KTT Sea Salt Lemon vs. Jwick Splash Brothers
An in-depth look at the KTT Sea Salt Lemon and the Jwick Splash Brothers switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
The KTT Sea Salt Lemon and the Jwick Splash Brothers are both linear switches, offering a smooth typing experience. The Sea Salt Lemon is praised for its progressive spring and KTT's dry-lube design, resulting in a buttery smooth feel. This switch is categorized as low-pitched, neutral, and mild. On the other hand, the Splash Brothers boast a shorter activation and a long pole stem, providing a unique and enjoyable typing feel. Additionally, these switches produce a creamy sound signature. The Splash Brothers are categorized as neutral, mild, snappy, bouncy, subtle, and polished. Both switches have their own standout features, but 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
N/A
Bottom-out force
53g
Bottom-out force
48g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 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
Extended long spring
Housing materials
The KTT Sea Salt Lemon and the Jwick Splash Brothers both feature polycarbonate top housings. This material choice results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile for both switches. The stiffness of polycarbonate allows for a more clear and resonant sound, making it an excellent choice for those seeking a distinct auditory experience. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for incorporating RGB lighting into the switch design. Overall, the polycarbonate top housings of both switches offer similar advantages in terms of sound quality and aesthetics.
In terms of the bottom housing, both the Sea Salt Lemon and the Splash Brothers utilize nylon, a classic material for switch housings. Typing on switches with nylon bottom housings elicits a deeper and fuller sound profile. The relatively softer nature of nylon enables it to absorb more sound compared to harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. This creates a unique auditory experience that may appeal to users looking for a more muted typing experience. Both switches benefit from the sound-absorbing properties of nylon in their bottom housings, providing a similar sound profile when keys are bottomed out.
Although the top and bottom housings differ between the Sea Salt Lemon and the Splash Brothers, they both contribute to the overall sound and feel of the switch. When pressing down on the switch, the qualities of the bottom housing are more prominent, influencing the bottom-out sound and feel. Conversely, the top housing plays a larger role in the sound produced when releasing a key. While the specific materials used for the top and bottom housings may differ, the overall effect is similar in terms of how the sound profile is affected by each component of the switch.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the KTT Sea Salt Lemon linear switch and the Jwick Splash Brothers linear switch, there are a few notable differences. The Sea Salt Lemon has an actuation force of 45 grams, while the actuation force for the Splash Brothers is unknown. However, both switches have relatively light bottom out forces, with the Sea Salt Lemon measuring at 53 grams, and the Splash Brothers at 48 grams.
For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the Splash Brothers may be the better choice due to its lighter bottom out force. This can allow for longer typing sessions without as much fatigue. On the other hand, if a stronger push feel is desired for a more substantial typing experience, the Sea Salt Lemon may be preferred, as it has a slightly higher bottom out force.
Weight is an important consideration, as some users may prefer a lighter switch to enable longer typing sessions or extended gaming sessions. However, others may prefer a heavier switch for a more satisfying typing experience. In this case, both switches offer different combinations of actuation and bottom out forces, allowing users to choose what suits their preferences.
Overall, while the actuation force for the Splash Brothers is unknown, it is clear that it offers a lighter bottom out force compared to the Sea Salt Lemon. This contrast in force allows users to choose between a medium-light typing experience with the Sea Salt Lemon or a lighter typing experience with the Splash Brothers. Ultimately, personal preference will determine which switch is the more suitable option.
Travel distance
The KTT Sea Salt Lemon linear switch and the Jwick Splash Brothers linear switch have different travel distances. The Sea Salt Lemon has a travel distance of 4 mm, which is considered a more traditional distance. On the other hand, the Splash Brothers has a shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm. Gamers, in particular, tend to favor shorter travel distances as it allows for faster response times. So, if you are looking for a more responsive experience, the Splash Brothers would be the better option. However, some individuals may find shorter travel distances to feel too abrupt and may prefer a switch with a longer travel distance like the Sea Salt Lemon. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and the desired typing or gaming 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 Jwick Splash Brothers comes in at $2.49.
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, both the KTT Sea Salt Lemon and Jwick Splash Brothers switches have a neutral sound profile. This means that they produce a moderate sound that is suitable for most purposes, whether you are a beginner or advanced user, and whether you are using them at home or work. However, it's important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.
In terms of feel, both switches offer a mild typing experience. This means that they provide a gentle and approachable feel for most users. The Sea Salt Lemon switch falls within a safe middle-ground zone, providing a smooth and buttery typing experience due to its progressive spring and dry-lube design. The Splash Brothers switch, on the other hand, offers a snappy and bouncy feel, thanks to its longer or dual-staged springs and a subtle resistance that still maintains a light typing feel. Moreover, both switches have a polished finish, resulting in reduced friction and smooth key travel.
Overall, both the KTT Sea Salt Lemon and Jwick Splash Brothers switches offer a pleasant typing experience with their respective qualities. While the Sea Salt Lemon is known for its buttery smoothness and mild feel, the Splash Brothers provide a snappy and bouncy typing experience. In terms of sound, both switches have a neutral profile, making them suitable for various purposes. Depending on personal preferences and the specific setup, users can expect similar results in terms of feel and sound from these switches.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you're looking for a smoother and buttery typing experience with a medium-light bottom out force, the KTT Sea Salt Lemon linear switch is an excellent choice. These switches are known for their progressive spring and dry-lube design, providing a delightful typing feel. They also offer a low-pitched and neutral sound profile, making them suitable for both beginners and advanced users in various settings.
On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter bottom out force and a unique typing feel, the Jwick Splash Brothers linear switch would be a great option. With its shorter activation and long pole stem, these switches offer a snappy, bouncy, and subtle typing experience. Additionally, they produce a neutral sound, making them versatile for different purposes.
Ultimately, the decision between the KTT Sea Salt Lemon and Jwick Splash Brothers switches will depend on your preferences. If you value a smoother typing feel with a medium-light force, go for the Sea Salt Lemon switches. However, if you prefer a lighter force and a more lively typing experience, the Splash Brothers switches are the way to go. Consider the sound and feel descriptions provided to determine which switch aligns better with your typing style and environment.
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