KTT Sea Salt Lemon vs. HMX Swift
An in-depth look at the KTT Sea Salt Lemon and the HMX Swift 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 Swift both offer unique features and characteristics to consider. The Sea Salt Lemon is praised for its buttery smooth typing experience and progressive spring, making it a great choice for those who prefer a linear switch with a low-pitched and mild feel. On the other hand, the HMX Swift stands out with its deeper sound profile and silky smoothness, appealing to users who enjoy a clacky and easy-to-press switch with a feather-light 42g actuation force. 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
50g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.90 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
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
13mm progressive spring
Spring
22mm extended spring
Housing materials
The KTT Sea Salt Lemon and the HMX Swift both utilize polycarbonate for their top housing, offering a sharp and crisp sound profile with a clear and resonant tone. The use of polycarbonate allows for the transmission of RGB lighting, making for a visually striking appearance. In contrast, the Swift's nylon top housing creates a deeper and fuller sound profile, absorbing more sound and resulting in a rounder tone. While both materials offer unique sound characteristics, the polycarbonate of the Sea Salt Lemon provides a brighter and more defined sound, whereas the nylon of the Swift delivers a more muted and fuller tone.
In terms of the bottom housing, both the Sea Salt Lemon and the Swift use nylon, which contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile with a duller and rounder tone. The softer nature of nylon absorbs more sound, enhancing the overall typing experience. This similarity in bottom housing material results in a similar sound profile between the two switches when it comes to the bottom-out sound and feel. However, the impact on the sound when releasing a key may differ slightly due to the difference in top housing material. Overall, the nylon bottom housing of both switches provides a reliable and consistent sound profile that typists can appreciate.
While the top and bottom housing materials of the KTT Sea Salt Lemon and the HMX Swift differ, each material brings its own unique acoustic properties to the switches. The polycarbonate top housing of the Sea Salt Lemon offers a clearer and more resonant sound profile, ideal for those looking for a sharper typing experience with RGB lighting compatibility. On the other hand, the nylon top housing of the Swift creates a deeper and fuller sound, perfect for typists seeking a more mellow and round tone. Despite these differences, the nylon bottom housing of both switches ensures a consistent and reliable sound profile, further enhancing the typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the Sea Salt Lemon and the Swift will depend on personal preference for sound characteristics and visual aesthetics.
Weight
When comparing the KTT Sea Salt Lemon linear switch and the HMX Swift linear switch, it is clear that the Swift is the lighter option between the two. The Sea Salt Lemon has an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 53 grams, making it medium-light in terms of force required. On the other hand, the Swift has an actuation force of 42 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, categorizing it as a lighter switch. Both switches provide a smooth linear experience, but the Swift offers a slightly lighter touch overall. For those who prefer a lighter typing experience for extended periods, the Swift may be the more suitable option. However, for individuals who enjoy a bit more resistance and tactile feedback while typing, the Sea Salt Lemon's slightly heavier force may be preferable. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will come down to personal preference based on the desired typing feel and experience.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the KTT Sea Salt Lemon linear switch and the HMX Swift linear switch, the Sea Salt Lemon has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Swift has a slightly shorter distance of 3.9 mm. Both switches fall within the range of traditional travel distances, with the Sea Salt Lemon being slightly longer. Gamers looking for faster response times may prefer the Swift with its shorter travel distance, while those who prefer a more substantial key press may lean towards the Sea Salt Lemon. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and typing style.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The HMX Swift has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Swift 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
In terms of sound, the KTT Sea Salt Lemon linear switch offers a low-pitched and neutral sound profile, providing a bass-heavy and mellow tone that is suitable for various typing environments. On the other hand, the HMX Swift linear switch is characterized by a clacky sound, producing sharp and snappy noises when pressed. Depending on personal preference and the setup of your keyboard, the Sea Salt Lemon may provide a more subdued and versatile sound experience, while the Swift may cater to those who enjoy a more percussive and distinct sound profile.
Moving on to feel, the Sea Salt Lemon switch is described as having a mild typing experience, offering a gentle sensation without extreme characteristics. This makes it approachable and comfortable for most users, providing a safe middle-ground feel. Conversely, the HMX Swift switch is known for its easy-to-press actuation, feathery touch, bouncy feedback, and creamy sensation, all contributing to a smooth and effortless typing experience. Users who prefer a light and responsive touch may find the Swift switches more appealing, while those looking for a balanced and straightforward feel may lean towards the Sea Salt Lemon switches.
Considering both switches, the KTT Sea Salt Lemon linear switch and the HMX Swift linear switch offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the Sea Salt Lemon provides a low-pitched and mild typing experience, ideal for those seeking a versatile and comfortable switch, the Swift stands out with its clacky sound and easy-to-press, feathery feel, catering to users who prefer a more responsive and distinctive typing sensation. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on individual preferences for sound, feel, and overall typing experience. However, both switches deliver a smooth and enjoyable typing experience, ensuring that regardless of the choice, users can expect quality performance from these linear switches.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the KTT Sea Salt Lemon linear switch and the HMX Swift linear switch, consider your preferences for actuation force, sound profile, and typing feel. If you prefer a slightly higher bottom out force and a smooth typing experience with a neutral sound profile, the Sea Salt Lemon may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter actuation force and a deep, clacky sound profile along with an easy-to-press, feathery, bouncy, or creamy typing feel, the HMX Swift could be the better option. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches will depend on your personal typing style and preferences, so choose the one that aligns best with your needs.
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