TKC Kiwi vs. KTT Mint
An in-depth look at the TKC Kiwi and the KTT Mint switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the TKC Kiwi and the KTT Mint offer two distinct options to enhance your typing experience. The Kiwi, a tactile switch, is renowned for its medium to medium-strong bump at the top of each key press, providing a satisfyingly snappy sound profile that immerses you in your typing. Additionally, these switches come lightly factory lubed, ensuring a smooth and effortless typing experience right out of the box. On the other hand, the Mint is a linear switch that boasts a satisfyingly smooth feel. Its long pole stem creates a poppy thockiness, adding a unique touch to your typing. Furthermore, the Mint offers a light and fleeting type feel that enthusiasts appreciate. While these general pointers provide a glimpse into the differences between the Kiwi and the Mint, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the perfect switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
43g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
67g
Bottom-out force
53g
Pre-travel
N/A
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
UHWMPE
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
UHWMPE
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Gold coated spring
Spring
15mm spring
Housing materials
The TKC Kiwi and the KTT Mint have different materials used in their housing, resulting in distinct sound profiles. The Kiwi's UHWMPE top housing offers a bright sound with resonant clacks while typing. This creates a lively typing experience and brings a unique auditory element to each keystroke. In contrast, the Mint's polycarbonate top housing produces a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The relative stiffness of polycarbonate contributes to a more clear and resonant sound. While both materials offer a bright sound signature, they differ in the specific characteristics of the sound produced.
Moving to the bottom housing, the Kiwi utilizes UHWMPE, which results in a bright sound with resonant clacks upon keystrokes. This material enhances the overall sound experience while typing and adds a distinct quality to the switch. On the other hand, the Mint's nylon bottom housing creates a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon, being a softer plastic, absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. This provides a different typing experience compared to the UHWMPE used in the Kiwi.
In summary, the TKC Kiwi and the KTT Mint differ in their housing materials, leading to contrasting sound profiles. The UHWMPE top and bottom housing of the Kiwi offer a bright sound with resonant clacks, while the Mint's polycarbonate top housing produces a sharper and crisper sound. Similarly, the Kiwi's UHWMPE bottom housing contributes to a bright sound, while the Mint's nylon bottom housing elicits a deeper and fuller sound. However, both keyboards deliver unique auditory experiences with their respective housing materials.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the TKC Kiwi tactile switch and the KTT Mint linear switch, there are notable differences between the two. The Kiwi has an actuation force of 43 grams, which is slightly lighter than the Mint's actuation force of 45 grams. This means that it will require a slightly lighter touch to trigger a keystroke on the Kiwi. However, when it comes to the bottom out force, the Kiwi is heavier with a force of 67 grams compared to the Mint's 53 grams. This means that pressing all the way down on the Kiwi will feel more substantial and require more force compared to the Mint.
Considering weight is important when it comes to keyboard usage. Those who prefer a lighter touch may find the Kiwi appealing, as it allows for longer periods of typing without inducing fatigue. This can be especially advantageous for individuals who use their keyboards extensively at work or during long gaming sessions. On the other hand, individuals who prefer a stronger push and desire a more substantial typing experience may lean towards the Mint. The higher actuation force of the Mint provides a tactile feedback that some users find satisfying, ensuring each keystroke feels deliberate and precise. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and the desired typing experience.
Travel distance
The TKC Kiwi tactile switch and the KTT Mint linear switch both 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 feel a consistent travel distance of 4 mm from the top to the bottom. Both switches provide a satisfying tactile or linear experience depending on which one you choose. With their equal travel distances, you can expect similar results in terms of keypress feedback and overall typing experience. The shorter travel distance allows for quicker and more efficient typing, while the longer travel distance may provide a more satisfying tactile sensation.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
For 10 switches, the TKC Kiwi comes in at $8.00, whereas the KTT Mint comes in at $2.91.
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
The TKC Kiwi tactile switch is known for its satisfyingly snappy sound profile. The sound of the Kiwi switch can be described as low-pitched, featuring a more bass-heavy and mellow tone compared to higher-pitched switches. This low-pitched sound adds to the immersive typing experience that the Kiwi switch provides. On the other hand, the KTT Mint linear switch is also described as having a low-pitched sound profile, similar to the Kiwi switch. Both switches offer a neutral sound, which means they have a moderate actuation force requirement and a moderate sound profile suitable for various purposes. However, it is 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 TKC Kiwi tactile switch offers a stepped and accented tactile experience. The stepped feel of the Kiwi switch means that it has two stages, providing a mild tactility with some pre-travel and/or post-travel. The accented feel adds a prominent amount of tactility, creating a medium tactile switch that is neither overwhelming nor subtle. Additionally, the Kiwi switch is described as polished, indicating a smooth and refined finish that results in reduced friction and smooth key travel. On the other hand, the KTT Mint linear switch provides a mild typing experience, offering a more gentle feel compared to switches with more pronounced characteristics. Similar to the Kiwi switch, the Mint switch is also described as polished, resulting in a sleek typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel.
Based on the available information, both the TKC Kiwi tactile switch and the KTT Mint linear switch have their own unique qualities. While the Kiwi switch provides a medium to medium-strong bump and a snappy sound profile, the Mint switch delivers a satisfyingly smooth linear experience with a poppy thockiness. The Kiwi switch offers a stepped and accented tactile feel, while the Mint switch provides a mild typing experience. Both switches are polished, ensuring reduced friction and smooth key travel. In terms of sound, both switches have a low-pitched profile and a neutral sound suitable for most purposes. Overall, both switches offer an enhanced typing experience in their respective tactile and linear categories.
Conclusion
In closing, if you are looking for a tactile switch that offers a medium to medium-strong bump with a snappy sound profile, the TKC Kiwi would be a great choice for you. The Kiwi switches are lightly factory lubed, providing a smooth and effortless typing experience right out of the box. The Kiwi has a bottom out force of 67 grams, which is medium-heavy. In terms of sound, the Kiwi has a low-pitched and neutral profile, making it suitable for both beginners and advanced users in various settings, whether it be at home or work. In terms of feel, the Kiwi is described as having a stepped, accented, and polished feel, offering a refined and sleek typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel.
On the other hand, if you prefer a smooth linear switch with a light and fleeting type feel, the KTT Mint would be a great option. The Mint switches provide a satisfyingly smooth typing experience with a poppy thockiness due to its long pole stem. The Mint has a bottom out force of 53 grams, which is medium-light. Similar to the Kiwi, the Mint also has a low-pitched and neutral sound profile, suitable for various users and settings. In terms of feel, the Mint is described as mild and polished, providing a gentle typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel.
Ultimately, the choice between the TKC Kiwi and the KTT Mint depends on your personal preferences in terms of tactility, sound, and feel. Consider whether you prefer a medium to medium-strong tactile bump or a smooth linear feel, as well as the specific sound and typing experience you desire. Both switches offer their own unique characteristics and can provide an immersive typing experience.
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