KTT Sea Salt Lemon vs. Aflion Shadow (Ink) Single Spring
An in-depth look at the KTT Sea Salt Lemon and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Single Spring switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options that stand out are the KTT Sea Salt Lemon, a linear switch, and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Single Spring, a tactile switch. The Sea Salt Lemon is known for its buttery smooth typing experience, thanks to its progressive spring and KTT's dry-lube design. It falls under the categories of 'Low-pitched', 'Neutral', and 'Mild', making it a versatile choice for those who prefer a gentle and consistent keystroke. On the other hand, the Shadow (Ink) Single Spring offers a medium level of tactility, making it an ideal option for those who desire a noticeable tactile feedback. With a lower actuation and bottom-out force, these switches provide an approachable tactility and are complemented by a satisfying deep and thocky sound profile. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your typing preferences.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
48g
Bottom-out force
53g
Bottom-out force
55g
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 single-stage spring
Housing materials
The KTT Sea Salt Lemon and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Single Spring both feature polycarbonate top housings. This material creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile for both switches. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for RGB lighting, allowing for visually stunning effects on both switches. Therefore, if you are looking for a similar sound and aesthetic experience, both of these switches will provide similar results.
However, when it comes to the bottom housing, the Sea Salt Lemon features a nylon material, while the Shadow (Ink) Single Spring utilizes a polycarbonate bottom housing. The nylon bottom housing of the Sea Salt Lemon produces a deeper and fuller sound profile, thanks to its softer plastic composition. It absorbs more sound than harder plastics, creating a duller and rounder sound. On the other hand, the polycarbonate bottom housing of the Shadow (Ink) Single Spring contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile, similar to its top housing. This material distinction will have an impact on the bottom-out sound and feel of the switches.
In terms of functionality, while the top and bottom housings may differ in material, the qualities each housing material brings to the switch are split between the top and bottom. When pressing down on either switch, the qualities of the bottom housing will be felt, influencing the bottom-out sound and feel. Conversely, the top housing will have a more noticeable impact on the sound when releasing a key. Therefore, if you prioritize the sensation of pressing down on a key, the bottom housing material becomes vital, while the top housing material is more significant if you focus on the release sound.
Weight
When comparing the KTT Sea Salt Lemon linear switch and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Single Spring tactile switch, there are some noticeable differences in their actuation force and bottom out force. The Sea Salt Lemon has a slightly lighter actuation force of 45 grams, compared to the Shadow (Ink) Single Spring's 48 grams. Both switches, however, fall into the category of medium-light actuation force.
In terms of bottom out force, the Sea Salt Lemon requires 53 grams of force, while the Shadow (Ink) Single Spring requires 55 grams. Once again, both switches are considered to have a medium-light bottom out force.
Considering weight, some users may prefer the Sea Salt Lemon for its slightly lighter actuation force, which can allow for longer typing sessions without excessive fatigue. This makes it suitable for work or extended gaming sessions. On the other hand, those who prefer a more substantial typing experience may opt for the Shadow (Ink) Single Spring with its slightly higher actuation force. This provides a stronger push feel, which some users may find satisfying.
Overall, while there are slight variations in actuation and bottom out forces between the Sea Salt Lemon and the Shadow (Ink) Single Spring switches, they both fall into the medium-light category. This means that users can expect similar results in terms of typing experience, with the choice between the two switches ultimately depending on personal preference for lighter or heavier forces.
Travel distance
The KTT Sea Salt Lemon linear switch and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Single Spring tactile switch have the same travel distance of 4mm. This means that when you press down on a key equipped with either of these switches, you will experience a similar 4mm travel distance. Both switches provide a consistent and satisfying amount of key travel. Whether you choose the Sea Salt Lemon or the Shadow (Ink) Single Spring switch, you can expect a comfortable and responsive typing experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Aflion Shadow (Ink) Single 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) Single 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
The KTT Sea Salt Lemon linear switch is renowned for its buttery smooth typing experience, thanks to its progressive spring and KTT's dry-lube design. It offers a low-pitched sound profile, characterized by a more bass-heavy and mellow tone compared to higher-pitched switches. This sonic quality, combined with its moderate actuation force, makes it suitable for various users and environments, whether you're a beginner or advanced and whether you plan to use it at home or work. The Sea Salt Lemon also provides a mild feel, delivering a gentle typing experience that falls within a safe and approachable middle-ground zone.
On the other hand, the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Single Spring tactile switch offers a different experience. It is highly recommended for those seeking a tactile switch with a medium level of tactility. With its lower actuation and bottom-out force, it provides a very approachable tactility. In addition, it boasts a deep and thocky sound profile, contributing to a satisfying auditory experience while typing. Although further information about its specific sound characteristics is unavailable, it is worth noting that the sound produced by a switch can also be influenced by other factors, such as the keyboard's construction and the keycaps used.
To summarize, the Sea Salt Lemon linear switch and the Shadow (Ink) Single Spring tactile switch offer distinct subjective qualities. The Sea Salt Lemon provides a low-pitched sound profile and a mild feel, offering a smooth and gentle typing experience suitable for various users. On the other hand, the Shadow (Ink) Single Spring switch offers a medium level of tactility and a deep, thocky sound profile, delivering a more pronounced tactile feedback and a satisfying auditory sensation. While these switches differ in their qualities, those seeking similar results in terms of smoothness and gentleness may find the Sea Salt Lemon a comparable alternative to the bouncier and livelier feel of the Shadow (Ink) Single Spring.
Conclusion
In closing, when choosing between the KTT Sea Salt Lemon linear switch and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Single Spring tactile switch, it ultimately depends on your personal preferences and typing style.
If you prefer a linear switch with a smooth and buttery typing experience, the Sea Salt Lemon is a great choice. Its progressive spring and KTT's dry-lube design contribute to a satisfying and comfortable typing feel. Additionally, the Sea Salt Lemon has a low-pitched and neutral sound profile, which is suitable for both beginners and advanced users in various environments.
On the other hand, if you enjoy a tactile switch with a medium level of tactility, the Shadow (Ink) Single Spring is highly recommended. It offers a lower actuation and bottom-out force, providing approachable tactility while typing. Moreover, the Shadow (Ink) Single Spring features a deep and thocky sound profile, which adds to the overall typing experience.
Overall, both switches have their unique characteristics and advantages. Ultimately, the decision between the Sea Salt Lemon and the Shadow (Ink) Single Spring will depend on your personal preferences for typing feel, sound profile, and level of tactility. Consider trying out both switches to determine which one suits your typing style best.
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