Gateron Luciola vs. KTT Mint

Overview

When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Gateron Luciola and KTT Mint are two popular options to consider. The Luciola switches are well-known for their eye-catching glow-in-the-dark feature. These switches offer a medium heft and provide a smooth and bouncy typing feel. Additionally, they produce a distinct sound profile, often described as resembling a hollow “can of spray paint being shaken.” On the other hand, the Mint switches are loved for their satisfyingly smooth linear feel. Thanks to their long pole stem, they provide a poppy thockiness while typing. Furthermore, the Mint switches offer a light and fleeting typing experience. Both switches have their unique qualities, making them suitable for different preferences. However, let's delve deeper beyond these generalities, so you can make an informed decision on the best switch for your needs.

By the numbers

Gateron Luciola Linear

KTT Mint Linear

$7.50

$6.50 per 10

$2.91 per 10

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Housing materials

The housing materials of the Gateron Luciola and the KTT Mint differ in terms of their sound profiles and aesthetics. The Luciola features a proprietary INK blend top housing, which is known for its pointed and relatively high-pitched sound. It provides a satisfying, thin, and clacky sound profile. On the other hand, the Mint utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. The polycarbonate material's stiffness contributes to a clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the Mint's clear polycarbonate housing makes it ideal for showcasing RGB lighting.

Moving on to the bottom housings, the Luciola and the Mint have distinct materials. The Luciola's proprietary INK blend bottom housing produces a pointed and high-pitched sound, similar to its top housing. However, the Mint employs a nylon bottom housing. Nylon is known for creating a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer nature. The nylon material absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound when typing.

Despite their differences, both the Luciola and the Mint's housing materials play a crucial role in the overall sound and feel of the switches. When pressing down on the switch, the qualities of the bottom housing become evident, impacting the bottom-out sound and feel. The top housing, on the other hand, influences the sound when releasing a key. These distinctions highlight how the choice of housing material can affect the overall typing experience and sound profile of a switch.

Weight

When considering the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron Luciola linear switch and the KTT Mint linear switch, there are noticeable differences to take into account. The Luciola switch has an actuation force of 55 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams, both of which are classified as medium. On the other hand, the Mint switch has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 53 grams, placing it in the medium-light category.

For individuals who prefer a lighter feel when typing or gaming for extended periods, the Mint switch offers a slightly more effortless actuation force, allowing for smoother and potentially faster keystrokes. This can be particularly advantageous for those who frequently use their keyboards for work or gaming marathons.

Alternatively, the Luciola switch provides a slightly heavier actuation force, which can cater to users who prefer a more substantial typing experience. The 55-gram actuation force may give a heightened tactile response, offering a satisfying push feel for those seeking a more deliberate keystroke.

While the Mint switch falls on the lighter end of the spectrum and the Luciola switch leans toward a heavier feel, both switches possess force levels within the same medium range. Therefore, if one desires comparable results, regardless of individual preference, one could expect similar outcomes when using either switch. Ultimately, the choice between the two would depend on one's personal preference for a lighter or heavier actuation force.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distance of the Gateron Luciola linear switch and the KTT Mint linear switch, it is evident that the Luciola has a shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Mint has a slightly longer travel distance of 4 mm. Both switches fall within the range of traditional travel distances, with 4.0 mm being the most common and 3.0 mm being the shallowest. However, the Luciola offers a slightly shorter travel distance, which is often favored by gamers seeking faster response times. On the other hand, the Mint switch provides a slightly deeper travel distance, which some individuals may prefer for a more substantial feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on personal preference.

Price comparison

Typing experience

In terms of sound, the Gateron Luciola switch has a unique "hollow can of spray paint being shaken" sound profile. This means that when the switch is pressed, it produces a crisp and percussive sound that is sharp and snappy. It also has a chirpy characteristic, adding a subtle squeak to the sound. In comparison, the KTT Mint switch is described as having a low-pitched sound, which means it has a bass-heavy and mellow tone. It has a more neutral sound profile overall, making it suitable for a wide range of use cases. It's important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.

Moving on to the feel of the switches, the Gateron Luciola switch is known for its smooth and bouncy typing feel. It offers a snappy experience, thanks to its super responsive nature, which is enhanced by longer or dual-staged springs. The sound and feel of these switches are described as buttery, meaning they provide a smooth and fluid keystroke experience. The switch has a polished finish, resulting in a sleek typing sensation with reduced friction and smooth key travel. On the other hand, the KTT Mint switch offers a mild typing experience, which is a more gentle and approachable feel compared to switches with more pronounced characteristics. Similar to the Luciola, the Mint switch also has a polished finish, ensuring a smooth and refined keystroke experience.

Taking all the available information into account, the Gateron Luciola and KTT Mint switches offer distinct subjective qualities. The Luciola switch is known for its clacky and chirpy sound profile, along with its snappy and buttery feel. In contrast, the Mint switch has a low-pitched sound with a neutral overall profile, providing a mild and polished typing experience. Both switches are smooth and polished, ensuring reduced friction and smooth key travel. However, it's important to remember that the final sound and feel also depend on other factors such as the choice of keyboard board and keycaps. By considering these characteristics, you can select the switch that aligns with your preferences and desired typing experience.

Conclusion

In conclusion, when choosing between the Gateron Luciola linear switch and the KTT Mint linear switch, it ultimately comes down to your personal preferences.

If you value a medium heft and a smooth, bouncy typing feel, as well as a unique sound profile that resembles a can of spray paint being shaken, then the Luciola switch is a great choice for you. Additionally, if you appreciate switches that glow in the dark, the Luciola's eye-catching feature is sure to impress.

On the other hand, if you prioritize a satisfyingly smooth typing experience with a poppy thockiness, along with a lighter bottom out force, the Mint switch is worth considering. Its long pole stem contributes to this smoothness, creating a light and fleeting typing feel.

In terms of sound, the Luciola offers a range of options from clacky and chirpy to marbly and high-pitched. If you enjoy a sharp and snappy sound when typing, these switches can provide the desired level of crispness and brightness. On the other hand, the Mint switch offers a low-pitched and neutral sound profile, which may appeal to those who prefer a more mellow and moderate tone.

When it comes to the typing feel, the Luciola delivers a snappy and buttery experience, making it highly responsive and smooth. The polished finish of these switches adds to the refined and sleek typing sensation. Meanwhile, the Mint switch provides a mild and polished feel, offering a gentle typing experience that falls within a safe middle-ground zone.

Ultimately, the choice between the Gateron Luciola and the KTT Mint switch depends on your individual preferences for typing feel and sound. Consider your desired level of heft, smoothness, and sound profile to make the best decision for your mechanical keyboard setup. Happy typing!

Mentioned in this article

Gateron Luciola Linear

$7.50

$6.50 per 10

Learn more

KTT Mint Linear

$2.91 per 10

Learn more