KTT Sea Salt Lemon vs. Gazzew U4
An in-depth look at the KTT Sea Salt Lemon and the Gazzew U4 switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
The KTT Sea Salt Lemon and the Gazzew U4 are both unique mechanical keyboard switches that offer distinct features and typing experiences. The Sea Salt Lemon, a linear switch, is known for its buttery smooth typing experience, thanks to its progressive spring and KTT's dry-lube design. With a low-pitched, neutral, and mild sound profile, these switches provide a pleasant and consistent typing experience. On the other hand, the Gazzew U4, a tactile switch, boasts a sharp and exhilarating tactile bump while typing, along with an unexpectedly plush, felt-like bottom-out sensation. These switches offer a whisper-quiet sound profile, making them perfect for those who prefer a muted, low-pitched, and sharp typing experience. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your preferences.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
53g
Bottom-out force
62g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
N/A
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
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Proprietary Gazzew blend
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Proprietary Gazzew blend
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
13mm progressive spring
Spring
Stainless steel 14mm Korean spring
Housing materials
The KTT Sea Salt Lemon and the Gazzew U4 differ in their choice of materials for both the top and bottom housings. The Sea Salt Lemon utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, which results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to polycarbonate being a stiffer plastic that produces a clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for use with RGB lighting. On the other hand, the Gazzew U4 features a proprietary Gazzew blend top housing, also known as "boba plastic." This unique plastic blend contributes to a rich and deep sound profile that is characterized by its softness. While the Sea Salt Lemon prioritizes clarity and sharpness, the Gazzew U4 focuses on delivering a deeper and more resonant sound.
Moving on to the bottom housings, the Sea Salt Lemon incorporates a nylon bottom housing, which is considered a classic switch housing material. Typing on switches with nylon housings produces a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound compared to harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. On the other hand, the Gazzew U4 features a proprietary Gazzew blend bottom housing, which shares similar characteristics to the top housing. This "boba plastic" blend ensures a rich and deep sound profile due to its softness. Both the Sea Salt Lemon and the Gazzew U4 prioritize the depth and resonance of the sound by employing softer materials for their bottom housings.
While the specific materials used in the top and bottom housings of the Sea Salt Lemon and the Gazzew U4 differ, the overall aim of achieving a rich and deep sound profile remains the same. The Sea Salt Lemon utilizes stiffer polycarbonate for its top housing, resulting in a sharper and crisper sound when releasing a key. Conversely, the Gazzew U4 relies on a proprietary "boba plastic" blend for its top housing, which delivers a deep and soft sound upon key release. Similarly, both switches employ softer materials, nylon and the Gazzew blend respectively, for their bottom housings to produce a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing. Thus, despite the material differences, both the Sea Salt Lemon and the Gazzew U4 focus on optimizing the sound quality and resonance of their switches.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the KTT Sea Salt Lemon linear switch and the Gazzew U4 tactile switch, there are some notable differences. The Sea Salt Lemon has an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 53 grams, making it a medium-light option. On the other hand, the U4 has a slightly lighter actuation force of 43 grams, but a heavier bottom out force of 62 grams, making it a medium option.
For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the Sea Salt Lemon would be a suitable choice as it requires a lighter touch to trigger a keystroke. This can be beneficial for long typing sessions or intense gaming sessions, allowing for less fatigue over time. However, individuals who prefer a more substantial typing experience might lean towards the U4, as it provides a slightly stronger push feel with its higher bottom out force. This can result in a more satisfying and tactile typing experience for those who appreciate a bit more resistance.
Both switches offer their own unique characteristics and preferences, so it ultimately depends on the individual's personal preference and typing style. Nevertheless, it is worth noting that both switches fall within the medium range of actuation and bottom out forces. Therefore, individuals seeking similar results in terms of force requirements for typing can expect comparable experiences from both the Sea Salt Lemon and the U4 switches.
Travel distance
The KTT Sea Salt Lemon linear switch and the Gazzew U4 tactile switch have different travel distances. The Sea Salt Lemon has a longer travel distance of 4.0 mm, while the U4 has a shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm. The Sea Salt Lemon's 4.0 mm travel distance is considered more traditional, providing a deeper and more substantial feeling when pressing down on a key. On the other hand, the U4 with its 3.6 mm travel distance offers a more shallow and responsive experience. Gamers, in particular, often prefer shorter travel distances for faster response times. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on personal preference and individual typing or gaming needs.
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 Gazzew U4 comes in at $6.50.
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 has a low-pitched sound profile that is bass-heavy and mellow. It is considered to have a neutral sound overall, making it suitable for various purposes and skill levels. On the other hand, the Gazzew U4 tactile switch produces a muted sound, which is softer and quieter than regular switches. It also has a low-pitched tone, providing a bass-heavy and mellow sound experience. It is important to note that the sound of these switches can be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.
In terms of feel, the Sea Salt Lemon switch offers a mild typing experience. Its characteristics are not too pronounced, resulting in a gentle and approachable typing feel. This makes it comfortable for most users as it strikes a balance between different qualities. On the other hand, the Gazzew U4 switch is described as having a sharp tactile bump. This means that it provides a high feedback intensity, with each keypress distinctly felt due to its strong and crisp tactile bump.
Considering all the available information, it is evident that the Sea Salt Lemon and Gazzew U4 switches have distinct subjective qualities. The Sea Salt Lemon switch offers a buttery smooth typing experience, with a neutral sound and a mild feel that suits a wide range of users. On the other hand, the Gazzew U4 switch provides a sharp and exhilarating tactile bump, with a plush and felt-like bottom-out sensation. It has a whisper-quiet sound profile due to its muted nature.
If you are looking for a linear switch with a smooth typing experience and a neutral sound, the Sea Salt Lemon switch is a great choice. If you prefer a tactile switch with a sharp feedback and a quieter sound, the Gazzew U4 switch would be a suitable option. Both switches have their own unique qualities, allowing users to achieve their desired 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 ensuring a smooth typing experience. In terms of sound, the Sea Salt Lemon has a low-pitched and neutral sound profile, making it suitable for both beginners and advanced users in any setting. Additionally, the feel of the Sea Salt Lemon is described as mild, providing a gentle typing experience that is approachable to most users.
On the other hand, if you prefer a tactile switch with a medium bottom out force and a sharp and exhilarating tactile bump, the Gazzew U4 is the ideal choice. These switches offer a unique and unexpected plush, felt-like bottom-out sensation, adding to the overall typing experience. The U4s also have a whisper-quiet sound profile, thanks to their muted and low-pitched characteristics, making them perfect for those who prefer a softer and quieter typing experience. The feel of the U4 is described as sharp, providing a high-feedback intensity with a strong and crisp tactile bump.
Ultimately, the decision between the KTT Sea Salt Lemon and the Gazzew U4 switches boils down to your personal preference for a linear or tactile switch, as well as the specific characteristics you value in a switch. Whether you prioritize a smooth and mild linear experience or a sharp and tactile typing sensation, both switches offer unique qualities that are sure to enhance your typing experience. Consider your own preferences, typing style, and desired sound and feel when making your decision, as both the Sea Salt Lemon and U4 switches have their own merits.
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