KTT Darling vs. KTT Mint
An in-depth look at the KTT Darling and the KTT Mint switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
The KTT Darling and KTT Mint are two mechanical keyboard switches that offer unique typing experiences. The Darling, a linear switch, provides a chewy and substantial feel with a pronounced bounciness that adds a springy responsiveness to each keystroke. Its high-pitched and resonant sound upon bottoming out creates a delightful blend of tactile and auditory feedback. On the other hand, the Mint, also a linear switch, is known for its satisfyingly smooth feel with a poppy thockiness due to its long pole stem. It offers a light and fleeting typing experience with a low-pitched and polished sound profile. Each switch has its own strengths and characteristics that make them appealing to different users. 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
53g
Bottom-out force
53g
Pre-travel
2.00 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
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
15mm spring
Housing materials
Both the KTT Darling and KTT Mint feature polycarbonate top housings, which contribute to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to the relatively stiff nature of polycarbonate, which results in a more clear and resonant sound when typing on these switches. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate is especially useful for switches that incorporate RGB lighting. Despite having the same top housing material, the Darling and Mint may still offer slightly different sound profiles based on other factors such as spring weight or stem design.
On the other hand, the bottom housings of the KTT Darling and KTT Mint are made of nylon, a material known for creating a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing. Nylon is softer than polycarbonate, allowing it to absorb more sound and produce a duller and rounder sound. This means that when pressing down on these switches, the qualities of the nylon bottom housing will have a more significant impact on the bottom-out sound and feel, compared to the top polycarbonate housing. While both switches utilize nylon for the bottom housing, the specific design of each switch may still result in subtle differences in typing experience and sound.
Overall, the combination of polycarbonate top housing and nylon bottom housing in both the KTT Darling and KTT Mint ensures a balanced sound profile with distinct characteristics. The stiff polycarbonate top housing enhances the sharpness and clarity of the sound, especially when releasing a key, while the softer nylon bottom housing contributes to a deeper and fuller typing experience. Despite these similarities, individual preferences in sound profile and typing feel may still lead to a preference for one switch over the other based on personal preference and intended use.
Weight
The KTT Darling linear switch and the KTT Mint linear switch have the same actuation force and bottom out force, both being 45 grams and 53 grams respectively. This means that users can expect similar typing experiences in terms of the force required to trigger a keystroke and press all the way down. As both switches fall into the medium-light category, they are well-suited for users who prefer a lighter typing experience for extended use. For those who enjoy a more substantial push feel, they may find these switches to be on the lighter side compared to switches with heavier forces. Ultimately, the choice between the Darling and Mint switches may come down to personal preference for typing comfort and endurance.
Travel distance
The KTT Mint linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the KTT Darling linear switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm. In terms of responsiveness, the Mint switch would provide a slightly deeper press compared to the Darling switch. Gamers looking for faster response times might prefer the Darling switch with its shorter travel distance, while those who prefer a more substantial key press may opt for the Mint switch. Both switches offer a good balance between shallow and traditional travel distances, providing a comfortable typing experience. In conclusion, the Mint switch is slightly longer in travel distance than the Darling switch, but both switches can deliver similar results depending on individual preferences.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The KTT Darling has an MSRP of $4.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Darling for $3.90.
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 KTT Darling linear switch offers a clacky, high-pitched, and resonant experience, delivering a sharp, crisp sound profile that is both engaging and immersive. On the other hand, the KTT Mint linear switch provides a low-pitched and neutral sound, offering a more bass-heavy and mellow tone that is suitable for a variety of environments. Depending on personal preference and the overall setup of the keyboard, users can choose between a lively and sharp sound with the Darling or a more subdued and versatile sound with the Mint.
In terms of feel, the KTT Darling linear switch is characterized by its bouncy feedback, providing a spring-like sensation that adds liveliness to each keystroke. In contrast, the KTT Mint linear switch offers a mild and polished feel, giving a gentle and refined typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel. Whether you prefer a more lively and rebounding feel or a subtle and polished experience, both switches cater to different tactile preferences, allowing users to choose based on their personal typing style.
Overall, while the KTT Darling and KTT Mint linear switches may differ in sound and feel characteristics, both switches offer unique qualities that can enhance the typing experience for newcomers. Whether you're drawn to the resonant and bouncy nature of the Darling switch or the polished and mild feel of the Mint switch, you can expect a satisfying typing sensation with each option. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will come down to personal preference and the desired typing experience, ensuring that regardless of choice, you'll achieve a pleasurable and efficient typing experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the KTT Darling linear switch and the KTT Mint linear switch, consider the typing experience you prefer. If you enjoy a substantial and chewy typing sensation with bouncy feedback and a high-pitched, resonant sound, the Darling may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a smooth and poppy thockiness with a light and fleeting type feel, the Mint switch might be more to your liking. Ultimately, your decision should be based on the specific tactile and auditory feedback you are looking for in a mechanical keyboard switch.
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