TTC Gold Pink vs. KTT Mint
An in-depth look at the TTC Gold Pink and the KTT Mint switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, two options worth considering are the TTC Gold Pink and the KTT Mint, both of which are linear switches. The Gold Pink is highly regarded for its feather-light actuation force of just 37g, making it ideal for those who prioritize speed and effortless typing. Whether you're a rapid typist or a dedicated gamer, these switches provide a satisfying level of feedback with their clacky sound. On the other hand, the Mint stands out for its wonderfully smooth linear feel, thanks to its long pole stem. Typing on this switch imparts a delightful poppy thockiness, giving it a unique tactile experience. With a light and fleeting type feel, the Mint is sure to provide a pleasurable typing experience. Both switches have their merits, offering distinct qualities that will cater to different preferences. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can best decide on the perfect switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
37g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
45g
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
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
Both the TTC Gold Pink and the KTT Mint utilize polycarbonate as their top housing material. This results in a similar sound profile for both switches, as polycarbonate is known for creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. The stiffer nature of polycarbonate enhances the clarity and resonance of the sound produced. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate allows for the use of RGB lighting, making it visually appealing for those who want to customize their keyboard's lighting effects.
In terms of the bottom housing, both switches incorporate nylon. Nylon is a classic switch housing material that contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile. The softer nature of nylon absorbs more sound compared to harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. This adds a unique characteristic to the typing experience, creating a more satisfying response when pressing down on the keys.
While the top and bottom housings differ between the TTC Gold Pink and the KTT Mint, the qualities of each material are distributed accordingly. When pressing down on either switch, the bottom housing's material will have a significant impact on the bottom-out sound and feel. On the other hand, the top housing material will influence the sound produced when releasing a key. Despite these variations, the overall effect is still desirable, ensuring a pleasant auditory experience for users of both switches.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the TTC Gold Pink linear switch and the KTT Mint linear switch, it is clear that both switches offer a relatively light typing experience. The Gold Pink has an actuation force of 37 grams, making it lighter than the Mint's actuation force of 45 grams. Similarly, the Gold Pink has a bottom out force of 45 grams, while the Mint has a slightly heavier bottom out force of 53 grams. Therefore, those who prefer a lighter touch may find the Gold Pink more suitable, as it requires less force to trigger a keystroke and bottom out. However, if someone desires a slightly more substantial typing experience, the Mint provides a marginally heavier push feel. Overall, both switches offer a relatively light typing experience, making them suitable for prolonged typing sessions or intense gaming sessions where finger fatigue is a concern.
Travel distance
Both the TTC Gold Pink and the KTT Mint linear switches have a travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when you press down on a key equipped with either of these switches, you will experience the same amount of travel distance. Therefore, in terms of travel distance, both switches provide similar results.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The TTC Gold Pink has an MSRP of $4.80 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Gold Pink for $4.28.
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 Gold Pink switch is best known for its clacky sound, which offers a satisfying level of feedback. On the other hand, the Mint switch is described as low-pitched and neutral. Low-pitched switches typically have a more bass-heavy and mellow tone, while neutral switches have a moderate actuation force requirement and a moderate sound profile suitable for various purposes. However, it's important to note that the sound of a switch is also influenced by other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.
In terms of feel, the Gold Pink switch is described as buttery, mild, feathery, subtle, and polished. A buttery switch implies a smooth and fluid keystroke experience, providing a seamless typing sensation. The mild characteristic of these switches offers a gentle typing experience that is approachable to most users. The feathery attribute indicates that the switch is exceptionally light to press, reducing finger fatigue during extended typing sessions. Additionally, the subtle quality of the Gold Pink switch offers a gentle resistance and a light typing feel, accompanied by a non-resonant sound signature suitable for shared spaces. Finally, the polished feature ensures a smooth and refined typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel.
Similarly, the Mint switch is also described as mild and polished in terms of feel. This suggests that it offers a gentle typing experience and a sleek typing experience due to its smooth and refined finish. The Mint switch falls within safe and middle-ground qualities that make it approachable to most users.
In conclusion, the Gold Pink linear switch and the Mint linear switch offer different subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Gold Pink switch provides a clacky sound with a light and lively typing experience, while the Mint switch is described as low-pitched and neutral. In terms of feel, the Gold Pink switch offers a buttery, mild, feathery, subtle, and polished typing experience, while the Mint switch provides a mild and polished feel. Despite these differences, both switches aim to provide an enjoyable typing experience, and depending on the user's preference, they can achieve similar results in terms of sound and feel.
Conclusion
To sum up, the TTC Gold Pink linear switch is a great choice for those who prioritize a light and effortless typing experience. With a bottom out force of 45 grams and an actuation force of 37 grams, these switches offer a fast and lively typing experience, perfect for rapid typing or gaming. They also provide a satisfying level of feedback with their clacky sound. In terms of sound, the Gold Pink switches have a subtle and polished sound profile. As for feel, they are described as buttery, mild, feathery, subtle, and polished, offering a smooth and uniform typing sensation.
On the other hand, the KTT Mint linear switch is best known for its satisfyingly smooth and poppy thockiness. With a bottom out force of 53 grams, it falls into the medium-light category. These switches deliver a light and fleeting typing feel, making them comfortable for extended typing sessions. In terms of sound, they are described as low-pitched and neutral. In terms of feel, the Mint switches are described as mild and polished, providing a gentle typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel.
Ultimately, the choice between the TTC Gold Pink and KTT Mint switches depends on your personal preferences. If you value a light and lively typing experience with a clacky sound, the Gold Pink switches are a great option. However, if you prefer a smooth and poppy typing feel with a low-pitched sound profile, the Mint switches are a better fit. Consider factors like actuation force, sound, and feel to determine which switch aligns best with your typing style and preferences.
Mentioned in this article
