KTT Sea Salt Lemon vs. Gazzew U4Tx RGB
An in-depth look at the KTT Sea Salt Lemon and the Gazzew U4Tx RGB switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, the KTT Sea Salt Lemon and Gazzew U4Tx RGB stand out as intriguing options, each catering to distinct preferences. The Sea Salt Lemon, a linear switch, is celebrated for its smoothness—thanks to its progressive spring and KTT's innovative dry-lube design—offering a buttery typing experience that is both low-pitched and neutral, appealing to those who prioritize a seamless keystroke without tactile distraction. In contrast, the Gazzew U4Tx RGB, known for its tactile feedback, delivers a delightful "thock" sound while typing, combining a pronounced tactile bump with a quiet topping out for a refined acoustic experience. This makes the U4Tx ideal for users who enjoy a more responsive feel while maintaining an understated sound profile. Each switch serves its own audience; whether you crave the smooth gliding of the Sea Salt Lemon or the satisfying feedback of the U4Tx RGB, there's something to suit your typing style. 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
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 Korean spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the KTT Sea Salt Lemon and the Gazzew U4Tx RGB switches, there are distinct contrasts between their top housing materials, while the bottom housings share notable similarities. The Sea Salt Lemon features a polycarbonate top housing, known for producing a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This stiffer plastic enhances the clarity and resonance of the sound, making it particularly effective in capturing RGB lighting effects due to its translucency. In contrast, the U4Tx RGB incorporates a proprietary Gazzew blend top housing, often referred to as "boba plastic," which is softer and designed to deliver a richer, deeper sound profile. While the polycarbonate top provides brightness, the Gazzew blend will yield a sound that leans more towards warmth and depth.
The bottom housings of both switches reveal a clear parallel, being constructed from proprietary Gazzew blends for the U4Tx RGB and nylon for the Sea Salt Lemon. Both materials are characterized by their softness, contributing to a fuller, rounder sound profile. While nylon has long been regarded as a classic choice for switch housings, the use of the Gazzew blend in the U4Tx RGB similarly aims to absorb sound more efficiently. This overlap can create a more cohesive auditory experience, even when the top housings differ significantly. When downward force is applied to either switch, the characteristics of the nylon or Gazzew blend will be more pronounced, leading to a richer auditory output upon bottoming out.
Ultimately, the combination of different top and bottom housing materials in these two switches creates a distinct overall sound experience. The Sea Salt Lemon's top housing will provide a bright, lively sound as the key is released, thanks to its polycarbonate material. Conversely, the U4Tx RGB’s Gazzew blend top housing will impart a more soothing and mellow sound. However, as both switches utilize softer materials for their bottom housings, the underlying tonal depth will remain similarly rich. This interplay allows users to achieve comparable auditory results, despite the differences in the top housings, fostering a versatile experience when typing or gaming.
Weight
When comparing the KTT Sea Salt Lemon linear switch with the Gazzew U4Tx RGB tactile switch, the actuation force and bottom out force illustrate distinct differences in typing experience. The Sea Salt Lemon features an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 53 grams, making it a medium-light option that can enhance typing endurance during long sessions. In contrast, the U4Tx RGB lacks a specified actuation force but has a bottom out force of 65 grams, categorizing it as medium-heavy. This suggests that, while the U4Tx may provide a more substantial feel when pressing down, the absence of known actuation force limits direct comparisons in terms of overall touch response. Ultimately, the Sea Salt Lemon is the lighter switch, ideal for users seeking ease during extended typing or gaming, whereas the U4Tx, being heavier, may appeal to those who enjoy a more pronounced resistance in their keystrokes, providing a more tactile feedback experience.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the KTT Sea Salt Lemon linear switch and the Gazzew U4Tx RGB tactile switch, we see a notable difference. The Sea Salt Lemon has a travel distance of 4.0 mm, while the U4Tx RGB measures 3.6 mm. This makes the Sea Salt Lemon the longer option, providing a more pronounced keypress experience that some users may find satisfying for its depth and tactile feedback. On the other hand, the shorter travel distance of the U4Tx RGB caters to gamers and those who prioritize responsiveness, allowing for quicker actuation and faster response times. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches comes down to personal preference, with those seeking a deeper keystroke opting for the Sea Salt Lemon, while those favoring a snappier feel might prefer the U4Tx RGB.
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 U4Tx RGB 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 sound, the KTT Sea Salt Lemon switch delivers a low-pitched and neutral acoustic profile. This means it produces a bass-heavy and mellow tone that is well-suited for both casual and professional environments. This moderate sound level allows for versatility, making the Sea Salt Lemon an excellent choice whether you're working in a shared space or gaming at home. The Gazzew U4Tx RGB's sound characteristics are not described in detail, but the mention of its "thock" effect suggests a deeper and more pronounced sound, especially upon bottoming out. This combination of sounds likely contrasts with the Sea Salt Lemon’s more subdued acoustics, providing a richer auditory experience for those who prefer a louder typing feel.
In terms of feel, the KTT Sea Salt Lemon offers a mild typing experience characterized by a gentle keystroke. This type of switch is approachable for users of all experience levels, as it balances smooth travel with a comfortable tactile response. The blend of a progressive spring and a dry-lube design ensures that each press is buttery smooth, enhancing the overall typing experience without overwhelming the user. Conversely, the Gazzew U4Tx RGB features a sharp tactile bump, which suggests it delivers a more pronounced feedback upon actuation. While the U4Tx RGB’s tactile qualities are not further specified, it implies a more dynamic engagement compared to the gentle nature of the Sea Salt Lemon.
In summary, the KTT Sea Salt Lemon is ideal for those seeking a smooth, low-pitched typing experience that's versatile for various settings, while the Gazzew U4Tx RGB offers a richer sound profile with more tactile feedback for enthusiasts looking for a luxurious typing experience. While these two switches provide different auditory and tactile sensations, the Sea Salt Lemon appeals to those who prefer a mellow and approachable feel, whereas the U4Tx RGB caters to users who appreciate deeper, sharper auditory feedback and tactile engagement. Ultimately, the choice between them will depend on personal preference, but both can deliver enjoyable experiences in their own right.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the KTT Sea Salt Lemon linear switch and the Gazzew U4Tx RGB tactile switch, it’s essential to consider your personal preferences and typing habits. If you appreciate a smooth, buttery typing experience and prefer a medium-light actuation force, the Sea Salt Lemon is an excellent choice, especially for long typing sessions or gaming, where quick and responsive key presses can enhance performance. Its low-pitched and neutral sound profile makes it versatile for both work and leisure, making it ideal if you want a non-disruptive yet enjoyable typing experience. On the other hand, if you prefer a more substantial tactile feedback and a richer acoustic profile, the U4Tx RGB switch will serve you well, particularly for typing tasks that benefit from a defined tactile bump. The medium-heavy actuation force can help prevent accidental key presses, which is beneficial for those who type with greater force or are engaged in creative work where precision is key. Ultimately, your choice will depend on whether you prioritize smoothness and lightness in your keystrokes or a pronounced tactile feel and sound in your keyboard experience.
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