TTC Ice vs. KTT Mint

Overview

In the realm of mechanical keyboard switches, the TTC Ice and KTT Mint stand out as popular linear options, each catering to different preferences for typing and gaming experiences. The TTC Ice switches are celebrated for their visually striking crystal-clear design, delivering a smooth, responsive feel paired with a satisfying bottom-out sound that heightens the overall typing experience. These features make the Ice switches a great choice for users who prioritize both aesthetics and a premium feel in their everyday tasks and gameplay. On the other hand, the KTT Mint switches provide a uniquely satisfying typing experience characterized by a long pole stem that gives each keystroke a delightful "thock" sound, complemented by a light and fleeting feel that appeals to those seeking a more nuanced auditory feedback during their typing sessions. While both switches offer smooth linear action, the TTC Ice leans towards a premium experience and visual appeal, whereas the KTT Mint focuses on auditory pleasure and a lighter touch. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.

By the numbers

TTC Ice Linear

KTT Mint Linear

$7.50

$5.99 per 10

$2.91 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

The main similarity between the TTC Ice and KTT Mint switches lies within their top housing, both of which utilize polycarbonate. The polycarbonate material in the top housing is known for producing a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to its stiffness, which allows for a more resonant tone. Additionally, the translucence of polycarbonate enhances its suitability for RGB lighting applications, making both switches visually appealing when illuminated. This shared top housing material ensures that users of both switches can expect similar audible characteristics when keys are pressed, particularly in terms of the bright sound produced during the release action.

In contrast, the bottom housings of the Ice and Mint switches are made from different materials—polycarbonate for the Ice and nylon for the Mint. The polycarbonate bottom housing continues the trend of producing a clear and crisp sound profile; however, the Mint's use of nylon introduces a different overall acoustic experience. Nylon absorbs sound more effectively than polycarbonate, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound when typing. This fundamental difference in materials means that while both switches might have a bright sound, the Ice would express that with clarity, while the Mint would provide a rounder and more subdued auditory feedback due to its unique nylon composition.

The contrasting qualities of the bottom housings create a divergence in the overall typing feel and sound profile for the two switches. When a user types on the Ice, they will feel the clear impact of the polycarbonate's hardness, amplifying the crispness during every keystroke. Conversely, the Mint’s nylon bottom housing will absorb more sound, resulting in a softer and less jarring bottom-out sound. Therefore, while both switches utilize polycarbonate in the top housing to maintain a similar sound profile during the release, the overall experience will be influenced by the different materials in the bottom housing—characterizing each switch with its own distinct auditory and tactile personality.

Weight

When comparing the TTC Ice linear switch and the KTT Mint linear switch, both have the same actuation force of 45 grams, meaning the initial effort required to trigger a keystroke is identical for both switches. However, they differ in their bottom out forces; the Ice has a bottom out force of 60 grams, whereas the Mint only requires 53 grams to fully compress the switch. This makes the Mint lighter, providing a slightly softer typing experience, which may be favored for long typing sessions or gaming. In contrast, the heavier bottom out force of the Ice switch could appeal to users who prefer a more substantial feel when typing, offering a tactile feedback when fully depressed. Thus, while both switches have the same actuation force, the difference in their bottom out forces will lead to distinct typing experiences, with the Mint being the lighter option and the Ice presenting a heavier feel at bottom out.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distances of the TTC Ice linear switch and the KTT Mint linear switch, it’s clear that there is a notable difference. The TTC Ice features a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the KTT Mint has a longer travel distance of 4.0 mm. This makes the KTT Mint the better option for those who appreciate a more pronounced keypress, providing a traditional feel that allows for a sense of depth. On the other hand, the TTC Ice, with its shorter 3.6 mm travel, caters to users who prefer quicker, more responsive key actions that are often favored by gamers seeking faster response times. Ultimately, if you lean towards a more tactile experience, the Mint is the ideal choice, whereas the Ice will deliver quicker actuation for enhanced speed in typing or gaming.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound, the TTC Ice linear switch is known for its satisfying bottom-out sound, which complements its smooth typing experience. In contrast, the KTT Mint linear switch produces a low-pitched, neutral sound profile. The low-pitched characteristics of the Mint lend themselves to a more bass-heavy and mellow tone, offering a different auditory experience compared to the crispness of the Ice switch. Both switches are designed to be suitable for various environments, with the Mint's neutrality making it versatile for both office settings and casual use, much like the Ice.

Moving on to feel, the Ice switch boasts a smooth and responsive profile, providing a premium typing experience. While the specific nuances of the Ice's tactile characteristics are not detailed, it is evident that the KTT Mint linear switch is angled towards a mild and polished feel. The Mint's long pole stem contributes to a light and fleeting typing experience, resulting in a thocky sensation that many users find satisfying. This makes the Mint approachable and comfortable for long typing sessions, whereas the Ice leans towards a more refined, yet responsive engagement.

In summary, both the TTC Ice and KTT Mint linear switches cater to users seeking a pleasant typing experience, though they deliver it in different ways. The Ice offers a more pronounced bottom-out sound with a smooth feel, while the Mint's low-pitched sound and mild, polished touch yield a softer typing experience. Your choice between the two ultimately hinges on your preference for sound and feel; if you're after a crisper auditory feedback with more responsiveness, go for the Ice, whereas the Mint might be preferable for its gentler characteristics and satisfying thocky sound.

Conclusion

To sum up, when deciding between the TTC Ice linear switch and the KTT Mint linear switch, it's essential to consider your personal preferences regarding feel, sound, and usage scenarios. If you favor a slightly heavier switch with a medium bottom-out force and enjoy a smoother, more responsive typing experience complemented by a satisfying sound profile, then the TTC Ice might be your best choice. Its crystal-clear design not only looks premium but also ensures a satisfying experience for both gaming and daily tasks. On the other hand, if you're someone who prefers a lighter touch with a bottom-out force of 53 grams and appreciates a smooth, mild experience with a poppy thockiness, the KTT Mint switch could be more suitable for you. These switches provide a gentle typing feel while maintaining a versatile sound profile that's approachable for various users, making them ideal for both home and office environments. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches boils down to whether you want a more robust, responsive feel or a light, polished typing experience.

Mentioned in this article

TTC Ice Linear

$7.50

$5.99 per 10

Learn more

KTT Mint Linear

$2.91 per 10

Learn more