Outemu Crystal Brown vs. KTT Sea Salt Lemon
An in-depth look at the Outemu Crystal 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 Crystal Brown and the KTT Sea Salt Lemon offer unique typing experiences. The Crystal Brown is a tactile switch with none. On the other hand, the Sea Salt Lemon stands out for its buttery smooth typing experience thanks to its progressive spring and KTT's dry-lube design. The Crystal Brown is best known for its category, while the Sea Salt Lemon is categorized as 'Low-pitched', 'Neutral', and 'Mild'. If you prefer a tactile switch, the Crystal Brown may be the way to go; however, if you desire a smooth linear switch, the Sea Salt Lemon could be the perfect fit. 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
55g
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
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 Crystal Brown and KTT Sea Salt Lemon both utilize polycarbonate for their top housing, resulting in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The stiffness of polycarbonate enhances the clarity and resonance of the sound, making it ideal for switches that use RGB lighting due to its translucency. This makes the two switches quite similar in terms of sound characteristics and aesthetic possibilities.
On the other hand, when it comes to the bottom housing material, both switches use nylon. Nylon is known for producing a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to polycarbonate. The softer nature of nylon absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound overall. This difference in bottom housing material between the Crystal Brown and Sea Salt Lemon may lead to a variation in typing experience, with the bottom housing playing a significant role in the bottom-out sound and feel of the switch.
Despite the similarities in top housing material, the differences in bottom housing material between the Outemu Crystal Brown and KTT Sea Salt Lemon may result in distinct typing experiences. While both switches offer the benefits of polycarbonate's clarity and nylon's fuller sound, the specific combination of these materials in each switch may lead to subtle differences in sound profiles and typing feel. Ultimately, the choice between these switches may come down to personal preference for either the sharper, crisper sound of polycarbonate or the deeper, fuller sound of nylon.
Weight
In comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Outemu Crystal Brown tactile switch and the KTT Sea Salt Lemon linear switch, we find that both switches have the same actuation force of 45 grams. However, the Crystal Brown has a slightly heavier bottom out force of 55 grams compared to the Sea Salt Lemon's 53 grams. This means that while the actuation force required to trigger a keystroke is the same for both switches, the Crystal Brown will provide a slightly more substantial typing experience due to its heavier bottom out force. Both switches fall into the medium-light category in terms of force required, making them suitable for extended typing sessions with minimal fatigue. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will come down to personal preference regarding the desired weight and feel of the keyboard switches.
Travel distance
Both the Outemu Crystal Brown tactile 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 you press down on a key with either of these switches, you will experience a similar travel distance of 4 mm. This makes them ideal for users who prefer a consistent typing experience in terms of travel distance. Both switches offer a satisfying keypress feel, with the Crystal Brown providing a tactile feedback while the Sea Salt Lemon offers a smooth linear action. Overall, whether you choose the Crystal Brown or the Sea Salt Lemon, you can expect a similar travel distance and a comfortable typing experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
For 10 switches, the Outemu Crystal 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
In terms of sound, the Outemu Crystal Brown tactile switch and the KTT Sea Salt Lemon linear switch offer different experiences. The Crystal Brown's sound characteristics are currently unknown, while the Sea Salt Lemon is described as having a low-pitched and neutral sound profile. This means that the Sea Salt Lemon switch will likely provide a bass-heavy and mellow tone, suitable for a variety of typing environments. Keep in mind that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by your keyboard and keycap choices.
When it comes to the overall typing feel, the Crystal Brown switch is currently unknown, while the Sea Salt Lemon linear switch is noted for its mild typing experience. This means that the Sea Salt Lemon switch offers a gentle and approachable feel, with qualities that fall within a safe middle ground for most users. The progressive spring and KTT's dry-lube design contribute to a buttery smooth typing experience, making it a pleasant switch to type on for extended periods.
In conclusion, the Outemu Crystal Brown tactile switch and the KTT Sea Salt Lemon linear switch offer different sound and feel characteristics. While the Crystal Brown's attributes are currently unknown, the Sea Salt Lemon provides a low-pitched and neutral sound profile, along with a mild and approachable typing experience. Depending on your preferences, either switch can provide a satisfying typing experience, with the Sea Salt Lemon offering a smooth and gentle feel, and the Crystal Brown potentially offering its own unique qualities. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and the specific typing experience you are looking to achieve.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Outemu Crystal Brown tactile switch and the KTT Sea Salt Lemon linear switch, consider the type of typing experience you prefer. If you enjoy a tactile feedback with a bottom out force of 55 grams, the Crystal Brown may be the better choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a buttery smooth linear switch with a bottom out force of 53 grams, the Sea Salt Lemon could be the ideal option. Additionally, take into account the sound and feel characteristics of each switch to ensure it aligns with your preferences. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches comes down to personal preference and the typing experience you are looking for.
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