KTT Sea Salt Lemon vs. Akko V3 Silver Pro
An in-depth look at the KTT Sea Salt Lemon and the Akko V3 Silver Pro switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the KTT Sea Salt Lemon and the Akko V3 Silver Pro both offer unique experiences worth considering. The Sea Salt Lemon is a linear switch praised for its buttery smooth typing experience due to its progressive spring and dry-lube design. On the other hand, the V3 Silver Pro is designed with gamers in mind, boasting effortless keystrokes, pleasing bassy sounds, and light actuation force for quick responses in gaming scenarios. While the Sea Salt Lemon is described as 'Low-pitched', 'Neutral', and 'Mild', the V3 Silver Pro is characterized by being 'Easy-to-press', 'Creamy', 'Feathery', 'High-pitched', 'Polished', and 'Silky'. Deciding between these two switches ultimately depends on your personal preference and the specific needs of your typing or gaming experience; 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
40g
Bottom-out force
53g
Bottom-out force
45g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.30 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
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
13mm progressive spring
Spring
13.8mm spring
Housing materials
Both the KTT Sea Salt Lemon and the Akko V3 Silver Pro utilize polycarbonate for their top housing, resulting in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is because polycarbonate is a stiffer plastic that produces a clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it perfect for switches that incorporate RGB lighting. However, the Sea Salt Lemon and V3 Silver Pro differ in their bottom housing material, with the Sea Salt Lemon featuring a nylon bottom housing. Nylon is known for creating a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer nature, which absorbs more sound compared to harder plastics.
While both switches share the benefits of using polycarbonate in their top housing, the Sea Salt Lemon's nylon bottom housing provides a unique typing experience with a deeper and fuller sound profile, unlike the V3 Silver Pro's polycarbonate bottom housing. This allows for a more rounded and dull sound when typing on the Sea Salt Lemon, as the softer nylon absorbs more sound than the stiffer polycarbonate. When pressing down on either switch, you will feel the impact of the bottom housing, influencing the bottom-out sound and feel. Conversely, the top housing material plays a significant role in the sound when releasing a key, emphasizing the importance of both the top and bottom housing materials in creating the overall typing experience.
In conclusion, while both the KTT Sea Salt Lemon and the Akko V3 Silver Pro share similarities in their polycarbonate top housing, the use of different materials for the bottom housing results in distinct sound profiles. The Sea Salt Lemon's nylon bottom housing contributes to a deeper and fuller sound, while the V3 Silver Pro's polycarbonate bottom housing may produce a crisper sound. Understanding the impact of each housing material on sound quality and typing experience is crucial for keyboard enthusiasts looking to customize their setup to match their preferences. Ultimately, both switches offer unique qualities based on their housing materials that cater to different sound preferences.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the KTT Sea Salt Lemon linear switch and the Akko V3 Silver Pro linear switch, it is evident that the Sea Salt Lemon has a slightly heavier actuation force of 45 grams compared to the V3 Silver Pro's 40 grams. However, the Sea Salt Lemon also has a heavier bottom out force of 53 grams, whereas the V3 Silver Pro has a lighter bottom out force of 45 grams. This means that typing on the Sea Salt Lemon may require a slightly stronger push for each keystroke but provides a more substantial typing experience overall. In contrast, the V3 Silver Pro offers a lighter typing experience with less force required for both actuation and bottom out. Both switches cater to different preferences, with the Sea Salt Lemon being more suitable for those who prefer a bit of resistance in their keystrokes, while the V3 Silver Pro is ideal for those who prefer a lighter touch for extended typing or gaming sessions.
Travel distance
The Sea Salt Lemon linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, which is considered a more traditional depth. On the other hand, the Akko V3 Silver Pro linear switch has a shorter travel distance of 3.3 mm, making it ideal for those looking for a faster response time. Gamers often prefer shorter travel distances for quick movements, while those who enjoy a more substantial key press may opt for the switch with the longer travel distance. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on personal preference and the type of typing experience the user is seeking.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Akko V3 Silver Pro has an MSRP of $4.22 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the V3 Silver Pro for $3.10.
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 Sea Salt Lemon linear switch offers a low-pitched and neutral sound profile, providing a mellow and bass-heavy tone that is suitable for a wide range of users. On the other hand, the Akko V3 Silver Pro linear switch produces a high-pitched sound that is sharp and crisp, ideal for those who prefer a brighter tone. The choice between the two will ultimately depend on personal preference, as well as other factors such as the keyboard and keycaps being used.
When it comes to the feel of the switches, the Sea Salt Lemon linear switch offers a mild typing experience that falls in a safe middle-ground zone, providing a gentle feel that is approachable to most users. In contrast, the Akko V3 Silver Pro linear switch is easy-to-press, with a creamy, feathery, polished, and silky sensation that offers a smooth and buttery typing experience. This makes it comfortable for extended gaming, school, or work sessions, reducing finger fatigue and enhancing the overall typing feel.
Overall, both the Sea Salt Lemon and the Akko V3 Silver Pro linear switches have their unique qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the Sea Salt Lemon offers a low-pitched and neutral sound with a mild typing experience, the Akko V3 Silver Pro provides a high-pitched sound with an easy-to-press, creamy, feathery, polished, and silky feel. Depending on your preferences and usage scenarios, you can expect a satisfying typing experience with either switch, as both offer smooth and responsive performance.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you prioritize a medium-light bottom out force and a buttery smooth typing experience, the KTT Sea Salt Lemon linear switch would be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you are a gamer looking for a light actuation force and shortened travel distance with pleasing bassy sound, the Akko V3 Silver Pro linear switch is the way to go. Consider your typing preferences, whether you prefer low-pitched and neutral sound profiles like the Sea Salt Lemon or high-pitched sound like the V3 Silver Pro. Additionally, think about the feel you desire - whether it's a mild and approachable typing experience of the Sea Salt Lemon or the easy-to-press, creamy, feathery, polished, or silky feel offered by the V3 Silver Pro. Ultimately, your choice between these two switches will depend on your specific needs and preferences.
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