Kailh Box White vs. KTT Mint

Overview

Introducing the Kailh Box White and the KTT Mint, two mechanical keyboard switches that offer distinct characteristics to enhance your typing experience. The Box White is a clicky switch that excels in providing maximum audio feedback, with a unique "stepping on autumn leaves" crunch and an accented tactility when typing. On the other hand, the Mint is a linear switch that boasts a satisfyingly smooth feel, thanks to its long pole stem, which contributes to a poppy thockiness when typing. This switch also offers a light and fleeting type feel. While these general descriptions may give you an idea of what to expect, let's delve deeper into their specific qualities to help you choose the best switch for your needs.

By the numbers

Kailh Box White Clicky

KTT Mint Linear

$2.76 per 10

$2.91 per 10

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Housing materials

The Kailh Box White and KTT Mint switches share similarities in their choice of housing materials. Both switches utilize polycarbonate for their top housing, which contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. Polycarbonate's stiffness allows for a clearer and more resonant sound, making it an ideal material for switches featuring RGB lighting. This similarity suggests that both switches will offer a comparable sound experience when letting go of a key, with the polycarbonate top housing playing a significant role.

However, where the two switches differ is in their choice of bottom housing material. The Box White incorporates a nylon bottom housing, while the Mint opts for the same nylon material. Nylon, being a softer plastic, absorbs more sound compared to harder plastics. As a result, the typing experience on switches with nylon bottom housing, such as the Box White and Mint, yields a deeper and fuller sound profile. This quality is felt more during the actuation and bottom-out stages, as the bottom housing material plays a larger role in determining the sound and feel of the keypress.

The distinction in bottom housing materials creates a notable contrast between the Kailh Box White and KTT Mint switches. While both switches offer a pleasing sound profile, the Box White's nylon bottom housing enhances the typing experience by producing a duller and rounder sound during activation and bottom-out. In contrast, the Mint's nylon bottom housing provides a similar effect, further enriching the sound profile during keypresses. It is important to note that the impact of the housing materials is divided between the top and bottom, with the bottom housing influencing the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing's impact is primarily noticed when releasing keys.

Weight

When comparing the Kailh Box White clicky switch and the KTT Mint linear switch, there are noticeable differences in their actuation force and bottom out force. The Box White has an actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams, which places it in the medium range. On the other hand, the Mint switch has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 53 grams, making it medium-light.

For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the Mint switch would be a better choice as it requires less force to trigger a keystroke. This can be advantageous for extended typing sessions or intense gaming sessions where fatigue is a concern. On the other hand, the Box White switch offers a slightly heavier push feel, providing a more substantial typing experience for those who prefer it.

It's important to note that both switches fall within a similar weight range, making it possible to achieve similar results in terms of actuation and bottom out forces. Ultimately, the decision between these switches will depend on individual preferences and the desired typing experience.

Travel distance

The Kailh Box White clicky switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the KTT Mint linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. In terms of travel distance, the Mint switch is slightly longer than the Box White switch. A travel distance of 4.0 mm is considered more traditional, while 3.0 mm is shallower. However, shorter travel distances have gained popularity recently, particularly among gamers who value faster response times. If you prioritize responsiveness, the Box White switch with its shorter travel distance may be the better option for you. On the other hand, some individuals find shorter travel distances to be too abrupt and prefer a more substantial depth. If you prefer a switch with a heartier feel, the Mint switch with its longer travel distance would be a suitable choice. Ultimately, the decision depends on personal preference and the level of responsiveness desired.

Price comparison

Typing experience

In terms of sound, the Kailh Box White switch is best known for its resonant and high-pitched sound profile. When typing on these switches, users can expect a clean and sharp sound that is reminiscent of stepping on piles of crisp and crunchy autumn leaves. On the other hand, the KTT Mint switch is described as having a low-pitched sound, which provides a more bass-heavy and mellow tone compared to higher-pitched switches. Additionally, the Mint switch is considered to have a neutral sound profile, suitable for most intents and purposes.

Moving on to the feel, the Kailh Box White switch is described as providing a polished typing experience. This indicates that the switch has a smooth and refined finish, resulting in reduced friction and smooth key travel. This polished feel adds to the sleekness of the typing experience. Similarly, the KTT Mint switch is also described as polished, offering a smooth and refined typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel. In terms of overall feel, the Box White switch provides an accented tactility with its crunchy feedback, while the Mint switch offers a mild and approachable typing experience.

Taking all the available information into consideration, it is evident that the Kailh Box White and KTT Mint switches offer different subjective qualities. The Box White switch is best suited for those who desire maximum audio feedback, with its high-pitched and resonant sound profile, as well as an accented tactility. On the other hand, the Mint switch provides a satisfyingly smooth typing experience, with a low-pitched sound profile and a mild feel. Both switches offer a polished finish, resulting in reduced friction and smooth key travel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preferences, as some may prefer the crisp and crunchy sound of the Box White switch, while others may prefer the mellow and smooth experience of the Mint switch.

Conclusion

To sum up, if you prioritize maximum audio feedback and a tactile typing experience, the Kailh Box White clicky switch would be the ideal choice for you. With a bottom out force of 60 grams, it provides a medium level of resistance. Typing on the Box White switch delivers a satisfying "stepping on autumn leaves" crunch and a pronounced tactility. Moreover, the Box White switch offers a resonant and high-pitched sound profile, making it perfect for those who enjoy sharp and crisp typing sounds.

On the other hand, if you prefer a smooth and light typing experience, the KTT Mint linear switch is the switch for you. With a bottom out force of 53 grams, it falls under the medium-light category. Typing on the Mint switch provides a poppy thockiness and a light and fleeting type feel, thanks to its long pole stem. In terms of sound, the Mint switch offers a low-pitched and neutral sound profile, providing a more bass-heavy and mellow tone compared to higher-pitched switches.

In terms of feel, both switches offer a polished typing experience, ensuring reduced friction and smooth key travel. However, if you prefer a switch with a more gentle typing experience and characteristics that fall within a safe and middle-ground zone, the Mint switch would be the better option.

Ultimately, your choice between the Kailh Box White clicky switch and the KTT Mint linear switch depends on your preference for tactile feedback, sound profile, and typing experience. Consider your priorities and select the switch that aligns with your preferences.

Mentioned in this article

Kailh Box White Clicky

$2.76 per 10

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KTT Mint Linear

$2.91 per 10

Learn more