KTT Sea Salt Lemon vs. KTT Semi Mute
An in-depth look at the KTT Sea Salt Lemon and the KTT Semi Mute switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the KTT Sea Salt Lemon and the KTT Semi Mute both offer unique features that cater to specific preferences. The Sea Salt Lemon is a linear switch that is best known for its buttery smooth typing experience. With a progressive spring and KTT's dry-lube design, it provides a satisfying sensation while typing. Categorized as low-pitched, neutral, and mild, this switch offers a versatile and pleasant feel. On the other hand, the Semi Mute is also a linear switch but stands out for its completely silent operation. Despite the name, these switches are tailor-made for those who desire an undisturbed and noise-free typing experience, especially during late-night sessions. Featuring advanced dampening technology, the Semi Mute switches provide a comfortable and gratifying typing feel. Categorized as buttery, mild, muted, and neutral, these switches offer a unique combination of smoothness and silence. 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
43g
Bottom-out force
53g
Bottom-out force
58g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.60 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
No
Factory lubed
Yes
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
Polycarbonate
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
13mm progressive spring
Spring
15mm spring
Housing materials
The KTT Sea Salt Lemon and the KTT Semi Mute have similar housing materials in their polycarbonate top housing. Both switches use polycarbonate for their top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. Polycarbonate is known for its stiffness, resulting in a clear and resonant sound when typing. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it particularly suitable for switches with RGB lighting. Therefore, users can expect a similar sound and visual experience from both the Sea Salt Lemon and the Semi Mute due to their shared polycarbonate top housing.
However, where these switches differ is in their bottom housing material. The Sea Salt Lemon utilizes a nylon bottom housing, which offers a distinct typing experience. Nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound compared to harder plastics. As a result, switches with nylon bottom housing generate a deeper and fuller sound profile. On the other hand, the Semi Mute features a polycarbonate bottom housing, similar to its top housing. This contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile, aligning with the characteristics of polycarbonate. Therefore, there is a contrast in the sound produced by the Sea Salt Lemon's nylon bottom housing and the Semi Mute's polycarbonate bottom housing.
When it comes to the overall typing experience, the housing materials of the Sea Salt Lemon and the Semi Mute play different roles. The bottom housing, whether nylon or polycarbonate, influences the sound and feel when pressing down on the switch. The Sea Salt Lemon, with its nylon bottom housing, produces a duller and rounder sound upon bottoming out. Conversely, the Semi Mute's polycarbonate bottom housing contributes to a clearer and more resonant bottom-out sound. On the other hand, the top housing material has more impact on the sound when releasing a key. Both switches, with their polycarbonate top housing, deliver a sharper and crisper sound when key release occurs, adding to the overall typing experience.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the KTT Sea Salt Lemon linear switch and the KTT Semi Mute linear switch, there are notable similarities and differences. Firstly, in terms of weight, the Sea Salt Lemon switch is lighter. With an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 53 grams, it provides a medium-light typing experience. On the other hand, the Semi Mute switch is slightly heavier. It has an actuation force of 43 grams and a bottom out force of 58 grams, placing it in the medium category.
For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the Sea Salt Lemon switch is the preferred choice. It allows for comfortable typing over longer periods, making it ideal for work or extended gaming sessions. However, if a more substantial and pronounced keystroke is desired, the Semi Mute switch offers a stronger push feel. This can provide a more satisfying typing experience for individuals who enjoy the sensation of pressing down with a bit more force.
In terms of actuation force, both switches are relatively similar, with only a slight difference of 2 grams. This means that the activation point, or the force required to trigger a keystroke, is comparable for both switches. Consequently, users can expect similar results in terms of responsiveness and accuracy when typing on either switch.
Looking at bottom out force, the two switches exhibit a more significant divergence. The Sea Salt Lemon switch requires 53 grams to fully bottom out, while the Semi Mute switch requires a heavier force of 58 grams. This disparity can lead to a noticeable difference in the overall feel and sound produced when pressing the keys to their full extent.
