KTT Sea Salt Lemon vs. Bsun Taichi
An in-depth look at the KTT Sea Salt Lemon and the Bsun Taichi switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to selecting the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, the KTT Sea Salt Lemon and the Bsun Taichi present two compelling options, each with unique characteristics tailored to different preferences. The Sea Salt Lemon excels in providing a buttery smooth typing experience, attributed to its progressive spring and KTT's innovative dry-lube design, making it an excellent choice for those who prioritize a low-pitched and neutral sound profile with mild feedback. On the other hand, the Bsun Taichi offers a more engaging auditory experience with its enchanting high-pitched bottom-out sound, stemming from its long-pole design and extended spring, which promises unparalleled smoothness and stability. While both switches fall under the linear category, they cater to distinct tactile and auditory preferences, emphasizing the fundamental differences that can greatly influence your typing experience. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the ideal switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
40g
Bottom-out force
53g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 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
21mm single-staged spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the KTT Sea Salt Lemon and the Bsun Taichi, both switches feature polycarbonate for their top housing, which plays a significant role in shaping the sound profile. The use of polycarbonate in both cases results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound due to its relatively stiff nature. This stiffness allows for a clearer and more resonant sound signature, which enhances the overall typing experience. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate is particularly advantageous for RGB lighting applications, as it allows the illumination to shine through effectively, creating a visually appealing setup. Thus, both switches promise a similar sound quality and aesthetic benefits under RGB lighting due to their identical top housing material.
Conversely, both the Sea Salt Lemon and Bsun Taichi employ nylon for their bottom housing, which markedly contrasts with the polycarbonate top housing. Nylon is renowned for its softer properties, which absorb sound more effectively than harder plastics, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile when keys are pressed. This characteristic delivers a rounder auditory experience, offering a pleasant contrast to the crisper tone from the polycarbonate. Because both switches share the same nylon bottom housing, they are likely to produce similar typing sounds that are softer and less pronounced than those generated by the top housing, contributing to a more balanced overall acoustic performance.
In essence, the KTT Sea Salt Lemon and Bsun Taichi exhibit a harmonious interplay of their materials, with both having the same polycarbonate top housing for high-pitched clarity and similarly formulated nylon bottom housing for warmth in sound. While the polycarbonate contributes to the sharper sound during key releases, the nylon enhances the keystroke experience by softening the bottom-out sound. This synergy allows both switches to deliver a unique typing experience that balances the crispness of the upper profile with the fullness of the lower, creating a well-rounded auditory sensation. Therefore, users can expect a comparable, engaging performance from both models, capitalizing on the strengths of their respective housing materials.
Weight
When comparing the KTT Sea Salt Lemon linear switch with the Bsun Taichi linear switch, there are notable differences in their actuation forces, although the bottom out force for the Taichi remains unspecified. The Sea Salt Lemon features a actuation force of 45 grams, while the Taichi has a lighter actuation force of 40 grams. This difference means that the Taichi switch would be preferable for users who favor a lighter feel for prolonged typing or gaming sessions, as it requires less force to actuate. On the other hand, the Sea Salt Lemon's actuation force of 45 grams gives it a slightly more substantial typing experience for those who prefer a firmer push. In terms of bottom out forces, the Sea Salt Lemon has a bottom out force of 53 grams, indicating a more defined resistance when fully pressed down, while the unknown bottom out force of the Taichi leaves us without a comparison for this aspect. Ultimately, those looking for a lighter switch would gravitate towards the Taichi, while those seeking a more firm response may opt for the Sea Salt Lemon.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the KTT Sea Salt Lemon linear switch and the Bsun Taichi linear switch, a clear distinction emerges. The Sea Salt Lemon switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, which aligns with the traditional range and provides a more substantial keypress feel. In contrast, the Taichi switch features a shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm. This difference indicates that the Taichi may offer quicker response times, making it more appealing to gamers who appreciate the benefits of a faster actuation. On the other hand, those who prefer a more pronounced and deeper keystroke might gravitate towards the Sea Salt Lemon switch for its longer travel distance. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on individual preferences for responsiveness versus depth in key feel.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Bsun Taichi has an MSRP of $2.75 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Taichi for $2.25.
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 switch produces a sound profile characterized by low-pitched tones and a neutral quality. The low-pitch aspect lends a bass-heavy and mellow ambiance, making it a serene choice for those who prefer a less disruptive auditory experience while typing. The neutrality of the switch’s sound allows it to suit a wide variety of environments, whether at home or in the office, ensuring that it will not be too jarring for users in any setup. In comparison, the Bsun Taichi switch is recognized for its enchanting high-pitched bottom-out sound, attributed to its long-pole stem and extended springs combined with walled stems. This high-pitched profile offers a distinct auditory experience that contrasts sharply with the Sea Salt Lemon, making it potentially more energizing and engaging for users who enjoy a brighter sound when pressing their keys.
In terms of feel, the Sea Salt Lemon delivers a mild typing sensation that feels gentle and approachable to most users. This characteristic ensures that it is a versatile choice, accommodating both newcomers and experienced typists who prefer a smooth and non-intrusive experience. The Sea Salt Lemon’s progressive spring and dry-lube design further enhance this smoothness, contributing to a seamless keypress. On the other hand, the tactile feel of the Taichi switch remains unspecified in the provided information, leaving its precise characteristics unknown. However, it is reasonable to assume that the smoothness and stability afforded by its long-pole stem and walled stems could offer a unique feel that might differ significantly from the more mild experience of the Sea Salt Lemon.
In summary, while the KTT Sea Salt Lemon and Bsun Taichi switches present distinct sound profiles—one being low-pitched and neutral while the other is high-pitched and vibrant—they both offer unique experiences for typists based on their respective sound qualities. The Sea Salt Lemon provides a smooth and mild typing feel, ideal for those seeking a balanced experience, whereas the Taichi’s tactile feel remains unidentified but promises to deliver smoothness and stability. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will largely depend on personal preference regarding sound and feel, ensuring that both options cater to different typing experiences within the linear switch category.
Conclusion
To conclude, when deciding between the KTT Sea Salt Lemon and the Bsun Taichi linear switches, your choice will largely depend on your personal preferences for typing feel and sound. If you value a buttery smooth typing experience with a medium-light actuation force, the Sea Salt Lemon is an excellent choice, particularly for everyday typing and casual gaming. Its low-pitched, bass-heavy sound profile and mild feel make it approachable, making it suitable for both work and home environments, especially if you want a switch that doesn’t create excessive noise while still delivering satisfying feedback. On the other hand, if you're looking for a switch that excels in smoothness and stability along with a unique high-pitched bottom-out sound, the Bsun Taichi switch might be your preference. While its bottom-out force is not specified, its long-pole stem and extended spring design promise an enchanting typing experience that can satisfy those who enjoy a bit more auditory excitement and a distinctive feel. Ultimately, your ultimate selection should align with how you interact with your keyboard, whether you prefer a gentle, muted experience or a more expressive, lively one.
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