Zuoce Lavender vs. KTT Mint
An in-depth look at the Zuoce Lavender and the KTT Mint switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Zuoce Lavender linear switch and the KTT Mint linear switch, both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences. The Lavender switch is praised for its exceptional smoothness and crisp, clacky sound signature right out of the box, making each keystroke a satisfying experience. On the other hand, the Mint switch is lauded for its smooth linear feel and poppy thockiness, thanks to its long pole stem. While the Lavender switch is categorized as easy-to-press and clacky, the Mint switch is categorized as low-pitched, neutral, mild, and polished. Both switches have their own strengths and appeal to different tastes in mechanical keyboard switches. 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
48g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
53g
Bottom-out force
53g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
Z1 (Ly blend)
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
21mm double-staged spring
Spring
15mm spring
Housing materials
The Zuoce Lavender and KTT Mint have distinct housing materials that contribute to their unique sound profiles. The Lavender features a POM top housing, creating a deeper and more muted sound compared to the Mint's polycarbonate top housing, which produces a sharper and crisper sound. On the other hand, the Lavender's POM bottom housing provides a similar deep and pleasing sound profile, while the Mint's nylon bottom housing offers a fuller and rounder sound. The choice between POM and nylon for the bottom housing can affect the overall typing experience and sound quality of the switch.
While the Lavender and Mint both offer unique sound profiles with their housing materials, the use of POM and polycarbonate in the top housings, and nylon in the bottom housings, showcases how different materials can impact the overall typing experience. POM provides a more muted sound with a deep tone, while polycarbonate offers a crisper and higher-pitched sound. In contrast, nylon creates a fuller and rounder sound due to its softer texture. These differences in sound profiles make each switch suitable for different preferences in typing experiences.
Overall, the choice between the Zuoce Lavender and KTT Mint will depend on personal preference for sound profiles and typing experiences. The POM and polycarbonate housings in the Lavender and Mint create unique characteristics in their sound profiles, with POM offering a deeper and more muted tone compared to the sharper and crisper sound of polycarbonate. Additionally, the nylon bottom housing of the Mint provides a fuller and rounder sound, contrasting with the Lavender's POM bottom housing. Understanding how different housing materials can impact the overall typing experience can help users choose the switch that best suits their preferences.
Weight
The Zuoce Lavender linear switch has a slightly heavier actuation force of 48 grams compared to the KTT Mint linear switch, which has an actuation force of 45 grams. However, both switches have the same bottom out force of 53 grams, making them medium-light in terms of overall typing pressure. When it comes to weight preferences, those who enjoy a lighter typing experience may lean towards the KTT Mint switch, as the lower actuation force may allow for longer typing sessions with less fatigue. On the other hand, the Zuoce Lavender switch may appeal to users who prefer a slightly heavier actuation force for a more substantial typing feel. Ultimately, both switches offer a similar bottom out force, ensuring that typing experience will be consistent in terms of overall pressure required.
Travel distance
The Zuoce Lavender linear switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm, making it shorter than the KTT Mint linear switch, which has a travel distance of 4 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, which are popular among gamers for their fast response times. The Lavender would be preferred by those looking for a quicker and more responsive typing experience, while the Mint may appeal to individuals who prefer a slightly longer key travel for a more substantial feel. Ultimately, the decision between the two would come down to personal preference for travel distance and typing style.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Zuoce Lavender has an MSRP of $2.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Lavender for $1.99.
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 Zuoce Lavender switch offers a clacky and sharp typing experience, creating a crisp and percussive sound with each keystroke. On the other hand, the KTT Mint switch provides a low-pitched and neutral sound profile, with a more bass-heavy and mellow tone that is suitable for various environments. Both switches offer unique sound characteristics, giving users different options based on their preference for noise level and tone.
In terms of feel, the Zuoce Lavender switch is known for its easy-to-press nature, requiring minimal force to activate and offering a light and effortless typing experience. In contrast, the KTT Mint switch provides a mild and polished typing experience, with smooth key travel and reduced friction for a sleek and refined feel. While the Lavender switch prioritizes a responsive and low-impact typing feel, the Mint switch offers a more approachable and middle-ground typing experience that is comfortable for extended use.
Overall, the Zuoce Lavender and KTT Mint switches cater to different preferences in sound and feel. The Lavender switch stands out for its clacky sound and easy-to-press feel, providing a distinct typing experience right out of the box. In comparison, the Mint switch offers a more neutral sound with a light and fleeting type feel, along with a polished and refined typing experience. Ultimately, choosing between these switches will depend on individual preferences for sound, feel, and overall typing experience.
Conclusion
To wrap up, if you are looking for a keyboard switch that offers exceptional smoothness and a crisp, clacky sound signature right out of the box, then the Zuoce Lavender linear switch would be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a switch that provides a satisfyingly smooth typing experience with a light and fleeting feel, along with a poppy thockiness sound, then the KTT Mint linear switch would be more suited to your preferences. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches comes down to your personal preferences in terms of sound and feel, so choose the one that aligns best with your typing style and preferences.
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