Bsun Pine vs. KTT Mint
An in-depth look at the Bsun Pine and the KTT Mint switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the BSUN Pine and KTT Mint offer distinct typing experiences that cater to different preferences. The BSUN Pine tactile switch is praised for its sharp tactile bump and quick bottom-out, providing direct and snappy feedback for those who prefer a no-nonsense typing experience. On the other hand, the KTT Mint linear switch is loved for its smooth keystrokes and poppy thockiness, offering a light and fleeting type feel that is perfect for those who enjoy a polished and neutral typing 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
45g
Bottom-out force
65g
Bottom-out force
53g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
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
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
15mm spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Bsun Pine and the KTT Mint are quite similar, both featuring polycarbonate for the top housing. Polycarbonate is known for creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to its stiffness, making it ideal for switches that will be used with RGB lighting. Additionally, both switches utilize nylon for the bottom housing, which results in a deeper and fuller sound profile. The softer nature of nylon absorbs more sound, creating a duller and rounder sound that differs from the top housing's characteristics.
While both the Pine and the Mint share the same materials for their housing, the distribution of these materials varies within the switches. The qualities of the nylon bottom housing are more prominently felt when pressing down on the switch, affecting the bottom-out sound and feel. In contrast, the polycarbonate top housing influences the sound when releasing a key. This split in housing materials allows for a diverse sound experience when typing on these switches, with a combination of sharpness and depth in the sound profile.
Overall, the Bsun Pine and KTT Mint offer a unique blend of housing materials that contribute to their distinct sound profiles. The use of polycarbonate in the top housing creates a clear and resonant sound, perfect for those who enjoy a sharp and crisp typing experience. On the other hand, the nylon bottom housing adds a deeper and fuller sound, making for a more rounded typing experience. Whether it's the impact on bottom-out sound or the sound when releasing a key, these switches provide a balanced combination of qualities for a satisfying typing experience.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Bsun Pine tactile switch and the KTT Mint linear switch, we can see that they both have the same actuation force of 45 grams. However, the Pine has a heavier bottom out force of 65 grams, while the Mint has a lighter bottom out force of 53 grams. This means that the Pine would provide a more substantial typing experience for those who prefer a stronger push feel, while the Mint would be more suitable for individuals who prefer a lighter typing experience for longer periods of time. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches would depend on personal preference in terms of typing feel and weight preference.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the Bsun Pine tactile switch is 3.4mm, while the KTT Mint linear switch has a travel distance of 4mm. In this case, the Mint switch has a longer travel distance compared to the Pine switch. The 4.0mm travel distance of the Mint switch is more traditional, providing a deeper key press feel, which some users may prefer for a more satisfying typing experience. On the other hand, the Pine switch with a 3.4mm travel distance offers a shorter key press, which can be preferred by gamers looking for faster response times. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for travel distance and key press feel.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Bsun Pine has an MSRP of $4.70 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Pine for $3.70.
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 Bsun Pine tactile switch is best described as having a sharp and distinct click with a quick bottom-out due to its sharp tactile bump and long pole stem. On the other hand, the KTT Mint linear switch is known for its low-pitched and neutral sound profile, delivering a bass-heavy and mellow tone that is suitable for a wide range of users. The sound of a switch can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard and keycaps used.
As for the feel, the Bsun Pine tactile switch offers an invigorating and sharp tactile experience with a strong and crisp bump that is accompanied by a firm actuation force, creating a highly responsive and immersive typing sensation. Conversely, the KTT Mint linear switch provides a mild and polished typing experience, offering a gentle and smooth key travel that is approachable to most users. These switches cater to different preferences, with the Pine switch focusing on pronounced tactility and the Mint switch aiming for a refined and sleek typing feel.
In conclusion, the Bsun Pine tactile switch and the KTT Mint linear switch offer distinct subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the Pine switch provides a sharp tactile feedback and a quick bottom-out, the Mint switch delivers a low-pitched sound and a polished typing experience. Both switches can cater to different preferences and typing styles, ensuring that users can find a mechanical keyboard switch that suits their individual needs. Keep in mind that the ultimate typing experience will also depend on other factors such as the keyboard layout, keycap material, and personal preference.
Conclusion
In closing, when choosing between the BSUN Pine tactile switch and the KTT Mint linear switch, you should consider your preference for typing experience. If you enjoy a sharp tactile bump, quick bottom-out, and direct tactility with accented, invigorating, sharp, and snappy feel, then the Pine switch would be more suitable for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a smooth and poppy thockiness with a light and fleeting type feel, along with a mild and polished texture, then the Mint switch would be the better option. Ultimately, your decision should be based on the type of typing feedback and sensation you desire, as well as the sound profile that aligns with your preferences.
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