KTT Sea Salt Lemon vs. TTC Silent Brown
An in-depth look at the KTT Sea Salt Lemon and the TTC Silent Brown switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, it's important to consider both the typing experience and the sound profile. This is where the KTT Sea Salt Lemon, a linear switch, and the TTC Silent Brown, a tactile switch, come into play. The Sea Salt Lemon is renowned for its buttery smooth typing experience thanks to its progressive spring and KTT's dry-lube design. With a low-pitched, neutral sound and a mild feel, it offers a pleasant and effortless typing experience. On the other hand, the Silent Brown tactile switches provide a comfortable typing experience with a rounded tactile bump and a light-medium level of resistance. These switches are loved for their muted sound profile, adding a polished touch to your typing. Now, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can best decide on the perfect switch for your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
53g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.80 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
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
13mm progressive spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The KTT Sea Salt Lemon and TTC Silent Brown both feature polycarbonate top housings, which create a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The use of polycarbonate in both switches helps to achieve a clear and resonant sound, making them ideal for users who value precise and distinct keyboard feedback. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate allows for RGB lighting effects, adding an aesthetic appeal to the switches. Therefore, users can expect similar sound characteristics and visual enhancements from both the Sea Salt Lemon and Silent Brown due to their shared polycarbonate top housings.
In terms of the bottom housings, both the Sea Salt Lemon and Silent Brown utilize nylon, a classic switch housing material. Nylon contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile, as it is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound compared to harder plastics. This results in a duller and rounder sound when typing on switches with nylon bottom housings. Therefore, users can expect a similar typing experience from the Sea Salt Lemon and Silent Brown, as both switches incorporate nylon bottom housings that lead to a similar sound profile.
It should be noted that the qualities brought by the different housing materials are divided between the top and bottom of the switch. When pressing down on either the Sea Salt Lemon or Silent Brown, the bottom housing will influence the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing will have more impact on the sound when releasing a key. Despite the differences in the top and bottom housings between the two switches, users can expect similar results in terms of sound characteristics and typing experience due to the shared qualities of polycarbonate and nylon.
Weight
When comparing the KTT Sea Salt Lemon linear switch and the TTC Silent Brown tactile switch, there are some notable differences in their actuation force and bottom out force. Both switches have an actuation force of 45 grams, providing a consistent and relatively light touch for typing. This is beneficial for those who prefer a lighter feel, allowing for prolonged typing sessions without fatigue. However, when it comes to bottoming out, the Sea Salt Lemon has a force of 53 grams, while the Silent Brown requires a heavier force of 63.5 grams. This makes the Silent Brown switch more suitable for individuals who prefer a stronger push feel, leading to a more substantial typing experience. While the actuation force remains the same, the difference in bottom out force between these switches allows individuals to choose based on their preference for lighter or heavier typing experiences.
Travel distance
In comparing the travel distance of the KTT Sea Salt Lemon linear switch and the TTC Silent Brown tactile switch, we find that the Sea Salt Lemon has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Silent Brown has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.8 mm. Despite this difference, both switches provide a fairly traditional travel distance, with the Sea Salt Lemon being slightly deeper. For those who prioritize faster response times, the shorter travel distance of the Silent Brown may be preferred, especially among gamers. On the other hand, some individuals may find the shorter travel distance to be too abrupt and prefer the added depth and solidity provided by the Sea Salt Lemon with its 4 mm travel distance. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preferences for either a shorter and more responsive experience or a deeper and more substantial feel.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The TTC Silent Brown has an MSRP of $5.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Silent Brown for $3.68.
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 Sea Salt Lemon linear switch offers a low-pitched profile, which means it produces a more bass-heavy and mellow tone compared to higher-pitched switches. This creates a pleasing and relaxed auditory experience. On the other hand, the Silent Brown tactile switch is known for its muted sound profile. This means it produces a softer and quieter sound compared to regular or clacky switches, minimizing the noise typically associated with mechanical keyboards. It is important to note that while the switches contribute to the sound profile, the sound can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.
In terms of feel, the Sea Salt Lemon linear switch provides a mild typing experience. This means it offers a more gentle and approachable feel compared to switches with more pronounced characteristics. The typing sensation is comfortable and all aspects of the switch's qualities stand in a safe and middle-ground zone. Conversely, the Silent Brown tactile switch offers a buttery and polished feel. The buttery characteristic implies a smooth and fluid keystroke experience, providing a seamless and effortless typing sensation. Additionally, the switch's polished finish contributes to a sleek typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel. Both switches offer a mild typing experience, making them suitable for most people.
Considering the available information, the Sea Salt Lemon linear switch and the TTC Silent Brown tactile switch offer unique subjective qualities. The Sea Salt Lemon provides a low-pitched sound profile and a mild typing experience, creating a buttery smooth typing experience with a more bass-heavy and mellow tone. On the other hand, the Silent Brown offers a muted sound profile, a buttery and polished feel, and a satisfying rounded tactile bump. While they have distinct characteristics, both switches provide a comfortable typing experience. Therefore, if you enjoy the mild typing experience and are looking for a quieter sound, the Silent Brown would be a suitable choice. If you prefer a switch with a more bass-heavy and mellow tone, then the Sea Salt Lemon would be a great option. Overall, these switches offer different subjective qualities that cater to individual preferences while maintaining a level of comfort and satisfaction.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a smooth and buttery typing experience, the Sea Salt Lemon linear switch from KTT is the way to go. With its progressive spring and dry-lube design, these switches offer a lovely representation of what a linear switch can be. They have a medium-light bottom out force of 53 grams, providing a comfortable and gentle typing experience. Additionally, the Sea Salt Lemon switches have a low-pitched and neutral sound profile, making them suitable for various environments and users.
On the other hand, if you prioritize a tactile typing experience with a satisfying rounded bump, the TTC Silent Brown tactile switch is the right choice for you. These switches offer a light-medium level of resistance with a bottom out force of 63.5 grams, providing a comfortable typing experience. The Silent Brown switches also boast a muted sound profile, minimizing the noise typically associated with mechanical keyboards.
Ultimately, the decision between the Sea Salt Lemon and the Silent Brown switches will depend on your personal preferences and typing style. If you enjoy a smooth and mild linear switch with a gentle feel, go for the Sea Salt Lemon. If you prefer a tactile typing experience with a muted sound profile, opt for the Silent Brown. Whichever switch you choose, both options guarantee a high-quality typing experience.
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