Outemu Dustproof Red vs. KTT Sea Salt Lemon
An in-depth look at the Outemu Dustproof Red 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 Dustproof Red and KTT Sea Salt Lemon both offer a linear typing experience, but with different characteristics. The Dustproof Red is best known for its none feature, while the Sea Salt Lemon stands out for its buttery smooth typing experience thanks to a progressive spring and KTT's dry-lube design. The Dustproof Red is categorized as linear, while the Sea Salt Lemon falls into the low-pitched, neutral, mild category. Each switch has its own unique attributes that may appeal to different users depending on their preferences and typing style. 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
60g
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 Dustproof Red and the KTT Sea Salt Lemon both feature polycarbonate top housing, which results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to polycarbonate being a stiff plastic that lends itself to clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches intended for RGB lighting. Despite having the same top housing material, the two switches may still offer slightly different sound profiles based on other factors such as the stem and spring design.
However, where the two switches differ is in their bottom housing material. The Dustproof Red utilizes a nylon bottom housing, which produces a deeper and fuller sound when typed on. This is because nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, resulting in a mellower and rounder sound profile compared to the polycarbonate top housing. Similarly, the Sea Salt Lemon also features a nylon bottom housing, providing a similar typing experience in terms of sound profile.
In terms of functionality, the qualities of the different housing materials in each switch are divided between the top and bottom of the switch. The bottom housing has a greater impact on the bottom-out sound and feel when a key is pressed, while the top housing affects the sound when a key is released. Despite these differences, both the Outemu Dustproof Red and the KTT Sea Salt Lemon offer a unique typing experience with a combination of polycarbonate and nylon housing materials, showcasing the importance of housing materials in determining sound profiles in mechanical keyboards.
Weight
Comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Outemu Dustproof Red linear switch and the KTT Sea Salt Lemon linear switch reveals some differences. The Dustproof Red switch has a higher bottom out force of 60 grams compared to the Sea Salt Lemon's 53 grams, making it slightly heavier. However, both switches have the same actuation force of 45 grams, meaning that users can expect a similar initial key press experience. The Dustproof Red switch may appeal more to users who prefer a more substantial typing experience due to its higher bottom out force, while the Sea Salt Lemon switch might be preferred by those who prefer a lighter feel for longer typing sessions. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
Both the Outemu Dustproof Red linear switch and the KTT Sea Salt Lemon linear switch have a travel distance of 4mm, meaning that they both offer the same key feel in terms of travel distance. This similarity ensures that users will get consistent results when pressing down on the keys of either switch. The travel distance of a switch is crucial in determining the tactile feedback and overall typing experience. While both switches offer the same travel distance, they may differ in other aspects such as actuation force, sound profile, and overall typing feel. Ultimately, the travel distance of these switches plays a significant role in providing a satisfying typing experience for users who prefer a shorter travel distance in their mechanical keyboards.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
For 10 switches, the Outemu Dustproof Red 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 Dustproof Red linear switch and the KTT Sea Salt Lemon linear switch offer distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Dustproof Red's sound profile is currently unknown, while the Sea Salt Lemon is praised for its low-pitched, neutral sound that suits a variety of users and environments. When it comes to tactile feel, the Dustproof Red's characteristics are also unspecified, whereas the Sea Salt Lemon provides a mild typing experience that is gentle and approachable to most individuals. Overall, while the specific qualities of the Dustproof Red may not be detailed, the Sea Salt Lemon stands out for its smooth typing experience and versatile sound profile, making it a favorable option for those seeking a well-rounded linear switch. Regardless of the differences in sound and feel between the two switches, both are sure to deliver satisfactory performance based on their respective reputations in the mechanical keyboard community.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Outemu Dustproof Red linear switch and the KTT Sea Salt Lemon linear switch, it ultimately comes down to your preference for bottom out force and typing experience. If you prefer a slightly heavier bottom out force and are indifferent to sound and feel, the Dustproof Red may be the better option for you. However, if you prefer a lighter bottom out force, a buttery smooth typing experience, and a low-pitched and mild sound, then the Sea Salt Lemon switch would be the ideal choice. Consider your typing style and preferences carefully before making your decision, as both switches have their own unique characteristics that cater to different preferences. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches comes down to what feels best for you as you type away on your mechanical keyboard.
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