KTT Purple Star vs. KTT Sea Salt Lemon
An in-depth look at the KTT Purple Star and the KTT Sea Salt Lemon switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the KTT Purple Star and the KTT Sea Salt Lemon mechanical keyboard switches, both switches offer a buttery smooth typing experience but cater to different preferences. The Purple Star, a linear switch, features an all-POM construction and a light 45g bottom-out, making it a great choice for light typists seeking ease and comfort in their typing experience. On the other hand, the Sea Salt Lemon, also a linear switch, stands out with its progressive spring and dry-lube design, providing a similarly smooth typing experience but with a different feel. The Purple Star is characterized as 'Mild', 'Low-pitched', and 'Easy-to-press', while the Sea Salt Lemon is described as 'Low-pitched', 'Neutral', and 'Mild'. 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
43g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
53g
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 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
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
POM
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 KTT Purple Star and the KTT Sea Salt Lemon play a significant role in determining the sound profile of the switches. While the Purple Star features POM top and bottom housings, which create a deeper and more muted sound, the Sea Salt Lemon utilizes polycarbonate for its top housing and nylon for its bottom housing. This results in the Sea Salt Lemon producing a sharper, higher-pitched sound due to the stiffness of polycarbonate and a deeper, fuller sound because of the softer nylon bottom housing. Overall, the housing materials of these two switches give them distinct sound profiles that cater to different preferences.
Despite their differences, both the KTT Purple Star and the KTT Sea Salt Lemon highlight the importance of housing materials in switch design. The use of POM in the Purple Star creates a pleasing and unique sound profile, while the Sea Salt Lemon's polycarbonate and nylon housings contribute to a clear and resonant sound on the one hand, and a deeper and fuller sound on the other. Additionally, the top and bottom housings in each switch interact differently with key presses, showcasing how the material choice affects both the bottom-out sound and feel, as well as the sound when releasing a key.
In conclusion, the housing materials chosen for the KTT Purple Star and the KTT Sea Salt Lemon showcase a balance between unique sound profiles and aesthetic considerations. While the Purple Star's POM housings offer a more muted sound, the Sea Salt Lemon's polycarbonate and nylon housings deliver a sharper and deeper sound experience. Both switches demonstrate the impact of housing materials on sound quality, with the top and bottom housings playing distinct roles in determining the overall typing experience. Whether preferring a deeper, fuller sound or a sharper, crisper tone, users can select a switch that best suits their preferences based on the housing materials used.
Weight
The actuation force and bottom out force of the KTT Purple Star linear switch and the KTT Sea Salt Lemon linear switch differ slightly. The Purple Star has a lighter actuation force of 43 grams compared to the Sea Salt Lemon's 45 grams, making it easier to trigger a keystroke. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Purple Star requires 50 grams, while the Sea Salt Lemon needs 53 grams, giving the Sea Salt Lemon a slightly heavier feel when pressing all the way down. Both switches provide a relatively light typing experience overall, with the Purple Star being slightly lighter in both actuation and bottom out forces. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on personal preference for a lighter or slightly heavier typing experience.
Travel distance
The KTT Purple Star linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the KTT Sea Salt Lemon linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. In terms of travel distance, the Sea Salt Lemon switch is slightly longer than the Purple Star switch. A 4 mm travel distance is considered more traditional, offering a balance between quick response times and a satisfying keypress depth. On the other hand, a 3.5 mm travel distance in the Purple Star switch provides a slightly quicker response time, which may be preferred by gamers looking for faster input feedback. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches comes down to personal preference – whether you prioritize a shorter, more responsive keypress or a slightly longer, more tactile experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
For 10 switches, the KTT Purple Star comes in at $4.88, 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
In terms of sound, both the KTT Purple Star and the KTT Sea Salt Lemon switches are described as having a low-pitched profile, which typically results in a more bass-heavy and mellow tone. This makes them both suitable choices for those who prefer a quieter typing experience without sharp or high-pitched sounds. The Sea Salt Lemon switch also adds a note of neutrality to its sound profile, making it a versatile option for a wide range of users and settings. Ultimately, both switches offer a pleasing auditory experience, especially when paired with the right keyboard and keycaps.
Moving on to feel, both the Purple Star and Sea Salt Lemon switches provide a mild and gentle typing experience. With their easy-to-press design and light actuation force, they offer minimal resistance during key presses, making typing effortless and comfortable. This feature can help reduce finger fatigue during extended typing sessions, promoting a more pleasant overall typing experience. The mild characteristics of both switches make them approachable to most users, striking a balance between responsiveness and comfort.
In conclusion, both the KTT Purple Star and KTT Sea Salt Lemon linear switches offer similar subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. They both provide a buttery smooth typing experience with a low-pitched sound profile, and a gentle feel that is easy on the fingers. Whether you choose the Purple Star for its all-POM construction or the Sea Salt Lemon for its progressive spring design, you can expect to get comparable results in terms of typing comfort and satisfaction. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches may come down to personal preference and specific typing needs.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a light typing experience with a buttery smooth feel and a neutral sound, the KTT Purple Star linear switch with its 50g bottom-out force would be a great choice. On the other hand, if you prefer a slightly heavier key press with a progressive spring and dry-lube design for a smooth typing experience, the KTT Sea Salt Lemon linear switch with a 53g bottom-out force would be more suitable. Both switches offer a mild feel and low-pitched sound, but the slight differences in bottom-out force and design can cater to different preferences in typing style. Ultimately, the decision between the Purple Star and Sea Salt Lemon switches would depend on whether you prioritize a lighter touch or a bit more resistance in your typing experience.
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