TTC Gold Brown vs. KTT Mint
An in-depth look at the TTC Gold Brown and the KTT Mint switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options to consider are the TTC Gold Brown, a tactile switch, and the KTT Mint, a linear switch. The Gold Brown is best known for its balanced nature, offering a slight satisfying bump and a moderate weightiness. It also has a softer sound profile compared to most switches. On the other hand, the Mint stands out for its satisfyingly smooth linear feel, thanks to its long pole stem, which provides a poppy thockiness when typing. Additionally, it offers a light and fleeting typing experience. While these general descriptions can give you an idea of what to expect, it's important to dive deeper into each switch's specific characteristics to make the best decision for your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
55g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
63g
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
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
Stainless steel
Spring
15mm spring
Housing materials
The TTC Gold Brown and the KTT Mint both feature polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharp, higher-pitched, and crisp sound profile. This is because polycarbonate is a relatively stiff plastic, leading to a clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches with RGB lighting. Therefore, users can expect similar sound characteristics from both switches when it comes to their top housing.
On the other hand, the Gold Brown and the Mint differ in terms of their bottom housing material. The Gold Brown utilizes nylon, which produces a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon is known to be a softer plastic that absorbs more sound compared to harder alternatives, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. Similarly, the Mint's nylon bottom housing is expected to elicit a similar deep and full sound profile due to the characteristics of nylon.
It's worth noting that when a switch has different top and bottom housings, the qualities of each housing material will be split between the top and bottom of the switch. The bottom housing has a greater impact on the bottom-out sound and feel, influencing how the switch sounds and feels when fully pressed down. On the other hand, the top housing will have more influence on the sound when a key is released. This distinction should be taken into account when comparing the sound profiles of the Gold Brown and the Mint, as the overall sound experience may vary slightly between the two switches due to their differing housings.
Weight
When comparing the TTC Gold Brown tactile switch and the KTT Mint linear switch, we can observe a few differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Gold Brown has an actuation force of 55 grams, slightly heavier than the Mint's 45 grams. Both switches have a medium actuation force, but the Gold Brown requires a stronger push to trigger a keystroke compared to the Mint. In terms of bottom out force, the Gold Brown is also heavier with a force of 63 grams, while the Mint has a bottom out force of 53 grams. This makes the Gold Brown switch slightly more substantial to type on when pressing all the way down.
Considering weight, those who prefer a lighter typing experience might lean towards the Mint switch, as its lower actuation and bottom out forces require less force and may enable longer typing sessions without fatigue. On the other hand, individuals desiring a stronger push feel for a more tactile experience may opt for the Gold Brown, as its slightly higher actuation and bottom out forces provide a more substantial typing sensation. Overall, the choice between these switches depends on personal preference and the desired typing experience, but both switches offer a medium level of resistance.
Travel distance
The TTC Gold Brown tactile switch and the KTT Mint linear switch have the same travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when you press down on a key with either switch, you will experience the same distance of travel. Both switches offer a consistent and comfortable typing experience in terms of travel distance. Whether you choose the Gold Brown or the Mint, you can expect similar results in terms of how far the switch travels from the top to the bottom.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The TTC Gold Brown has an MSRP of $5.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Gold Brown for $3.28.
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 Gold Brown tactile switch offers a rounded sound profile that is generally much softer than most switches without being completely silent. It can be described as a neutral switch, which means it has a moderate actuation force requirement and a moderate sound profile. This makes the switch suitable for most intents and purposes, whether you are a beginner or advanced user, and whether you plan to use it at home or work. On the other hand, the KTT Mint linear switch is described as having a low-pitched sound. This means it features a more bass-heavy and mellow tone compared to higher-pitched switches. Similar to the Gold Brown, the Mint is also considered a neutral switch, providing a moderate actuation force requirement and a moderate sound profile. 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 TTC Gold Brown tactile switch offers a mild and buttery typing experience. A mild switch provides a more gentle typing experience compared to switches with more pronounced characteristics. The Gold Brown also has an accented feel, which means it provides a prominent amount of tactility without being overwhelming or subtle. Additionally, the switch is described as polished, which indicates a smooth and refined finish, resulting in a sleek typing experience. This is achieved through either the materials used or factory lubing, resulting in reduced friction and smooth key travel. Similarly, the KTT Mint linear switch is also described as a mild switch with a polished feel. It provides a gentle typing experience with a smooth and refined finish, resulting in reduced friction and smooth key travel.
Overall, both the TTC Gold Brown tactile switch and the KTT Mint linear switch offer desirable qualities. The Gold Browns are known for their balanced nature, featuring a slight, satisfying bump and a moderate weightiness. They have a softer sound profile and provide a mild, buttery, accented, and polished typing experience. On the other hand, the Mint switches offer a satisfyingly smooth feel, with a poppy thockiness and a light and fleeting type feel. They have a low-pitched sound profile and provide a mild and polished typing experience. If you are looking for a balanced switch with a slightly softer sound and a gentle typing experience, the Gold Brown switch may be the right choice for you. However, if you prefer a smoother feel with a poppy sound and a light typing experience, the Mint switch could be a great option. In summary, both switches offer different subjective qualities, but you can expect similar results in terms of a neutral switch and a mild typing experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a balanced switch with a slight, satisfying bump and a moderate weightiness, the TTC Gold Brown tactile switch is a great choice. These switches offer a soft and rounded sound profile without being completely silent. Additionally, they have a bottom out force of 63 grams, which is medium.
On the other hand, if you prefer a smooth linear switch with a light and fleeting type feel, the KTT Mint linear switch is the way to go. These switches provide a satisfyingly smooth typing experience with a poppy thockiness, thanks to their long pole stem. They have a bottom out force of 53 grams, which is medium-light.
In terms of sound, the Gold Brown offers a neutral sound profile, suitable for various purposes and preferences. On the other hand, the Mint has a low-pitched sound, which provides a more bass-heavy and mellow tone compared to higher-pitched switches.
When it comes to the feel, both switches fall into the mild category, offering a gentle typing experience. The Gold Brown is also described as buttery and accented, providing a smooth and fluid keystroke experience with a medium amount of tactility. Moreover, it has a polished finish, resulting in reduced friction and smooth key travel. Similarly, the Mint has a polished finish, ensuring a sleek typing experience with reduced friction.
Ultimately, the decision between the TTC Gold Brown tactile switch and the KTT Mint linear switch depends on your preference for tactility, weightiness, and sound. Consider whether you prefer a balanced switch with a slight bump or a smooth linear switch with a light feel. With the information provided, you can make an informed decision based on your personal typing style and preferences.
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