KTT Sea Salt Lemon vs. Wuque Studio WS Silent Linear
An in-depth look at the KTT Sea Salt Lemon and the Wuque Studio WS Silent Linear switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, two options that stand out are the KTT Sea Salt Lemon and the Wuque Studio WS Silent Linear. The Sea Salt Lemon is a linear switch that is best known for its buttery smooth typing experience, thanks to its progressive spring and KTT's dry-lube design. Categorized as low-pitched, neutral, and mild, these switches offer a pleasant and comfortable typing experience. On the other hand, the WS Silent Linear switches by Wuque elevate your office and work experience with their exceptional design. These linear switches feature ingeniously designed stem railings with discreet cutouts, reducing switch noise while maintaining unparalleled responsiveness and a satisfying bottom-out. Unlike traditional silent switches, the WS Silent Linear switches do not use silicone dampeners, providing a unique typing experience that is devoid of the usual cushioned sensation. Categorized as neutral, mild, muted, and subdued, these switches offer a seamless blend of tranquility and precision. 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
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 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
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
13mm progressive spring
Spring
15mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
The KTT Sea Salt Lemon and the Wuque Studio WS Silent Linear have contrasting housing materials in their top housings. The Sea Salt Lemon features a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. On the other hand, the WS Silent Linear has a nylon top housing that elicits a deeper and fuller sound profile. The use of polycarbonate in the Sea Salt Lemon results in a more clear and resonant sound, while the nylon top housing in the WS Silent Linear absorbs more sound, leading to a duller and rounder sound.
In terms of their bottom housing materials, both the Sea Salt Lemon and the WS Silent Linear have nylon bottom housings. Nylon is known for its ability to create a deeper and fuller sound profile in switches. The relatively softer plastic of nylon absorbs more sound than harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound in both switches. Therefore, despite having different overall housing materials, both switches offer similar sound profiles due to the shared nylon bottom housings.
It is important to note that the top and bottom housings of a switch play different roles in determining the overall sound profile. The Sea Salt Lemon and the WS Silent Linear showcase this difference. The properties of the bottom housing have more impact on the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing down on the switch. Conversely, the top housing influences the sound when releasing a key. This distinction means that while the overall housing materials may differ, the specific qualities of each housing material will be experienced differently throughout the typing process in both switches.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the KTT Sea Salt Lemon linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Silent Linear linear switch, there are some noticeable differences. The Sea Salt Lemon has an actuation force of 45 grams, while the exact actuation force of the WS Silent Linear is unknown. This difference means that the Sea Salt Lemon requires a lighter touch to trigger a keystroke compared to the WS Silent Linear. On the other hand, the Sea Salt Lemon has a bottom out force of 53 grams, while the WS Silent Linear has a bottom out force of 63.5 grams. This indicates that the WS Silent Linear has a heavier feel when fully pressed down compared to the Sea Salt Lemon.
The difference in actuation force between the two switches suggests that the Sea Salt Lemon would be more suitable for users who prefer a lighter typing experience, making it great for extended typing sessions at work or long gaming sessions. On the contrary, the WS Silent Linear would be more suitable for users who prefer a stronger push feel and a more substantial typing experience, as it requires more force to fully activate each keystroke.
Overall, while the actuation force and bottom out force vary between the KTT Sea Salt Lemon and the Wuque Studio WS Silent Linear, users can achieve similar results based on their preferences. Those who prefer a lighter switch can opt for the Sea Salt Lemon, while those who prefer a heavier switch can choose the WS Silent Linear.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the KTT Sea Salt Lemon linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Silent Linear linear switch, it is clear that the Sea Salt Lemon has a longer travel distance of 4.0 mm compared to the WS Silent Linear's 3.5 mm. The Sea Salt Lemon falls into the more traditional range of travel distances at 4.0 mm, while the WS Silent Linear is slightly shallower at 3.5 mm. However, in recent times, shorter travel distances have become more popular, particularly among gamers who prioritize faster response times. In this case, opting for the WS Silent Linear with its shorter travel distance may be preferable. On the other hand, some individuals may find shorter travel distances to feel too abrupt, and in such cases, the Sea Salt Lemon with its longer travel distance may be a better choice to provide a sense of depth. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will depend on individual preferences and the desired level of responsiveness.
