Outemu Silent Grey vs. KTT Sea Salt Lemon
An in-depth look at the Outemu Silent Grey and the KTT Sea Salt Lemon switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, one may come across the Outemu Silent Grey, a tactile switch, and the KTT Sea Salt Lemon, a linear switch. The Outemu Silent Grey Switches are praised for their quiet and highly tactile typing experience, providing a satisfying feel with a pronounced bump and smooth keystroke. On the other hand, the Sea Salt Lemon switches from KTT offer a buttery smooth typing experience with their progressive spring and dry-lube design, making them a lovely representation of a linear switch. The Silent Grey switch falls under the tactile category, while the Sea Salt Lemon switch is categorized as low-pitched, neutral, and mild. Each switch has its unique benefits, but ultimately, the choice between them will depend on individual preferences and typing style. 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
50g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
65g
Bottom-out force
53g
Pre-travel
1.60 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 Silent Grey and the KTT Sea Salt Lemon utilize polycarbonate for their top housings, resulting in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The use of polycarbonate in housing materials allows for a more resonant sound due to its stiffness. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches that plan to incorporate RGB lighting, enhancing the overall aesthetics of the keyboard. Despite using the same material for their top housings, the overall sound profile and feel of the switches may still differ based on other components.
In terms of bottom housings, both the Silent Grey and Sea Salt Lemon opt for nylon, which produces a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to polycarbonate. Nylon is known for its softer nature, absorbing more sound and creating a duller, rounder sound overall. This material choice impacts the feel of typing on the switches, providing a tactile experience that complements the sound produced. While both switches share the same bottom housing material, the nuances of their sound profiles may still vary based on other factors contributing to the overall build of the switches.
The division of housing materials between the top and bottom housing components of the switches results in a unique combination of sound profiles and tactile experiences. The bottom housing plays a significant role in the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing down on the keys, enhancing the overall typing experience. On the other hand, the top housing influences the sound produced when releasing a key, adding to the overall auditory satisfaction of using the switches. While both switches may share similarities in their housing materials, the way in which these materials interact with other components ultimately determines the individual characteristics of the switches.
Weight
The Outemu Silent Grey tactile switch has a heavier actuation force of 50 grams compared to the KTT Sea Salt Lemon linear switch, which has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams. When it comes to bottom out force, the Silent Grey requires 65 grams while the Sea Salt Lemon only requires 53 grams. This means that the Silent Grey switch offers a more substantial typing experience with a heavier push feel, whereas the Sea Salt Lemon switch provides a lighter touch for those who prefer a gentler typing experience. Both switches offer distinct advantages depending on the user's preference for weight, with the Silent Grey being better suited for those who prefer a stronger push feel and the Sea Salt Lemon being ideal for those who prefer a lighter touch. Ultimately, choosing between the two switches will depend on personal preference and the desired typing experience.
Travel distance
Both the Outemu Silent Grey tactile switch and the KTT Sea Salt Lemon linear switch have a travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when pressing down on a key with either of these switches, you will experience the same level of travel distance. As a result, you can expect similar results in terms of key feel and feedback from both switches. In terms of comparing and contrasting the two switches, there is no difference in their travel distance, making them equal in this aspect.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
For 10 switches, the Outemu Silent Grey 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 Silent Grey switch is known for its quiet nature, making it ideal for environments where noise is a concern. On the other hand, the KTT Sea Salt Lemon switch is described as having a low-pitched and neutral sound profile, offering a unique auditory experience that is bass-heavy and mellow yet suitable for various typing environments. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and the surrounding environment in which the keyboard will be used.
In terms of feel, the Outemu Silent Grey switch is praised for its highly tactile typing experience, featuring a pronounced bump and smooth keystroke that provides a satisfying feel with each press. Conversely, the KTT Sea Salt Lemon switch is characterized as having a mild typing experience, offering a gentle feel that falls within a safe middle-ground zone in terms of feedback and actuation force. Both switches provide unique tactile experiences that cater to different preferences, whether it be a more pronounced bump or a smoother keystroke.
In conclusion, the Outemu Silent Grey switch and the KTT Sea Salt Lemon switch offer distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Silent Grey provides a quiet and highly tactile typing experience, while the Sea Salt Lemon offers a low-pitched and neutral sound profile with a mild typing feel. Both switches have their own advantages and cater to different preferences, so it ultimately comes down to personal preference and the specific typing environment in which the keyboard will be used. Regardless of the choice, both switches are sure to provide a high-quality typing experience that meets the standards of mechanical keyboard enthusiasts.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Outemu Silent Grey tactile switch and the KTT Sea Salt Lemon linear switch, you should consider your preferences and needs. If you value a quiet and tactile typing experience with a medium-heavy bottom out force, then the Outemu Silent Grey switch may be the best choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a smooth and buttery typing experience with a medium-light bottom out force, the KTT Sea Salt Lemon switch could be more suitable. Ultimately, your decision should be based on how you prioritize factors such as sound, feel, and typing force when selecting a mechanical keyboard switch.
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