Outemu Ocean vs. KTT Sea Salt Lemon
An in-depth look at the Outemu Ocean and the KTT Sea Salt Lemon switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, the Outemu Ocean and the KTT Sea Salt Lemon offer unique qualities to consider. The Outemu Ocean is a tactile switch best known for its precise and tactile feedback, perfect for typists who prefer a more pronounced keystroke. On the other hand, the KTT Sea Salt Lemon is a linear switch celebrated for its buttery smooth typing experience, thanks to its progressive spring and dry-lube design. While the Outemu Ocean falls under the category of tactile switches, the Sea Salt Lemon is categorized as low-pitched, neutral, and mild. Both switches have their own distinct advantages, making them suitable for different types of users. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the right switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
55g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
53g
Pre-travel
2.20 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
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
13mm progressive spring
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Outemu Ocean and the KTT Sea Salt Lemon, it is clear that both switches utilize polycarbonate for their top housing. This choice leads to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile, as polycarbonate is a stiff plastic that enhances clarity and resonance. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches that incorporate RGB lighting. The similarities in their polycarbonate top housing suggest that users can expect similar results in terms of sound and aesthetics when using either of these switches.
On the other hand, the bottom housing of the Ocean is made of nylon, which offers a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer nature that absorbs more sound than harder plastics. Similarly, the Sea Salt Lemon also features a nylon bottom housing, providing a similar typing experience with a duller and rounder sound. While the top housing may have a more noticeable impact on the sound when pressing and releasing a key, the bottom housing plays a crucial role in determining the bottom-out sound and overall feel of the switch.
Overall, while the Outemu Ocean and KTT Sea Salt Lemon differ in their bottom housing materials, their shared use of polycarbonate for the top housing results in comparable sound profiles and aesthetics. Both switches offer unique typing experiences, with the Ocean providing a sharper sound profile and the Sea Salt Lemon producing a deeper sound. Whether one prefers a crisper or fuller sound will likely influence their choice between these two switches, but both offer high-quality materials that enhance the overall typing experience.
Weight
In comparing the Outemu Ocean tactile switch and the KTT Sea Salt Lemon linear switch, it is evident that the actuation force and bottom out force play a significant role in the typing experience. The Ocean has a slightly heavier actuation force of 55 grams compared to the Sea Salt Lemon's 45 grams, making it require a bit more pressure to register a keystroke. However, the bottom out force of the Ocean is unknown, while the Sea Salt Lemon has a bottom out force of 53 grams, providing a medium-light typing feel. The difference in actuation force between the two switches results in a distinct typing experience, with the Ocean offering a more noticeable tactile feedback while the Sea Salt Lemon provides a smoother and lighter keystroke. Ultimately, the choice between these switches would depend on individual preferences, with some opting for the lighter actuation force of the Sea Salt Lemon for extended typing sessions, while others may prefer the heavier actuation force of the Ocean for a more substantial typing feel.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Outemu Ocean tactile switch and the KTT Sea Salt Lemon linear switch, it is evident that both switches have the same travel distance of 4mm. This means that in terms of the distance the switch travels from the top to the bottom, both switches will provide a similar experience to the user. In terms of travel distance, there is no difference between the two switches as they both have a travel distance of 4mm. This allows users to have a consistent typing experience regardless of which switch they choose to use.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
For 10 switches, the Outemu Ocean 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 Ocean switch is known for producing a sound that is undefined here, while the KTT Sea Salt Lemon switch is described as having a low-pitched and neutral sound profile. The low-pitched sound of the Sea Salt Lemon switch provides a bass-heavy and mellow tone, creating a pleasant typing experience suitable for various environments. However, it's important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard and keycaps being used.
Moving on to the feel, the Outemu Ocean switch has no specific descriptors provided, while the KTT Sea Salt Lemon switch is described as offering a mild typing experience. The mild feel of the Sea Salt Lemon switch provides a gentle typing sensation that falls within a safe, middle-ground zone, making it approachable for most users in terms of both sound and feel.
In conclusion, the Outemu Ocean tactile switch and the KTT Sea Salt Lemon linear switch offer different subjective qualities when it comes to sound and feel. While the Ocean switch lacks specific descriptors in terms of sound and feel, the Sea Salt Lemon switch is known for its low-pitched and neutral sound profile, as well as its mild typing experience. Depending on personal preferences and usage scenarios, both switches can provide a satisfactory typing experience, with the Sea Salt Lemon switch being particularly appealing for those seeking a smooth and gentle typing feel.
Conclusion
In closing, when considering whether to choose the Outemu Ocean tactile switch or the KTT Sea Salt Lemon linear switch, you'll want to keep a few things in mind. If you're looking for a switch with a unique design and no bottom out force, the Ocean may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a smoother typing experience with a medium-light bottom out force, the Sea Salt Lemon might be the better option. Additionally, if you value a low-pitched sound and a mild feel, the Sea Salt Lemon could be more to your liking. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches will depend on your personal preferences and typing style.
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