Dareu Master vs. KTT Mint
An in-depth look at the Dareu Master and the KTT Mint switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Dareu Master and the KTT Mint both offer smooth linear typing experiences. The Dareu Master's all-POM linear switch provides a medium weight feel with a classic clacky sound signature, making it ideal for users who appreciate smooth operation. On the other hand, the KTT Mint boasts a satisfyingly smooth typing experience with a poppy thockiness due to its long pole stem. This switch offers a light and fleeting typing feel, making it a great choice for those who prefer a low-pitched sound. 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
45g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
N/A
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
Partial box
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
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
Stainless steel
Spring
15mm spring
Housing materials
The Dareu Master's POM top and bottom housings provide a deep and muted sound profile, creating a unique typing experience. In contrast, the KTT Mint's polycarbonate top housing produces a sharper, higher-pitched sound while the nylon bottom housing offers a deeper and fuller typing sound. The difference in material between the two switches results in distinct sound characteristics, with the Master focusing on a more muted tone and the Mint offering a crisper sound profile.
Despite both switches utilizing different materials for their top and bottom housings, they both aim to provide a pleasing typing experience with unique sound profiles. The Dareu Master's POM top housing and KTT Mint's polycarbonate top housing both contribute to the overall sound produced by the switches, with POM offering a deeper sound and polycarbonate providing a sharper tone. Additionally, the Master and Mint both prioritize the aesthetic appeal of their top housings, with the Mint's polycarbonate being translucent and suitable for RGB lighting.
The choice between the Dareu Master and KTT Mint ultimately comes down to personal preference in sound profile and typing feel. The differing materials used in each switch's housing contribute to their individual characteristics, with POM and polycarbonate offering distinct sound qualities. Whether you prefer a deeper, more muted sound like the Dareu Master with POM housing or a sharper, crisper sound like the KTT Mint with polycarbonate housing, both switches provide a unique typing experience tailored to different preferences.
Weight
The Dareu Master linear switch and the KTT Mint linear switch both have an actuation force of 45 grams, making them similar in that aspect. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Master has an unknown value while the Mint has a bottom out force of 53 grams, making it slightly heavier. For those who prefer a lighter touch, the Master would be the better option, as it allows for easier typing over extended periods of time. On the other hand, the Mint, with its heavier bottom out force, provides a more substantial typing experience for those who prefer a stronger push feel. Both switches have their own advantages, catering to different preferences in terms of actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The Dareu Master linear switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm, making it the shorter option compared to the KTT Mint linear switch, which has a travel distance of 4 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances preferred by gamers for faster response times. However, if you prefer a more substantial feel when pressing down on a key, the KTT Mint may be more suitable with its longer travel distance. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for either a shorter, more responsive feel or a longer, more deliberate actuation.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Dareu Master has an MSRP of $7.78 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Master for $4.76.
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 Dareu Master linear switch offers a clacky sound that is sharp and snappy, providing a classic and percussive typing experience. On the other hand, the KTT Mint linear switch produces a low-pitched sound with a more mellow and bass-heavy tone, giving off a neutral sound profile suitable for various uses. Both switches offer their own unique sound characteristics, allowing users to choose based on their preference for sound.
In terms of feel, both the Dareu Master and KTT Mint linear switches provide a mild typing experience with a polished finish, resulting in a smooth and refined key travel. The gentle typing experience of these switches makes them approachable to most users, offering a safe middle-ground zone in terms of feel. With reduced friction and smooth key travel, users can expect a comfortable typing experience with either switch.
Overall, while the Dareu Master and KTT Mint linear switches offer slightly different sound profiles, they both provide a similar mild and polished typing experience. Users can expect a level of smoothness and refinement in operation with either switch, making them suitable choices for those looking for a comfortable and approachable typing feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches may come down to personal sound preference and specific typing needs.
Conclusion
In summary, when deciding between the Dareu Master linear switch and the KTT Mint linear switch, consider your preferences for typing experience. If you prefer a medium weight switch with a classic clacky sound signature and exceptional smoothness, the Dareu Master may be the better choice for you. On the other hand, if you enjoy a satisfyingly smooth switch with a poppy thockiness and light feel, the KTT Mint could be more suitable. Both switches offer a mild and polished typing experience, so it ultimately comes down to the specific sound and feel you are looking for in your mechanical keyboard. Choose the switch that aligns best with your preferences and typing style.
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