KTT Sea Salt Lemon vs. KTT Strawberry
An in-depth look at the KTT Sea Salt Lemon and the KTT Strawberry switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
The world of mechanical keyboard switches offers a vast array of choices, and two popular options that often spark comparison are the KTT Sea Salt Lemon and the KTT Strawberry, both of which belong to the linear switch family. The Sea Salt Lemon switch is renowned for its progressive spring and KTT's dry-lube design, delivering an incredibly smooth typing experience. On the other hand, the Strawberry switch is celebrated for its smooth actuation, comfortable feel, and reliable performance, enhanced by its pink and clear housings. The Sea Salt Lemon exhibits a low-pitched, neutral, and mild profile, while the Strawberry showcases a low-pitched, frictionless, silky, buttery, and polished nature. With these general observations in mind, it's crucial to delve deeper into their nuances to determine the ideal switch for your specific needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
43g
Bottom-out force
53g
Bottom-out force
62g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
No
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
13mm progressive spring
Spring
Gold-plated
Housing materials
Comparing the housing materials of the KTT Sea Salt Lemon and the KTT Strawberry, both keyboards feature a polycarbonate top housing. This material creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to its stiffness. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for RGB lighting. With this similarity in the top housing material, users can expect similar sound profiles and aesthetic options when using either keyboard. Whether it's the Sea Salt Lemon or the Strawberry, the polycarbonate top housing will provide a clear and resonant sound experience, making it a great choice for those who prioritize sound quality.
In terms of the bottom housing, the Sea Salt Lemon utilizes nylon, while the Strawberry features a polycarbonate bottom housing. Typing on switches with nylon bottoms produces a deeper and fuller sound profile. The softer nature of nylon allows it to absorb more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. On the other hand, the polycarbonate bottom housing in the Strawberry contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This material's stiffness lends itself to a more clear and resonant sound. While the sound profile will differ between the Sea Salt Lemon and the Strawberry due to their different bottom housing materials, both keyboards still offer unique and desirable sound qualities.
When using a switch with different top and bottom housings, the qualities of each material are divided between the top and bottom of the switch. When pressing down on the switch, the bottom housing's characteristics will be felt, influencing the bottom-out sound and feel. Conversely, the top housing will have a greater impact on the sound when releasing a key. This distinction allows users to have a more nuanced and versatile typing experience, with different elements of the sound profile being influenced by different materials in the housing. Whether it's the Sea Salt Lemon or the Strawberry, users can expect a well-rounded and customizable sound profile that caters to their preferences.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the KTT Sea Salt Lemon linear switch and the KTT Strawberry linear switch, there are some distinct differences. The Sea Salt Lemon switch has a slightly lighter actuation force of 45 grams compared to the Strawberry switch's 43 grams. However, when it comes to the bottom out force, the Strawberry switch requires a heavier force of 62 grams, while the Sea Salt Lemon switch requires 53 grams.
For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the Sea Salt Lemon switch would be the better choice as it has a lower actuation force. This would be beneficial for those who need to type for longer periods, such as when using the keyboard at work or engaging in extended gaming sessions. On the other hand, if someone prefers a more substantial typing experience with a stronger push feel, they might lean towards the Strawberry switch. The Strawberry switch's higher bottom out force would provide a more satisfying tactile feedback.
Overall, even though the actuation and bottom out forces differ between the two switches, both can provide a similar typing experience in terms of weight preferences. Both switches fall within the medium-light to medium range, ensuring that users can type comfortably without exerting excessive force. Ultimately, the decision between the Sea Salt Lemon and Strawberry switches would come down to personal preference regarding the desired typing experience.
Travel distance
The KTT Sea Salt Lemon linear switch and the KTT Strawberry linear switch have the same travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when you press down on a key with either of these switches, you will feel the same distance traveled from the top to the bottom. Both switches provide a consistent typing experience in terms of travel distance, ensuring that users can expect similar results regardless of which switch they choose. However, it is worth noting that in terms of travel distance, neither the Sea Salt Lemon nor the Strawberry offers a shorter or longer distance compared to the other.
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 KTT Strawberry comes in at $4.91.
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, both the KTT Sea Salt Lemon and KTT Strawberry switches are low-pitched, characterized by a bass-heavy and mellow tone. The Sea Salt Lemon switch is also described as having a neutral sound profile, suitable for most intents and purposes, whether at home or work. However, it's important to note that the sound of a switch can be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used. Therefore, while the Sea Salt Lemon and Strawberry switches may have similar low-pitched characteristics, the final sound experience can vary depending on other components.
In terms of feel, the KTT Sea Salt Lemon switch offers a mild typing experience. It falls into the category of mild switches, providing a gentle and approachable feel that most users will find comfortable. On the other hand, the KTT Strawberry switch is described as offering a frictionless, silky, buttery, and polished typing experience. These descriptors highlight the exceptionally smooth and effortless nature of the Strawberry switch, with minimal resistance or friction when pressing the keys, a seamless and uniform typing sensation, and a sleek finish. While the Sea Salt Lemon switch may also offer a smooth typing experience, the Strawberry switch's additional descriptors suggest a potentially more refined and luxurious feel.
Taking into account the available information, both the KTT Sea Salt Lemon and KTT Strawberry linear switches offer subjective qualities that make them appealing choices. The Sea Salt Lemon switch is praised for its buttery smooth typing experience, progressive spring, and dry-lube design. Meanwhile, the Strawberry switch is loved for its smooth actuation, comfortable feel, and reliable performance. In terms of sound, both switches are low-pitched, but the Sea Salt Lemon switch has a neutral sound profile, suitable for a wide range of users and environments. In terms of feel, the Sea Salt Lemon switch offers a mild typing experience, while the Strawberry switch provides a frictionless, silky, buttery, and polished feel. Overall, both switches are likely to provide satisfying results, with the Sea Salt Lemon offering a safe and approachable experience and the Strawberry potentially offering a more refined and luxurious touch.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a linear switch with a medium-light bottom out force and a buttery smooth typing experience, the KTT Sea Salt Lemon would be an excellent choice. These switches have a progressive spring and KTT's dry-lube design, making them a lovely representation of what a linear switch can be. The Sea Salt Lemon also offers a low-pitched sound profile, which is characterized by a more bass-heavy and mellow tone. In terms of feel, these switches provide a mild and approachable typing experience, with qualities that stand in a safe middle-ground zone.
On the other hand, if you prioritize a medium bottom out force and are seeking a smooth and effortless typing experience, the KTT Strawberry would be a fantastic option. These switches are loved for their smooth actuation, comfortable feel, and reliable performance. They also offer a low-pitched sound profile, similar to the Sea Salt Lemon. However, the Strawberry goes a step further in terms of feel, providing a frictionless, silky, buttery, and polished typing experience. This means you can expect minimal resistance or friction when pressing the keys, resulting in a fluid and refined typing sensation.
Ultimately, the decision between the KTT Sea Salt Lemon and KTT Strawberry boils down to your personal preferences and priorities. If you value a lighter bottom out force and a pleasant, smooth typing experience, the Sea Salt Lemon is a great choice. However, if you prefer a medium bottom out force and prioritize an exceptionally smooth and effortless typing experience, the Strawberry would be the way to go.
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