KTT Sea Salt Lemon vs. TTC Silent Red
An in-depth look at the KTT Sea Salt Lemon and the TTC Silent Red switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, two popular options that often come up for consideration are the KTT Sea Salt Lemon and the TTC Silent Red. Both switches fall under the linear switch category, offering a smooth typist experience with minimal noise. The Sea Salt Lemon switch is known for its progressive spring and KTT's dry-lube design, which together create a buttery smooth typing experience. While categorized as 'Low-pitched', 'Neutral', and 'Mild', these switches offer a lovely representation of what a linear switch can be. On the other hand, the Silent Red switch is praised for its seamless and silent operation, making it an ideal choice for office or shared living spaces. Touted as 'Buttery', 'Mild', 'Muted', and 'Polished', these switches ensure a smooth and consistent feel from top to bottom, with a padded bottom-out feel for maximum comfort. However, let's dive a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your specific needs and preferences.
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
1.90 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
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
13mm progressive spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The housing materials of the KTT Sea Salt Lemon and TTC Silent Red switches have some similarities and differences. Both switches feature polycarbonate 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 more clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate is especially advantageous for those using RGB lighting. Therefore, users can expect similar sound profiles and aesthetic benefits from the polycarbonate top housing of both switches.
In terms of the bottom housing, both the Sea Salt Lemon and Silent Red switches utilize nylon. Nylon is a classic switch housing material that enhances the sound profile by creating a deeper and fuller tone. This is because nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound compared to harder plastics. As a result, typing on switches with nylon bottom housing will produce a duller and rounder sound. Users of both switches can experience this deeper sound profile, which contributes to a more satisfying typing experience.
It's important to note that when a switch has different top and bottom housings, the qualities of each housing material will be divided between the two parts. Pressing down on the switch will primarily exhibit the qualities of the bottom housing, influencing the bottom-out sound and feel. Meanwhile, the top housing will have more influence on the sound produced when releasing a key. Therefore, while the Sea Salt Lemon and Silent Red switches share similarities in their housing materials, the distribution of sound characteristics may vary slightly depending on the specific switch design.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the KTT Sea Salt Lemon linear switch and the TTC Silent Red linear switch, we can see some similarities and differences. In terms of actuation force, both switches have a force requirement of 45 grams, meaning that the initial push needed to register a keystroke is identical. This similarity in actuation force suggests that users can expect a similar level of responsiveness from both switches.
However, when it comes to the bottom out force, we see a distinction between the two switches. The Sea Salt Lemon has a bottom out force of 53 grams, which is considered medium-light. This implies that users will experience a gentler resistance when fully pressing down the keys, allowing for a lighter typing experience. On the other hand, the Silent Red has a bottom out force of 63.5 grams, which is medium-heavy. This indicates that users will encounter a stronger push feel when fully depressing the keys, resulting in a more substantial typing experience.
Weight plays a role in users' preferences for switches. Those who prefer a lighter switch might opt for the Sea Salt Lemon, as it allows for longer typing periods without causing excessive strain. This lighter weight is ideal for individuals using their keyboards for work or engaging in extended gaming sessions. On the contrary, those who enjoy a heavier switch for a more pronounced tactile feedback may be drawn to the Silent Red with its heavier bottom out force.
In conclusion, while both the KTT Sea Salt Lemon and TTC Silent Red switches share a similar actuation force, their bottom out forces differ, resulting in variances in the typing experience. The Sea Salt Lemon provides a lighter, more effortless typing sensation, while the Silent Red offers a heavier, more robust keystroke feel. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on individual preferences and the desired typing experience.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the KTT Sea Salt Lemon linear switch is 4 mm, while the TTC Silent Red linear switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.7 mm. The Sea Salt Lemon falls into the more traditional category with its 4.0 mm travel distance, while the Silent Red offers a slightly shallower depth with its 3.7 mm travel distance. In recent times, shorter travel distances have gained popularity, especially among gamers who seek faster response times. If you prioritize responsiveness, opting for the shorter travel distance of the Silent Red would be a suitable choice. However, for those who prefer a more substantial feeling when pressing down on the keys, the Sea Salt Lemon's longer travel distance may be the preferred option. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on individual preferences and the desired typing/gameplaying experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The TTC Silent Red has an MSRP of $5.28 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Silent Red for $4.38.
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 offers a low-pitched sound profile. This means that it produces a more bass-heavy and mellow tone compared to higher-pitched switches. On the other hand, the TTC Silent Red linear switch is known for its muted sound. It produces a softer and quieter sound compared to regular or clacky switches. Both switches provide a pleasant typing experience in terms of sound, with the Sea Salt Lemon offering a low-pitched tone and the Silent Red delivering a muted sound profile. However, it is important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.
When it comes to feel, the KTT Sea Salt Lemon linear switch is described as offering a mild typing experience. This means that it provides a more gentle and approachable typing feel compared to switches with more pronounced characteristics. The Sea Salt Lemon switch has a smooth and consistent feel from top to bottom, thanks to its progressive spring and KTT's dry-lube design. On the other hand, the TTC Silent Red linear switch is described as buttery and polished. Its buttery feel implies a smooth and fluid keystroke experience, providing a seamless and effortless typing sensation. The polished switch indicates a smooth and refined finish, resulting in a sleek typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel. Both switches offer a comfortable and satisfying typing feel, with the Sea Salt Lemon being mild and the Silent Red being smooth, effortless, and polished.
In conclusion, the KTT Sea Salt Lemon linear switch and the TTC Silent Red linear switch offer different subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Sea Salt Lemon provides a low-pitched sound profile and a mild typing experience, while the Silent Red offers a muted sound and a buttery, polished feel. Both switches excel in their respective qualities and are suitable for different preferences. If you are looking for a linear switch with a more bass-heavy and mellow sound, along with a mild typing experience, the Sea Salt Lemon is a great choice. On the other hand, if you prefer a quieter typing experience with a smooth and polished feel, the Silent Red is the perfect option. In terms of sound and feel, these switches provide distinct experiences, but both are exceptional in their own right, ensuring a satisfying typing experience for users.
Conclusion
In closing, if you're looking for a linear switch with a medium-light bottom out force and a buttery smooth typing experience, the KTT Sea Salt Lemon switch would be the perfect choice for you. With its progressive spring and dry-lube design, it offers a gentle and approachable typing experience. Additionally, its low-pitched sound profile makes it suitable for both beginners and advanced users, whether you're using it at home or at work. On the other hand, if you prioritize a quiet typing experience without compromising on smoothness, the TTC Silent Red switch would be more ideal. With a slightly heavier bottom out force and a muted sound profile, it is perfect for office or shared living spaces where noise can be a concern. Its buttery and polished feel ensures uniform and effortless typing. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches depends on your preferences for bottom out force, sound profile, and overall typing experience.
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