Outemu Lotus vs. KTT Sea Salt Lemon
An in-depth look at the Outemu Lotus 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 Lotus and KTT Sea Salt Lemon both offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences. The Lotus is best known for its smooth linear feel, making it a popular choice among users who prefer a consistent typing experience. On the other hand, the Sea Salt Lemon stands out for its progressive spring and dry-lube design, which provides a buttery smooth typing experience. While the Lotus is categorized as a linear switch, the Sea Salt Lemon boasts qualities of being low-pitched, neutral, and mild. Both switches have their own strengths and appeal to different types of users. 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
35g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
53g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.30 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
Nylon
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 housing materials of the Outemu Lotus and the KTT Sea Salt Lemon offer different sound profiles due to their construction materials. The Lotus's nylon top housing creates a deeper and fuller sound profile by absorbing more sound with its softer plastic composition, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. In contrast, the Sea Salt Lemon's polycarbonate top housing produces a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound due to its relatively stiffer plastic composition. While both housing materials are known for their distinct sound characteristics, the choice between them ultimately comes down to personal preference and the desired typing experience.
Both the Lotus and the Sea Salt Lemon feature nylon bottom housings, providing a deeper and fuller sound profile due to the material's softer nature that absorbs more sound. This similarity in housing materials ensures that users can expect a consistent typing experience when it comes to bottom-out sound and feel. Despite this consistency, the differences in the top housing materials between the two switches will still impact the overall sound and feel of typing on each switch. Whether one prefers the rounder sound of nylon or the crisper sound of polycarbonate, both switches offer unique qualities that cater to individual preferences.
The separation of housing materials between the top and bottom of the switches plays a significant role in the overall typing experience. The bottom housing material influences the bottom-out sound and feel when a key is pressed, while the top housing material has a greater impact on the sound when a key is released. This division allows for a more nuanced and personalized typing experience, as users can choose switches with housing materials that cater to their specific preferences for typing sound and feel. Whether opting for the softer, fuller sound of nylon or the sharper, crisper sound of polycarbonate, both the Outemu Lotus and the KTT Sea Salt Lemon offer distinct advantages that enhance the overall typing experience.
Weight
The Outemu Lotus linear switch has a lighter actuation force of 35 grams compared to the KTT Sea Salt Lemon linear switch which has a slightly heavier actuation force of 45 grams. In terms of bottom out force, the Lotus requires 50 grams to bottom out while the Sea Salt Lemon needs 53 grams. Both switches provide a relatively light typing experience overall, but the Lotus is slightly lighter in both actuation and bottom out forces. For those who prefer a more effortless typing experience, the Lotus may be the preferred choice. However, the Sea Salt Lemon offers a slightly more substantial feel due to its slightly higher actuation and bottom out forces. The choice between the two ultimately depends on individual preferences for typing force.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the Outemu Lotus linear switch is 3.3mm, while the KTT Sea Salt Lemon linear switch has a travel distance of 4mm. The Lotus has a slightly shorter travel distance compared to the Sea Salt Lemon, which means it may provide a quicker response time for users, especially gamers who prefer fast actuation. On the other hand, the Sea Salt Lemon's longer travel distance may offer a more tactile and satisfying typing experience for those who enjoy a deeper key press. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and typing style.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
For 10 switches, the Outemu Lotus 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 comparing the sound of the Outemu Lotus linear switch and the KTT Sea Salt Lemon linear switch, it is important to note that the Lotus switch does not have a specific sound description provided, while the Sea Salt Lemon is described as having a low-pitched and neutral sound profile. Low-pitched switches like the Sea Salt Lemon tend to produce a bass-heavy and mellow tone, making them pleasant to use in various settings. The neutral sound profile of the Sea Salt Lemon means that it is suitable for a wide range of users, making it a versatile option for different typing experiences.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the Lotus switch does not have a specific feel description provided, while the Sea Salt Lemon is described as offering a mild typing experience. Mild switches like the Sea Salt Lemon provide a gentle typing feel that is approachable to most users, as they strike a balance between different characteristics. This makes them a suitable choice for users who prefer a more subdued typing experience without sacrificing on performance.
Overall, based on the available information, it can be said that the KTT Sea Salt Lemon linear switch offers a low-pitched and neutral sound profile along with a mild typing experience. While the specific qualities of the Outemu Lotus switch are not provided, it can be inferred that the Sea Salt Lemon may be a more versatile option in terms of sound and feel. However, individual preferences play a significant role in determining the right switch for each user, so trying out both switches may be the best way to determine which one suits your typing style and preferences the most.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Outemu Lotus linear switch and the KTT Sea Salt Lemon linear switch, consider the bottom out force you prefer. If you prefer a lighter touch, you may opt for the Outemu Lotus with a 50-gram bottom out force. On the other hand, if you prefer a slightly firmer feel, the KTT Sea Salt Lemon with a 53-gram bottom out force could be more suitable for you. Additionally, think about the typing experience you desire. If you are looking for a smooth and buttery typing experience, the Sea Salt Lemon's progressive spring and dry-lube design may be more appealing to you. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches will come down to your personal preferences in terms of touch and typing feel.
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