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 Wuque Studio WS Silent Linear comes in at $4.20.
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 linear switch has a low-pitched and neutral sound profile. The low-pitched characteristic gives these switches a bass-heavy and mellow tone, creating a soothing auditory experience. Additionally, the neutral sound profile means that the switch produces a moderate level of sound, making it suitable for various environments, whether you're a beginner or an advanced user, and whether you're using it at home or in a professional setting. On the other hand, the Wuque Studio WS Silent Linear linear switch offers a more complex sound profile. It is also described as having a neutral sound profile, similar to the Sea Salt Lemon. However, the WS Silent Linear switch is further characterized as having a muted and subdued sound. This means that it produces a softer and quieter sound compared to regular or clacky switches, providing a more tranquil typing experience. It is important to note that the sound of the switches will also be affected by other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used. Overall, both switches offer a pleasing sound profile, with the WS Silent Linear providing a quieter and more subdued option.
In terms of feel, both the KTT Sea Salt Lemon and the Wuque Studio WS Silent Linear switches offer a gentle and mild typing experience. A mild switch provides a more gentle and approachable typing experience compared to switches with more pronounced characteristics. With both switches falling into this mild category, they provide a safe and middle-ground feel that appeals to a wide range of users. Whether you prefer a more cushioned or a more responsive feel, these switches strike a balance that should be comfortable for most typists.
In conclusion, the KTT Sea Salt Lemon linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Silent Linear linear switch offer distinctive qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Sea Salt Lemon provides a low-pitched and neutral sound, creating a mellow and bass-heavy tone. Its feel is described as mild, offering a gentle and approachable typing experience. On the other hand, the WS Silent Linear switch showcases a similar neutral sound profile but with a muted and subdued characteristic, providing a quieter and more tranquil typing experience. Like the Sea Salt Lemon, the WS Silent Linear switch also has a mild feel, ensuring a comfortable typing experience for most users. Depending on your preference for sound and feel, both switches offer unique qualities that can enhance your typing experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you prioritize a smooth and buttery typing experience, the Sea Salt Lemon linear switch by KTT is the way to go. With a bottom-out force of 53 grams, it offers a medium-light feel that is approachable for most users. Additionally, the Sea Salt Lemon produces a low-pitched sound, which adds a mellow and bass-heavy tone to your typing. This switch is ideal for those who prefer a more neutral switch, as it has a moderate actuation force requirement and a moderate sound profile, making it suitable for various environments and skill levels.
On the other hand, if you desire a quiet and serene typing experience without sacrificing responsiveness, the WS Silent Linear linear switch by Wuque Studio is the perfect choice. With a bottom-out force of 63.5 grams, it offers a slightly heavier feel compared to the Sea Salt Lemon, but still falls within the medium range. The WS Silent Linear switch is designed to reduce switch noise through innovative stem railings with discreet cutouts, rather than relying on silicone dampeners. This gives it a muted and subdued sound profile, minimizing the noise typically associated with mechanical keyboards. Like the Sea Salt Lemon, the WS Silent Linear switch also provides a mild typing experience, ensuring comfort and approachability for most users.
Ultimately, the decision between the Sea Salt Lemon and WS Silent Linear switches depends on your priorities and preferences. If you value a smooth and mellow typing experience, the Sea Salt Lemon is the way to go. However, if a quiet and tranquil environment is your top priority, the WS Silent Linear switch is the perfect fit. Both switches offer their own unique qualities, showcasing the diversity and customization options available in the mechanical keyboard switch market.
Mentioned in this article
