Outemu Gold vs. KTT Sea Salt Lemon
An in-depth look at the Outemu Gold and the KTT Sea Salt Lemon switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When looking at mechanical keyboard switches, the Outemu Gold and KTT Sea Salt Lemon present two distinct options for users to consider. The Outemu Gold is a clicky switch with a reputation for None. On the other hand, the KTT Sea Salt Lemon is a linear switch that is praised for its smooth typing experience due to its progressive spring and dry-lube design. While the Gold switch offers a tactile feedback with audible clicks, the Sea Salt Lemon switch provides a quieter and smoother 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
45g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
53g
Pre-travel
1.80 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
Both the Outemu Gold and the KTT Sea Salt Lemon switches use polycarbonate for their top housings, resulting in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The stiffness of polycarbonate contributes to a clear and resonant sound, making it ideal for those who prefer a distinct typing experience. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate is beneficial for users interested in RGB lighting, as it allows for better light diffusion. In terms of aesthetics and sound output, both switches offer similar results due to their shared top housing material.
On the other hand, the bottom housings of the Outemu Gold and KTT Sea Salt Lemon switches differ in material, with the Gold utilizing nylon and the Sea Salt Lemon also opting for nylon material. Nylon is known for creating a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer nature, which absorbs more sound than harder plastics. This results in a duller and rounder sound characteristic of switches using nylon bottom housings. Despite the difference in bottom housing material, both switches offer a similar typing experience with their use of nylon, providing a satisfying sound output appreciated by many keyboard enthusiasts.
Overall, the choice between the Outemu Gold and KTT Sea Salt Lemon switches may come down to personal preference in terms of sound profile and typing feel. While both switches share the use of polycarbonate in their top housings for a clear and resonant sound, the difference in bottom housing material may slightly alter the typing experience for users. Whether one prefers the sharper sound of the Gold's nylon bottom housing or the fuller sound of the Sea Salt Lemon's nylon bottom housing, both switches offer a unique and enjoyable typing experience for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts.
Weight
The Outemu Gold clicky switch and the KTT Sea Salt Lemon linear switch have similar actuation forces of 45 grams. However, the bottom out forces differ slightly, with the Gold switch requiring 60 grams and the Sea Salt Lemon switch requiring 53 grams. The Gold switch offers a heavier typing experience compared to the Sea Salt Lemon switch, which is lighter. Those who prefer a more substantial typing feel may lean towards the Outemu Gold switch, while those looking for a lighter touch may opt for the KTT Sea Salt Lemon switch. Both switches provide a medium actuation force, but the slight difference in bottom out force may result in a slightly different typing experience for users.
Travel distance
Both the Outemu Gold clicky switch and the KTT Sea Salt Lemon linear switch have a travel distance of 4 mm, making them equal in this aspect. When comparing the two switches, their travel distance is consistent, providing a similar tactile experience for users. The travel distance of both switches allows for a satisfying keystroke response while typing. Overall, both switches offer a comfortable and efficient typing experience due to their identical travel distance.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
For 10 switches, the Outemu Gold 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 Gold clicky switch is known for creating a sharp and satisfying click with each keystroke. On the other hand, the KTT Sea Salt Lemon linear switch produces a low-pitched and mellow sound, providing a quieter typing experience overall. Both switches offer unique auditory characteristics that cater to different preferences, with the Gold being more crisp and defined while the Sea Salt Lemon offers a more calming and neutral sound profile.
In terms of feel, the Outemu Gold switch provides a tactile and responsive typing experience, making it ideal for those who enjoy a distinct feedback with each key press. The KTT Sea Salt Lemon linear switch, on the other hand, offers a smooth and buttery feel due to its progressive spring and dry-lube design. This results in a gentle typing experience that is approachable to most users, regardless of their typing style or experience level. Both switches excel in providing a comfortable and enjoyable typing feel, with the Gold being more tactile and the Sea Salt Lemon being smoother and more linear in its action.
Overall, the Outemu Gold clicky switch and the KTT Sea Salt Lemon linear switch offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Gold switch delivers a sharp and defined click sound with a tactile typing feel, while the Sea Salt Lemon switch provides a low-pitched and mellow sound alongside a smooth and buttery typing experience. Both switches have their own strengths and appeal to different preferences, ensuring that keyboard enthusiasts can find a switch that suits their individual tastes and typing needs. Ultimately, whether you choose the Outemu Gold or the KTT Sea Salt Lemon switch, you can expect a high-quality typing experience that meets your expectations.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Outemu Gold clicky switch and the KTT Sea Salt Lemon linear switch, you should consider your preference for typing experience and sound. If you prefer a clicky switch with medium bottom out force and are not particular about sound, the Outemu Gold may be the better choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a smoother, linear switch with a lighter bottom out force and a low-pitched, neutral sound profile, the KTT Sea Salt Lemon switch would be more suitable. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal typing preferences and the environment in which you'll be using the keyboard.
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