KTT Sea Salt Lemon vs. Gateron Type A
An in-depth look at the KTT Sea Salt Lemon and the Gateron Type A switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the KTT Sea Salt Lemon and the Gateron Type A are both intriguing options to explore. The Sea Salt Lemon offers a buttery smooth typing experience with its progressive spring and dry-lube design, while the Gateron Type A from Sillyworks' "Project Rehash" boasts innovative features like reimagined travel distances and factory lubing techniques. The Sea Salt Lemon is categorized as 'Low-pitched', 'Neutral', and 'Mild', providing a pleasant typing experience, while the Gateron Type A falls into the categories of 'Neutral' and 'Subdued', offering a sound signature that leans towards the deeper side. These general characteristics make both switches appealing, but diving deeper into their specific qualities will help you decide on the best switch for your mechanical keyboard needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
50g
Bottom-out force
53g
Bottom-out force
55g
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
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
In comparing the housing materials of the KTT Sea Salt Lemon and the Gateron Type A, we can see that both switches feature a nylon bottom housing. This means that both switches will elicit a deeper and fuller sound profile due to the softer nature of nylon, which helps absorb more sound and create a duller and rounder sound. However, while they share this commonality in material for the bottom housing, they differ in their top housing materials. The Sea Salt Lemon utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is in contrast to the Gateron Type A, which features a nylon top housing that also contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile.
When it comes to the top housing materials of the Sea Salt Lemon and the Gateron Type A, we can see a distinct difference in how they impact the overall sound profile of the switches. The Sea Salt Lemon's polycarbonate top housing offers a clear and resonant sound profile, thanks to the stiffness of polycarbonate which enhances the sound quality. On the other hand, the Gateron Type A's nylon top housing provides a softer and more absorbent quality that results in a deeper and fuller sound profile. This contrast highlights how the choice of top housing material can significantly influence the sound produced by a switch.
In terms of overall performance, both the Sea Salt Lemon and the Gateron Type A showcase the unique properties of their respective housing materials. While the Sea Salt Lemon's polycarbonate top housing produces a sharper and crisper sound profile, the Gateron Type A's nylon top housing creates a deeper and fuller sound. Additionally, the shared nylon bottom housing of both switches contributes to a similar deep and full sound profile. Ultimately, the choice between these switches may come down to personal preference in sound profile, with the Sea Salt Lemon offering a brighter and clearer sound while the Gateron Type A provides a warmer and fuller sound experience.
Weight
The KTT Sea Salt Lemon linear switch has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams compared to the Gateron Type A linear switch with a slightly heavier actuation force of 50 grams. Both switches have a similar bottom out force, with the Sea Salt Lemon at 53 grams and the Type A at 55 grams. This means that while the Sea Salt Lemon may be easier to trigger a keystroke with, the Type A requires a slightly firmer push for a more substantial typing experience. When it comes to weight preference, those who prefer a lighter touch may lean towards the Sea Salt Lemon for longer typing or gaming sessions, while those who prefer a firmer push may opt for the Type A. Overall, both switches provide a medium-light feel in terms of actuation and bottom out force.
Travel distance
Both the KTT Sea Salt Lemon linear switch and the Gateron Type A linear switch have a travel distance of 4 mm, making them equal in this aspect. When comparing the two, their travel distances are the same, resulting in a similar feeling when pressing down on a key with either switch. This means that users can expect consistent results in terms of the distance the keys travel when typing on both switches. Overall, both switches offer a comfortable and satisfying typing experience with their identical travel distances.
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 Gateron Type A comes in at $4.70.
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 Sea Salt Lemon linear switch is known for its low-pitched sound profile, providing a more bass-heavy and mellow tone during typing sessions. This switch offers a neutral sound that is suitable for various environments and user preferences. In contrast, the Gateron Type A linear switch is characterized by a deeper and more subdued sound, offering a dampened and subtle typing experience. The Type A switch is also described as having a neutral sound profile, making it versatile for different use cases. When it comes to feel, the Sea Salt Lemon switch is known for its mild typing experience, offering a gentle feel that is approachable to most users. Unfortunately, information on the typing feel of the Gateron Type A switch is currently unavailable. Overall, both switches offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel, providing users with a smooth and enjoyable typing experience. Depending on personal preferences and typing style, both the Sea Salt Lemon and Type A switches can deliver satisfying results.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the KTT Sea Salt Lemon linear switch and the Gateron Type A linear switch, consider the following guidelines. If you are looking for a medium-light switch with a buttery smooth typing experience and a low-pitched, neutral sound profile, the Sea Salt Lemon may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a switch with a slightly higher bottom out force, a deeper sound signature, and a neutral to subdued sound profile, the Gateron Type A could be the better fit for your preferences. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your typing preferences and desired sound profile. Choose the switch that best aligns with your preferences and typing style to enhance your overall typing experience.
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