KTT Sea Salt Lemon vs. TTC Yunhai
An in-depth look at the KTT Sea Salt Lemon and the TTC Yunhai switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the KTT Sea Salt Lemon and the TTC Yunhai both stand out as excellent linear options, yet they cater to different preferences and typing styles. The Sea Salt Lemon is celebrated for its buttery smooth feel, thanks to its progressive spring and KTT's dry-lube design, which creates a low-pitched and neutral sound profile that many typists find appealing for both gaming and writing. On the other hand, the Yunhai switches stand out with their feathery actuation force and a deep, rounded sound that offers a uniquely gentle and effortless typing experience, making them ideal for those who prioritize light engagement and soft feedback. While both switches provide satisfying linearity, the choice between them largely depends on whether you lean towards a smoother and more muted action or a lighter touch with a richer auditory experience. 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
42g
Bottom-out force
53g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.50 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
No
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POK
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
23mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the KTT Sea Salt Lemon and the TTC Yunhai switches, a significant distinction emerges in their top housings. The KTT Sea Salt Lemon utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, noted for its stiffer qualities that contribute to a sharper and crisper sound profile. This results in a clearer resonance that’s particularly effective in RGB lighting setups, as the translucency of polycarbonate enhances the visual aesthetics of the lighting. In contrast, the TTC Yunhai features a nylon top housing, which is characterized by its softer nature. This softness absorbs sound, producing a deeper and fuller sound profile, which contrasts the brighter output from the Sea Salt Lemon. Thus, the choice of top housing materials influences not only the acoustics but also the overall experience of the switches.
Both the KTT Sea Salt Lemon and TTC Yunhai switches share an important similarity in their bottom housings: both utilize nylon. This uniformity in material results in a consistent experience when it comes to the acoustic and tactile feedback provided by the bottom half of the switches. The nylon bottom housing contributes a duller and rounder sound profile due to its capacity to absorb sound effectively. Hence, tapping either of these switches will elicit a rich sound that feels deeper and fuller, showcasing the classic properties of nylon that both switches share. This aspect allows users to expect a similar auditory experience regardless of which switch they choose, as the bottom housing governs the bottom-out sound and feel.
Overall, while the KTT Sea Salt Lemon and TTC Yunhai switches employ different materials for their top housings, they converge in their bottom housing choice, which can yield similar acoustic outcomes during key presses. The contrasting qualities of polycarbonate and nylon in the top housings mean that the Sea Salt Lemon will deliver a brighter sound as you release the keys, while the Yunhai provides a mellower auditory experience. However, both sharing nylon in their bottoms guarantees that the end-user will enjoy a consistent and robust sound profile as they bottom out the keys, showcasing the unique characteristics of each switch while highlighting how materials contribute uniquely to the sensory experience in mechanical keyboards.
Weight
When comparing the KTT Sea Salt Lemon linear switch and the TTC Yunhai linear switch, both offer a distinct typing experience due to their differing actuation and bottom out forces. The Sea Salt Lemon has an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 53 grams, categorizing it as medium-light. In contrast, the Yunhai features a lighter actuation force of 42 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, making it the lighter option between the two. This difference in force can significantly impact user preference; those who type for extended periods may find the lighter Yunhai more comfortable, while those who prefer a more substantial feel may lean towards the Sea Salt Lemon. Overall, while both switches have their own characteristics, the Yunhai's lighter profile may be more appealing to users looking for ease and endurance, whereas the Sea Salt Lemon offers slightly more resistance for a firmer typing experience.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the KTT Sea Salt Lemon linear switch and the TTC Yunhai linear switch, we find a notable difference. The Sea Salt Lemon has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Yunhai measures 3.6 mm. This means that the Sea Salt Lemon offers a longer travel distance, appealing to those who prefer a more pronounced key press for a hearty typing experience. In contrast, the shorter travel distance of the Yunhai may cater to gamers seeking quicker responsiveness, as it allows for faster actuation times. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on individual preferences for key feel and response.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The TTC Yunhai has an MSRP of $7.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Yunhai for $5.99.
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 switches deliver a low-pitched and neutral tone, providing a pleasant, bass-heavy experience without being overly aggressive. This sound profile strikes a balance that can cater to various environments, making it suitable for both home and office use. On the other hand, the TTC Yunhai switches have a unique, deep, rounded sound profile, although specific details on their sound characteristics were not provided. The overall sound quality of a switch can be influenced by factors such as the keyboard it’s paired with and the type of keycaps used, so both options can yield satisfying auditory experiences depending on the setup.
When it comes to tactile feedback, the Sea Salt Lemon switches are known for their buttery smooth typing experience, a feature that enhances overall comfort and responsiveness. This seamless feeling is reassuring for users who type extensively, though specific descriptors were not given. Conversely, the Yunhai switches feature a feathery touch, characterized by an exceptionally light actuation force. This design significantly reduces finger fatigue, making the Yunhai switches ideal for long typing sessions, whether for work, gaming, or study.
In conclusion, while the KTT Sea Salt Lemon switches prioritize a smooth feel with a neutral sound profile, the TTC Yunhai switches offer an incredibly light touch paired with a deep sound characteristic. Both switches cater to different preferences, allowing typists to choose based on their priorities. Those seeking a more balanced auditory experience might lean towards the Sea Salt Lemon, while users who value a lightweight actuation can find comfort in the Yunhai. Ultimately, both options promise relatively enjoyable typing experiences, albeit with their unique appeals.
Conclusion
To conclude, when choosing between the KTT Sea Salt Lemon and the TTC Yunhai linear switches, consider your typing preferences and usage scenarios. If you're looking for a smooth, buttery typing experience with a slightly heavier bottom-out force (53 grams), the Sea Salt Lemon is an excellent choice. It's particularly well-suited for users who appreciate a low-pitched, neutral sound profile, making it versatile for both home and work environments. The progressive spring design enhances the experience, providing a satisfying tactile sensation with each keystroke. On the other hand, if you prefer a gentle, nearly effortless typing experience, the Yunhai’s light bottom-out force (50 grams) and feathery feel make it a great option, especially for long hours of typing or gaming where comfort and reduced finger fatigue are paramount. With its deep, rounded sound profile, the Yunhai can deliver a unique auditory experience that may appeal to those who enjoy a more pronounced acoustic feedback. Ultimately, your choice will hinge on whether you value a more robust feel and sound (KTT Sea Salt Lemon) or a light, delicate touch (TTC Yunhai) in your mechanical keyboard experience.
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