Durock Medium Tactile vs. KTT Mint
An in-depth look at the Durock Medium Tactile and the KTT Mint switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options that often find themselves in the spotlight are the Durock Medium Tactile, a tactile switch, and the KTT Mint, a linear switch. Both switches possess unique characteristics that cater to different typing preferences. The Medium Tactile from Durock is renowned for its exceptional tactility which strikes a perfect balance between pronounced feedback and smooth keypresses. Additionally, its jelly-like sound signature adds to its allure. On the other hand, the Mint switch by KTT boasts a supremely smooth linear experience. The long pole stem of this switch provides a satisfyingly poppy thockiness when typing. Furthermore, the Mint switch is known for offering a light and fleeting typing sensation. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can make an informed decision and choose the switch that best suits your preferences.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
N/A
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
65g
Bottom-out force
53g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
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
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated spring
Spring
15mm spring
Housing materials
The Durock Medium Tactile and the KTT Mint both utilize polycarbonate as their top housing material. Polycarbonate is known for creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to its stiffness. This results in a more clear and resonant sound when typing. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches that incorporate RGB lighting. Therefore, both the Medium Tactile and the Mint will provide similar sound profiles and aesthetics when it comes to their top housing.
On the other hand, the Medium Tactile and the Mint differ in their choice of bottom housing material. The Medium Tactile features a nylon bottom housing, while the Mint also utilizes nylon for its bottom housing. Nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound than harder plastics, leading to a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing. This means that both the Medium Tactile and the Mint will offer a similar experience in terms of their bottom-out sound and feel, as the qualities of the nylon bottom housing will be evident when pressing down on the switch.
It is important to note that the top and bottom housings of a switch play distinct roles in determining the overall sound profile. While the bottom housing impacts the bottom-out sound and feel, the top housing has a greater effect on the sound when releasing a key. Therefore, although the Medium Tactile and the Mint may have similar top and bottom housing materials, the nuances in their design and construction may result in subtle differences in sound perception between the two switches.
Weight
When comparing the actuation and bottom out forces of the Durock Medium Tactile tactile switch and the KTT Mint linear switch, there are noticeable differences. The Durock Medium Tactile has an unavailable actuation force, meaning it is unknown how much force is required to trigger a keystroke. However, it has a bottom out force of 65 grams, which is considered medium-heavy. On the other hand, the KTT Mint has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams, making it easier to trigger a keystroke. Its bottom out force is 53 grams, which falls into the medium-light category.
Considering weight, some users prefer lighter switches for extended typing sessions or long gaming sessions. This lighter weight allows for less strain on the fingers and hands over time. For those looking for a more substantial typing experience, a stronger push feel is desired. These users would gravitate towards switches with heavier forces.
In terms of weight, the Durock Medium Tactile with its unavailable actuation force and medium-heavy bottom out force would provide a more substantial typing experience. On the other hand, the KTT Mint, with its lighter actuation and bottom out forces, would be a lighter option suitable for longer, extended typing or gaming sessions. So, depending on individual preferences and typing needs, users can choose between the heavier and lighter options to meet their desired typing experience.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the Durock Medium Tactile tactile switch and the KTT Mint linear switch is the same, with both switches having a travel distance of 4mm. This means that when you press down on a key equipped with either of these switches, you will experience a consistent 4mm distance traveled from the top to the bottom. Therefore, you can expect similar results in terms of travel distance when using either the Durock Medium Tactile or the KTT Mint switches.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Durock Medium Tactile has an MSRP of $5.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Medium Tactile for $4.25.
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
In terms of sound, the Durock Medium Tactile switch boasts a jelly-like sound signature, which suggests a unique and slightly bouncy sound when typing. On the other hand, the KTT Mint switch is described as having a low-pitched sound profile. This means that it will produce a more bass-heavy and mellow tone compared to higher-pitched switches. Both switches offer distinct sound characteristics, but the Durock Medium Tactile provides a more pronounced and balanced tactility in its sound, while the KTT Mint offers a neutral and moderate sound profile.
When it comes to feel, the Durock Medium Tactile switch is known for being accented, which indicates that it provides a prominent amount of tactility without being overwhelming or subtle. It is also described as stepped, meaning that it has a two-stage feel with some pre-travel and/or post-travel. Additionally, the switch is mild in terms of its overall characteristics, offering a gentle typing experience that falls in a safe and middle-ground zone. Furthermore, the Medium Tactile switch is polished, resulting in a smooth and refined finish that enhances the typing experience.
On the other hand, the KTT Mint switch shares similar qualities with the Medium Tactile in terms of feel. It is also described as mild, providing a gentle typing experience that is approachable to most users. Like the Medium Tactile, the Mint switch is polished, ensuring a smooth key travel and reduced friction during typing. Therefore, both switches offer a comfortable and approachable typing experience with their mild and polished characteristics.
Overall, both the Durock Medium Tactile switch and the KTT Mint switch exhibit their unique qualities in sound and feel. The Medium Tactile switch delivers a pronounced tactility with a jelly-like sound signature, while the Mint switch offers a low-pitched sound profile with a satisfyingly smooth and poppy thockiness. In terms of feel, both switches fall in the mild category, providing a gentle and polished typing experience. While they have their own distinct features, those seeking a balanced tactility and jelly-like sound may find the Medium Tactile switch appealing, while those looking for a low-pitched sound and smooth linear typing experience may prefer the Mint switch. However, as with any switch, the overall sound and feel will also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard layout, keycap materials, and any additional modifications or lubing.
Conclusion
To wrap up, if you're looking for a switch with a medium-heavy bottom out force and a balanced tactility, the Durock Medium Tactile is the way to go. It provides a pronounced yet balanced tactile bump with a jelly-like sound signature. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter switch with a smoother linear feel, the KTT Mint is the perfect choice. Its long pole stem creates a satisfyingly smooth typing experience with a poppy thockiness.
In terms of sound, the Medium Tactile offers a specific sound characteristic that is not described in the provided information. However, the Mint has a low-pitched sound profile, featuring a more bass-heavy and mellow tone compared to higher-pitched switches. This makes it suitable for various environments, whether you're a beginner or an advanced user, using the keyboard at home or work.
In terms of feel, the Medium Tactile is an accented, stepped, mild, and polished switch. This means it provides a prominent amount of tactility without being overwhelming, has a two-stage keystroke feel, offers a gentle typing experience, and has a smooth and refined finish. The Mint, on the other hand, is described as mild and polished. It also provides a gentle typing experience and a sleek typing feel due to its smooth and refined finish.
In the end, the choice between the Durock Medium Tactile and the KTT Mint will ultimately depend on your preferences. If you enjoy a medium-heavy tactile switch with balanced tactility, go for the Medium Tactile. If you prefer a lighter linear switch with a smooth and poppy feel, the Mint is the way to go. Both switches offer their own unique characteristics, so it's important to consider what type of typing experience you prefer before making a decision.
Mentioned in this article
