KTT Sea Salt Lemon vs. Bsun Tomcat
An in-depth look at the KTT Sea Salt Lemon and the Bsun Tomcat switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When exploring the world of mechanical keyboard switches, two intriguing options stand out: the KTT Sea Salt Lemon and the Bsun Tomcat, both of which are linear switches designed to offer smooth and responsive typing experiences. The Sea Salt Lemon is celebrated for its progressive spring design and KTT's innovative dry-lube application, which work together to provide a buttery smooth feel, categorized as low-pitched, neutral, and mild—perfect for users seeking a serene typing environment. Conversely, the Bsun Tomcat features Ly stems that contribute to a remarkably smooth keystroke while delivering a resonant sound profile, appealing to those who enjoy auditory feedback without compromising on linear performance. Both switches offer unique advantages for different preferences in typing experience; the Sea Salt Lemon is ideal for those who prioritize a quiet, smooth experience, while the Tomcat caters more to users who appreciate a balanced sound alongside seamless operation. However, let’s dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the right switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
53g
Bottom-out force
54g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.95 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 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
Extended spring
Housing materials
The KTT Sea Salt Lemon and the Bsun Tomcat both feature a polycarbonate top housing, which significantly influences their sonic characteristics. The use of polycarbonate in the top housing contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile, largely due to the material's stiffness compared to alternatives. This sharper sound can enhance overall typing feedback, providing a more pronounced auditory response with each keystroke. Furthermore, the translucency of polycarbonate not only contributes to the crispness of sound but also heightens the visual appeal of switches when RGB lighting is implemented, as both models are designed with this aesthetic in mind.
In contrast, the bottom housing of both switches is made from nylon, which presents a different set of auditory characteristics. Nylon is known for creating a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer composition, which absorbs more sound than stiffer materials. This results in a duller and rounder sound quality, providing a warm counterbalance to the higher-pitched notes generated by the polycarbonate top. Since the bottom housing primarily affects the feel and sound when keys are bottomed out, both switches deliver a distinctive acoustic experience that is shaped by the combination of the softer nylon and the harder polycarbonate.
Ultimately, while the KTT Sea Salt Lemon and Bsun Tomcat employ different materials in their housing constructions, the synergy of these materials yields a cohesive typing experience. The polycarbonate top and nylon bottom of both switches ensure that users enjoy a balanced sound profile, with the crispness of the top housing complementing the fullness of the bottom housing. Therefore, despite their branding differences, the similar material choices pave the way for comparable acoustic results when typing, allowing users to appreciate the nuances of each switch regardless of their model preference.
Weight
The KTT Sea Salt Lemon and Bsun Tomcat linear switches exhibit some similarities and distinctions in their actuation and bottom out forces. Both switches feature the same actuation force of 45 grams, making them equally responsive when triggering a keystroke. This means users can expect similar results in terms of the initial feedback when typing or gaming. However, the bottom out forces differ slightly; the Sea Salt Lemon has a bottom out force of 53 grams, while the Tomcat is marginally heavier at 54 grams. This means that while the typing experience for both switches is relatively similar due to their same actuation forces, the Tomcat switch provides a slightly firmer feel upon bottoming out, which may appeal to users who prefer a stronger push. Overall, both switches cater to those who appreciate a medium-light typing experience, but the Tomcat slightly leans towards a heavier feedback at the end of the keystroke.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the KTT Sea Salt Lemon linear switch and the Bsun Tomcat linear switch, a notable difference is observed, with the Sea Salt Lemon featuring a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Tomcat measures 3.6 mm. This means that the Sea Salt Lemon provides a longer travel distance, making it suitable for users who appreciate a more profound and deliberate key press that offers a traditional feel. In contrast, the Tomcat, with its shorter travel distance, caters to those who prefer a quicker response time, which can be advantageous for gamers seeking a more immediate tactile interaction. The choice between the two ultimately depends on personal preference: if you favor a deeper, more substantial travel experience, the Sea Salt Lemon would be the better option, while those who value speed and responsiveness might lean towards the Tomcat.
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 Bsun Tomcat comes in at $2.99.
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, the KTT Sea Salt Lemon linear switch offers a low-pitched, neutral tone, providing a bass-heavy and mellow auditory experience that is generally regarded as pleasing for both home and office environments. This combination of sound characteristics allows for a versatile use case, whether you are typing quietly at work or gaming at home. The Tomcat switch, however, does not have a defined sound profile provided in the information, leaving its auditory qualities unknown. It's essential to remember that the sound produced by any switch can vary based on the keyboard construction and keycap materials, which means both switches could potentially yield similar sound results under specific conditions.
On the tactile side, the Sea Salt Lemon is recognized for its mild feel, which offers a gentle typing experience that remains approachable for users of all skill levels. This mild character makes it an excellent choice for those who prefer a more subdued typing sensation without any sharp or exaggerated feedback. The Tomcat switch also has unspecified tactile characteristics in the information, so we cannot make a direct comparison regarding feel. However, it's noteworthy that the Tomcat is highlighted for its super smooth typing experience due to its Ly stems, suggesting that it may also prioritize a gentle touch similar to the Sea Salt Lemon.
Overall, both the KTT Sea Salt Lemon and Bsun Tomcat linear switches are designed to deliver a smooth typing experience, though they differ in their sound profiles, with the Sea Salt Lemon providing a well-defined, low-pitched sound while the Tomcat's auditory qualities remain unclear. In terms of feel, the Sea Salt Lemon offers a mild typing sensation, while the Tomcat promises smoothness that could appeal to users seeking a fluid keystroke. Users may find that both switches can provide similar satisfying results, depending on personal preference and the specific keyboard setup.
Conclusion
To wrap up, when choosing between the KTT Sea Salt Lemon and the Bsun Tomcat linear switches, consider your specific preferences and needs. If you value a smooth typing experience with a low-pitched sound profile that is mellow and neutral, the Sea Salt Lemon is a solid choice. Its progressive spring design ensures a buttery feel that’s approachable for both beginners and experienced typists alike, making it suitable for a variety of environments, whether you’re working or gaming. On the other hand, if you're seeking a switch that emphasizes a smooth actuation and resonates well, the Tomcat may be more to your liking. With its Ly stems, the Tomcat provides a silky typing experience, ideal for users who appreciate that kind of tactile response. Ultimately, both switches feature medium-light bottom-out forces, so you can’t go wrong with either; it simply comes down to whether you prefer the mellow tones and mild feel of the Sea Salt Lemon or the resonant and smooth nature of the Tomcat. Choose based on how you want your typing experience to feel and sound, and you will find satisfaction in either switch.
Mentioned in this article
