KTT Sea Salt Lemon vs. TTC Venus
An in-depth look at the KTT Sea Salt Lemon and the TTC Venus switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the KTT Sea Salt Lemon and the TTC Venus both offer unique features that cater to different preferences. The Sea Salt Lemon is a linear switch known for its buttery smooth typing experience, progressive spring, and dry-lube design. Categorized as 'Low-pitched', 'Neutral', and 'Mild', this switch provides a satisfying feel without any tactile feedback. On the other hand, the TTC Venus stands out for its internal configuration that offers a balance between a frictionless glide and a springy resistance known as "Q-texture". Categorized as 'Buttery', 'Gummy', 'Frictionless', 'Low-pitched', 'Mild', 'Muted', 'Neutral', 'Polished', 'Subdued', and 'Thocky', the Venus switch promises rapid, effortless typing with a unique matte sensation. While the Sea Salt Lemon appeals to those seeking a smooth and linear typing experience, the TTC Venus is perfect for those looking for a mix of smoothness and engaging feedback. 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
45g
Bottom-out force
53g
Bottom-out force
52g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.80 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
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
13mm progressive spring
Spring
Lengthened 20.5mm spring
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the KTT Sea Salt Lemon and the TTC Venus, the difference in sound profile is evident. The Sea Salt Lemon utilizes polycarbonate for the top housing, offering a sharper and crisper sound, while the Venus employs POM for a deeper and more muted sound. This variation in sound characteristics can greatly affect the typing experience and personal preference of users. Additionally, the nylon bottom housing of the Sea Salt Lemon creates a fuller sound, contrasting the polycarbonate bottom housing of the Venus which produces a sharper tone.
While the Sea Salt Lemon and the Venus feature different housing materials for their top and bottom components, they each offer unique sound profiles that cater to different tastes. The Sea Salt Lemon's combination of polycarbonate and nylon results in a balanced mix of sharpness and fullness in sound, providing a satisfying typing experience. On the other hand, the Venus's blend of POM and polycarbonate creates a distinct sound that leans towards the deeper end of the spectrum. Both switches offer a variety of sound profiles that can cater to a range of preferences.
Overall, the choice between the Sea Salt Lemon and the Venus ultimately comes down to individual preferences in sound and typing experience. While the Sea Salt Lemon may appeal to those who prefer a crisper and sharper sound, the Venus caters to those who enjoy a deeper and more muted tone. However, if a user is looking for similar results in terms of sound profile but with a different feel, they could opt for either switch and still achieve satisfactory results. The housing materials of each switch play a significant role in shaping the typing experience, making it essential for users to consider their preferences before making a decision.
Weight
Comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the KTT Sea Salt Lemon linear switch and the TTC Venus linear switch reveals some subtle differences. In terms of actuation force, both switches require 45 grams of force to trigger a keystroke, making them equally light in this aspect. However, when it comes to the bottom out force, the Sea Salt Lemon switch requires 53 grams, while the Venus switch requires 52 grams. This slight variation means that the Sea Salt Lemon switch has a slightly heavier bottoming out force compared to the Venus switch, which may provide a slightly more substantial typing experience. For those who prefer a lighter touch for extended typing sessions, the Venus switch may be the preferred choice, while those looking for a bit more feedback and resistance may lean towards the Sea Salt Lemon switch. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The KTT Sea Salt Lemon linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the TTC Venus linear switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.8 mm. Both switches fall within the range of traditional travel distances, with the Sea Salt Lemon offering a slightly deeper press compared to the Venus. Gamers looking for faster response times may be inclined to choose the TTC Venus due to its shorter travel distance, while those who prefer a more substantial key press may opt for the KTT Sea Salt Lemon. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for travel distance and key press feel.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The TTC Venus has an MSRP of $7.99 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Venus for $5.09.
The KTT Sea Salt Lemon comes in at $2.80 per 10 switches.
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 and TTC Venus switches share a low-pitched profile, offering a bass-heavy and mellow tone during typing. However, while the Sea Salt Lemon is described as having a neutral sound profile suitable for various settings, the Venus switch stands out for its muted and subdued sound signature, providing a quieter typing experience overall. The Venus switch also introduces a unique "thocky" element, producing a deep and rich sound when pressed, adding to the overall auditory experience.
In terms of feel, the Sea Salt Lemon offers a mild typing experience, combining a smooth and gentle feel that is approachable to most users. On the other hand, the TTC Venus switch is characterized by its buttery and frictionless keystroke, delivering a seamless and effortless typing sensation. Additionally, the Venus switch introduces a gummy feel, reminiscent of bottoming out on a trampoline or a gummy bear, adding a playful element to the typing experience.
Overall, both the Sea Salt Lemon and TTC Venus linear switches provide unique qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the Sea Salt Lemon offers a smooth and buttery typing experience with a mild sound profile, the TTC Venus switch stands out for its distinctive matte sensation and engaging "Q-texture", along with a more muted and thocky sound signature. Depending on personal preference, both switches offer a satisfying typing experience that caters to different tastes and preferences. Ultimately, choosing between the two will come down to individual preference for sound and feel, as both switches are designed to provide an enjoyable and engaging typing experience.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the KTT Sea Salt Lemon linear switch and the TTC Venus linear switch, you should consider the typing experience you are looking for. If you prefer a buttery smooth typing experience with a medium-light bottom out force, then the Sea Salt Lemon may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you enjoy a unique "matte" sensation with a very light actuation and muted sound signature, the TTC Venus could be more to your liking. Ultimately, the Sea Salt Lemon offers a mild and neutral feel with a low-pitched and neutral sound, while the Venus provides a gummy, buttery, and frictionless feel with a low-pitched, muted, neutral, and thocky sound profile. Make your decision based on your preferences for typing feel and sound characteristics.
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