KTT Sea Salt Lemon vs. HMX Xinhai
An in-depth look at the KTT Sea Salt Lemon and the HMX Xinhai switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
The KTT Sea Salt Lemon and the HMX Xinhai are both linear mechanical keyboard switches that offer unique characteristics and benefits. The Sea Salt Lemon is praised for its buttery smooth typing experience, thanks to its progressive spring and dry-lube design. It is described as low-pitched, neutral, and mild. On the other hand, the Xinhai switch stands out for its PA12 top housing for softer acoustics and a POM stem for a distinctively crisp, higher-pitched resonance. It is categorized as bouncy, clacky, and creamy. Each switch has its own strengths and qualities that may appeal to different preferences and typing styles. 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
37g
Bottom-out force
53g
Bottom-out force
45g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.40 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
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
13mm progressive spring
Spring
22mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
The Sea Salt Lemon and the HMX Xinhai both feature polycarbonate top housings, which create a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to the stiffness of polycarbonate, which leads to a clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it especially useful for switches designed to incorporate RGB lighting. Both switches offer a similar acoustic experience with their polycarbonate top housings, providing a consistent sound profile for users looking for a distinct typing experience.
On the other hand, the Sea Salt Lemon and the HMX Xinhai differ in their bottom housing materials. The Sea Salt Lemon features a nylon bottom housing, which elicits a deeper and fuller sound profile by absorbing more sound than harder plastics. This results in a duller and rounder sound when typing on switches with nylon housing. Similarly, the HMX Xinhai also utilizes a nylon bottom housing for a similar typing experience, emphasizing a deeper and fuller sound profile for users who prefer a softer material that absorbs sound for a more muted typing experience.
Overall, while the Sea Salt Lemon and the HMX Xinhai share similarities in their use of polycarbonate top housings for a sharp and resonant sound profile, they differentiate in their bottom housing materials. The Sea Salt Lemon's nylon bottom housing offers a deeper and fuller sound, while the HMX Xinhai's nylon bottom housing provides a similar typing experience with a rounded and dull sound. Both switches offer a unique typing experience based on the combination of their top and bottom housing materials, catering to different preferences for sound and feel when typing.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the KTT Sea Salt Lemon linear switch and the HMX Xinhai linear switch, it is evident that the Sea Salt Lemon is the heavier option with an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 53 grams, while the Xinhai is lighter with an actuation force of 37 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams. The Sea Salt Lemon provides a medium-light typing experience, while the Xinhai offers a lighter touch. Those who prefer a more substantial typing experience may opt for the Sea Salt Lemon due to its higher actuation and bottom out forces, while users who prefer a lighter touch may lean towards the Xinhai. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for typing feel and weight considerations.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the KTT Sea Salt Lemon linear switch and the HMX Xinhai linear switch, it is evident that the Sea Salt Lemon has a longer travel distance of 4 mm compared to the Xinhai's 3.4 mm. The Sea Salt Lemon offers a more traditional travel distance, which may appeal to those who enjoy a deeper feeling when typing. On the other hand, the Xinhai provides a shorter travel distance, which could be preferred by gamers seeking faster response times. Both switches cater to different preferences in terms of keypress feedback, with the Sea Salt Lemon offering a more substantial press and the Xinhai providing a quicker actuation. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for travel distance and typing experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The HMX Xinhai has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Xinhai for $3.19.
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
In terms of sound, the KTT Sea Salt Lemon linear switch offers a low-pitched and neutral sound profile, providing a bass-heavy and mellow tone suitable for a variety of typing environments. On the other hand, the HMX Xinhai linear switch is known for its clacky sound, producing a sharp and snappy noise that adds a crisp and bright element to typing sessions. Both switches deliver unique auditory experiences that can be further influenced by factors such as the keyboard material and keycaps used.
When it comes to feel, the Sea Salt Lemon switch is praised for its mild typing sensation, offering a gentle and approachable experience that falls within a safe middle-ground zone for most users. In contrast, the Xinhai switch is characterized by a bouncy and creamy feel, providing a spring-like feedback and a smooth, buttery typing experience. These tactile qualities add an extra layer of enjoyment to typing sessions, allowing users to feel the distinct nuances of each switch as they press down on the keys.
Considering the subjective qualities of sound and feel, it is evident that the KTT Sea Salt Lemon and HMX Xinhai linear switches offer contrasting yet equally appealing experiences for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts. While the Sea Salt Lemon excels in delivering a low-pitched and mellow sound with a mild typing feel, the Xinhai stands out for its clacky and sharp noise accompanied by a bouncy and creamy tactile sensation. Overall, individuals seeking a quieter and smoother typing experience may lean towards the Sea Salt Lemon, while those looking for a more pronounced and lively feel may prefer the Xinhai switch. Ultimately, both switches provide a high level of quality and customization options that can cater to a wide range of preferences in the mechanical keyboard community.
Conclusion
In closing, when choosing between the KTT Sea Salt Lemon linear switch and the HMX Xinhai linear switch, consider the characteristics that best suit your preferences. If you prefer a medium-light bottom out force, a low-pitched and neutral sound profile, and a mild typing experience, the Sea Salt Lemon might be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a light bottom out force, a clacky sound profile, and a bouncy and creamy typing experience, the Xinhai switch would be more suitable for you. Ultimately, the decision comes down to personal preference and what kind of typing experience you prefer. So, take into account your preferences for sound, feel, and bottom out force when making your decision.
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