KTT Sea Salt Lemon vs. Durock White Lotus
An in-depth look at the KTT Sea Salt Lemon and the Durock White Lotus switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two options that stand out are the KTT Sea Salt Lemon and the Durock White Lotus. The Sea Salt Lemon is a linear switch that offers a buttery smooth typing experience, thanks to its progressive spring and KTT's dry-lube design. It is categorized as low-pitched, neutral, and mild, making it a versatile choice for various typing needs. On the other hand, the White Lotus is a tactile switch designed with the discerning typist in mind. It strikes the perfect balance between delicate tactility and usability, making it ideal for work and extended typing sessions. Additionally, it features a removable light column that allows for vibrant RGB lighting effects, adding a captivating glow to your keyboard setup. Categorized as easy-to-press, low-pitched, mild, neutral, and subtle, the White Lotus offers a tranquil typing experience with mesmerizing RGB illumination. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can best decide on the perfect switch for your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
46g
Bottom-out force
53g
Bottom-out force
56g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
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
Modified PC & UPE Blend
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
13mm progressive spring
Spring
Gold-plated long spring
Housing materials
The KTT Sea Salt Lemon and the Durock White Lotus both feature unique housing materials that contribute to their distinct sound profiles. The Sea Salt Lemon utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. This material is known for its stiffness, which results in a more clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the polycarbonate top housing allows for the use of RGB lighting due to its translucency. On the other hand, the White Lotus features a modified PC and UPE Blend top housing, offering a unique and premium feel. While both switches have different top housing materials, they both provide an exceptional typing experience with their own distinct characteristics.
In terms of bottom housings, both the Sea Salt Lemon and the White Lotus employ nylon as their material of choice. This classic switch housing material offers a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon's softness allows it to absorb more sound than harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. Both switches benefit from this characteristic, providing a satisfying typing experience that emphasizes the depth and resonance of the switches' sound profile.
When comparing the overall impact of the different housing materials, it is important to note that the bottom housing primarily influences the bottom-out sound and feel of the switch when pressed. In contrast, the top housing material has more of an impact on the sound produced when releasing a key. While the Sea Salt Lemon's polycarbonate top housing provides a sharper sound on release compared to the White Lotus's modified PC and UPE Blend top housing, both switches deliver impressive sound profiles that cater to different preferences.
In summary, the KTT Sea Salt Lemon and the Durock White Lotus exhibit differences in their housing materials, particularly in the top housing. The Sea Salt Lemon's polycarbonate top housing enhances the sound on release and offers compatibility with RGB lighting. In contrast, the White Lotus's modified PC and UPE Blend top housing provides a premium feel. However, both switches share the use of nylon for their bottom housing, which results in a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing. Ultimately, whether you choose the Sea Salt Lemon or the White Lotus, you can expect a top-notch typing experience with unique sound characteristics.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the KTT Sea Salt Lemon linear switch and the Durock White Lotus tactile switch, it is evident that both switches fall within the medium-light category in terms of force. The Sea Salt Lemon has an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 53 grams, while the White Lotus has an actuation force of 46 grams and a bottom out force of 56 grams. Both switches offer a similar typing experience with a relatively light touch required for actuation and a slightly heavier force for bottoming out. This makes them suitable for individuals who prefer a lighter typing experience, allowing for extended periods of typing without fatigue. However, those seeking a more substantial typing feel may find the White Lotus switch slightly heavier in both actuation and bottom out force. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will come down to personal preference and the desired typing experience.
Travel distance
Both the KTT Sea Salt Lemon linear switch and the Durock White Lotus tactile switch have the same travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when you press down on a key with either of these switches, you will feel the same distance traveled from the top to the bottom. Therefore, in terms of travel distance, you can expect similar results from both switches as they offer the same tactile experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Durock White Lotus has an MSRP of $5.60 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the White Lotus for $4.57.
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
The KTT Sea Salt Lemon linear switch is best known for its buttery smooth typing experience. With a progressive spring and KTT's dry-lube design, these switches provide a pleasant and smooth feel while typing. In terms of sound, the Sea Salt Lemon has a low-pitched and neutral sound profile. Low-pitched switches typically have a more bass-heavy and mellow tone, making them a great option for those who prefer a deeper sound. The neutral sound profile of these switches means they are suitable for most intents and purposes, whether you are a beginner or advanced typist, and whether you plan to use them at home or work. The Sea Salt Lemon offers a mild typing experience, falling in the safe middle-ground zone of mechanical keyboard switches. This makes it approachable and comfortable for most users.
On the other hand, the Durock White Lotus tactile switch offers a delicate tactility that strikes the perfect balance for work and extended typing sessions. These switches have a removable light column, allowing for vibrant and luminous RGB lighting effects that add a captivating glow to your keyboard setup. The White Lotus switches provide an easy-to-press typing experience, requiring minimal force to activate. The light actuation force reduces finger fatigue during extended typing sessions, enhancing the overall typing experience. Similar to the Sea Salt Lemon, the White Lotus also has a mild typing experience with qualities that stand in a safe and approachable middle-ground zone. Additionally, the White Lotus has a subtle sound signature, making it suitable for shared spaces where a resonant sound would be undesirable.
Considering all the available information, both the KTT Sea Salt Lemon linear switch and the Durock White Lotus tactile switch have their own subjective qualities that make them appealing options. If you prefer a linear switch with a buttery smooth typing experience, the Sea Salt Lemon is an excellent choice. If you prefer a tactile switch with a delicate tactility and easy-to-press feel, the White Lotus is a great option. Both switches have low-pitched and neutral sound profiles, making them suitable for most users. Ultimately, your choice between the two will depend on your personal preference for either linear or tactile switches and the specific qualities that appeal to you. Rest assured that regardless of which switch you choose, you can expect similar levels of smoothness, mild typing experience, and low-pitched sound.
Conclusion
In summary, if you are looking for a linear switch with a buttery smooth typing experience and a medium-light bottom out force, the KTT Sea Salt Lemon switch is a great choice. With its progressive spring and dry-lube design, these switches offer a lovely representation of what a linear switch can be. On the other hand, if you prefer a light tactile switch that strikes the perfect balance between tactility and a gentle typing experience, the Durock White Lotus switch is the way to go. These switches are designed with the discerning typist in mind and provide a delicate tactility without overwhelming the user. Additionally, the removable light column allows for vibrant RGB lighting effects. Both switches have a low-pitched sound profile and a neutral actuation force requirement, making them suitable for most intents and purposes. Ultimately, the choice between the Sea Salt Lemon and White Lotus switches will depend on your preference for linear or tactile switches and the level of tactility you desire in your typing experience.
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