KTT Cream Yellow vs. KTT Mint
An in-depth look at the KTT Cream Yellow and the KTT Mint switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, there are various options available to suit individual preferences. Two popular choices to consider are the KTT Cream Yellow and the KTT Mint, both of which belong to the linear switch category. The Cream Yellow switch stands out for its distinctive clacky sound, thanks to its shortened bottom-out distance and long-pole stem that provide resonant audio feedback. Additionally, its lengthened spring contributes to a uniquely bouncy typing feel. On the other hand, the Mint switch is known for its satisfyingly smooth linear action, creating a poppy thockiness while typing, courtesy of its long pole stem. Moreover, it offers a light and fleeting type feel. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can best decide on the ideal switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
50g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
58g
Bottom-out force
53g
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 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
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
18mm spring
Spring
15mm spring
Housing materials
The KTT Cream Yellow and KTT Mint keyboards both feature polycarbonate top housings. The use of polycarbonate in the housings of both keyboards creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is because polycarbonate is a relatively stiffer plastic, which leads to a more clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it especially useful for those who plan to use RGB lighting, as it allows the lighting to shine through effectively. Therefore, the sound profile and aesthetic benefits of the polycarbonate top housing are similar for both the Cream Yellow and Mint keyboards.
In terms of the bottom housing, both the Cream Yellow and Mint keyboards utilize nylon. Typing on switches that use nylon elicits a deeper and fuller sound profile. This is because nylon is a relatively softer plastic that absorbs more sound than harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. The nylon bottom housing of both keyboards contributes to the overall sound of the switch, particularly the bottom-out sound and feel when the key is pressed down. This means that the sound profile of the Cream Yellow and Mint keyboards will be similar, with a deeper and fuller sound due to the nylon bottom housing.
While both keyboards share similarities in their use of polycarbonate top housings and nylon bottom housings, it's worth noting that the impact of each housing material will be split between the top and bottom of the switch. When pressing down on a key, the qualities of the bottom housing will be more prominent in terms of sound and feel. On the other hand, the qualities of the top housing will have a greater impact on the sound when releasing a key. Therefore, while the overall sound profiles may be similar, the specific nuances of the Cream Yellow and Mint keyboards may differ slightly based on the distribution of the housing materials.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the KTT Cream Yellow linear switch and the KTT Mint linear switch, there are some notable differences. The Cream Yellow requires a slightly heavier actuation force of 50 grams compared to the Mint's 45 grams, making the Mint the lighter option in this category. Similarly, the bottom out force of the Cream Yellow is 58 grams, while the Mint has a slightly lighter bottom out force of 53 grams.
For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the Mint would be a suitable choice as it offers a lighter actuation and bottom out force. This can be beneficial for prolonged typing sessions or intense gaming sessions, allowing for greater endurance and reduced fatigue. On the other hand, if a user prefers a more substantial and forceful typing experience, the Cream Yellow would be a better option. With its slightly heavier actuation and bottom out force, it provides a stronger push feel that some individuals may find more satisfying.
In terms of weight, both switches fall within the medium to medium-light range, making them relatively comparable in terms of overall typing response. If a user is seeking similar results, they can expect comparable actuation and bottom out forces from both switches, with the only difference being the slight variation in weight. Ultimately, the decision between the two would depend on personal preference and the desired typing experience.
Travel distance
The KTT Cream Yellow linear switch and the KTT Mint linear switch have different travel distances. The Cream Yellow has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Mint has a travel distance of 4 mm. The Cream Yellow is shorter in terms of travel distance compared to the Mint. The difference may seem minimal, but for some, it can make a noticeable impact. The 3.5 mm travel distance of the Cream Yellow is on the shorter side, which can be preferred by gamers for faster response times. On the other hand, the Mint's 4 mm travel distance provides a deeper and more pronounced feel when pressed down. This can be favored by individuals who prefer a more substantial key press. Ultimately, the choice between the two would depend on personal preference – a shorter travel distance for quick responsiveness or a longer travel distance for a more satisfying keystroke.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The KTT Cream Yellow has an MSRP of $2.75 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Cream Yellow for $2.55.
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 Cream Yellow switch is known for its distinctively clacky sound. This means that when you press the keys, you'll experience a sharp and snappy sound that is crisp, bright, and percussive. On the other hand, the Mint switch offers a low-pitched sound with a more bass-heavy and mellow tone. It also has a neutral sound profile, which means it has a moderate actuation force requirement and is suitable for most intents and purposes. However, it's important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.
In terms of feel, the Cream Yellow switch provides a uniquely bouncy typing experience. It has a shortened bottom-out distance and a long-pole stem that gives it a spring-like or elastic feedback sensation. Pressing these keys will give you a lively feel and a noticeable rebound. On the other hand, the Mint switch offers a mild typing experience. It has a more gentle feel compared to switches with more pronounced characteristics. It also has a polished finish, resulting in smooth key travel and reduced friction. The Mint switch is designed to be approachable to most users, offering a safe and middle-ground typing experience.
In conclusion, the Cream Yellow and Mint switches offer different subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Cream Yellow has a clacky sound with a distinctive sharpness, while the Mint has a low-pitched sound with a more neutral profile. The Cream Yellow provides a bouncy and lively typing experience, while the Mint offers a mild and polished feel. If you prefer a sharper sound and a bouncy feel, the Cream Yellow would be the better choice for you. However, if you prefer a lower-pitched sound and a more gentle typing experience, the Mint would be a great option. Keep in mind that individual preferences may vary, and it's always recommended to try out different switches to find the one that suits you best.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you're looking for a distinctively clacky sound with a bouncy typing feel, the Cream Yellow switch would be a great choice for you. Its shortened bottom-out distance and long-pole stem provide resonant audio feedback, creating a crisp and bright sound. The Cream Yellow switch also offers a uniquely bouncy typing experience, giving you a spring-like or elastic feedback sensation.
On the other hand, if you prefer a satisfyingly smooth linear switch with a light and fleeting typing feel, the Mint switch is the way to go. With its long pole stem, typing on the Mint switch produces a poppy thockiness, adding to the overall typing experience. Additionally, the Mint switch offers a mild and approachable typing experience, with a polished finish that ensures smooth and refined key travel.
Ultimately, the choice between the Cream Yellow and the Mint switches boils down to your personal preferences for sound and feel. Whether you're looking for a clacky and bouncy typing experience or a smooth and polished one, both switches offer their own unique qualities that cater to different preferences. Consider your desired sound profile and typing sensation to make the best decision for your mechanical keyboard setup.
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