nylon in the bottom housing of both switches showcases a commitment to quality and attention to detail in their design.
While the Outemu Blue and the KTT Sea Salt Lemon switches may differ in their color and branding, the choice of housing materials plays a significant role in determining the sound profile and typing experience of each switch. Whether it is the polycarbonate top housing creating a sharp and clear sound, or the nylon bottom housing producing a deep and full sound, both switches offer a unique typing experience that is enhanced by their carefully selected materials. Overall, users can expect a similar level of quality and performance from both switches due to their shared use of polycarbonate and nylon housing materials.
Weight
Comparing the Outemu Blue clicky switch and the KTT Sea Salt Lemon linear switch, the Blue has a higher actuation force of 50 grams compared to the Sea Salt Lemon's 45 grams. This means that the Blue switch requires a slightly heavier touch to register a keystroke. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Sea Salt Lemon has a higher force of 53 grams, while the Blue's bottom out force is unknown. This suggests that the Sea Salt Lemon provides a slightly firmer typing experience when fully pressing down on the keys. For individuals who prefer a lighter typing experience, the Sea Salt Lemon would be the better choice, while those who enjoy a more substantial typing feel may lean towards the Outemu Blue. Ultimately, considering the weight and force of the switches is essential in determining the most suitable option for individual preferences and needs.
Travel distance
Both the Outemu Blue clicky switch and the KTT Sea Salt Lemon linear switch have the same travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when pressing down on a key with either of these switches, you will experience a similar amount of travel before the key registers. While the two switches may have different tactile and auditory feedback due to their clicky and linear characteristics, respectively, the physical distance traveled by the key is identical in both cases. Therefore, users can expect consistent results in terms of travel distance regardless of which switch they choose.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
For 10 switches, the Outemu Blue comes in at $3.10, 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
When it comes to sound, the Outemu Blue clicky switch is known for its sharp and clicky noise, making it ideal for those who enjoy a more tactile typing experience. On the other hand, the KTT Sea Salt Lemon linear switch offers a low-pitched and neutral sound profile, which provides a mellower tone that is suitable for various usage scenarios. The choice between the two will heavily depend on personal preference and whether you prefer a louder, clickier sound or a quieter, more mellow tone.
In terms of feel, the Outemu Blue switch is often described as providing a tactile and clicky typing experience, thanks to its prominent tactile bump and audible click. In contrast, the KTT Sea Salt Lemon linear switch offers a mild and smooth typing experience due to its progressive spring and dry-lube design. Both switches provide a different feel to cater to different preferences, with the Outemu Blue offering more feedback and the Sea Salt Lemon providing a buttery smooth experience.
Overall, the Outemu Blue clicky switch and the KTT Sea Salt Lemon linear switch appeal to different preferences in terms of sound and feel. While the Outemu Blue switch offers a loud and tactile experience, the KTT Sea Salt Lemon switch provides a smoother and quieter typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two will come down to personal preference and the type of typing experience you are looking for. Whether you prefer a clicky and tactile switch or a smooth and quiet switch, both options have their own unique qualities that can enhance your typing experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Outemu Blue clicky switch and the KTT Sea Salt Lemon linear switch, you should consider your preferences for typing experience. If you enjoy a clicky and tactile typing experience with a light bottom out force, the Outemu Blue switch may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a smooth and buttery typing experience with a medium-light bottom out force, the KTT Sea Salt Lemon switch could be more suitable. Ultimately, choosing between these two switches depends on whether you prioritize a clicky and tactile feel or a smooth and gentle typing experience. Consider these factors carefully before making your decision.
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