KTT Sea Salt Lemon vs. Gateron Zero Degree 0°
An in-depth look at the KTT Sea Salt Lemon and the Gateron Zero Degree 0° switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the KTT Sea Salt Lemon and the Gateron Zero Degree 0° mechanical keyboard switches, both linear switches offer a smooth typing experience. The Sea Salt Lemon is praised for its progressive spring and dry-lube design, providing a buttery feel while typing. On the other hand, the Zero Degree 0° from Gateron boasts innovative self-padding and a dual-rail structure for silent typing with unparalleled smoothness and stability. While the Sea Salt Lemon is known for its low-pitched and mild characteristics, the Zero Degree 0° is categorized as neutral. These general pointers can help you decide on the best switch for your typing preferences; however, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities to help you make the most informed decision.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
53g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.80 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
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
13mm progressive spring
Spring
20mm extended spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the KTT Sea Salt Lemon and the Gateron Zero Degree 0° switches are quite similar in terms of their top housing being made of polycarbonate. Both switches offer a sharp, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to the stiffness of the polycarbonate plastic used. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches designed to incorporate RGB lighting, enhancing the overall aesthetic appeal of these switches. With both switches featuring polycarbonate top housings, users can expect to experience similar sound characteristics and visual effects when using these switches.
However, where the two switches differ is in their bottom housing material. The Sea Salt Lemon utilizes a nylon bottom housing, which results in a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing. The softer nature of nylon absorbs more sound compared to harder plastics, creating a duller and rounder sound that adds depth to the typing experience. On the other hand, the Gateron Zero Degree 0° also features a nylon bottom housing, offering a similar typing experience with a focus on producing a rich and robust sound profile. Despite the differences in their bottom housing materials, both switches deliver a satisfying typing experience with unique sound characteristics that cater to different preferences.
When it comes to the overall impact on the typing experience, the qualities of the bottom housing material will influence the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing down on a key, while the top housing material will have a more pronounced effect on the sound when releasing a key. This division of qualities between the top and bottom housings highlights the importance of both materials in shaping the overall sound profile and feel of the switches. Whether using the Sea Salt Lemon or the Gateron Zero Degree 0°, users can expect a blend of crispness, depth, and resonance in their typing experience, thanks to the combination of polycarbonate and nylon housing materials in these switches.
Weight
Comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the KTT Sea Salt Lemon linear switch and the Gateron Zero Degree 0° linear switch, we find some similarities and differences. Both switches have an actuation force of 45 grams, meaning that the amount of force required to trigger a keystroke is the same for both. However, the Sea Salt Lemon has a bottom out force of 53 grams, indicating that it requires a slightly heavier force to press all the way down compared to the Zero Degree 0°, whose bottom out force is unknown. Generally, a heavier bottom out force can provide a more substantial typing experience, while a lighter force may allow for longer typing or gaming sessions without fatigue. Ultimately, those looking for a switch with a lighter overall force may prefer the KTT Sea Salt Lemon, while those seeking a heavier typing feel may lean towards the Gateron Zero Degree 0°.
Travel distance
The KTT Sea Salt Lemon linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Gateron Zero Degree 0° linear switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm. This means that the Sea Salt Lemon has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Zero Degree 0°. The 4 mm travel distance of the Sea Salt Lemon is closer to the traditional distance, while the 3.6 mm of the Zero Degree 0° is on the shallower end. Gamers may prefer the shorter travel distance of the Zero Degree 0° for quicker response times, while those who prefer a more substantial key press may opt for the Sea Salt Lemon with its longer travel distance. Overall, the choice between the two switches ultimately depends on personal preference for key press depth and responsiveness.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron Zero Degree 0° has an MSRP of $6.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Zero Degree 0° for $5.50.
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 Sea Salt Lemon offers a low-pitched and neutral profile, providing a bass-heavy and mellow tone with a moderate actuation force requirement suitable for most users. On the other hand, the Zero Degree 0° is known for its silent typing experience, thanks to its innovative design that absorbs sound and reduces noise. Due to the subjective nature of sound preferences, both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different user preferences and environments.
In terms of feel, the Sea Salt Lemon provides a mild typing experience with a buttery smooth feel due to its progressive spring and dry-lube design. This switch offers a gentle typing experience that falls in a safe, middle-ground zone, making it approachable to most users. While the feel of the Zero Degree 0° switch is not specified in the provided information, it is likely to offer a smooth and stable typing experience based on its self-padding design and dual-rail structure.
Overall, both the KTT Sea Salt Lemon and the Gateron Zero Degree 0° linear switches offer unique qualities that make them stand out in the mechanical keyboard community. While the Sea Salt Lemon excels in providing a low-pitched sound profile and a mild typing experience, the Zero Degree 0° shines in delivering silent typing with its innovative design. Ultimately, choosing between these switches will depend on individual preferences for sound, feel, and typing experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the KTT Sea Salt Lemon linear switch and the Gateron Zero Degree 0° linear switch, consider the following guidelines: You may prefer the Sea Salt Lemon if you are looking for a medium-light bottom out force and a buttery smooth typing experience with a low-pitched and neutral sound profile. On the other hand, the Zero Degree 0° may be more suitable if you are interested in silent typing, unparalleled smoothness, stability, and a soft, elastic feel. Ultimately, your choice will depend on your preference for bottom out force, typing experience, sound profile, and overall feel. Happy typing!
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