KTT Sea Salt Lemon vs. Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring
An in-depth look at the KTT Sea Salt Lemon and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, there are a few options to consider. Two popular choices are the KTT Sea Salt Lemon and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring. The Sea Salt Lemon is a linear switch, known for its buttery smooth typing experience due to its progressive spring and KTT's dry-lube design. On the other hand, the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring offers a tactile switch with a medium-high level of tactility, thanks to its long, two-staged spring. Typing on these switches is accompanied by deep, resonating thocks, offering a distinct experience. While these general attributes provide a glimpse into the characteristics of each switch, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities to help you decide which switch is best suited for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
55g
Bottom-out force
53g
Bottom-out force
63g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
No
Factory lubed
No
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
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
13mm progressive spring
Spring
20mm dual-stage spring
Housing materials
The KTT Sea Salt Lemon and Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring both utilize polycarbonate for their top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to polycarbonate being a relatively stiffer plastic, resulting in a clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches with RGB lighting. Therefore, both switches will provide similar acoustics and aesthetic appeal when it comes to their top housing material.
However, the bottom housing materials differ between the two switches. The Sea Salt Lemon features a nylon bottom housing, known for eliciting a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound when typing. On the other hand, the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring utilizes a polycarbonate bottom housing, similar to its top housing material. This adds to the sharper and crisper sound profile, completing a consistent tone throughout the switch.
When it comes to the feel of the switch, the bottom housing plays a significant role. Pressing down on the Sea Salt Lemon switch will provide a tactile experience influenced by the nylon bottom housing, resulting in a slightly softer feel. On the other hand, the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring's polycarbonate bottom housing will contribute to a slightly firmer touch. However, the top housing will affect the sound when keys are released, providing a consistent sharp and resonant tone for both switches.
In conclusion, while the KTT Sea Salt Lemon and Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring share a polycarbonate top housing, their differing bottom housing materials bring variation to their sound profiles and tactile experiences. The Sea Salt Lemon's nylon bottom housing creates a deeper and softer sound, while the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring's polycarbonate bottom housing maintains the sharp and crisp sound. However, both switches will provide similar resonant tones and visual appeal due to their polycarbonate top housing.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the KTT Sea Salt Lemon linear switch and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring tactile switch, there are noticeable differences. The Sea Salt Lemon switch has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams, which means it requires less pressure to trigger a keystroke compared to the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring's actuation force of 55 grams. Similarly, the Sea Salt Lemon switch has a lighter bottom out force of 53 grams compared to the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring's bottom out force of 63 grams. This means that when typing on the Sea Salt Lemon switch, the keystrokes will feel lighter and require less pressure compared to the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring. Those looking for a keyboard that allows for longer typing sessions or extended gaming sessions might prefer the Sea Salt Lemon switch with its lighter forces. However, for those who enjoy a more substantial typing experience with a stronger push feel, the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring switch would be a better choice as it has heavier forces.
Travel distance
Both the KTT Sea Salt Lemon linear switch and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring tactile switch 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 experience a consistent 4 mm travel distance. Whether you choose the Sea Salt Lemon or the Shadow Double Spring, you can expect similar results in terms of the distance the switch travels from the top to the bottom. Both switches provide a satisfying and reliable key press experience with their equal travel distances.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring has an MSRP of $4.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring for $3.57.
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 and neutral sound. The low-pitched sound gives the switch a more bass-heavy and mellow tone, making it suitable for those who prefer a quieter typing experience. The neutral sound profile also ensures that the switch is versatile and can be used in various settings, whether you are a beginner or advanced user, or using the keyboard at home or work. On the other hand, the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring tactile switch has a clacky and high-pitched sound. The clacky sound is sharp and snappy, providing a crisp and percussive audio feedback when typing. The high-pitched sound adds a sharp and crisp element to the typing experience, which is preferred by users who do not enjoy richer and bassier sound profiles. It's important to note that the sound of the switches can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard itself and the keycaps used.
In terms of feel, the KTT Sea Salt Lemon linear switch offers a mild typing experience. The switch provides a gentle and approachable feel, as its characteristics are not too pronounced or overwhelming. This makes it a safe choice for most users who prefer a more balanced and moderate tactile feedback. On the other hand, the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring tactile switch has a sharp, accented, snappy, bouncy, and stepped feel. The strong and crisp tactile bump in these switches is prominent and can be felt distinctly with each keypress, providing a high intensity of feedback. The switch is also accented, meaning it offers a medium amount of tactility that is neither overwhelming nor subtle. Additionally, the snappy and bouncy characteristics make the typing experience feel more responsive and lively. The stepped feel of the switch further adds to its mild tactility, allowing users to feel some pre-travel and/or post-travel during keystrokes.
Considering the available information, the KTT Sea Salt Lemon linear switch and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring tactile switch offer contrasting qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Sea Salt Lemon provides a low-pitched and neutral sound, along with a mild and approachable typing experience. On the other hand, the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring switch offers a clacky and high-pitched sound, paired with a sharp, accented, snappy, bouncy, and stepped feel. Depending on personal preferences, users can choose between a quieter and gentler typing experience with the Sea Salt Lemon, or a sharper and more tactile experience with the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring. Both switches promise unique qualities that can enhance the overall typing experience.
Conclusion
In closing, if you are looking for a linear switch with a smooth typing experience and a medium-light bottom out force, the KTT Sea Salt Lemon would be a great choice. Its progressive spring and KTT's dry-lube design ensure a buttery smooth feel while typing. The Sea Salt Lemon is also known for its low-pitched sound profile, which can be described as bass-heavy and mellow, making it suitable for both beginners and advanced users in various environments.
On the other hand, if you prefer a tactile switch with a medium-bottom out force and a higher level of tactility, the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring switch is an excellent option. This switch features a long, two-staged spring that provides a strong and crisp tactile bump, giving you a satisfying feedback with each keypress. The Shadow (Ink) Double Spring also produces a clacky and high-pitched sound, offering a more sharp and percussive typing experience.
Ultimately, your decision between these two switches will depend on your personal preferences in terms of feel and sound. If you prioritize a smooth and gentle typing experience with a lower-pitched sound, the Sea Salt Lemon is the way to go. However, if you prefer a more tactile and sharp feedback with a clacky and high-pitched sound, the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring would be the better choice for you. Consider your typing style and environment when making your decision, and you'll be able to find the perfect switch for your needs.
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