Kailh Box White V2 vs. KTT Mint
An in-depth look at the Kailh Box White V2 and the KTT Mint switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When selecting mechanical keyboard switches, the choice often boils down to personal preference and typing style, making a comparison between switches like the Kailh Box White V2 and the KTT Mint particularly enlightening. The Kailh Box White V2 is designed for those who relish a clicky, tactile feedback with its crisp actuation and satisfying audible click, ideal for typists who enjoy a more engaging auditory experience while typing. Conversely, the KTT Mint offers a smooth, linear feel characterized by its long pole stem, providing a poppy thockiness that delivers a soft and fleeting touch, perfect for users seeking a quieter, yet responsive typing experience. While both switches deliver distinct sensations in typing, they cater to different preferences—one prioritizing sound and feedback, the other smoothness and subtlety. 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
50g
Bottom-out force
53g
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Box
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
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
15mm spring
Housing materials
When comparing the Kailh Box White V2 and the KTT Mint, one finds that both switches share a commonality in their top housing material: polycarbonate. This similarity contributes to a distinct auditory experience, as polycarbonate is known for producing a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The rigidity of the polycarbonate allows for clearer resonation, making it an ideal choice for users who prefer an articulate and engaging typing sound. Furthermore, both switches' transparent top housings enhance their compatibility with RGB lighting, ensuring that the aesthetics are just as visually pleasing as the auditory outcomes. Therefore, users can expect a similar sound character from both switches when considering sound clarity and RGB effects.
In contrast, the bottom housing of both the Box White V2 and the KTT Mint switches is made from nylon, which brings a different sound quality to the typing experience. Unlike polycarbonate, nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs sound and contributes to a deeper, rounder sound profile. This acoustic characteristic lends itself well to a more muted typing experience, resulting in a fuller bottom-out sound as opposed to the more pronounced release sound of the key. With both switches using nylon for their bottom housing, users can expect a consistent tactile experience that emphasizes deeper, bassier feedback when typing, regardless of the model.
Ultimately, the combination of materials in both switches demonstrates a balanced approach to sound design. The polycarbonate top housing's crispness works in tandem with the nylon bottom housing's richness, creating a well-rounded sound profile unique to each switch. While the Kailh Box White V2 offers a sharper release sound due to its hard top housing, the KTT Mint shares this vibrancy while also benefitting from the warm depth of the nylon bottom housing, similar to the Box. Users may find that regardless of the switch they choose, the dual-material construction creates a harmonious sound experience that highlights the distinct characteristics of each housing type.
Weight
When comparing the Kailh Box White V2 clicky switch and the KTT Mint linear switch, it's important to examine their actuation and bottom out forces. Both switches have an actuation force of 45 grams, which means they require the same amount of force to trigger a keystroke, offering a consistent typing experience in that regard. However, when it comes to bottom out forces, the Box White V2 has a bottom out force of 50 grams, while the Mint switch has a slightly heavier bottom out force of 53 grams. This distinction makes the Box White V2 the lighter option overall, which can be beneficial for those who type for extended periods or prefer a lighter touch. The KTT Mint, being medium-light with its marginally higher bottom out force, may appeal more to users who appreciate a stronger push feel and a more substantial typing experience. Ultimately, while both switches offer the same actuation force, the difference in bottom out force can guide users based on their preferences for typing feedback and fatigue during prolonged use.
Travel distance
The Kailh Box White V2 clicky switch features a travel distance of 3.6 mm, making it the shorter option when compared to the KTT Mint linear switch, which has a travel distance of 4 mm. While both switches offer a comfortable key feel, the shorter travel of the Box White V2 may appeal to gamers seeking faster response times, as less travel can facilitate quicker actuation. Conversely, the KTT Mint, with its longer travel distance, caters to those who prefer a more substantial depth in their keystrokes, potentially offering a more satisfying typing experience for individuals who enjoy a tactile feedback. Thus, your choice between these switches will largely depend on whether you prioritize responsiveness with shorter actuation or a more pronounced depth with longer travel.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Kailh Box White V2 has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Box White V2 for $3.00.
The KTT Mint comes in at $2.91 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 Kailh Box White V2 switch offers a distinctly sharp and crisp audible click that provides an engaging auditory feedback, making it a favorite among those who appreciate a pronounced sound profile while typing. In contrast, the KTT Mint switch produces a low-pitched, bass-heavy tone that lends itself to a more subdued auditory experience. Its neutral sound combines a moderate actuation force with an overall mellow sound profile, making it versatile enough for various environments, whether for work or leisure. This means that while the Box White V2 captures attention with its clicks, the Mint offers a smoother, quieter acoustic that may be more accommodating for shared spaces.
Regarding feel, the Box White V2 delivers a robust tactile feedback characteristic of clicky switches. This tactile bump, combined with the audible click, creates a pronounced typing experience that many users find satisfying and engaging. Conversely, the KTT Mint switch is designed for a gentler typing experience with its mild feel, making it quite approachable for all types of users. Coupled with its polished texture, the Mint provides smooth key travel with reduced friction, leading to a sleek and refined feel when typing. While both switches offer unique experiences, one emphasizes tactile and auditory feedback, while the other prioritizes a smooth and controlled typing sensation.
In conclusion, the Kailh Box White V2 and KTT Mint switches cater to different preferences in both sound and feel. While the Box White V2 is ideal for users who enjoy pronounced auditory and tactile feedback, the Mint switch offers a smoother, quieter alternative that appeals to those seeking a comfortable and more muted typing experience. Ultimately, your choice between these two switches will depend on your personal preferences, the environments in which you'll be using your keyboard, and the typing experience you desire.
Conclusion
To sum up, the choice between the Kailh Box White V2 clicky switch and the KTT Mint linear switch largely depends on your personal preferences and the experience you seek from your keyboard. If you enjoy a tactile typing experience highlighted by a satisfying audible click and a lighter bottom-out force, then the Kailh Box White V2 is likely the better option for you. This switch shines in an environment where feedback is key—be it for typing, gaming, or simply enjoying the sound of clicks that provide a sense of interaction with each key press. Conversely, if you prefer a smoother and quieter typing experience, favoring a polished and mild feedback that allows for rapid, fluid keystrokes, the KTT Mint linear switch would be more suitable. Its slightly heavier bottom-out force lends itself to a more stable typing feel while still allowing for quick movements, which can be particularly beneficial in gaming scenarios where rapid key presses are essential. Ultimately, your choice should reflect whether you lean towards the satisfying feedback of a clicky switch or the smooth fluidity of a linear switch, as both options can enhance your overall typing experience in different ways.
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