Outemu Silent White vs. KTT Sea Salt Lemon
An in-depth look at the Outemu Silent White and the KTT Sea Salt Lemon switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Outemu Silent White and the KTT Sea Salt Lemon mechanical keyboard switches, it is apparent that both offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences. The silent white is known for its silent operation, making it a great choice for those who prefer a quiet typing experience. On the other hand, the sea salt lemon stands out for its smooth typing feel, thanks to its progressive spring and dry-lube design by KTT. This switch is perfect for those who value a buttery smooth typing experience. While the Silent White is categorized as silent, the Sea Salt Lemon is characterized by its low-pitched sound, neutral feel, and mild actuation force. 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
1.60 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
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
The housing materials of the Outemu Silent White and the KTT Sea Salt Lemon switches share similar characteristics when it comes to their polycarbonate top housing. Both switches utilize polycarbonate in their top housing, creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The use of polycarbonate in clear housings allows for translucency, making it ideal for switches that incorporate RGB lighting. This common feature ensures that users can expect comparable sound profiles and aesthetic benefits from both switches.
However, the two switches differ when it comes to their nylon bottom housing. The Silent White features a nylon bottom housing, which results in a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing. Nylon is known for being a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, leading to a duller and rounder sound. In contrast, the Sea Salt Lemon also uses a nylon bottom housing, offering similar qualities of a deeper and fuller sound profile. This commonality in bottom housing material results in comparable sound experiences when typing on both switches.
It's important to note that the bottom housing material plays a significant role in the sound and feel of the switch when pressed, while the top housing material affects the sound when releasing a key. With the Silent White and Sea Salt Lemon switches having different top and bottom housing materials, users can expect a balanced combination of qualities from both materials. The split between the top and bottom housing ensures a well-rounded typing experience that incorporates the unique characteristics of each material for a harmonious overall sound profile.
Weight
The Outemu Silent White linear switch and the KTT Sea Salt Lemon linear switch both have an actuation force of 45 grams, making them equally light in terms of the force required to trigger a keystroke. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Silent White requires 60 grams, while the Sea Salt Lemon only requires 53 grams, making it the lighter option between the two. The Silent White provides a more substantial typing experience with a heavier bottom out force, ideal for those who prefer a stronger push feel. On the other hand, the Sea Salt Lemon offers a lighter bottom out force, which may be more comfortable for typing over extended periods, making it a suitable choice for long typing sessions or intense gaming sessions where fatigue is a concern. Both switches provide unique typing experiences due to their differences in bottom out force, catering to different preferences and needs.
Travel distance
The Outemu Silent White linear switch has a travel distance of 3.3 mm, while the KTT Sea Salt Lemon linear switch has a longer travel distance of 4 mm. The Silent White offers a shorter travel distance, making it ideal for gamers looking for a faster response time. On the other hand, the Sea Salt Lemon switch with its longer travel distance may be preferred by those who enjoy a more substantial key press. Both switches offer different options for individuals based on their preferences for travel distance, allowing for a customized typing experience. Ultimately, the Silent White and Sea Salt Lemon linear switches provide unique options for users seeking varying levels of key press depth.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
For 10 switches, the Outemu Silent White 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 White linear switch remains unknown in terms of specific characteristics, while the KTT Sea Salt Lemon switch is known for its low-pitched and neutral sound profile. The Sea Salt Lemon's bass-heavy and mellow tone, combined with its moderate actuation force requirement, makes it a versatile option suitable for a variety of users and environments. Keep in mind that the actual sound produced can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard's construction and the type of keycaps used.
Moving on to feel, the Outemu Silent White switch lacks specific information on its typing experience, while the KTT Sea Salt Lemon switch is described as offering a mild and gentle typing feel. With a smooth and buttery typing experience thanks to its progressive spring and dry-lube design, the Sea Salt Lemon switch provides a comfortable and approachable option for users seeking a middle-ground typing experience that is neither too stiff nor too light.
In conclusion, while specific details about the Outemu Silent White linear switch are not available, the KTT Sea Salt Lemon linear switch stands out for its low-pitched and neutral sound profile, as well as its mild and gentle typing feel. Both switches offer a smooth typing experience, making them suitable choices depending on your preferences. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches may come down to personal preference in sound and feel, as well as the overall typing experience you are seeking.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a linear switch with a medium bottom out force and a buttery smooth typing experience, the KTT Sea Salt Lemon would be an excellent choice for you. These switches are best known for their progressive spring and dry-lube design, providing a pleasant typing experience. On the other hand, if you prefer a slightly heavier bottom out force and a more neutral sound profile, the Outemu Silent White linear switch may be more suitable for you. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches comes down to personal preference in terms of typing feel and sound. Consider your typing style and preferences when choosing between these two options.
Mentioned in this article