Ultimately, the choice between the Sea Salt Lemon and Semi Mute switches depends on personal preferences. If a lighter, more effortless typing experience is desired, the Sea Salt Lemon is a suitable option. However, for those who seek a stronger push and a more substantial typing sensation, the Semi Mute switch offers a slightly heavier touch. Both switches provide reliable and responsive keystrokes, ensuring a satisfying typing experience for users.
Travel distance
The KTT Sea Salt Lemon linear switch and the KTT Semi Mute linear switch both have the same travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when you press down on a key equipped with either of these switches, you will feel a consistent 4 mm of travel from the top to the bottom. Therefore, you can expect similar results in terms of typing or gaming experience with these switches since they offer the same distance of travel. Whether you choose the Sea Salt Lemon or the Semi Mute, you can be assured that your typing or gaming experience will be smooth and consistent.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The KTT Semi Mute has an MSRP of $3.97 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Semi Mute for $3.55.
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
In terms of sound, the KTT Sea Salt Lemon linear switch is known for its low-pitched sound profile, featuring a more bass-heavy and mellow tone compared to higher-pitched switches. This makes it a suitable choice for those who enjoy a deeper and smoother sound while typing. On the other hand, the KTT Semi Mute linear switch is described as muted, producing a softer and quieter sound compared to regular switches. These switches prioritize minimizing the noise typically associated with mechanical keyboards, making them ideal for those who value a noise-free environment, especially during late-night typing sessions. Both switches have a neutral sound profile, which means they have a moderate actuation force requirement, making them suitable for various typing purposes.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the KTT Sea Salt Lemon linear switch offers a mild typing experience. This means that it provides a gentle and approachable feel, suitable for most typists. Its qualities lie in a safe middle-ground zone, offering a comfortable and satisfying typing sensation. On the other hand, the KTT Semi Mute linear switch is described as buttery, implying a smooth and fluid keystroke experience. These switches provide a seamless, effortless, and uniform typing sensation. Similar to the Sea Salt Lemon switch, the Semi Mute switch also offers a mild typing experience, making it accessible to most users.
In conclusion, the KTT Sea Salt Lemon linear switch and the KTT Semi Mute linear switch offer different subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Sea Salt Lemon switch provides a low-pitched sound profile and a mild typing experience, making it suitable for those who prefer a deeper sound and a gentle feel. On the other hand, the Semi Mute switch produces a muted sound and a buttery typing experience, catering to individuals who prioritize a quieter typing environment and a smooth keystroke. Both switches have a neutral sound profile and offer a mild typing experience, making them versatile options for various typing needs. Depending on personal preferences, users can choose between these switches to achieve their desired typing experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you prioritize a noise-free environment and desire undisturbed typing, especially during late-night sessions, the KTT Semi Mute linear switch would be the ideal choice for you. These switches provide a comfortable and gratifying typing feel with their linear actuation and advanced dampening technology. The Semi Mute has a bottom out force of 58 grams, which is medium, offering a satisfying tactile experience. Additionally, their muted sound profile ensures a softer and quieter typing experience compared to regular or clacky switches.
On the other hand, if you appreciate a buttery smooth typing experience and prefer a switch with a medium-light bottom out force of 53 grams, the KTT Sea Salt Lemon linear switch would be perfect for you. These switches are known for their lovely representation of what a linear switch can be, with a progressive spring and KTT's dry-lube design. The Sea Salt Lemon switch offers a mild and approachable typing experience, making it suitable for most users. The switch has a low-pitched, neutral sound profile, which provides a more bass-heavy and mellow tone compared to higher-pitched switches.
Ultimately, the choice between the KTT Sea Salt Lemon and the KTT Semi Mute linear switches depends on your specific preferences. If you prioritize a noise-free environment and a comfortable typing feel, go for the Semi Mute. However, if a buttery smooth typing experience and a low-pitched sound profile are more important to you, the Sea Salt Lemon switch would be the better choice. Consider these factors when making your decision, and you'll find the perfect mechanical keyboard switch that suits your needs.
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