Outemu Brown vs. KTT Sea Salt Lemon
An in-depth look at the Outemu Brown and the KTT Sea Salt Lemon switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Outemu Brown and KTT Sea Salt Lemon offer distinct typing experiences. The Outemu Brown is a tactile switch, providing a satisfying response with a slight bump upon actuation. On the other hand, the KTT Sea Salt Lemon is a linear switch, known for its smooth and consistent keystrokes thanks to its progressive spring and dry-lube design. While the Brown switch may appeal to those who enjoy the tactile feedback for typing accuracy, the Sea Salt Lemon switch is preferred by users 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
53g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
65g
Bottom-out force
53g
Pre-travel
1.20 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
No
Stem construction
Standard
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
The Outemu Brown and KTT Sea Salt Lemon switches both feature polycarbonate top housings, which create a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to the stiffness of the material. This leads to a more clear and resonant sound, especially ideal for switches with RGB lighting. In terms of aesthetics, polycarbonate's translucency enhances the visual appeal of the switches. On the other hand, both switches also have nylon bottom housings, known for producing a deeper and fuller sound profile. The softer nature of nylon absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound when typing on these switches.
Despite their differences in bottom housing material, the Outemu Brown and KTT Sea Salt Lemon switches share similar qualities in their top housings. Both switches benefit from the properties of polycarbonate, which contribute to a sharp and clear sound profile. The impact of the top housing material is more noticeable when releasing a key, influencing the sound produced. On the other hand, the bottom housing material plays a significant role in the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing down on the switch. While the housing materials may vary, the overall typing experience of these switches is likely to be quite similar in terms of sound and feel.
In summary, the choice between the Outemu Brown and KTT Sea Salt Lemon switches may come down to personal preference regarding sound profile and aesthetic preferences. Both switches offer unique qualities in their housing materials, with polycarbonate top housings providing a sharp and clear sound and nylon bottom housings offering a deeper and fuller sound. Whether you prefer a crisper sound with RGB lighting compatibility or a fuller sound with a softer feel, these switches cater to different preferences while still delivering a satisfying typing experience. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will depend on individual preferences and priorities when it comes to keyboard customization.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Outemu Brown tactile switch and the KTT Sea Salt Lemon linear switch, it is clear that the Brown switch is the heavier of the two. The Outemu Brown has an actuation force of 53 grams and a bottom out force of 65 grams, making it a medium-heavy option. In contrast, the KTT Sea Salt Lemon has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 53 grams, placing it in the medium-light category. For those who prefer a lighter typing experience for longer periods of time, the Sea Salt Lemon would be the better choice. However, for users who enjoy a more substantial typing feel, the Outemu Brown would be the ideal option. In either case, both switches provide a satisfying typing experience due to their well-balanced actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the Outemu Brown tactile switch and the KTT Sea Salt Lemon linear switch is the same, with both switches having a travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when pressing down on a key equipped with either switch, users will experience a similar distance traveled from the top to the bottom. As a result, the typing experience provided by both switches will be consistent in terms of key travel. Therefore, whether one opts for the Outemu Brown tactile switch or the KTT Sea Salt Lemon linear switch, they can expect comparable results and a satisfying typing experience with either option.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
For 10 switches, the Outemu Brown 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
The Outemu Brown tactile switch is known for its versatility, providing a balanced typing experience suitable for various uses. On the other hand, the KTT Sea Salt Lemon linear switch stands out for its smooth feel attributed to the progressive spring and dry-lube design by KTT. When it comes to sound, the Brown switch is yet to be described, while the Sea Salt Lemon switch offers a low-pitched and neutral sound profile, making it a suitable option for most users. As for feel, the Brown switch lacks a specific description, whereas the Sea Salt Lemon switch is characterized as mild, offering a gentle typing experience that falls in a safe middle-ground zone. Overall, while each switch has its unique qualities, both are likely to provide a satisfactory typing experience, with the Sea Salt Lemon offering a smooth feel and neutral sound profile, while the Outemu Brown switch offers versatile typing capabilities. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preferences and the intended use case.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a medium-heavy tactile switch with a bottom out force of 65 grams, and prefer a switch that is best known for its versatility, the Outemu Brown tactile switch would be the way to go. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-light linear switch with a bottom out force of 53 grams, and value a smooth typing experience with a buttery feel, the KTT Sea Salt Lemon linear switch would be the better choice for you. Additionally, if you prefer a low-pitched sound profile and a mild typing experience, the Sea Salt Lemon would be the ideal option. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches will come down to your individual preferences for typing feel, sound, and actuation force.
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