KTT Sea Salt Lemon vs. Everglide Tourmaline Blue
An in-depth look at the KTT Sea Salt Lemon and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
If you're in the market for a new mechanical keyboard switch, the KTT Sea Salt Lemon and Everglide Tourmaline Blue are two fantastic options to consider. The Sea Salt Lemon is a linear switch that impresses with its progressive spring and KTT's dry-lube design, resulting in a buttery smooth typing experience. Categorized as low-pitched, neutral, and mild, these switches offer a lovely representation of what a linear switch can be. On the other hand, the Tourmaline Blue is also a linear switch but stands out with its deep and thocky sound profile, immersing users in a satisfying typing experience. Its lengthened single-stage spring provides a bouncy feel with each keystroke. Categorized as buttery, easy-to-press, mild, and neutral, the Tourmaline Blues strike a balance that makes them enjoyable and accessible to a wide range of users. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can best decide on the ideal switch for your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
59g
Bottom-out force
53g
Bottom-out force
67g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
No
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
13mm progressive spring
Spring
Gold-plated
Housing materials
The housing materials of the KTT Sea Salt Lemon and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue, particularly the polycarbonate top housing, share similar characteristics. Both switches utilize polycarbonate, a relatively stiff plastic that creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This makes the switch's sound more clear and resonant, which is especially beneficial when using RGB lighting due to the translucency of polycarbonate. In terms of aesthetics and sound quality upon key release, users can expect similar results from both the Sea Salt Lemon and Tourmaline Blue switches.
However, the bottom housings of these switches differ. The Sea Salt Lemon features a nylon bottom housing, which brings a deeper and fuller sound profile to typing. Nylon, being a softer plastic, absorbs more sound than harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. On the other hand, the Tourmaline Blue utilizes a polycarbonate bottom housing, complementing the properties of the top housing. This results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound when bottoming out the keys.
When pressing down on either switch, the qualities of the respective bottom housings become more apparent. The bottom housing has a greater impact on the bottom-out sound and feel, shaping the overall tactile experience. Conversely, the top housing plays a more significant role in the sound produced when releasing the keys, giving it a distinct auditory aspect.
In summary, while both the Sea Salt Lemon and Tourmaline Blue switches benefit from polycarbonate top housings, their contrasting bottom housings—nylon and polycarbonate, respectively—contribute to varying sound profiles. Users can expect similar sound characteristics and aesthetics from these switches, particularly when it comes to the impact of the polycarbonate top housing. However, the choice between the two is likely to depend on personal preference for either a deeper and fuller sound (Sea Salt Lemon with nylon bottom housing) or a sharper and crisper sound (Tourmaline Blue with polycarbonate bottom housing).
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the KTT Sea Salt Lemon linear switch and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue linear switch, some notable differences arise. The Sea Salt Lemon has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams, while the Tourmaline Blue requires a slightly heavier force of 59 grams to trigger a keystroke. Similarly, the Sea Salt Lemon has a bottom out force of 53 grams, while the Tourmaline Blue has a higher bottom out force of 67 grams. This indicates that the Tourmaline Blue switch provides a more substantial typing experience due to its heavier forces, while the Sea Salt Lemon offers a lighter touch.
For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the Sea Salt Lemon switch is an ideal choice as its actuation and bottom out forces are relatively low. This allows for longer typing sessions without inducing fatigue. On the other hand, individuals who enjoy a stronger push feel may opt for the Tourmaline Blue switch. The higher actuation and bottom out forces on this switch provide a more substantial and satisfying typing experience.
It is important to consider personal preferences and typing requirements when choosing between these switches. If one desires a lighter touch for extended typing sessions, the Sea Salt Lemon offers a suitable option. On the contrary, those seeking a more robust typing experience will find the Tourmaline Blue switch more favorable.
Travel distance
The KTT Sea Salt Lemon linear switch and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue linear switch have the same travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when you press down on a key with either of these switches, you will feel the key travel a distance of 4 mm from the top to the bottom. The similarity in travel distance ensures that you will experience similar results in terms of key feel and typing experience when using both of these switches. Neither one is shorter or longer than the other as they both have an equal travel distance.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Everglide Tourmaline Blue has an MSRP of $6.86 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Tourmaline Blue for $3.89.
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
When it comes to sound, the KTT Sea Salt Lemon switch offers a low-pitched sound profile. This means that it produces a more bass-heavy and mellow tone compared to higher-pitched switches. The Everglide Tourmaline Blue switch, on the other hand, also has a neutral sound profile, which means it has a moderate sound profile that is suitable for most intents and purposes. Both switches are described as having a moderate actuation force requirement, making them accessible to a wide range of users. It is important to note that the sound of a switch is also influenced by other factors such as the keyboard and keycaps used.
In terms of feel, the KTT Sea Salt Lemon switch provides a mild typing experience. This means it offers a more gentle sensation compared to switches with more pronounced characteristics. With its mild qualities, this switch will be approachable to most users. The Everglide Tourmaline Blue switch, on the other hand, is described as 'buttery', which suggests a smooth and fluid keystroke experience. It provides a seamless, effortless, and uniform typing sensation. Additionally, the Tourmaline Blue switch is easy to press, requiring minimal force to activate. This low-impact typing feel enhances the typing experience by offering a responsive and comfortable typing experience.
Overall, both the KTT Sea Salt Lemon and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue switches have their unique qualities. The Sea Salt Lemon switch stands out for its buttery smooth typing experience due to its progressive spring and KTT's dry-lube design. On the other hand, the Tourmaline Blue switch offers a deep and thocky sound profile, creating a satisfying and immersive typing experience. Both switches have a moderate actuation force requirement, making them suitable for various users. While they have slightly different sound and feel characteristics, they both offer enjoyable and accessible typing experiences. Depending on your preference for sound and feel, either switch can provide a satisfactory typing experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a linear switch with a medium-light bottom out force and a buttery smooth typing experience, the KTT Sea Salt Lemon is the perfect choice for you. These switches offer a lovely representation of what a linear switch can be, with a progressive spring and KTT's dry-lube design adding to the smoothness. In terms of sound, the Sea Salt Lemon has a low-pitched and neutral profile, making it suitable for various purposes. In terms of feel, it provides a mild and approachable typing experience.
On the other hand, if you prefer a linear switch with a medium-heavy bottom out force, a deep and thocky sound profile, and a bouncy feel with each keystroke, the Everglide Tourmaline Blue is the ideal option. These switches strike a balance with their standard spring weight, making them enjoyable and accessible to a wide range of users. The Tourmaline Blue has a neutral sound profile and offers a buttery, easy-to-press, and mild typing experience.
Ultimately, the choice between the KTT Sea Salt Lemon and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue depends on your specific preferences. If you prioritize a lighter bottom out force and a smooth typing experience, go for the Sea Salt Lemon. If you prefer a heavier bottom out force, a deep sound profile, and a bouncy feel, the Tourmaline Blue would be the better option. Consider your typing style, desired sound, and preferred feel to make the decision that suits you best.
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