TTC Flame Red vs. KTT Mint
An in-depth look at the TTC Flame Red and the KTT Mint switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboards, two popular options for linear switches are the TTC Flame Red and the KTT Mint. The Flame Red is best known for its stunning light diffuser, making it the ideal choice for those who prioritize a backlit and RGB keyboard setup. Typing on the Flame Reds offers a weighty smoothness and a satisfyingly clacky sound profile. On the other hand, the Mint switch is beloved for its smooth linear action, providing a poppy thockiness thanks to its long pole stem design. Additionally, the Mint switch offers a light and fleeting typing feel. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so that you can make the best decision when choosing your ideal switch.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
54g
Bottom-out force
53g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Nylon
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
24.5mm long spring
Spring
15mm spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the TTC Flame Red and the KTT Mint differ significantly. The Flame Red utilizes a nylon top housing, which enhances the typing experience by eliciting a deeper and fuller sound profile. The relatively softer nylon material absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. On the other hand, the Mint features a polycarbonate top housing that creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. As a stiffer plastic, polycarbonate produces a more clear and resonant sound.
In terms of aesthetics, the Flame Red's nylon top housing lacks the translucency that polycarbonate offers. Therefore, if the user plans to incorporate RGB lighting, the polycarbonate top housing of the Mint would be a more suitable choice. However, both housing materials serve as classic options for switches and provide a deeper and fuller typing experience. Whether it is the Flame Red's nylon or the Mint's polycarbonate, users can expect similar results in terms of sound quality.
Moving on to the bottom housing, both the Flame Red and the Mint utilize nylon. As with the top housing, nylon offers a deep and full sound profile due to its relatively softer composition and sound absorption capabilities. When pressing down on either switch, the qualities of the bottom housing are more prominent in the bottom-out sound and feel. Despite the differences in their top housing materials, the use of nylon in the bottom housing ensures that both switches deliver a similar typing experience with a duller and rounder sound.
Ultimately, the primary distinction between the Flame Red and the Mint lies in their top housing materials. The Flame Red's nylon top housing creates a deeper and fuller sound, while the Mint's polycarbonate top housing produces a sharper and crisper sound. Whether one prefers a softer and more absorbent sound or a clear and resonant sound depends on personal preference. Meanwhile, the shared nylon bottom housing in both switches contributes to a similar typing experience, generating a duller and rounder sound when the keys are pressed.
Weight
When comparing the TTC Flame Red linear switch and the KTT Mint linear switch, both switches have the same actuation force of 45 grams. This means that the force required to trigger a keystroke is identical for both switches, resulting in a similar typing experience in terms of sensitivity. However, when considering the bottom out force, there is a slight difference. The Flame Red has a bottom out force of 54 grams, making it slightly heavier than the Mint, which has a bottom out force of 53 grams. This means that the Flame Red switch provides a slightly more substantial typing experience, as it requires a slightly stronger push to fully press the key.
In terms of weight, the lighter weight of the switches allows for longer typing periods without causing strain or fatigue. This is especially beneficial for individuals using the keyboard for work or engaging in extended gaming sessions. Both the Flame Red and Mint switches fall into the medium-light category, providing a balance between a responsive keystroke and a comfortable typing experience. Therefore, regardless of whether one chooses the Flame Red or Mint switch, they can expect similar results in terms of actuation force, while the Flame Red offers a slightly heavier bottom out force for those seeking a more substantial typing feel.
Travel distance
Both the TTC Flame Red and KTT Mint linear switches have a travel distance of 4 mm, making them equal in this aspect. This means that when you press down on a key using either of these switches, you will experience the same distance of travel, providing a consistent typing experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The TTC Flame Red has an MSRP of $7.29 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Flame Red for $4.38.
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 TTC Flame Red switch can be described as having a neutral sound profile. It provides a moderate level of sound that is suitable for most purposes, whether you are a beginner or advanced user, and whether you plan to use the switch at home or work. On the other hand, the KTT Mint switch has a low-pitched sound, which means it produces a more bass-heavy and mellow tone compared to higher-pitched switches. Both switches offer a moderate actuation force requirement and a moderate sound profile, making them versatile options.
In terms of feel, both the Flame Red and Mint switches offer a mild typing experience. A mild switch provides a more gentle typing experience compared to switches with more pronounced characteristics. The sound and feel of these switches are approachable to most users, as they both fall into a safe, middle-ground zone. Additionally, both switches are described as polished, meaning they have a smooth and refined finish that ensures a sleek typing experience. This could be due to the materials used or factory lubing, resulting in reduced friction and smooth key travel.
Taking into account the available information, it is clear that both the TTC Flame Red and KTT Mint switches offer similar qualities in terms of sound and feel. They both provide a moderate sound profile and actuation force, making them suitable for most intents and purposes. Additionally, they offer a mild typing experience with a polished finish, ensuring a smooth and enjoyable typing experience. While the Flame Red switch is known for its weighty smoothness and clacky sound profile, and the Mint switch offers a satisfyingly smooth and poppy thockiness, both switches can deliver an enjoyable typing experience depending on your personal preferences.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the TTC Flame Red linear switch and the KTT Mint linear switch, consider your priorities. If you value visual appeal and enjoy a backlit, RGB keyboard, the Flame Red is the clear choice with its dazzling light diffuser. Additionally, the Flame Red offers a weighty smoothness and clacky sound profile when typing. On the other hand, if you prefer a satisfyingly smooth linear switch with a light and fleeting typing feel, the Mint is the way to go. It also provides a low-pitched and mellow sound compared to higher-pitched switches. Both switches have a moderate actuation force requirement and offer a mild and polished typing experience. Ultimately, it comes down to personal preference and what features are most important to you.
Mentioned in this article
