KTT Sea Salt Lemon vs. SP-Star Yanyu
An in-depth look at the KTT Sea Salt Lemon and the SP-Star Yanyu switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
The KTT Sea Salt Lemon and the SP-Star Yanyu are two mechanical keyboard switches that offer unique features and benefits. The Sea Salt Lemon is a linear switch with a progressive spring and KTT's dry-lube design, resulting in a buttery smooth typing experience. Categorized as having a low-pitched, neutral, and mild sound profile, these switches are a lovely representation of what a linear switch can be. On the other hand, the Yanyu switch is also a linear switch but is best known for its delicate typing experience and suitability for long periods of typing. Its material blend produces a crisp sound profile. Categorized as neutral, mild, thocky, feathery, subtle, and polished, these switches offer a unique typing experience. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can best decide on the perfect switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
53g
Bottom-out force
43g
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
Polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
13mm progressive spring
Spring
Gold plated
Housing materials
The housing materials of the KTT Sea Salt Lemon and the SP-Star Yanyu differ in terms of their composition and resulting sound profiles. The Sea Salt Lemon features a polycarbonate top housing, which is known for creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to the relatively stiffer nature of polycarbonate, which results in a more clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for use with RGB lighting. On the other hand, the Yanyu utilizes a blend of polymer nylon and UHMWPE for its top housing. This unique blend offers a pleasant sound profile that is not particularly sharp but leans toward the brighter side.
In terms of their bottom housings, the Sea Salt Lemon utilizes a nylon material, which is considered a classic choice for switch housing. Typing on switches with nylon bottom housings elicits a deeper and fuller sound profile. This is because nylon is a relatively softer plastic that absorbs more sound compared to harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. In contrast, the Yanyu combines polymer nylon and UHMWPE for its bottom housing. This special blend offers a unique sound profile that is also pleasant, albeit without the sharper tones typically associated with nylon.
While the housing materials of the Sea Salt Lemon and Yanyu differ, both switches share similarities in providing pleasant sound profiles. The Sea Salt Lemon's polycarbonate top housing and nylon bottom housing work together to create a clear and resonant sound with deeper tones. Similarly, the Yanyu's blend of polymer nylon and UHMWPE in both top and bottom housings results in a pleasant sound profile that is not excessively sharp. However, it should be noted that the Sea Salt Lemon's stiffer polycarbonate may provide a crisper sound when releasing a key, whereas the Yanyu's blend may offer a slightly brighter sound when letting go of a key. Ultimately, both switches offer unique characteristics in their housing materials that can impact the overall typing experience.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the KTT Sea Salt Lemon linear switch and the SP-Star Yanyu linear switch, it is evident that they have some notable differences. The Sea Salt Lemon switch has an actuation force of 45 grams, providing a medium-light touch, while its bottom out force is slightly heavier at 53 grams. On the other hand, the Yanyu switch does not disclose its actuation force, but has a lighter bottom out force of 43 grams.
Considering weight, some individuals may prefer a lighter switch as it allows for typing for extended periods without fatigue. This makes it ideal for those who use their keyboard for work or indulge in long gaming sessions. However, for those seeking a more substantial and tactile typing experience, a switch with a stronger push feel and heavier force may be preferred.
In terms of actuation force, it is noteworthy that the specific value for the Yanyu switch is not available, making it difficult to directly compare it to the Sea Salt Lemon switch. Nonetheless, if the actuation forces of both switches were the same, it can be expected that similar results would be obtained in terms of typing feel and responsiveness.
In summary, the KTT Sea Salt Lemon linear switch is slightly heavier, with a medium-light actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 53 grams. On the other hand, the SP-Star Yanyu linear switch has a lighter feel with a disclosed bottom out force of 43 grams, while its actuation force remains unknown. Ultimately, the preference between these switches will depend on the individual's desired typing experience and whether they prioritize a lighter or stronger push feel.
Travel distance
The KTT Sea Salt Lemon linear switch and the SP-Star Yanyu linear switch have the same travel distance of 4 mm. When pressing down on a key with either of these switches, you will feel the switch travel 4 mm from the top to the bottom. Thus, in terms of travel distance, both switches will provide similar results.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The SP-Star Yanyu has an MSRP of $5.80 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Yanyu for $5.40.
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
When it comes to sound, the KTT Sea Salt Lemon linear switch is known for its low-pitched sound profile. This means that the switches produce a more bass-heavy and mellow tone compared to higher-pitched switches. On the other hand, the SP-Star Yanyu linear switch has a neutral sound profile. It doesn't lean towards a specific pitch and instead has a moderate sound profile that is suitable for most intents and purposes. The Yanyu switch also offers a thocky sound, which is a deep, rich, and satisfying sound when the key is pressed and released. Both switches provide a pleasant typing experience in terms of sound, with the Sea Salt Lemon offering a low-pitched tone and the Yanyu providing a more versatile neutral sound along with a thocky option.
In terms of feel, both the Sea Salt Lemon and Yanyu switches offer a mild typing experience. This means that they provide a gentle and approachable typing feel that suits most users. The switch qualities of both options fall within a safe, middle-ground zone, ensuring a comfortable and enjoyable typing experience. Additionally, the Yanyu switch offers additional feel options such as a feathery switch, which is exceptionally light to press and reduces finger fatigue, and a subtle switch, which has a gentle resistance and is suitable for shared spaces. Both switches also provide a polished feel due to their smooth and refined finish, resulting in reduced friction and smooth key travel.
Considering all the available information, the KTT Sea Salt Lemon and SP-Star Yanyu linear switches have their own distinctive qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Sea Salt Lemon is best known for its low-pitched sound profile and mild typing experience, while the Yanyu offers a versatile neutral sound profile with the option for a thocky sound and various feel options such as feathery, subtle, and polished. Both switches provide a smooth typing experience, but the Sea Salt Lemon leans towards a more buttery smooth feel due to its progressive spring and dry-lube design. Ultimately, choosing between the two depends on personal preference and the specific typing experience desired. If one prefers a low-pitched sound and a mild typing experience, the Sea Salt Lemon is a great choice. However, if one prefers a versatile neutral sound with additional feel options, the SP-Star Yanyu is an excellent option. Whichever switch is chosen, it is important to note that the sound and feel can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used, so customization options exist to fine-tune the results and achieve a desired typing experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you're looking for a linear switch with a medium-light bottom out force and a buttery smooth typing experience, the KTT Sea Salt Lemon would be a great choice for you. These switches are known for their progressive spring and KTT's dry-lube design, providing a lovely representation of what a linear switch can be. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter bottom out force and a more delicate typing experience, the SP-Star Yanyu would be a better fit. These switches are perfect for those typing for long periods of time and have a material blend that gives them a crisp sound profile. Both switches have a neutral sound profile and offer a mild typing experience, appealing to most users. In the end, it ultimately comes down to personal preference and whether you prioritize a medium-light or light bottom out force.
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