KTT Sea Salt Lemon vs. HMX Twilight
An in-depth look at the KTT Sea Salt Lemon and the HMX Twilight switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch, the KTT Sea Salt Lemon and the HMX Twilight offer distinct but appealing options for enthusiasts who prefer linear switches. The Sea Salt Lemon is celebrated for its buttery smooth typing experience, courtesy of its progressive spring and KTT's innovative dry-lube design, making it a fantastic choice for those who prioritize a seamless feel with every keystroke. In contrast, the HMX Twilight boasts an extended 3.85mm travel distance, which not only contributes to a quieter typing experience but also retains the characteristic clackiness that HMX switches are known for—ideal for users who enjoy a slight auditory feedback while typing. While both switches cater to users seeking a linear feel, the Sea Salt Lemon leans towards a soft and neutral typing experience, whereas the Twilight delivers a more pronounced auditory signature. 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
3.85 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
20mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
The KTT Sea Salt Lemon and the HMX Twilight switches incorporate distinct housing materials that significantly influence their acoustic characteristics. The Sea Salt Lemon features a polycarbonate top housing, known for its stiffness and translucency, resulting in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This makes the switch particularly suitable for RGB lighting setups, as the clear housing allows light to shine through vibrantly. In contrast, the Twilight employs a nylon top housing, which is softer and absorbs sound, producing a deeper and fuller sound profile. While nylon is renowned as a classic switch housing material, its sound characteristics differ from those of polycarbonate, showcasing the diverse aesthetic and auditory outcomes that can arise from the choice of top housing material.
On the lower end, both the Sea Salt Lemon and the HMX Twilight utilize nylon for their bottom housings, providing a consistent auditory experience in that aspect. As the softer plastic material, nylon contributes to a rounder, more resonant sound when typing. This shared characteristic means that both switches are likely to deliver a similar acoustic experience during key presses, given that the bottom housing plays a major role in determining the bottom-out sound and feel. However, the crisper top sound from the polycarbonate top housing of the Sea Salt Lemon might create a more pronounced auditory contrast when releasing the key, thereby slightly enhancing the overall typing experience compared to the Twilight.
Ultimately, the combination of the top and bottom housing materials in each switch leads to varied sound profiles in practice. While the lower nylon housings in both switches help provide a deeper sound foundation, the differentiation in top materials creates a unique auditory experience upon key release. The Sea Salt Lemon's polycarbonate housing contributes to a more vibrant sound, especially favorable for RGB lighting setups, while the Twilight's nylon top imbues a warmer, more muted sound profile. Thus, the choice between the two ultimately depends on personal preference for sound sharpness versus depth, as well as visual appeal in terms of RGB compatibility.
Weight
When comparing the KTT Sea Salt Lemon linear switch and the HMX Twilight linear switch, one can observe both similarities and differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Sea Salt Lemon features an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 53 grams, classifying it as medium-light. In contrast, the Twilight is lighter with an actuation force of 42 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams. This lighter force in the Twilight may offer an advantage for users who prefer less resistance for extended typing or gaming sessions. Meanwhile, the heavier forces of the Sea Salt Lemon can provide a more substantial typing experience, appealing to those who prefer a firmer feel. Overall, while both switches perform well, the different weights suggest that users should choose according to their personal preferences for typing comfort and feedback.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the KTT Sea Salt Lemon linear switch and the HMX Twilight linear switch, there is a notable difference: the Sea Salt Lemon has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Twilight measures at 3.85 mm. This makes the HMX Twilight the shorter option, providing a more responsive experience that some gamers might prefer for quicker reactions. On the other hand, the KTT Sea Salt Lemon, with its longer travel distance, offers a more substantial feel when pressed, potentially appealing to those who appreciate a deeper keystroke for added satisfaction in typing or gaming. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on the user's preference for response speed versus tactile depth.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The HMX Twilight has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Twilight for $3.29.
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 linear switch produces a low-pitched, mellow tone that conveys a sense of warmth while typing. This tonal quality is complemented by its neutral sound profile, making it versatile enough for various environments, from quiet offices to bustling homes. The Sea Salt Lemon's sound characteristics make it suitable for users who prefer a less pronounced auditory feedback while typing. In contrast, the HMX Twilight’s sound profile is characterized by its slightly quieter output due to the extended 3.85mm travel distance. Although it maintains the clacky essence reminiscent of HMX switches, the overall auditory experience is toned down, making it a good choice for individuals who appreciate a subtle sound that doesn't intrude on their surroundings.
In terms of feel, the Sea Salt Lemon excels with a mild typing experience, providing a gentle, approachable action that many users find comfortable. This makes it especially appealing for those who may be new to mechanical keyboards, as it balances ease of use with an enjoyable tactile sensation. The user experience is designed to keep frustrations at bay, allowing for smooth typing over extended periods. Currently, specific attributes regarding the feel of the HMX Twilight switch remain unknown, making it difficult to provide a direct comparison. However, the nature of its extended travel distance may lead to nuanced variations in tactile engagement that could be appreciated by enthusiasts.
In summary, both the KTT Sea Salt Lemon and HMX Twilight linear switches cater to users seeking a smooth typing experience, albeit with some differences in sound and potentially in feel. The Sea Salt Lemon offers a more pronounced low-pitched, mellow sound with a gentle typing experience suitable for all users. On the other hand, the HMX Twilight provides a quieter typing experience without losing the engaging clacky qualities associated with HMX switches. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend largely on personal preference for sound and feel, but both can yield satisfying results in the right setup.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between the KTT Sea Salt Lemon and the HMX Twilight linear switches ultimately hinges on your personal preferences and typing style. If you prefer a medium-light switch that provides a buttery smooth typing experience and a low-pitched sound profile, the Sea Salt Lemon would be an excellent choice. Its progressive spring design ensures that each keystroke feels mild and accessible, making it particularly suitable for everyday use, whether you’re working at home or typing away in an office setting. On the other hand, if you value a slightly lighter touch and the unique feel of a longer travel distance, the HMX Twilight could be more aligned with your needs. This switch not only offers a quiet operation but also retains the clackiness that HMX switches are known for, making it ideal for those who enjoy a bit of auditory feedback without being overly disruptive. Ultimately, your selection should reflect your typing preferences—go for the Sea Salt Lemon for a balanced and smooth experience, or the HMX Twilight for a softer touch and slight sound dampening.
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