KTT Sea Salt Lemon vs. Jwick Semi-Silent Linear
An in-depth look at the KTT Sea Salt Lemon and the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
The KTT Sea Salt Lemon and the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear are both popular mechanical keyboard switches that offer unique features and benefits. The Sea Salt Lemon is a linear switch that is best known for its buttery smooth typing experience, thanks to its progressive spring and KTT's dry-lube design. It falls into the categories of being low-pitched, neutral, and mild. On the other hand, the Semi-Silent Linear is also a linear switch but is distinguishable for its innovative semi-silent feature. While it produces a whisper-quiet topping-out sound, it maintains a clacky bottom-out sound. Its type feel is described as silky smooth, striking a balance between being over-polished and natural. It is categorized as subdued, neutral, mild, snappy, buttery, and polished. Choosing between these switches ultimately depends on personal preference and typing style. However, let's explore these switches more in-depth to help you make the best decision for your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
53g
Bottom-out force
62g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.70 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
The KTT Sea Salt Lemon and the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear have similar housing materials in terms of their polycarbonate top housing. Both switches utilize polycarbonate, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is because polycarbonate is a relatively stiffer plastic, resulting in a clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches that plan to incorporate RGB lighting. Therefore, users can expect similar results in terms of sound and aesthetics when using either switch.
Where the two switches differ is in their nylon bottom housing. The Sea Salt Lemon features a nylon bottom housing, which elicits a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound than harder plastics, leading to a duller and rounder sound. On the other hand, the Semi-Silent Linear also utilizes a nylon bottom housing, resulting in a similar sound profile. Both switches benefit from the qualities of the nylon bottom housing, which contributes to the overall typing experience by providing a satisfying sound when pressed.
When it comes to the overall feel of the switches, the different housing materials have an impact on the bottom-out and the release sound. The bottom housing, whether it's the nylon bottom housing of the Sea Salt Lemon or the Semi-Silent Linear, influences the sound and feel when the key is fully pressed down. On the other hand, the top housing, which is polycarbonate for both switches, affects the sound when the key is released. Therefore, users can expect some variation in the sound and feel depending on which housing material is being utilized, but both switches deliver a satisfying typing experience overall.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the KTT Sea Salt Lemon linear switch and the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear linear switch, we can see some similarities and differences. The Sea Salt Lemon switch has an actuation force of 45 grams, providing a medium-light touch, while the Semi-Silent Linear's actuation force is unknown. However, both switches have a medium bottom out force, with the Sea Salt Lemon requiring 53 grams and the Semi-Silent Linear requiring 62 grams.
For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the Sea Salt Lemon switch would be more suitable as it has a lower actuation force. This can be beneficial for extended typing sessions or long gaming sessions without causing fatigue. On the other hand, individuals who prefer a more substantial typing feel may opt for a switch with heavier forces. In this case, the Semi-Silent Linear could be a good choice with its higher bottom out force.
It's worth noting that while the actuation force for the Semi-Silent Linear is unavailable, it is still possible to achieve a similar typing experience to the Sea Salt Lemon switch by comparing the known bottom out forces. Both switches have medium bottom out forces, so users can expect a comparable level of resistance when pressing the keys fully. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will depend on personal preference for actuation force and the desired typing experience.
Travel distance
The KTT Sea Salt Lemon linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear linear switch has a travel distance of 3.7 mm. In terms of travel distance, the Sea Salt Lemon has a slightly longer distance compared to the Semi-Silent Linear. The 4.0 mm travel distance of the Sea Salt Lemon is more traditional, providing a deeper and more substantial feel when pressed. On the other hand, the 3.7 mm travel distance of the Semi-Silent Linear is slightly shorter, making it a preferred choice for gamers seeking faster response times. Choosing between the two switches ultimately depends on personal preference and the desired level of responsiveness. Those who prefer a more robust and deliberate keystroke may opt for the Sea Salt Lemon with its longer travel distance, while those who value quick and nimble key presses may prefer the slightly shorter travel distance of the Semi-Silent Linear. Both switches offer their unique advantages, and it ultimately comes down to individual preferences and the intended usage of the keyboard.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Jwick Semi-Silent Linear has an MSRP of $6.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Semi-Silent Linear for $5.27.
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
The KTT Sea Salt Lemon linear switch is best known for its buttery smooth typing experience, thanks to its progressive spring and KTT's dry-lube design. In terms of sound, the Sea Salt Lemon is described as having a low-pitched profile, which provides a more bass-heavy and mellow tone compared to higher-pitched switches. The sound is also described as neutral, with a moderate actuation force requirement and a moderate sound profile that makes it suitable for various purposes.
On the other hand, the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear linear switch is known for its innovative design. It has a semi-silent label, meaning that it produces a whisper-quiet topping-out sound while maintaining a clacky bottom-out sound. Its type feel is described as silky smooth but not over-polished. In terms of sound, the Semi-Silent Linear switch is described as subdued, with a dampened sound when pressed. It offers a more subtle sound signature compared to most switches. Similarly to the Sea Salt Lemon, it is also described as having a neutral sound profile and moderate actuation force requirement.
In terms of feel, both the Sea Salt Lemon and Semi-Silent Linear switches are described as mild. This means that they offer a gentle typing experience without any pronounced characteristics. The sound and feel of these switches are approachable to most users, as their qualities fall within a safe, middle-ground zone. The Semi-Silent Linear switch is also described as snappy, indicating a super responsive typing experience. Additionally, it is described as buttery, implying a smooth and fluid keystroke experience. The Sea Salt Lemon switch does not have any additional descriptors for its feel.
In conclusion, both the KTT Sea Salt Lemon linear switch and the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear linear switch offer pleasing subjective qualities. They both have a smooth typing experience and a neutral sound profile. The Sea Salt Lemon has a low-pitched sound and a mild feel, while the Semi-Silent Linear has a subdued sound and a mild, snappy, and buttery feel. Depending on your personal preference for sound and feel, both switches can provide satisfying results.
Conclusion
In summary, if you are looking for a linear switch with a buttery smooth typing experience and a low-pitched, neutral sound profile, the KTT Sea Salt Lemon switch is the way to go. These switches offer a medium-light bottom out force of 53 grams, providing a mild typing experience that will be approachable to most. On the other hand, if you prefer a semi-silent switch with a subdued, neutral sound profile, the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear switch is a great choice. With a bottom out force of 62 grams, these switches also offer a mild typing experience but with the added benefit of a snappy, buttery, and polished feel. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will depend on your preference for typing experience and sound profile.
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