KTT Sea Salt Lemon vs. Wuque Studio WS Onion
An in-depth look at the KTT Sea Salt Lemon and the Wuque Studio WS Onion switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
The KTT Sea Salt Lemon and Wuque Studio WS Onion are both linear switches that offer a satisfying typing experience. The Sea Salt Lemon stands out for its buttery smooth feel, thanks to its progressive spring and KTT's dry-lube design. It has a low-pitched, neutral sound profile, making it a great choice for those who prefer a mild typing experience. On the other hand, the WS Onion features a polycarbonate top housing and a nylon bottom housing, providing a smooth keystroke feel that is deeply satisfying. It has a neutral sound profile and a polished, buttery feel, making it a popular option for those seeking a crisp and responsive switch. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can best decide on the ideal switch for your typing preferences.
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
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 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
WS CL635 Gold Plated Stainless Spring
Housing materials
The KTT Sea Salt Lemon and the Wuque Studio WS Onion both feature polycarbonate top housings that create a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is because polycarbonate is a relatively stiffer plastic, which leads to a more clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it especially useful for switches that plan to use RGB lighting. As such, both keyboards will offer similar sound profiles and visual effects with their polycarbonate top housings.
In terms of the bottom housings, both the Sea Salt Lemon and the WS Onion utilize nylon, a classic switch housing material. Typing on switches with nylon bottom housings elicits a deeper and fuller sound profile. This is due to the relatively softer nature of nylon, which absorbs more sound than harder plastics. As a result, both keyboards will produce a duller and rounder sound when bottoming out keys.
It's important to note that while the top and bottom housings differ between the Sea Salt Lemon and the WS Onion, the qualities provided by each housing material will have an impact on different aspects of the typing experience. The bottom housing, whether polycarbonate or nylon, will primarily affect the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing down on a key. Meanwhile, the top housing, also made of polycarbonate or nylon, will have more influence on the sound produced when releasing a key.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the KTT Sea Salt Lemon linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Onion linear switch, there are some notable differences. The Sea Salt Lemon has an actuation force of 45 grams, making it relatively light in comparison to the WS Onion, which does not have a specified actuation force. However, when it comes to bottoming out, the Sea Salt Lemon requires a force of 53 grams, while the WS Onion has a bottom out force of 63.5 grams, making it heavier.
Considering weight is important for different reasons. Some users prefer lighter switches as it enables them to type for longer periods without fatigue, which is particularly beneficial for professional usage or extended gaming sessions. On the other hand, those looking for a more substantial and tactile typing experience may opt for switches with heavier forces.
In terms of actuation force, the Sea Salt Lemon provides a lighter touch compared to the WS Onion, but since the actuation force of the WS Onion is unknown, it is difficult to make a direct comparison. However, when it comes to bottoming out, the Sea Salt Lemon is still lighter at 53 grams, making it preferred by users who prefer a lighter typing experience. Conversely, the WS Onion's bottom out force of 63.5 grams offers a more substantial and forceful keystroke.
Overall, while the actuation force of the Sea Salt Lemon may provide a lighter touch than the WS Onion, the exact comparison is unknown. However, in terms of bottom out force, the Sea Salt Lemon is lighter at 53 grams, while the WS Onion is heavier at 63.5 grams. Therefore, those seeking a lighter typing experience may find the Sea Salt Lemon more suitable, while users desiring a heavier and more tactile keystroke may opt for the WS Onion.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the KTT Sea Salt Lemon linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Onion linear switch is the same, with both switches having a travel distance of 4 mm. Therefore, pressing down on a key with either switch will provide a similar tactile experience in terms of the distance the switch travels from the top to the bottom.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Wuque Studio WS Onion has an MSRP of $7.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the WS Onion for $5.53.
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, achieved through a progressive spring and KTT's dry-lube design. The WS Onion linear switch, on the other hand, features a polycarbonate top housing and a nylon bottom housing, resulting in a deeply satisfying and buttery smooth keystroke feel. Both switches offer a neutral sound profile, with the Sea Salt Lemon having a low-pitched and mellow tone, while the WS Onion has a moderate sound profile. The Sea Salt Lemon provides a mild typing experience that is approachable to most, while the WS Onion offers a buttery and polished feel for a seamless and effortless typing sensation. Overall, both switches provide a smooth and refined typing experience, making them suitable for users at different skill levels and preferences.
Conclusion
To sum up, the KTT Sea Salt Lemons are a great choice if you are looking for a linear switch with a medium-light bottom out force and a buttery smooth typing experience. These switches have a progressive spring and KTT's dry-lube design, which contribute to their overall smoothness. They also have a low-pitched sound profile and offer a mild typing feel, making them suitable for most intents and purposes.
On the other hand, the Wuque Studio WS Onions are an excellent option if you prefer a linear switch with a medium-heavy bottom out force. These switches feature a polycarbonate top housing, a nylon bottom housing, and offer a buttery smooth keystroke feel. They have a neutral sound profile and provide a crisp, responsive feel. Additionally, the WS Onions are described as buttery and polished, meaning they provide a smooth and refined typing experience.
Ultimately, the decision between the KTT Sea Salt Lemons and the WS Onions depends on your preferences. If you prioritize a lighter bottom out force and a mild typing experience, the Sea Salt Lemons would be a good choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-heavy bottom out force and a buttery smooth keystroke feel, the WS Onions would be a better fit. Consider your desired sound profile, typing feel, and any other preferences you may have before making your decision.
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