Kailh Sage vs. KTT Sea Salt Lemon

Overview

When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options that offer unique typing experiences are the Kailh Sage and the KTT Sea Salt Lemon. The Kailh Sage is a clicky switch, known for its invigorating and sharp tactile feedback. With a weighty feel and a refreshingly crunchy clickiness, it provides a distinct typing experience that some keyboard enthusiasts prefer. On the other hand, the KTT Sea Salt Lemon is a linear switch that embodies the elegance of a smooth typing experience. Its progressive spring and KTT's dry-lube design create a buttery sensation with each keystroke. With low-pitched and mild characteristics, the Sea Salt Lemon offers a more neutral feel. Both switches have their own strengths and appeal, making them suitable for various preferences and typing styles. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can best decide on the perfect switch for you.

By the numbers

Kailh Sage Clicky

KTT Sea Salt Lemon Linear

$6.25 per 10

$2.80 per 10

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Housing materials

The Kailh Sage and the KTT Sea Salt Lemon share a common housing material, polycarbonate, for their top housing. This material choice gives both switches a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. Polycarbonate's stiffness allows for a more clear and resonant sound, making it a popular choice for switches with RGB lighting. Aesthetically, both switches featuring a clear top housing showcase the translucency of polycarbonate. Therefore, users can expect similar results in terms of sound and visual appeal when using either the Kailh Sage or the KTT Sea Salt Lemon.

Moving on to the bottom housing, both the Sage and the Sea Salt Lemon utilize nylon. This classic switch housing material brings about a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing. Nylon's softness absorbs more sound than harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. As the bottom housing has a significant impact on the bottom-out sound and feel, users can expect a similar typing experience in this aspect regardless of whether they opt for the Sage or the Sea Salt Lemon.

While there are similarities in the housing materials for the Kailh Sage and the KTT Sea Salt Lemon, the key difference lies in which housing material is used for the top and bottom of the switch. The Sage features a polycarbonate top housing and a nylon bottom housing, while the Sea Salt Lemon uses polycarbonate for both. This means that when pressing down on the switch, the qualities brought by the bottom housing will be more pronounced in the Sage, influencing the bottom-out sound and feel. Conversely, the sound when releasing a key will be influenced more by the top housing. In contrast, the Sea Salt Lemon with its polycarbonate top and bottom housing will have a more balanced distribution of sound characteristics throughout the keystroke.

Weight

When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Kailh Sage clicky switch and the KTT Sea Salt Lemon linear switch, it is evident that there are differences in weight. For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the Sea Salt Lemon is the preferable option. With an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 53 grams, it falls into the medium-light category. This lighter weight allows for extended periods of typing without strain, making it suitable for work or long gaming sessions.

On the other hand, the Sage offers a more substantial typing experience for those who prefer a stronger push feel. Although the exact actuation force is unavailable, it is important to note that the bottom out force is 70 grams, indicating a medium-heavy weight. This provides a satisfying tactile feedback and ensures that each keystroke feels more substantial.

It is worth mentioning that if both switches have the same actuation force or bottom out force, the typing experience would yield similar results in terms of weight and feel. Overall, the choice between the Kailh Sage clicky switch and the KTT Sea Salt Lemon linear switch depends on personal preference. Some may prefer the lighter weight for prolonged typing sessions, while others may enjoy the heavier force for a more substantial and satisfying typing experience.

Travel distance

The travel distance of the Kailh Sage clicky switch is 3.6 mm, while the KTT Sea Salt Lemon linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. Both switches have relatively short travel distances compared to the traditional 4.0 mm travel distance. For gamers seeking faster response times, the Kailh Sage clicky switch with its shorter travel distance may be the preferred option. On the other hand, those who prefer a deeper and more substantial feel when pressing down on a key may opt for the KTT Sea Salt Lemon linear switch with its longer travel distance. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for responsiveness or a more satisfying key press experience.

Price comparison

Typing experience

The Kailh Sage clicky switch is best known for its distinct clicky typing experience. It offers a heavy weight and a refreshingly sharp clickiness. In terms of sound, the Sage switch produces a crunchy sound, reminiscent of stepping on piles of crisp and crunchy autumn leaves. On the other hand, the KTT Sea Salt Lemon linear switch showcases a lovely representation of what a linear switch can offer. It features a progressive spring and KTT's dry-lube design, resulting in a buttery smooth typing experience. As for sound, the Sea Salt Lemon switch has a low-pitched tone, providing a more bass-heavy and mellow sound compared to higher-pitched switches. It is also described as neutral, with a moderate actuation force requirement and a moderate sound profile. This makes it suitable for various purposes, whether you are a beginner or advanced user, or if you plan to use it at home or work.

When it comes to feel, the Kailh Sage switch is invigorating, offering pronounced feedback, moderate to firm actuation force, and a snappy and reactive feel. Its sharp tactile bump provides a distinct sensation with each keypress. Conversely, the KTT Sea Salt Lemon switch provides a mild typing experience, offering a more gentle feel compared to switches with more pronounced characteristics. Its qualities make it approachable for most users, as it stands in a safe, middle-ground zone.

In conclusion, the Kailh Sage clicky switch offers a heavy weight, sharp clickiness, crunchy sound, and invigorating feel. On the other hand, the KTT Sea Salt Lemon linear switch provides a progressive spring, dry-lube design, buttery smooth typing experience, low-pitched sound, and mild feel. While they offer different subjective qualities, both switches excel in their respective categories. Depending on individual preferences, the Sage switch is ideal for those seeking a heavy and tactile typing experience with a distinct clickiness, while the Sea Salt Lemon switch suits users who prefer a smoother and milder typing experience with a low-pitched sound.

Conclusion

In closing, if you value a distinct clicky typing experience with a medium-heavy weight, the Kailh Sage switch would be a great choice for you. These switches provide a refreshing and sharp clickiness that can enhance your typing experience. They also offer an invigorating and sharp tactile feel with a pronounced feedback, creating an immersive sensation. However, if you prefer a more buttery smooth and gentle typing experience with a medium-light weight, the KTT Sea Salt Lemon linear switch would be an excellent option. These switches feature a progressive spring and KTT's dry-lube design, resulting in a smooth and approachable feel. They have a neutral sound profile with a low-pitched tone, which can be pleasing for most users. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches depends on your preference for clicky or linear typing experience, as well as your desired weight and sound profile.

Mentioned in this article

Kailh Sage Clicky

$6.25 per 10

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KTT Sea Salt Lemon Linear

$2.80 per 10

Learn more