HMX EVA vs. KTT Mint
An in-depth look at the HMX EVA and the KTT Mint switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the HMX EVA and KTT Mint are two notable linear options that offer distinct typing experiences for enthusiasts. The HMX EVA, inspired by the vibrant colors of Evangelion Unit-01, stands out with its resonant sound signature and silky smooth feel, making it an appealing choice for those who appreciate a unique aesthetic along with a fluid typing experience. On the other hand, the KTT Mint is beloved for its satisfyingly smooth action combined with a poppy thockiness attributed to its long pole stem, providing a light and fleeting typing sensation that many users find enjoyable. While the EVA leans towards a resonant and colorful experience, the Mint offers a more neutral and polished sound profile, allowing users to select based on their personal preferences. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
42g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
48g
Bottom-out force
53g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
T2
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Nylon
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
22mm single-stage spring
Spring
15mm spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the HMX EVA and the KTT Mint, distinct contrasts emerge particularly in their top housing compositions. The EVA employs nylon for its top housing, which is recognized for its softer properties, contributing to a deeper and fuller sound profile. In contrast, the Mint utilizes polycarbonate, a stiffer material known for producing a sharper and crisper sound. This difference in material impact is significant for users who prioritize auditory feedback from their mechanical switches. The nylon in the EVA dampens sound vibrations, creating a rounder auditory experience, while the Mint's polycarbonate allows for a more pronounced and articulated sound, ideal for users who enjoy a brighter typing acoustics.
Turning to the bottom housing, both the EVA and Mint utilize nylon, aligning their sound characteristics in that regard. The nylon bottom housing in both switches serves to enhance the depth and richness of the sound produced when a key is bottomed out. This shared material results in a cohesive acoustic experience for both switches, focusing on a rounded sound profile during key presses due to nylon's natural sound-absorbing qualities. Thus, despite the differing top materials, both switches create a harmonious sound environment when typing, emphasizing the deeper tones that nylon inherently provides.
Overall, the combination of different top housing materials allows for a nuanced optimization of sound and feel in both the EVA and Mint switches. While the EVA's nylon top contributes to a softer and more muted auditory feedback, the Mint's polycarbonate top stands out for its brightness and clarity. Ultimately, this misalignment in top housing materials generates diverse user experiences tailored to personal preferences in acoustics and feel while ensuring that the bottom housings maintain a consistent depth of sound across both switches.
Weight
When comparing the HMX EVA linear switch to the KTT Mint linear switch, notable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces emerge. The EVA features an actuation force of 42 grams and a bottom out force of 48 grams, making it a lighter option suited for prolonged typing or gaming sessions, as it minimizes finger fatigue. In contrast, the KTT Mint has an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 53 grams, categorizing it as medium-light. This slight increase in force gives the Mint a more substantial feel when typing, preferred by users who enjoy a firmer push while engaging with their keyboard. Overall, while both switches provide a comfortable typing experience, the EVA is the lighter option, offering an easier actuation and bottom out feel compared to the somewhat heavier Mint switch.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the HMX EVA linear switch and the KTT Mint linear switch, the EVA stands at 3.6 mm while the Mint measures 4 mm. This makes the EVA the shorter option and the Mint the longer one. The difference in travel distance can significantly impact user experience; those who favor a more responsive feel may prefer the EVA's shorter travel distance, which offers quicker actuation and is often desirable for gaming. On the other hand, the Mint’s longer travel distance could appeal to users who appreciate a more pronounced depth when typing, as it provides a more traditional feel that many find satisfying. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on individual preferences regarding response time and depth of keypress.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The HMX EVA has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the EVA for $2.99.
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 HMX EVA linear switch exhibits a resonant sound signature that provides a unique auditory experience. This resonance tends to convey a satisfying tone when typing, likely appealing to enthusiasts who appreciate character in their keyboard's sound profile. In contrast, the KTT Mint linear switch delivers a low-pitched sound combined with a neutral profile, which means it offers a more bass-heavy and mellow tone, suitable for various environments. The Mint's sound, while less distinctive than the EVA's resonant quality, remains pleasant and unobtrusive, making it appropriate for both home and workplace settings. The overall sound experience can vary significantly depending on the choice of keyboard board and keycaps, adding another layer of customization to user preference.
On the tactile side, the EVA linear switch is celebrated for its silky smooth typing feel, providing an enjoyable experience, especially for prolonged typing sessions. While the specific tactile qualities of the EVA are not fully described, its reputation suggests a satisfying interaction with each keystroke. The KTT Mint switch, while offering a light and fleeting typing feel, is characterized as mild and polished. This means it caters to those seeking a gentle yet refined typing experience, emphasizing less friction and smoother key travel. The contrast between the EVA's smoothness and the Mint's gentleness highlights differing preferences in user experience, where one might prefer the silky sensation of the EVA while the other leans toward the approachable qualities of the Mint.
In concluding the comparison of the HMX EVA and KTT Mint linear switches, both switches present distinct auditory and tactile experiences catering to different user preferences. The EVA's resonant sound and silky feel offer a more distinctive typing personality, while the Mint's low-pitched neutrality and polished feel strive for a universally pleasant typing experience. Ultimately, both switches could yield satisfying results in their own right; those who prioritize a unique sound and feel may gravitate towards the EVA, while users seeking a consistently mild and refined experience may find the KTT Mint to be their ideal choice.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between the HMX EVA linear switch and the KTT Mint linear switch ultimately comes down to your personal preferences in typing experience and sound. If you lean towards a lighter touch with a silky smooth feel and a unique resonant sound profile that is reminiscent of iconic media, the HMX EVA is an excellent choice for you. Its lower actuation force of 48 grams can help reduce finger fatigue during extended typing sessions, making it particularly appealing if you value comfort and a lighter keypress. On the other hand, if you prefer a more grounded typing experience with a poppy thockiness and a slightly firmer bottom out force of 53 grams, the KTT Mint switch might be more suitable. Its mild and polished characteristics provide a gentle touch that balances comfort with a satisfying auditory experience. Additionally, the Mint's neutral sound profile makes it versatile enough for various environments, whether you're at home or in a professional setting. In short, your decision should hinge on whether you prioritize a lightweight feel with artistic flair or a slightly firmer tactile sensation with an approachable sound.
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