KTT Sea Salt Lemon vs. HMX Silent Sakura - 53g
An in-depth look at the KTT Sea Salt Lemon and the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to selecting a mechanical keyboard switch, the KTT Sea Salt Lemon and the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g offer distinct experiences tailored to different preferences. The Sea Salt Lemon switch is celebrated for its smooth typing experience, thanks to its progressive spring and KTT's innovative dry-lube design, which results in a tactile sensation that feels both neutral and mild, appealing to those who enjoy a seamless keypress. On the other hand, the HMX Silent Sakura switches prioritize a whisper-quiet operation, making them ideal for workspaces or environments where noise is a concern. With a balanced 53g bottom-out force, these switches offer a light yet satisfying keystroke, perfect for typists who appreciate a bit of feedback without the auditory interference. Each switch has its unique appeal, with the Sea Salt Lemon excelling in smoothness and the Silent Sakura delivering a tranquil typing experience. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond 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
53g
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
When comparing the housing materials of the KTT Sea Salt Lemon and the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g, distinct differences arise that inherently affect their acoustic profiles and user experience. The KTT Sea Salt Lemon features a polycarbonate top housing, which delivers a sharper, crisper sound profile thanks to its stiffer composition. This quality becomes especially pronounced when utilizing RGB lighting, as the polycarbonate's translucency enhances visual effects. In contrast, the Silent Sakura - 53g boasts a nylon top housing, promoting a deeper and rounder sound profile. This is due to nylon's softer nature, which absorbs sound rather than reflecting it, leading to a more muted auditory experience. Thus, while the Sea Salt Lemon is ideal for users seeking clarity and brightness in sound, the Silent Sakura leans towards a softer and more subdued auditory feedback.
The bottom housings of these switches also provide a juxtaposition of materials, further influencing the overall sound and feel of each switch. The KTT Sea Salt Lemon features a nylon bottom housing, which contributes to a fuller and more muted sound profile—that is, the downward key press experience. Nylon's sound-absorbing qualities play a significant role here, making each keystroke feel grounded and substantial. Conversely, the Silent Sakura's polycarbonate bottom housing offers a sharper, crisper response on bottoming out, aligning with its top housing's sonic characteristics. The unique combination of a polycarbonate top and nylon bottom within the KTT Sea Salt Lemon enhances clarity during release, while the HMX Silent Sakura’s polycarbonate bottom results in pronounced auditory feedback with a more engaged sound.
Ultimately, while the KTT Sea Salt Lemon and HMX Silent Sakura - 53g utilize different materials for their top and bottom housings, users can expect an interesting merging of characteristics that enhance the typing experience. The KTT Sea Salt Lemon, with its polycarbonate top and nylon bottom, provides a balanced auditory experience, making it suitable for those who enjoy a mixture of clarity and depth. On the other hand, the Silent Sakura's contrasting structure, featuring a nylon top and polycarbonate bottom, results in a nuanced typing experience that caters to users who favor a deeper sound with a sharp bottoming-out impact. Both switches illustrate how varying housing materials can be used creatively to achieve particular sound profiles while offering a unique tactile and auditory experience for their users.
Weight
The KTT Sea Salt Lemon linear switch and the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g linear switch both exhibit an actuation force of 45 grams, making them equally suitable for users who prefer lighter switches for prolonged typing or gaming sessions. Both switches also share the same bottom out force of 53 grams, indicating a consistent keystroke experience throughout their travel. Since both switches have identical actuation and bottom out forces, users can expect similar results in terms of key feel and response. Given this comparison, neither switch is heavier than the other; they both provide a medium-light typing experience that appeals to those who favor a less strenuous keystroke while still delivering a satisfying bottoming out sensation.
Travel distance
Both the KTT Sea Salt Lemon linear switch and the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g linear switch feature an identical travel distance of 4 mm. This means that users can expect a similar key feel and actuation experience when pressing down on either switch, as both require the same distance to engage. Therefore, if you choose either switch, you will achieve comparable results in terms of travel distance and overall performance, making them equally suitable for those who prefer a consistent tactile experience while typing or gaming.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The HMX Silent Sakura - 53g has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Silent Sakura - 53g for $2.99.
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 comparing the sound characteristics of the KTT Sea Salt Lemon switch to the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g, it's evident that they cater to different auditory preferences. The Sea Salt Lemon is noted for its low-pitched, neutral sound profile. This results in a more bass-heavy and mellow tone, making it suitable for environments where a moderate sound level is desired, whether at home or in an office. On the other hand, while the sound profile of the Silent Sakura - 53g switch is not specified, it is engineered for a whisper-quiet typing experience, suggesting that it likely offers a softer keystroke similar to the gentle sound of raindrops. However, the specifics about its sound remain unknown, making a direct comparison challenging.
In terms of feel, the Sea Salt Lemon provides a mild typing experience. This switch delivers a gentle actuation that is accessible to both novice and experienced typists, aligning comfortably within a middle ground that avoids overwhelming tactile feedback. The HMX Silent Sakura - 53g, with its perfectly balanced 53g bottom-out force, is designed to cater to typists who prefer a light yet satisfying keystroke, but without more detailed information on its tactile feedback, it's difficult to ascertain how it compares in terms of overall feel.
In conclusion, both switches present unique qualities that will appeal to different users. The KTT Sea Salt Lemon offers a low-pitched, neutral sound with a smooth and mild feel, making it versatile for various typing environments. The HMX Silent Sakura - 53g, while maintaining a quiet operation, focuses on delivering a lighter keystroke, although its tactile feedback remains unspecified. Depending on your preferences regarding sound and feel, either switch could provide an enjoyable typing experience, particularly if you're looking for characteristics that ensure comfort and satisfaction during use. Choosing between the two ultimately depends on whether you prioritize a more mellow auditory experience or a whisper-quiet environment coupled with a balanced keystroke force.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between the KTT Sea Salt Lemon linear switch and the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g linear switch ultimately depends on your individual preferences and primary usage scenarios. If you're looking for a smooth, buttery typing experience without any significant auditory distractions, the Sea Salt Lemon is an excellent option. Its low-pitched and mild characteristics make it suitable for both home and office environments, allowing you to enjoy typing without overwhelming those around you. On the other hand, if you prioritize a whisper-quiet experience—perhaps for late-night work sessions or shared spaces—the Silent Sakura - 53g may be the better choice. This switch promises to deliver a serene typing experience, reminiscent of gentle raindrops, making it ideal for those who value noise reduction alongside satisfying keystrokes. Ultimately, whether you lean towards the balanced feel of the Sea Salt Lemon or the tranquil silence of the Silent Sakura, either choice will enhance your mechanical keyboard journey.
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