KTT Sea Salt Lemon vs. Outemu Yellow Silver
An in-depth look at the KTT Sea Salt Lemon and the Outemu Yellow Silver switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
The KTT Sea Salt Lemon and the Outemu Yellow Silver are two linear mechanical keyboard switches with unique characteristics. The Sea Salt Lemon stands out for its progressive spring and KTT's dry-lube design, resulting in a buttery smooth typing experience. This switch is best suited for those who appreciate a low-pitched, neutral sound profile with a mild feel. On the other hand, the Yellow Silver switch from Outemu is known for its light actuation force, making it ideal for gamers and typists who prefer a speedy and responsive switch. With a neutral sound profile, this switch offers a versatile option for various typing preferences. 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
45g
Bottom-out force
53g
Bottom-out force
55g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.30 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
No
Factory lubed
No
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
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
13mm progressive spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The KTT Sea Salt Lemon and the Outemu Yellow Silver both share polycarbonate top housings, which contribute to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The use of polycarbonate in the top housing creates a clear and resonant sound that is particularly advantageous if you plan to use RGB lighting. The translucency of polycarbonate allows for an enhanced visual experience when the lights are in use. Therefore, both switches offer similar sound characteristics and aesthetic benefits due to their polycarbonate top housings.
In terms of the bottom housing, both the Sea Salt Lemon and the Yellow Silver feature nylon materials. While the nylon bottom housing produces a deeper and fuller sound profile, thanks to the relative softness of the plastic, it also absorbs more sound compared to harder plastics. This results in a duller and rounder sound when typing on switches with nylon bottom housings. Consequently, both switches offer a similar typing experience with their nylon bottom housings, delivering a more muffled and quieter sound compared to switches with harder plastic bottom housings.
Considering the impact on the overall sound and feel of the switch, the qualities of the housing materials are divided between the top and bottom of the switch. The bottom housing has a greater influence on the sound and feel when pressing down on the switch, affecting the bottom-out sound. In contrast, the top housing plays a more significant role in the sound produced when releasing a key. Therefore, both the Sea Salt Lemon and the Yellow Silver will provide a distinct sound profile based on the combination of their top and bottom housing materials, enhancing the overall typing experience.
Weight
When comparing the KTT Sea Salt Lemon linear switch and the Outemu Yellow Silver linear switch, the actuation force for both switches is the same at 45 grams. This means that the force required to trigger a keystroke for both switches is identical, resulting in a similar typing experience in terms of initial responsiveness.
However, when it comes to the bottom out force, there is a slight difference between the two switches. The Sea Salt Lemon switch has a bottom out force of 53 grams, while the Yellow Silver switch has a bottom out force of 55 grams. This means that the Yellow Silver switch requires slightly more force to fully press down compared to the Sea Salt Lemon switch.
For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the Sea Salt Lemon switch would be the better choice as it has a lower bottom out force. This allows for effortless typing and may be preferred by those who type for longer periods of time or engage in extended gaming sessions.
On the other hand, if a more substantial typing experience is desired, where a stronger push feel is preferred, the Yellow Silver switch would be the better option. With a slightly higher bottom out force, it provides a more tactile feedback and a firmer keystroke, appealing to those who value a heavier touch.
Ultimately, the choice between the KTT Sea Salt Lemon linear switch and the Outemu Yellow Silver linear switch comes down to personal preference. Both switches offer a medium-light actuation force, ensuring a relatively light touch for comfortable typing. However, the slight difference in bottom out force allows individuals to select their desired level of responsiveness, whether they prefer a lighter or heavier touch.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the KTT Sea Salt Lemon linear switch and the Outemu Yellow Silver linear switch, we find that both switches have the same travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when you press down on a key equipped with either of these switches, you will feel the same distance as the switch travels from the top to the bottom. Therefore, in terms of travel distance, you can expect similar results from both the Sea Salt Lemon and Yellow Silver switches.
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 Outemu Yellow Silver comes in at $3.40.
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 Sea Salt Lemon switch has a low-pitched profile, which means it produces a bass-heavy and mellow tone. This can create a pleasant and soothing typing experience, making it suitable for users who prefer a quieter keyboard. On the other hand, the Yellow Silver switch has a neutral sound profile, meaning it has a moderate sound level that is suitable for a variety of purposes, whether you are a beginner or an advanced typist. Both switches offer a similar sound experience, with a moderate sound level that is not too loud or too soft. However, it's important to note that the sound of a switch also depends on factors like the keyboard board and keycaps used.
When it comes to feel, the Sea Salt Lemon switch provides a mild typing experience. This means that it offers a gentle and smooth feeling when pressing the keys, without any pronounced characteristics. The typing experience is approachable and comfortable for most users, making it a safe choice for those who prefer a moderate and consistent feel. Unfortunately, specific information about the feel of the Yellow Silver switch is not provided. However, since it is also described as having a neutral actuation force requirement, it can be inferred that it offers a similar feel to the Sea Salt Lemon switch – a middle-ground zone that is suitable for most users.
Based on the provided information, the Sea Salt Lemon switch offers a low-pitched sound profile and a mild typing feel, providing a buttery smooth and soothing typing experience. The Yellow Silver switch, while lacking specific details on sound and feel, is described as having a neutral sound profile and actuation force requirement, indicating a versatile and balanced performance. Both switches cater to different preferences, with Sea Salt Lemon emphasizing a smoother feel and mellow sound, while Yellow Silver focuses on speediness and responsiveness. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on individual preferences and priorities in terms of sound and feel.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a linear switch with a medium-light bottom out force, both the KTT Sea Salt Lemon and the Outemu Yellow Silver are great options. The Sea Salt Lemon stands out for its buttery smooth typing experience, thanks to its progressive spring and KTT's dry-lube design. On the other hand, the Yellow Silver is favored by gamers and typists who prioritize speediness and responsiveness, thanks to its light actuation force. In terms of sound, both switches have a neutral sound profile, making them suitable for various purposes. In terms of feel, the Sea Salt Lemon offers a mild and gentle typing experience, while the Yellow Silver's feel is not explicitly described. Ultimately, your choice between these switches may depend on whether you value a smoother typing experience or a faster response, as well as personal preference when it comes to sound and feel.
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