KTT Sea Salt Lemon vs. Bsun Tomcat (Heavy)
An in-depth look at the KTT Sea Salt Lemon and the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the KTT Sea Salt Lemon and Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) are two notable linear options that cater to different preferences and typing experiences. The KTT Sea Salt Lemon is celebrated for its buttery smooth feel, thanks to its progressive spring and dry-lube design, which creates a gentle, low-pitched, and neutral typing experience that many users find appealing—perfect for those who seek comfort during long typing sessions. On the other hand, the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) offers a super smooth typing experience with its Ly stems and a resonant sound profile, attracting users who enjoy a bit more auditory feedback while enjoying a satisfying actuation. While both switches excel in providing a smooth linear feel, their unique characteristics might appeal to different users based on individual typing preferences. 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
55g
Bottom-out force
53g
Bottom-out force
64g
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 Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) share a striking similarity in their top housing material, both utilizing polycarbonate. This choice directly influences their sound profiles, producing a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper auditory experience. The rigidity of polycarbonate contributes to this clear resonance, ensuring that both switches deliver a defined sound quality when keys are pressed. Additionally, the translucency of the polycarbonate allows light to pass through effectively, making both switches particularly appealing for users who enjoy RGB lighting effects on their mechanical keyboards. This aesthetic compatibility means that whether you choose the Sea Salt Lemon or the Tomcat (Heavy), you can expect an impressive visual display along with a crisp auditory response.
Conversely, the bottom housing of the two switches diverges in material, with both the Sea Salt Lemon and the Tomcat (Heavy) utilizing nylon. This consistency provides a common foundation for sound quality, as nylon is known for its ability to absorb sound more effectively than harder plastics. As a result, typing on either switch can yield a deeper, fuller sound profile that is enriched by the softer material of the bottom housing. This characteristic also means that when pressing the keys, the effect of the nylon is prominent in the bottom-out sound, providing an inviting and rounded auditory experience that contrasts with the sharper sound of the polycarbonate top.
When considering the combined impact of the different housing materials, it becomes clear that while the Sea Salt Lemon and the Tomcat (Heavy) might present distinct tactile and auditory experiences upon activation, they both leverage the advantages of polycarbonate and nylon effectively to create a harmonized overall result. The polycarbonate top contributes clarity and brilliance in sound release, while the nylon bottom fosters warmth and depth upon key press, ensuring that users will enjoy a full-bodied typing experience regardless of their choice between the two. Ultimately, both switches offer a well-rounded performance with their unique blend of features, making them suitable for a variety of preferences in mechanical keyboard users.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the KTT Sea Salt Lemon linear switch and the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) linear switch, notable differences emerge. The Sea Salt Lemon features a lighter actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 53 grams, making it a suitable choice for users who prefer a more comfortable typing experience during extended use, such as for work or gaming. In contrast, the Tomcat (Heavy) requires a stronger actuation force of 55 grams and a bottom out force of 64 grams, appealing to those who appreciate a more substantial push feel. Consequently, the Sea Salt Lemon can be classified as the lighter switch, while the Tomcat (Heavy) is the heavier option. Despite their different force specifications, the distinct tactile experiences may cater to varying preferences, with the Sea Salt Lemon promoting less fatigue and the Tomcat (Heavy) providing a firmer feedback on each keystroke.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the KTT Sea Salt Lemon linear switch and the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) linear switch, a clear difference emerges. The Sea Salt Lemon boasts a travel distance of 4 mm, aligning with the traditional feel that some users appreciate for its hearty depth. In contrast, the Tomcat (Heavy) has a shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm, catering to those who prefer quicker response times, making it more favorable for gamers. This difference means that if you're looking for a more responsive experience, the Tomcat (Heavy) may be more suitable, while the Sea Salt Lemon will provide a more substantial keystroke. Ultimately, choosing between these two switches will depend on your individual preference for depth versus responsiveness.
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 (Heavy) 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
The KTT Sea Salt Lemon linear switch produces a sound profile characterized by low-pitched and neutral qualities. This means that the switch delivers a bass-heavy tone that's generally mellow and pleasant, making it suitable for a variety of settings, whether it be at home or in a professional environment. The neutral aspect of the sound further enhances its versatility, providing a moderate actuation force that appeals to both newcomers and seasoned typists alike. In contrast, the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) switch's sound profile remains unknown, so it is difficult to make a direct comparison here. However, it's worth noting that the sound of any switch can vary significantly based on factors like the keyboard it’s used with and the types of keycaps applied.
When it comes to feel, the Sea Salt Lemon switch is designed for a mild typing experience. This gentler touch means that it caters to a wide range of users, providing a smooth and approachable interaction that doesn’t overwhelm new typists. The buttery smoothness attributed to its progressive spring and dry-lube design also contributes to a consistent typing experience. On the other hand, the feel of the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) switch is also unclear, making it challenging to draw definite conclusions regarding its tactile characteristics in comparison to the Sea Salt Lemon.
In conclusion, while the KTT Sea Salt Lemon offers a defined sound and feel perfect for users seeking a smooth typing experience, the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) switch leaves some qualities to the imagination, particularly regarding sound and feel. If you're seeking an optimal typing experience and sound profile, the Sea Salt Lemon is a solid choice that ensures a pleasant and adaptable engagement. Until more information is available about the Tomcat (Heavy), the Sea Salt Lemon serves as a clear recommendation for newcomers looking to explore the world of linear switches.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between the KTT Sea Salt Lemon linear switch and the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) linear switch largely depends on your personal preferences and typing needs. If you prefer a lighter touch and want a switch that offers a buttery smooth typing experience, the Sea Salt Lemon is an excellent choice. Its medium-light bottom-out force of 53 grams makes it ideal for prolonged typing sessions, especially for those who may prefer a gentler keystroke. Additionally, its low-pitched and neutral sound profile allows for a pleasant experience in both quiet environments and shared workspaces. On the other hand, if you favor a more substantial feel and don't mind a heavier switch, the Tomcat (Heavy) with its 64-gram actuation force might be more suitable for your typing style. The resonant sound profile and super smooth typing experience provided by the Ly stems complement a more robust typing feel, which can be particularly satisfying for those who enjoy a firmer response when typing or gaming. Ultimately, consider your typing habits and comfort level; your keyboard experience should enhance your productivity and enjoyment, whether you lean towards the light and smooth or the heavy and resonant.
Mentioned in this article
