Keygeek Keygeek Raw vs. KTT Mint
An in-depth look at the Keygeek Keygeek Raw and the KTT Mint switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Keygeek Raw and the KTT Mint mechanical keyboard switches, both being linear switches, some distinct differences emerge. The Keygeek Raw stands out for its unique material blend, combining Nylon, UMPE, and Silicon to create a creamy yet lightweight switch with a slightly textured feel right out of the box. On the other hand, the KTT Mint is praised for its smooth linear action, offering a poppy thockiness and light typing experience thanks to its long pole stem. While the Keygeek Raw is described as 'Textured', 'Mild', 'Neutral', and 'Subtle', the KTT Mint is categorized as 'Low-pitched', 'Neutral', 'Mild', and 'Polished'. These general pointers can help guide your choice, 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
N/A
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
57.5g
Bottom-out force
53g
Pre-travel
1.40 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
No
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Nylon & UPE blend
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
UMPE & Si blend
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
22mm single-stage spring
Spring
15mm spring
Housing materials
The Keygeek Raw utilizes a Nylon & UPE blend for its top housing, while the KTT Mint features a polycarbonate top housing. The Nylon & UPE blend in the Keygeek Raw switch offers a unique sound profile that differs from the sharper, higher-pitched sound produced by the polycarbonate top housing in the KTT Mint. The translucency of polycarbonate allows for RGB lighting effects, making it a visually appealing option for those looking to customize their keyboards. While both materials have their own benefits, the Keygeek Raw's blend is exclusive to their switches, offering a distinct sound experience.
In terms of the bottom housing material, the Keygeek Raw features a UMPE & Si blend while the KTT Mint utilizes nylon. The UMPE & Si blend contributes to the overall sound profile of the Keygeek Raw switch, bringing a unique combination of qualities to the typing experience. On the other hand, nylon is a classic switch housing material known for eliciting a deeper and fuller sound profile. The softer nature of nylon absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound compared to the UMPE & Si blend.
While the Keygeek Raw and KTT Mint housing materials differ in composition and sound profiles, they both play a crucial role in determining the overall typing experience. The impact of the top and bottom housing materials on the sound and feel of the switch can be distinct. The top housing of a switch, such as polycarbonate in the KTT Mint, influences the sound when a key is released, while the bottom housing, like the UMPE & Si blend in the Keygeek Raw, affects the bottom-out sound and feel when a key is pressed. Despite their differences, both switches offer unique qualities that cater to individual preferences in sound and feel.
Weight
The Keygeek Raw linear switch and the KTT Mint linear switch have different actuation and bottom out forces. The Keygeek Raw has a bottom out force of 57.5 grams, while the Mint has a slightly lighter bottom out force of 53 grams. The Keygeek Raw does not have an actuation force listed, whereas the Mint has an actuation force of 45 grams, making it a bit lighter in comparison. The Keygeek Raw provides a more substantial typing experience with its heavier bottom out force, while the Mint offers a lighter touch for longer typing sessions. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for typing feel and force required.
Travel distance
In comparing the travel distance of the Keygeek Keygeek Raw linear switch and the KTT Mint linear switch, we can see that the Keygeek Raw has a shorter travel distance of 3.4 mm while the KTT Mint has a longer travel distance of 4 mm. The Keygeek Raw offers a quicker response time due to its shorter travel distance, making it a popular choice among gamers. On the other hand, the KTT Mint provides a more traditional and deeper key press feel with its longer travel distance. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on individual preferences for responsiveness and key press depth.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Keygeek Keygeek Raw has an MSRP of $5.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Keygeek Raw for $3.51.
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 Keygeek Raw switch offers a neutral sound profile, making it suitable for a wide range of users and settings. On the other hand, the Mint switch provides a low-pitched sound with a more mellow tone, adding a different auditory experience to typing sessions. However, it's important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard and keycaps being used.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the Keygeek Raw switch offers a textured feel with a mild resistance, providing a unique typing experience for users who enjoy a bit of friction when pressing down keys. It also maintains a subtle resistance and sound signature, making it suitable for shared spaces. In contrast, the Mint switch offers a mild typing experience with a polished finish, ensuring smooth key travel and reduced friction during use. This polished finish contributes to a sleek typing experience that some users may prefer.
Considering all the available information, while the Keygeek Raw and Mint switches offer different sound and feel experiences, both switches fall within the moderate category in terms of sound and provide a gentle typing experience. Whether you prefer a neutral sound profile with a textured feel or a low-pitched sound with a polished finish, both switches can provide similar results in terms of overall performance and comfort. Ultimately, the choice between the Keygeek Raw and Mint switches will come down to personal preference and the specific typing experience that each individual user is looking for.
Conclusion
In summary, when deciding between the Keygeek Raw linear switch and the KTT Mint linear switch, consider the feel and sound preferences that best suit your typing style. If you enjoy a slightly textured and lightweight switch with a moderate sound profile, the Keygeek Raw may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a smoother and polished switch with a light and fleeting type feel, the KTT Mint could be the perfect fit. Ultimately, both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences, so make your decision based on what feels and sounds most comfortable to you.
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