KTT Sea Salt Lemon vs. HMX Sunset Gleam
An in-depth look at the KTT Sea Salt Lemon and the HMX Sunset Gleam switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When exploring the world of mechanical keyboard switches, the KTT Sea Salt Lemon and the HMX Sunset Gleam stand out as compelling choices for linear switch enthusiasts. The Sea Salt Lemon is celebrated for its smooth, buttery typing experience, thanks in part to its progressive spring and KTT's innovative dry-lube design, making it an excellent option for those who prioritize a quiet yet fluid key press. It is categorized as 'Low-pitched', 'Neutral', and 'Mild', which contributes to a balanced feel that many users appreciate for both gaming and typing tasks. Conversely, the HMX Sunset Gleam, affectionately dubbed the Duck Duck switch, offers a delightful blend of materials that delivers a subtle top-out accompanied by a satisfying clack, enhanced by HMX's renowned factory lube for added smoothness. While both switches provide a linear typing experience, the choice between the two often comes down to personal preference regarding sound and tactile feedback. 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
42g
Bottom-out force
53g
Bottom-out force
48g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Factory lubed
No
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
Ly
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
22mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
Both the KTT Sea Salt Lemon and HMX Sunset Gleam switches feature a top housing made from polycarbonate, which significantly influences their sound profiles and aesthetic qualities. The use of polycarbonate, a stiff plastic, results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound characteristics for both switches. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it an excellent choice for RGB lighting integration, allowing light to pass through and illuminate the housing effectively. This uniformity in top housing material ensures that users can expect a similar auditory experience when operating either switch, particularly during key releases where the top housing plays a critical role in sound production.
In contrast, both switches utilize nylon for their bottom housing, contributing to a deeper and fuller sound profile. The inherently softer nature of nylon leads to sound absorption, thereby creating a rounder and less resonant acoustic quality compared to the top housing. As a result, while both the Sea Salt Lemon and Sunset Gleam switches share similar sound characteristics in their upper housing, the bottom housing introduces a complementary depth that enriches the overall typing experience. This synergy between the two materials allows for a balanced sound profile where the sharpness of the polycarbonate is softened by the fullness of the nylon.
Ultimately, the combination of polycarbonate top housing and nylon bottom housing in both the KTT Sea Salt Lemon and HMX Sunset Gleam switches leads to consistent sound characteristics along with distinct textures in response to keystrokes. When users engage with these switches, they will experience a harmonious blend of clarity from the polycarbonate and depth from the nylon, making it clear that although the materials are the same, the interplay between the top and bottom housings contributes to a dynamic and satisfying typing experience. Both switches are designed to provide exceptional performance, making them appealing choices for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts who prioritize sound and feel in their typing experience.
Weight
When comparing the KTT Sea Salt Lemon linear switch and the HMX Sunset Gleam linear switch, there are notable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Sea Salt Lemon features an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 53 grams, categorizing it as medium-light. In contrast, the Sunset Gleam has a lighter actuation force of 42 grams and a bottom out force of 48 grams, making it a lighter switch overall. This difference in weight can significantly influence user experience; the lighter Sunset Gleam may appeal to those who prefer a more effortless typing experience, making it ideal for extended use, while the Sea Salt Lemon may offer a more substantial feel for those who enjoy a stronger push. Consequently, users looking for a lighter option should gravitate towards the Sunset Gleam, whereas those who appreciate a bit more resistance might find the Sea Salt Lemon preferable.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the KTT Sea Salt Lemon linear switch and the HMX Sunset Gleam linear switch, there is a notable difference. The KTT Sea Salt Lemon features a travel distance of 4 mm, making it the longer option, while the HMX Sunset Gleam has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, categorizing it as the shorter switch. This variance may influence user experience significantly; the longer travel distance of the Sea Salt Lemon could provide a more pronounced tactile feel, appealing to those who prefer a deeper keypress. Conversely, the shorter travel distance of the Sunset Gleam may entice gamers seeking quicker response times, catering to their preference for a more rapid and less abrupt actuation. Ultimately, your choice between the two will depend on whether you favor a deeper, more deliberate keystroke or the snappier feel of a shorter switch.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The HMX Sunset Gleam has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Sunset Gleam 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
The KTT Sea Salt Lemon linear switch produces a low-pitched sound profile, characterized by its mellow and bass-heavy tone, creating a soothing auditory experience. Combined with its neutral qualities, it offers a moderate actuation force that caters to a wide range of typing styles and preferences. This makes it perfect for both casual use and more focused tasks, allowing for efficient typing without drawing unnecessary attention. On the other hand, the HMX Sunset Gleam is noted for its subtle top-out and satisfying clack, although specific sound descriptors are not provided. Despite this, the inherent qualities suggest that it produces a more pronounced auditory feedback compared to the Sea Salt Lemon, allowing users to enjoy a distinct typing sound.
In terms of feel, the Sea Salt Lemon excels with its buttery smooth typing experience enabled by its progressive spring and dry-lube design. This ensures that typists encounter a mild and gentle touch, making it approachable for users of varying skill levels. It emphasizes a harmonious balance, resulting in a typing experience that is comfortable and versatile. While the HMX Sunset Gleam's tactile qualities are not explicitly detailed, the mention of a satisfying clack implies a different feel, possibly giving it a more responsive and engaging typing experience. This difference may cater to users who appreciate more tactile feedback with each keystroke.
Overall, both switches offer unique experiences suited to different user preferences. The KTT Sea Salt Lemon provides a calm, smooth typing experience with a low-pitched sound profile, appealing to those who prefer a subtle approach. In contrast, the HMX Sunset Gleam opens the door to a more dynamic and engaging typing sensation with a satisfying auditory feedback. Depending on your personal preferences for sound and feel, both switches can deliver enjoyable and efficient typing experiences, ensuring that you can find a suitable match for your mechanical keyboard needs.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the KTT Sea Salt Lemon and the HMX Sunset Gleam linear switches will largely depend on your typing preferences and the environment in which you use your keyboard. If you prefer a medium-light bottom-out force that gives you a smooth and buttery typing experience, the Sea Salt Lemon is an excellent choice. Its low-pitched and neutral sound profile makes it suitable for various settings, whether you're at home or in a quieter office environment. With its mild feel, this switch offers an approachable experience for both beginners and enthusiasts alike. On the other hand, if you lean towards a lighter switch that offers a satisfying clack and enhanced tactile feedback, the Sunset Gleam is your go-to option. Its factory lube and thoughtful material composition provide a more pronounced top-out sensation, making it ideal for those who enjoy a bit more auditory engagement and tactile response while typing. Therefore, assess your typing style and the scenarios in which you will be using your keyboard to determine which switch best complements your needs—be it the smooth, versatile Sea Salt Lemon or the engaging, responsive Sunset Gleam.
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