KTT Sea Salt Lemon vs. Haimu Viola Tricolor
An in-depth look at the KTT Sea Salt Lemon and the Haimu Viola Tricolor switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options are the KTT Sea Salt Lemon and the Haimu Viola Tricolor. The Sea Salt Lemon is a linear switch, best known for its buttery smooth typing experience. With its progressive spring and KTT's dry-lube design, these switches offer a delightful sensation while typing. Categorized as 'Low-pitched, 'Neutral', and 'Mild,' the Sea Salt Lemon provides a subtle and gentle keystroke. On the other hand, the Viola Tricolor is a tactile switch that offers a thuddy and punchy sound profile, adding character to your typing experience. It strikes a perfect balance with its pronounced tactility, providing satisfying feedback without being overly tactile. Categorized as 'Accented', 'Bassy', 'Invigorating', and 'Low-pitched,' the Viola Tricolor offers a sharp sensation without overwhelming the user. These switches have their unique qualities that cater 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
N/A
Bottom-out force
53g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
N/A
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Factory lubed
No
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
13mm progressive spring
Spring
Dual-staged gold-plated spring
Housing materials
The housing materials used in the KTT Sea Salt Lemon and the Haimu Viola Tricolor are both made of polycarbonate for the top housing and nylon for the bottom housing. This means that they will both offer similar qualities when it comes to sound profiles. Polycarbonate is known for creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound, while nylon produces a deeper and fuller sound. In terms of aesthetics, the translucency of the polycarbonate top housing allows for the use of RGB lighting, providing a visually appealing experience.
However, there are subtle differences between the two switches. The Sea Salt Lemon's polycarbonate top housing is described as relatively stiffer, which may lead to a more clear and resonant sound profile. On the other hand, the Viola Tricolor's polycarbonate top housing does not provide any specific details about its stiffness. Therefore, there could potentially be a difference in sound quality between the two switches due to variations in the top housing material.
When it comes to the bottom housing, both switches utilize nylon, which is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound compared to harder plastics. This results in a duller and rounder sound profile. Therefore, regardless of whether you choose the Sea Salt Lemon or the Viola Tricolor, you can expect a similar deep and full sound while typing, thanks to the nylon bottom housing.
In conclusion, the KTT Sea Salt Lemon and the Haimu Viola Tricolor share similarities in their housing materials. Both switches feature a polycarbonate top housing that offers a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile while providing the option for RGB lighting. Additionally, they both utilize a nylon bottom housing, which contributes to a deeper and fuller sound experience. While there may be subtle differences in the stiffness of the polycarbonate top housing between the two switches, their overall sound profile should be relatively similar.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the KTT Sea Salt Lemon linear switch and the Haimu Viola Tricolor tactile switch, there are notable differences. The Sea Salt Lemon has an actuation force of 45 grams, making it medium-light, while the Viola Tricolor's actuation force is unknown. In terms of bottom out force, the Sea Salt Lemon requires 53 grams, which is also medium-light. On the other hand, the Viola Tricolor has a bottom out force of 63.5 grams, classifying it as medium-heavy.
Considering weight, some individuals prefer a lighter actuation force for extended typing sessions or prolonged gaming, making the Sea Salt Lemon an attractive option. Its lower actuation force allows for a smoother typing experience. However, for those who enjoy a more substantial typing feel, the Viola Tricolor provides a heavier push with its 63.5 gram bottom out force.
In terms of similarities, both switches provide a medium-level actuation force, although the exact force for the Viola Tricolor is unknown. Additionally, while the Sea Salt Lemon is lighter in terms of both actuation and bottom out force, the Viola Tricolor offers a heavier typing experience. Overall, the choice between these switches will depend on personal preferences and typing preferences, with the Sea Salt Lemon being the lighter option and the Viola Tricolor providing a heavier feel.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the KTT Sea Salt Lemon linear switch is 4.0mm, while the Haimu Viola Tricolor tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.8mm. Both switches have relatively short travel distances compared to the traditional 4.0mm standard. Gamers may prefer the shorter travel distance of the Viola Tricolor switch for faster response times. On the other hand, those who prefer a more substantial feel when typing may prefer the Sea Salt Lemon switch's slightly longer travel distance. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on individual preferences in terms of responsiveness and depth of key press.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Haimu Viola Tricolor has an MSRP of $6.60 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Viola Tricolor for $3.09.
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
Both the KTT Sea Salt Lemon linear switch and the Haimu Viola Tricolor tactile switch offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Sea Salt Lemon switch is best known for its buttery smooth typing experience, thanks to its progressive spring and KTT's dry-lube design. This switch has a low-pitched sound profile, which typically features a more bass-heavy and mellow tone. It is also described as having a mild feel, providing a gentle typing experience that is approachable to most users. On the other hand, the Viola Tricolor switch delivers a thuddy and punchy sound profile, adding character to the typing experience. With a pronounced tactility, it offers satisfying feedback without overwhelming the user. The Viola Tricolor switch strikes a perfect balance, offering a sharp sensation without being overly tactile. In terms of sound, the Viola Tricolor switch has a bassy low-pitched sound profile. Its feel is described as accented, providing a medium level of tactility that is neither overwhelming nor subtle. In conclusion, while the Sea Salt Lemon switch provides a buttery smooth typing experience with a low-pitched sound and mild feel, the Viola Tricolor switch offers a thuddy and punchy sound profile with a pronounced yet balanced tactility. Depending on personal preferences, both switches can offer enjoyable typing experiences with their own unique characteristics.
Conclusion
In conclusion, if you are looking for a smooth and buttery typing experience with a moderate-light bottom out force, the KTT Sea Salt Lemon linear switch is a great choice. These switches are known for their progressive spring and dry-lube design, providing a lovely representation of what a linear switch can offer. The Sea Salt Lemon also produces a low-pitched and neutral sound profile, making it suitable for various environments and skill levels.
On the other hand, if you prefer a more tactile typing experience with a medium-heavy bottom out force, the Haimu Viola Tricolor tactile switch is worth considering. These switches strike a perfect balance between sharp tactility and overall comfort, offering a satisfying feedback without being overly tactile. The Viola Tricolor also adds a touch of character to your typing experience with its thuddy and punchy sound profile, characterized by bassy and low-pitched tones.
Ultimately, your choice between these two switches depends on your personal preferences. If you prioritize smoothness and a lighter touch, the Sea Salt Lemon is a solid option. However, if you enjoy a more tactile feel and want to add some character to your typing, the Viola Tricolor is the way to go. Whichever switch you choose, both the Sea Salt Lemon and Viola Tricolor are exceptional options that will enhance your typing experience.
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