KTT Sea Salt Lemon vs. HMX Silent Sakura - 43g
An in-depth look at the KTT Sea Salt Lemon and the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing mechanical keyboard switches, the KTT Sea Salt Lemon and the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g present two excellent options for linear switch enthusiasts, each catering to distinct preferences and typing styles. The KTT Sea Salt Lemon is celebrated for its buttery smooth typing experience, thanks to its progressive spring design and KTT's innovative dry-lube application. With a profile that can be described as low-pitched, neutral, and mild, this switch offers a satisfying experience without overwhelming the senses, making it ideal for those who appreciate a balance of feedback and ease of use. On the other hand, the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g is engineered for an ultra-quiet performance, providing an almost serene typing atmosphere reminiscent of raindrops gently falling on a windowpane. Its lightweight 43g bottom-out force suits light typists who prioritize a discreet environment without sacrificing the smooth linear action. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
37g
Bottom-out force
53g
Bottom-out force
43g
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
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
13mm progressive spring
Spring
22mm extended single-staged spring
Housing materials
The KTT Sea Salt Lemon and HMX Silent Sakura - 43g switches utilize different materials for their housings, which greatly influences their overall sound profiles and tactile experiences. The KTT Sea Salt Lemon features a polycarbonate top housing, which is known for its stiffness and translucency. This results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile, making it advantageous for users who want to highlight RGB lighting effects. Conversely, the Silent Sakura - 43g utilizes a nylon top housing, which is softer and absorbs sound more effectively. This leads to a deeper, fuller sound profile, creating a contrast between the two switches even though both serve the same purpose in providing a typing experience.
In terms of the bottom housing, the KTT Sea Salt Lemon is equipped with a nylon housing that continues the trend of sound absorption, thereby contributing to a rounder and mellower sound. In contrast, the Silent Sakura - 43g’s bottom housing is crafted from polycarbonate, which enhances clarity and resonance, resulting in a brighter lower-end response. This divergence in material further emphasizes the differences in tactile feedback and auditory feedback between the two switches. Therefore, while both switches engage the typical typing experience of mechanical switches, the combination of materials yields distinctive sound characteristics based on which housing is at the top and which is at the bottom.
Despite the differing materials used in the KTT Sea Salt Lemon and HMX Silent Sakura - 43g, the combination of switch housings can lead to similar results. Both switches offer unique auditory experiences suited to different preferences—users who enjoy a sharper, more translucent experience can lean towards the KTT Sea Salt Lemon, while those preferring a rounder, softer sound may find the Silent Sakura more appealing. Although the sound profile changes based on the housing material, the core function of providing a satisfying typing sensation remains intact, allowing users to select a switch that aligns with personal aesthetics and performance desires. Ultimately, whether one prefers the crisper sounds of polycarbonate or the absorbent properties of nylon, both switches can deliver satisfying results through the clever design of their respective materials.
Weight
The KTT Sea Salt Lemon linear switch and the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g linear switch present distinct characteristics in terms of actuation force and bottom out force. The Sea Salt Lemon requires a heavier actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 53 grams, categorizing it as a medium-light switch. In contrast, the Silent Sakura features a lighter actuation force of just 37 grams and a bottom out force of 43 grams, making it a lightweight option. This difference means that users who prefer a lighter switch for extended typing or gaming sessions would benefit from the Silent Sakura, while those who favor a more substantial typing feel might lean towards the Sea Salt Lemon. Since the actuation and bottom out forces differ between the two switches, users can expect varied tactile experiences based on their choice, aligning with their personal preferences for typing or gaming.
Travel distance
Both the KTT Sea Salt Lemon linear switch and the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g linear switch have the same travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when pressing down on the keys equipped with either switch, users will experience an identical feel in terms of depth, leading to similar results in typing and gaming. As both switches have equal travel distances, they will deliver a comparable response and tactile experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
For 10 switches, the KTT Sea Salt Lemon comes in at $2.80, whereas the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g comes in at $3.50.
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 KTT Sea Salt Lemon switches produce a low-pitched tone that is warm and bass-heavy, creating a less intrusive auditory experience that balances well with a neutral profile. This makes them versatile for various environments, ensuring they don't disrupt your workflow whether you're in a quiet office or at home. On the other hand, the sound attributes of the HMX Silent Sakura switches are focused on delivering an ultra-quiet performance, evoking comparisons to soft raindrops. While the specific sound profile of the Silent Sakura is not detailed, the emphasis on silence suggests they create minimal noise during typing, aligning well with those who prefer a serene workspace.
In terms of feel, the Sea Salt Lemon switches provide a mild typing experience characterized by a gentle actuation that makes them approachable for a wide range of users. The buttery smoothness from KTT’s dry-lube design enhances the typing experience, making it pleasant for both casual and extended typing sessions. The Silent Sakura – 43g switches, while not specifically described, are aimed at light typists with an emphasis on a subtle touch, indicating a potentially soft and responsive feel that pairs well with their lower actuation force of 43g. This combination suggests that both switches cater well to the tactile preferences of users seeking smooth operation, albeit with different missions.
In conclusion, both the KTT Sea Salt Lemon and HMX Silent Sakura - 43g linear switches offer appealing qualities for those in search of smooth and enjoyable typing experiences. The Sea Salt Lemon delivers a delightful low-pitched sound coupled with a mild feel, whereas the Silent Sakura emphasizes quiet operation, likely with a gentle touch. While they each serve unique user preferences, both are designed to help users achieve satisfying results, whether you're looking for a balanced auditory profile or a whisper-quiet environment.
Conclusion
To sum up, the choice between the KTT Sea Salt Lemon and the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g linear switch ultimately depends on your personal typing preferences and usage scenarios. If you enjoy a smooth, buttery typing experience and prefer a slight bump in resistance—which is beneficial for ensuring that each keystroke is intentional—the Sea Salt Lemon, with its 53g bottom out force, is a fantastic option. It’s also suitable for a more varied typing environment, thanks to its low-pitched sound profile, making it a great choice for both home and work settings. On the other hand, if you find yourself typing lightly and prefer a quieter environment, the Silent Sakura - 43g would be your ideal switch. Its lightweight 43g bottom out force offers effortless actuation, making it perfect for extended typing sessions without fatigue, while its whisper-quiet operation ensures minimal disturbance to those around you. Ultimately, whether you lean towards the tactile familiarity of the Sea Salt Lemon or the serene typing experience of the Silent Sakura depends on how you prioritize feel and sound in your daily keyboard use.
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