TTC Gold Red Pro vs. KTT Mint
An in-depth look at the TTC Gold Red Pro and the KTT Mint switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing between the TTC Gold Red Pro and the KTT Mint mechanical keyboard switches, you are presented with two exceptional linear switches that offer distinct qualities. The Gold Red Pro is known for its versatility, providing a seamless typing experience with its ease of press and neutral sound signature. It is suitable for a variety of settings, from gaming to office work. On the other hand, the Mint is celebrated for its satisfyingly smooth feel and poppy thockiness due to its long pole stem. Both switches offer a light and fleeting typing experience, but each has its own unique characteristics to consider. 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
43g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
53g
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
NPI
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
18.5mm spring
Spring
15mm spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the TTC Gold Red Pro and KTT Mint switches both utilize polycarbonate for the top housing, providing a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This material's stiffness contributes to a clear and resonant sound, making it ideal for RGB lighting due to its translucency. However, the differences may lie in their nylon bottom housing. The Gold Red Pro's nylon bottom housing creates a deeper and fuller sound profile, absorbing more sound than harder plastics. Conversely, the Mint's nylon bottom housing likely offers similar characteristics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound when typing.
While both switches share similarities in their polycarbonate top housing, the distinction in their nylon bottom housing may produce subtle differences in sound and feel. The split between the top and bottom housing materials means that the qualities of each material will influence different aspects of the typing experience. The bottom housing's impact on the bottom-out sound and feel will be more pronounced, while the top housing will affect the sound when releasing a key. This division in housing materials allows for a nuanced typing experience that showcases the unique qualities of each material in the switches.
Overall, the choice between the TTC Gold Red Pro and KTT Mint switches may come down to personal preference regarding the sound profile and feel when typing. Both switches offer the benefits of polycarbonate in the top housing, creating a sharp and resonant sound. However, the variation in their nylon bottom housing materials may lead to differences in sound characteristics. Whether you prefer a deeper, fuller sound profile with the Gold Red Pro or a duller, rounder sound with the Mint, the housing materials play a significant role in shaping the overall typing experience for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts.
Weight
When comparing the TTC Gold Red Pro linear switch to the KTT Mint linear switch, the actuation force of the Gold Red Pro is lighter at 43 grams compared to the Mint's 45 grams. However, the bottom out force for the Mint is heavier at 53 grams, while the bottom out force for the Gold Red Pro is unknown. This means that the Mint switch requires a slightly heavier typing experience overall. The actuation force of the Gold Red Pro is lighter, making it more suitable for those who prefer a softer touch and longer typing sessions. On the other hand, the Mint's heavier bottom out force provides a more substantial typing experience for those who prefer a stronger push feel. In terms of weight, the Gold Red Pro would be considered lighter compared to the Mint, making it ideal for extended typing or gaming sessions. Both switches offer similar results in terms of actuation force, but the difference lies in the bottom out force, catering to different preferences for typing experiences.
Travel distance
The TTC Gold Red Pro linear switch has a travel distance of 3.8 mm, while the KTT Mint linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. This means that the Mint switch has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Gold Red Pro. The difference of 0.2 mm may not seem significant, but it can affect the overall feel and responsiveness of the switch. For those who prefer a shorter travel distance for quicker response times, the Gold Red Pro may be the better option. However, if you enjoy a more substantial key press with a bit more depth, the KTT Mint switch would be the way to go. Ultimately, both switches offer a different typing experience based on their travel distance, so it would depend on personal preference and typing style to determine which one is the best choice.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The TTC Gold Red Pro has an MSRP of $6.11 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Gold Red Pro for $2.90.
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
In terms of sound, the TTC Gold Red Pro linear switch offers a thocky and low-pitched sound with a neutral profile, making it suitable for a variety of environments and preferences. On the other hand, the KTT Mint linear switch also provides a low-pitched and neutral sound, ensuring a pleasant auditory experience for users. Both switches excel in providing a satisfying and versatile sound profile that can cater to different tastes and settings, giving users similar results in terms of sound quality.
Moving on to feel, the Gold Red Pro is known for its polished, silky, mild, and subtle typing experience, offering a smooth and refined feel with a gentle resistance. This ensures comfortable typing sessions with reduced friction and pleasant key travel. Similarly, the KTT Mint linear switch provides a mild and polished typing experience, emphasizing a gentle and approachable feel for users. Overall, both switches offer a similar level of comfort and smoothness, allowing users to enjoy a consistent and enjoyable typing experience.
In conclusion, both the TTC Gold Red Pro and the KTT Mint linear switches present themselves as excellent choices for users seeking a reliable and versatile mechanical keyboard switch. While they may have slightly different characteristics in terms of sound and feel, both switches offer a high level of quality and performance that can accommodate various preferences and use cases. Whether for gaming, work, or casual typing, users can expect a satisfactory experience with either of these switches, making them valuable additions to any keyboard setup.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the TTC Gold Red Pro linear switch and the KTT Mint linear switch, consider the specific qualities that best suit your typing preferences and environment. If you value versatility, a neutral sound profile, and a switch that adapts well to various settings, the Gold Red Pro may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a smooth, poppy thockiness with a light touch and a satisfying feel, the Mint could be the perfect match for your typing needs. Ultimately, the decision boils down to personal preference and the type of typing experience you seek. Whichever switch you choose, both the Gold Red Pro and Mint offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences and usage scenarios within the mechanical keyboard community.
Mentioned in this article
