Outemu Lime (V3) vs. KTT Mint
An in-depth look at the Outemu Lime (V3) and the KTT Mint switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
If you're in the market for a new mechanical keyboard switch, two popular options to consider are the Outemu Lime and the KTT Mint. The Lime switch is best known for its lightweight design, approachable tactility, and silent operation. This makes it a great choice for tactile fans who prefer a feathery light typing experience with just a touch of tactility. On the other hand, the Mint switch stands out for its satisfyingly smooth linear action and a distinctive "poppy thockiness" thanks to its long pole stem. Additionally, it offers a lighter and fleeting typing feel. Both switches have their unique qualities and preferences, so let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities to help you decide on the best switch for your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
35g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
45g
Bottom-out force
53g
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.30 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Nylon
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
15mm spring
Housing materials
The Outemu Lime and the KTT Mint have different housing materials, which greatly affect the sound profile of the switches. The Lime features a nylon top housing, which absorbs more sound due to its softer plastic composition. This results in a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing on the Lime switches. In contrast, the Mint has a polycarbonate top housing that creates a sharper and crisper sound profile. Polycarbonate is a stiffer plastic, leading to a more clear and resonant sound. This difference in housing materials gives users the option to choose between a duller and rounder sound (Lime) or a more precise and high-pitched sound (Mint) when typing.
Both the Lime and the Mint share a nylon bottom housing, which again contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon, being a softer plastic, absorbs more sound than harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound profile. Therefore, users can expect a similar typing experience when it comes to the bottom-out sound and feel of both switches.
When pressing down on a key, the bottom housing material has a greater impact on the overall sound and feel of the switch. Since both the Lime and the Mint have nylon bottom housings, users can expect a similar experience in terms of the bottom-out sound. However, when users let go of a key, the top housing material plays a more significant role in the sound profile. The nylon top housing of the Lime will provide a deeper and fuller sound when keys are released, while the polycarbonate top housing of the Mint will deliver a sharper and crisper sound upon key release.
In summary, the housing materials of the Outemu Lime and the KTT Mint greatly differentiate their sound profiles. The Lime's nylon housing creates a deeper and fuller sound, while the Mint's polycarbonate housing produces a sharper and crisper sound. However, both switches share a nylon bottom housing, resulting in a similar bottom-out sound and feel. Additionally, the top housing material has a more pronounced effect on the sound when keys are released, with the Lime offering a deeper sound and the Mint providing a sharper tone.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Outemu Lime tactile switch and the KTT Mint linear switch, there are noticeable differences. The Lime has a lighter actuation force of 35 grams compared to the Mint's 45 grams, making the Lime more sensitive and requiring less force to trigger a keystroke. Similarly, the Lime has a lighter bottom out force of 45 grams, whereas the Mint has a slightly heavier bottom out force of 53 grams. This means that when using the Lime switch, typing or gaming sessions can be more comfortable and prolonged due to the lighter weight, while the Mint switch offers a slightly more substantial typing experience with its heavier forces. Overall, both switches provide distinct options for users based on their preference for either a lighter or heavier push feel.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the Outemu Lime tactile switch is 3.3 mm, while the KTT Mint linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. This means that the Mint has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Lime. Typically, a travel distance of 4.0 mm is considered traditional, while 3.0 mm is considered shallow. However, shorter travel distances are becoming more popular, especially among gamers who prefer faster response times. If you prioritize responsiveness, the Lime with its shorter travel distance would be a better option. On the other hand, some individuals find shorter travel distances to feel too abrupt and may prefer the Mint with its longer travel distance for a more satisfying key press. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and the desired typing or gaming experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
For 10 switches, the Outemu Lime (V3) comes in at $3.40, 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
In terms of sound, the Outemu Lime switches have a neutral and muted sound profile. This means that the sound produced is moderate and softer compared to regular or clacky switches. The muted characteristic helps to minimize the noise typically associated with mechanical keyboards, making it suitable for both beginners and advanced users, and can be used in various environments such as home or work. On the other hand, the KTT Mint switches have a low-pitched and neutral sound profile. These switches produce a more bass-heavy and mellow tone, which creates a satisfyingly smooth and poppy thockiness when typing. Similar to the Lime switches, the Mint switches also have a moderate sound profile, making them versatile for different usage scenarios. However, it's important to note that the sound of the switches can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps chosen.
When it comes to feel, both the Outemu Lime and KTT Mint switches provide a mild typing experience. The Lime switches offer a gentle and approachable feel, standing in a safe middle-ground zone. They have a feathery light actuation force, requiring little exertion from your fingers. This feature reduces finger fatigue and makes it comfortable for extended typing sessions, whether for gaming, school, or work. Additionally, the Lime switches have a subtle resistance and a polished finish, resulting in a smooth and refined typing experience. The KTT Mint switches also offer a mild typing experience, similar to the Lime switches. They have a polished finish as well, providing reduced friction and smooth key travel. This enhances the overall sleekness of the typing experience.
Taking into consideration the available information, the Outemu Lime and KTT Mint switches have some similarities but also exhibit distinct qualities. In terms of sound, the Lime switches have a muted profile, while the Mint switches have a low-pitched profile. Both switches have a neutral sound profile, making them suitable for various purposes. In terms of feel, both switches offer a mild typing experience, but the Lime switches have a feathery and subtle feel, while the Mint switches have a polished feel. Regardless of which switch you choose, you can expect a comfortable and enjoyable typing experience. However, it is important to note that individual preferences may vary, and other factors like keyboard board and keycaps can influence the overall sound and feel.
Conclusion
In closing, to sum up, if you are a tactile fan looking for a feathery light typing experience with a touch of tactility, the Outemu Lime tactile switch would be a great choice for you. These switches are incredibly unique, lightweight, and feature an approachable tactility. They are also silenced, reducing the noise typically associated with mechanical keyboards. On the other hand, if you prefer a satisfyingly smooth linear switch with a light and fleeting type feel, the KTT Mint linear switch would be an ideal option. With its long pole stem, typing on these switches provides a poppy thockiness. Both switches have a moderate actuation force requirement, making them suitable for most intents and purposes. However, the Lime switch offers a softer and quieter sound profile, while the Mint switch has a low-pitched, bass-heavy, and mellow tone. In terms of feel, both switches offer a mild typing experience, but the Lime switch is described as being feathery, subtle, and polished, while the Mint switch is also polished for a sleek typing experience. Ultimately, the decision between the Outemu Lime and KTT Mint switches will depend on your personal preferences for tactility, sound, and feel.
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