KTT Sea Salt Lemon vs. Gazzew U4T
An in-depth look at the KTT Sea Salt Lemon and the Gazzew U4T switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, two popular options that offer distinct typing experiences are the KTT Sea Salt Lemon and the Gazzew U4T. The Sea Salt Lemon, a linear switch, is best known for its buttery smooth typing experience. With its progressive spring and KTT's dry-lube design, these switches provide a delightful sensation as your fingers glide effortlessly across the keys. Categorized as 'Low-pitched', 'Neutral', and 'Mild', the Sea Salt Lemon offers a comfortable and consistent typing experience. On the other hand, the Gazzew U4T, a tactile switch, stands out for its harmonious fusion of thockiness and sharp tactility. These switches produce a satisfying bassy 'thock' sound profile and offer a pronounced tactile feedback with every keystroke. Categorized as 'Bassy', 'Thocky', and 'Sharp', the U4T ensures both a pleasing auditory and tactile experience. 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
N/A
Bottom-out force
53g
Bottom-out force
65g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
N/A
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
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 17.5mm Korean spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the KTT Sea Salt Lemon and the Gazzew U4T differ significantly. The Sea Salt Lemon features a polycarbonate top housing, which results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The stiffer nature of polycarbonate contributes to a clear and resonant sound. Additionally, its translucency allows for appealing RGB lighting effects. On the other hand, the Gazzew U4T boasts a proprietary Gazzew blend top housing, often called "boba plastic." This unique plastic blend creates a rich and deep sound profile due to its softness. The U4T's top housing adds a distinct character to the sound when releasing a key.
Similarly, the nylon bottom housing of the Sea Salt Lemon and the Gazzew U4T's proprietary Gazzew blend bottom housing differ in their effect on the switch's sound. The Sea Salt Lemon's nylon bottom housing elicits a deeper and fuller sound profile. Being a softer plastic, nylon absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. Meanwhile, the U4T's bottom housing, made of the proprietary Gazzew blend, also referred to as "boba plastic," contributes to a rich and deep sound profile. This softness in the bottom housing affects the sound and feel when pressing down on the switch.
Although the housing materials of the Sea Salt Lemon and the Gazzew U4T differ, both switches aim to deliver unique sound profiles. While the Sea Salt Lemon emphasizes a sharper and crisper sound due to its polycarbonate top housing and a deeper sound with its nylon bottom housing, the Gazzew U4T prioritizes a rich and deep sound through its proprietary Gazzew blend in both the top and bottom housing. Both switches offer distinct auditory experiences, providing a variety of options for keyswitch enthusiasts.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the KTT Sea Salt Lemon linear switch and the Gazzew U4T tactile switch, there are noticeable differences. The Sea Salt Lemon has an actuation force of 45 grams, providing a medium-light touch that allows for smooth and effortless keystrokes. Its bottom out force is slightly higher at 53 grams, giving a sense of stability and ensuring that keys are pressed firmly.
On the other hand, the Gazzew U4T tactile switch does not have a specified actuation force. However, it does have a bottom out force of 62 grams, which falls under the medium category. This implies that the U4T requires a more significant amount of force to press down completely, leading to a more substantial and satisfying typing experience.
In terms of weight, those who prefer a lighter switch may find the Sea Salt Lemon more suitable, as its actuation and bottom out forces are lower compared to the U4T. This lighter touch allows for extended typing sessions without fatigue, making it ideal for work or long gaming sessions. Conversely, those seeking a more robust and tactile feel might prefer the heavier bottom out force of the U4T. This provides a more substantial typing experience, giving a satisfying click with each keystroke.
While there is no direct comparison for the actuation force of the U4T, the fact that its bottom out force is higher than that of the Sea Salt Lemon implies that the U4T might require a heavier actuation force as well. Therefore, users seeking a similar level of actuation force as the Sea Salt Lemon but with a heavier bottom out force may find the U4T to be a suitable choice.
Ultimately, the decision between the KTT Sea Salt Lemon and the Gazzew U4T comes down to personal preference. Those who prioritize a lighter touch and extended typing sessions may prefer the Sea Salt Lemon, while individuals seeking a more substantial and tactile typing experience might lean towards the U4T.
Travel distance
The travel distances of the KTT Sea Salt Lemon linear switch and the Gazzew U4T tactile switch are both 4 mm. This means that both switches provide a similar feeling when pressing down on a key, as they have the same distance of travel from the top to the bottom. Therefore, whether you choose to use the Sea Salt Lemon or the U4T switch, you can expect to have a comparable experience in terms of the travel distance.
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 U4T 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
When it comes to the sound of the switches, the KTT Sea Salt Lemon provides a low-pitched and neutral sound profile. The low-pitched characteristic gives these switches a bass-heavy and mellow tone, creating a more subdued auditory experience. In contrast, the Gazzew U4T switches offer a bassy and thocky sound profile. This means that the U4T switches produce a deeper and richer sound during key presses, resembling a satisfying "thud" or "knock" when pressed and released. Both switches offer unique sound experiences, with the Sea Salt Lemon providing a lower-pitched and neutral tone, while the U4T gives a more bassy and thocky sound.
In terms of feel, the Sea Salt Lemon switches are described as mild. This means that they offer a gentle typing experience with a moderate amount of feedback. These switches have qualities that stand in a safe middle-ground zone, making them approachable to most users. On the other hand, the Gazzew U4T switches are described as sharp tactile switches. This indicates that they provide a high-intensity tactile feedback with a strong and crisp tactile bump. Each keypress with the U4T switches will give a distinct and prominent tactile experience. Therefore, if you prefer a mild and gentle typing feel, the Sea Salt Lemon switches are a suitable choice, while the U4T switches are ideal for those seeking a more pronounced and sharp tactile feedback.
Overall, the KTT Sea Salt Lemon linear switches provide a buttery smooth typing experience with a low-pitched and neutral sound profile. They offer a mild and approachable feel for most users. On the other hand, the Gazzew U4T tactile switches present a harmonious fusion of thockiness and sharp tactility. They deliver a bassy and thocky sound profile, paired with a strong and crisp tactile feedback. Choosing between these switches ultimately depends on personal preference and the desired auditory and tactile experience. However, if both switches are used with the same keyboard and keycaps, you can expect to achieve similar results in terms of sound and feel as described above.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are seeking a smooth and buttery typing experience with a moderate actuation force, the KTT Sea Salt Lemon linear switches are an excellent choice. These switches offer a lovely representation of what a linear switch can be, with a medium-light bottom out force of 53 grams. The progressive spring and KTT's dry-lube design ensure a satisfyingly smooth typing experience. In terms of sound, the Sea Salt Lemon switches have a neutral profile with a moderate tone, making them suitable for various environments and skill levels.
On the other hand, if you prefer a more tactile typing experience with a slightly higher bottom out force, the Gazzew U4T tactile switches are worth considering. With a medium bottom out force of 62 grams, these switches offer a harmonious fusion of thockiness and sharp tactility. Each keystroke rewards you with an assertive tactile feedback and a bassy 'thock' sound, providing a satisfying auditory and tactile experience.
Ultimately, the choice between the KTT Sea Salt Lemon linear switches and the Gazzew U4T tactile switches comes down to personal preference. If you prioritize smoothness and a neutral sound profile, the Sea Salt Lemon switches are a great fit. However, if you desire a more tactile typing experience with a bassy and thocky sound, the U4T switches are a better option. Consider your typing style and preferences, and choose the switch that will enhance your overall typing experience the most. In the end, both switches offer their unique qualities, ensuring a satisfying mechanical keyboard experience.
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