KTT Sea Salt Lemon vs. Jerrzi Seashell
An in-depth look at the KTT Sea Salt Lemon and the Jerrzi Seashell switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the KTT Sea Salt Lemon and the Jerrzi Seashell both offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences. The Sea Salt Lemon is a linear switch that boasts a buttery smooth typing experience thanks to its progressive spring and dry-lube design. On the other hand, the Seashell linear switch stands out with its stunning purple hue and light, clacky feel, making typing sessions comfortable and enjoyable for enthusiasts. While the Sea Salt Lemon is known for its low-pitched and neutral qualities, the Seashell switch is characterized by being clacky, feathery, easy-to-press, high-pitched, and polished. Ultimately, choosing between these two switches will depend on personal preference and individual typing styles; 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
45g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
53g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.20 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Factory lubed
No
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
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
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
13mm progressive spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
Both the KTT Sea Salt Lemon and the Jerrzi Seashell feature polycarbonate top housings, which offer a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The use of polycarbonate in housings is beneficial for switches intended for use with RGB lighting, as its translucency allows for the light to shine through. This material is known for being relatively stiff, leading to a clear and resonant sound. As a result, users can expect similar sound characteristics from both switches due to their shared polycarbonate top housing material.
In contrast, the Sea Salt Lemon and the Jerrzi Seashell differ in their choice of bottom housing material. While the Sea Salt Lemon utilizes a nylon bottom housing, which creates a deeper and fuller sound profile by absorbing more sound due to its softer nature, the Seashell also features a nylon bottom housing for a similar effect. Nylon is a classic switch housing material known for its ability to produce a rounder and duller sound compared to harder plastics. Therefore, users can expect a consistent typing experience from both switches due to their shared nylon bottom housing material.
Overall, the housing materials of the KTT Sea Salt Lemon and the Jerrzi Seashell play a crucial role in determining the sound profile of the switches. While they both share a polycarbonate top housing for a sharper and crisper sound, the difference in their nylon bottom housing allows for a slight variation in the depth and fullness of the sound produced. However, whether pressing down on a key or releasing it, users can expect a satisfying typing experience from both switches thanks to their carefully chosen housing materials.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the KTT Sea Salt Lemon linear switch and the Jerrzi Seashell linear switch, it is evident that they both have an actuation force of 45 grams. However, the Sea Salt Lemon has a bottom out force of 53 grams, providing a slightly heavier typing experience compared to the Seashell, which does not have a specified bottom out force. This makes the Sea Salt Lemon the heavier of the two switches in terms of bottom out force. For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the Seashell may be more suitable due to the lack of a specified bottom out force. Overall, both switches offer a similar actuation force but differ in bottom out force, catering to individuals with varying preferences for typing feel and keypress resistance.
Travel distance
The Sea Salt Lemon linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Jerrzi Seashell linear switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm. The Sea Salt Lemon offers a slightly longer travel distance, making it more suitable for those who prefer a bit more depth and feedback when typing. On the other hand, the Jerrzi Seashell provides a shorter travel distance, which is ideal for users seeking a quicker response time, such as gamers. Both switches offer different advantages based on their travel distance, so the choice between the two ultimately depends on personal preference and typing style.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Jerrzi Seashell has an MSRP of $2.79 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Seashell for $2.30.
The KTT Sea Salt Lemon comes in at $2.80 per 10 switches.
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 KTT Sea Salt Lemon and Jerrzi Seashell switches offer quite different experiences. The Sea Salt Lemon provides a low-pitched and neutral sound profile, creating a mellow and balanced typing experience that is suitable for various environments. In contrast, the Seashell switches produce a clacky and high-pitched sound, delivering a sharp and crisp typing experience that may appeal to those who enjoy a more vibrant and percussive sound while typing. The choice between these two switches will ultimately come down to personal preference, with the Sea Salt Lemon offering a more subdued sound and the Seashell providing a more lively auditory experience.
Moving on to feel, the Sea Salt Lemon switch offers a mild typing experience that falls within a safe and approachable middle-ground zone. This means that the switch will provide a gentle typing feel that is comfortable for most users, striking a balance between being too stiff or too soft. On the other hand, the Jerrzi Seashell switch is described as feathery and easy-to-press, with a light actuation force that reduces finger fatigue during extended typing sessions. Additionally, the Seashell switch boasts a polished finish, ensuring smooth key travel and reduced friction for a sleek typing experience. Whether you prefer a mild and balanced typing feel or a feather-light and polished one, both switches offer distinct advantages in terms of comfort and usability.
In conclusion, the KTT Sea Salt Lemon and Jerrzi Seashell switches both have their own unique characteristics that cater to different preferences in the mechanical keyboard community. The Sea Salt Lemon excels in providing a smooth and neutral sound profile, coupled with a mild typing experience that is comfortable and accessible to most users. On the other hand, the Seashell switch stands out with its vibrant and clacky sound, along with a feathery and easy-to-press feel that reduces finger strain during long typing sessions. Depending on whether you prioritize sound, feel, or a combination of both, you can confidently choose either switch knowing that you'll receive a tailored and enjoyable typing experience.
Conclusion
In closing, when it comes to deciding between the KTT Sea Salt Lemon linear switch and the Jerrzi Seashell linear switch, consider the following guidelines. If you are looking for a medium-light bottom out force and a buttery smooth typing experience, the Sea Salt Lemon would be a great choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a switch with no specified bottom out force, a stunning purple aesthetic, and a light and clacky typing experience, the Seashell switch would be the way to go. Additionally, if you enjoy a low-pitched and neutral sound profile along with a mild typing feel, the Sea Salt Lemon may be more suited to your preferences. Conversely, if you like a clacky and high-pitched sound with a feathery, easy-to-press, and polished typing feel, the Seashell switch would cater to your needs. Ultimately, your decision should align with your personal preferences for typing experience, aesthetics, and sound profile. Choose the switch that resonates most with your preferences and typing style for an enjoyable and personalized keyboard experience.
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