Outemu Cream Pink vs. KTT Sea Salt Lemon
An in-depth look at the Outemu Cream Pink and the KTT Sea Salt Lemon switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Outemu Cream Pink and the KTT Sea Salt Lemon mechanical keyboard switches, it is important to note that both are linear switches, offering a smooth and consistent keystroke without any tactile feedback. The Cream Pink is known for its simplicity, lacking any specific standout features, while the Sea Salt Lemon is praised for its progressive spring and KTT's dry-lube design, providing a buttery smooth typing experience. The Cream Pink falls under the category of standard linear switches, whereas the Sea Salt Lemon is categorized as low-pitched, neutral, and mild. While both switches offer a linear typing experience, the Sea Salt Lemon stands out for its unique characteristics and smooth operation. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the ideal switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
50g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
65g
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
Partial box
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
Stainless steel
Spring
13mm progressive spring
Housing materials
Overall, the Outemu Cream Pink and KTT Sea Salt Lemon switches both boast unique housing materials that contribute to their respective sound profiles. The Cream Pink features a nylon top housing, which results in a deeper and fuller sound, while the Sea Salt Lemon's polycarbonate top housing produces a sharper and crisper sound. Despite their differences, both materials offer a desirable typing experience, with nylon providing a duller and rounder sound compared to polycarbonate's clear and resonant profile.
In terms of the bottom housing, both the Cream Pink and the Sea Salt Lemon utilize a nylon material, which contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile during typing. The softer nature of nylon allows for the absorption of more sound, resulting in a more muted and rounded sound compared to harder plastics. This commonality in bottom housing material ensures a consistent typing experience across both switches, with a focus on creating a satisfying sound profile that enhances the overall typing feel.
The distinct differences in the top housing materials of the Cream Pink and the Sea Salt Lemon allow for varied sound profiles when pressing down on the switch versus letting go of a key. The Cream Pink's nylon top housing offers a deeper sound upon key activation, while the Sea Salt Lemon's polycarbonate top housing produces a sharper sound upon key release. These differences highlight how the choice of housing material can impact the overall sound and feel of a switch, catering to different preferences and typing styles.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Outemu Cream Pink linear switch and the KTT Sea Salt Lemon linear switch, it is evident that the Cream Pink has a heavier actuation force of 50 grams compared to the Sea Salt Lemon's lighter force of 45 grams. Similarly, the Cream Pink has a heavier bottom out force of 65 grams, while the Sea Salt Lemon has a lighter bottom out force of 53 grams. This indicates that the Cream Pink switch provides a more substantial typing experience with a firmer push feel, ideal for those who prefer a heavier typing experience. On the other hand, the Sea Salt Lemon switch offers a lighter touch, making it suitable for those who prefer a lighter feel for extended typing or gaming sessions. The heavier actuation and bottom out forces of the Cream Pink may result in quicker fatigue for some users compared to the Sea Salt Lemon's lighter forces. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preference for typing feel and the desired weight of the key presses.
Travel distance
Both the Outemu Cream Pink linear switch and the KTT Sea Salt Lemon linear switch 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 amount of travel distance. This similarity ensures that individuals who prefer a particular travel distance will get consistent results no matter which switch they choose. Having the same travel distance can provide a consistent typing experience and ensure that there is no adjustment needed when switching between keyboards with different switches.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
For 10 switches, the Outemu Cream Pink 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 Cream Pink linear switch doesn't have a specific reputation, while the KTT Sea Salt Lemon linear switch is known for its low-pitched and neutral sound profile. The Sea Salt Lemon switches offer a bass-heavy and mellow tone, making them suitable for various settings due to their moderate actuation force requirement. Keep in mind that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard and keycaps used.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the Cream Pink doesn't have a distinct description in this regard. On the other hand, the Sea Salt Lemon switches are known for providing a mild typing experience. These switches offer a gentle feel that falls somewhere in the middle ground, making them approachable for most users. The buttery smooth typing experience from the progressive spring and dry-lube design adds to the overall tactile satisfaction when using the Sea Salt Lemon switches.
In conclusion, while the Cream Pink and Sea Salt Lemon switches have their own unique characteristics when it comes to sound and feel, they both aim to provide a pleasant typing experience. If you prefer a switch with a mellow, low-pitched sound, the Sea Salt Lemon switches might be more appealing to you. Both switches offer a comfortable typing experience and can be suitable for various users, whether beginners or advanced typists. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on your personal preferences in terms of sound and feel.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Outemu Cream Pink linear switch and the KTT Sea Salt Lemon linear switch, you should consider a few key factors. If you prefer a slightly heavier bottom out force and are looking for a switch without any particular standout features, the Cream Pink may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter bottom out force and appreciate a smooth typing experience with a progressive spring and dry-lube design, the Sea Salt Lemon would be a great option. Additionally, if you prefer a low-pitched and neutral sound profile and enjoy a mild and gentle typing experience, the Sea Salt Lemon would be a better fit. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches will come down to your personal preferences in key features such as bottom out force, sound profile, and typing feel.
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