KTT Sea Salt Lemon vs. Gateron Type S
An in-depth look at the KTT Sea Salt Lemon and the Gateron Type S switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
The KTT Sea Salt Lemon and the Gateron Type S are both linear mechanical keyboard switches, each offering a unique typing experience. The Sea Salt Lemon is praised for its buttery smooth feel, thanks to its progressive spring and dry-lube design. On the other hand, the Gateron Type S stands out for its weightier 65g bottom-out and pleasing sound signature. While the Sea Salt Lemon is categorized as 'Low-pitched', 'Neutral', and 'Mild', the Gateron Type S falls under 'Neutral' and 'Subdued'. Both switches have their own strengths and appeal to different 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
65g
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
18mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
The Sea Salt Lemon and the Gateron Type S switches differ in their housing materials. The Sea Salt Lemon features a polycarbonate top housing, which produces a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to polycarbonate's stiffness, resulting in a more clear and resonant sound. In comparison, the Type S switch has a nylon top housing, leading to a deeper and fuller sound profile. The softer nylon material absorbs more sound, creating a duller and rounder sound compared to polycarbonate.
Both switches share a nylon bottom housing, which contributes to a deep and full sound profile. Nylon's softness allows it to absorb more sound than harder plastics, enhancing the overall typing experience. The Sea Salt Lemon and the Gateron Type S switches both benefit from the qualities that nylon brings to their bottom housing. This consistent material choice helps maintain a similar typing experience between the two switches, despite their differing top housing materials, ensuring users can enjoy a deep and full sound profile with each press of the keys.
In terms of sound production, the top and bottom housing materials of these switches play a crucial role. The Sea Salt Lemon's polycarbonate top housing creates a sharp and resonant sound when releasing a key, while the nylon bottom housing provides a fuller sound upon bottoming out. Similarly, the Gateron Type S's nylon top housing offers a deeper sound profile when pressing a key, complemented by the nylon bottom housing for a consistent typing experience. Despite the differences in their housing materials, both switches excel in providing a satisfying sound profile for users looking for a unique typing experience.
Weight
The actuation force and bottom out force of the KTT Sea Salt Lemon linear switch and the Gateron Type S linear switch differ in terms of weight. The Sea Salt Lemon has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 53 grams, making it a medium-light switch. In contrast, the Type S has a heavier actuation force of 55 grams and a bottom out force of 65 grams, categorizing it as medium-heavy. The Sea Salt Lemon provides a lighter typing experience, ideal for extended use during work or gaming sessions, while the Type S offers a more substantial push feel for those seeking a firmer typing experience. Both switches offer different levels of force, catering to users with varying preferences.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the KTT Sea Salt Lemon linear switch and the Gateron Type S linear switch, both switches have the same travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when pressing down on a key with either switch, you will feel the same distance traveled from the top to the bottom. Therefore, in terms of travel distance, the Sea Salt Lemon and the Type S switches offer similar results. Both switches provide a consistent and satisfying keystroke experience with their identical travel distances. Whether you choose the Sea Salt Lemon or the Type S, you can expect to have a smooth and responsive typing experience with a travel distance of 4 mm.
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 S 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
When it comes to sound, the Sea Salt Lemon switch offers a low-pitched and neutral tone, providing a bass-heavy and mellow sound that is suitable for a wide range of users. On the other hand, the Gateron Type S switch provides a neutral and subdued sound, offering a more dampened and subtle acoustic experience. Depending on personal preference and the setup of your keyboard, both switches can deliver a satisfying sound profile that caters to different tastes.
Moving on to the feel, the Sea Salt Lemon switch is noted for its mild typing experience, offering a gentle and approachable feel that falls in a safe, middle-ground zone. Unfortunately, there is no available information on the specific feel of the Gateron Type S switch. However, based on its weightier 65g bottom-out and contemporary factory lubing techniques, it can be inferred that the Type S switch may provide a more tactile and responsive typing feel compared to the Sea Salt Lemon.
In conclusion, the KTT Sea Salt Lemon and Gateron Type S linear switches offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the Sea Salt Lemon provides a low-pitched and mild typing experience, the Gateron Type S offers a neutral and weightier feel with a subdued sound profile. Both switches have their own strengths and can cater to different preferences depending on the user's typing style and desired sound characteristics. Ultimately, choosing between these switches will come down to personal preference and the overall typing experience you are looking to achieve.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the KTT Sea Salt Lemon linear switch and the Gateron Type S linear switch, consider your preferences for bottom out force, sound profile, and typing feel. If you prefer a lighter bottom out force and a low-pitched, neutral sound profile, the Sea Salt Lemon may be the better choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a heavier bottom out force and a subdued, neutral sound profile, the Gateron Type S could be the switch for you. Ultimately, both switches offer a smooth typing experience, so it's important to consider your individual preferences when making your decision.
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