Gateron Melodic vs. KTT Mint
An in-depth look at the Gateron Melodic and the KTT Mint switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Gateron Melodic and the KTT Mint offer unique experiences for users looking for different qualities in their typing experience. The Gateron Melodic stands out as a clicky switch, praised for its buttery and resonant sound that provides an invigorating and crunchy feel while typing. On the other hand, the KTT Mint is a linear switch known for its satisfyingly smooth feel and low-pitched, polished sound that delivers a neutral and mild typing experience. Depending on personal preference, one may be drawn to the classic clicky feel of the Melodic or the poppy thockiness of the Mint. 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
N/A
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
60g
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
Stainless steel
Spring
15mm spring
Housing materials
Both the Gateron Melodic and KTT Mint switches utilize polycarbonate for their top housings, which results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This material is known for its stiffness, which enhances clarity and resonance in sound. Furthermore, the translucency of polycarbonate is ideal for RGB lighting, making it a popular choice for switches designed with lighting effects in mind. As a result, users can expect similar sound profiles and aesthetics from both switches due to their shared use of polycarbonate in the top housing.
In contrast, the Gateron Melodic features a nylon bottom housing, while the KTT Mint also incorporates nylon for its bottom housing component. This material choice contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing on switches using nylon. The softer nature of nylon absorbs more sound compared to harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound that may appeal to users seeking a quieter typing experience. Despite the differences in their top housings, both switches offer a similar typing experience in terms of sound due to their shared use of nylon in the bottom housing.
In terms of functionality, the qualities of the housing materials in a switch are split between the top and bottom components. The bottom housing has a more significant impact on the bottom-out sound and feel when a key is pressed, while the top housing influences the sound when a key is released. This distinction means that the choice of materials for each part of the switch plays a critical role in determining the overall typing experience for users. Both the Gateron Melodic and KTT Mint switches provide a balance of sound qualities through their combination of different housing materials, catering to a variety of preferences among mechanical keyboard enthusiasts.
Weight
When comparing the Gateron Melodic clicky switch and the KTT Mint linear switch, it's evident that there are differences in the actuation and bottom out forces. The Melodic has a bottom out force of 60 grams, making it slightly heavier compared to the Mint's 53 grams. However, the actuation force of the Melodic is unknown, whereas the Mint requires 45 grams of force to actuate. This makes the Mint lighter in terms of actuation force. Those who prefer a lighter typing experience may lean towards the Mint switch, as it requires less force to trigger a keystroke. On the other hand, the Melodic switch may be more suitable for users who prefer a more substantial typing experience due to its heavier bottom out force. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference in terms of actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Gateron Melodic clicky switch and the KTT Mint linear switch, both switches have an equal travel distance of 4 mm. This means that users can expect to experience a similar keypress sensation when using either switch. The 4 mm travel distance allows for a satisfying and responsive typing experience for both switches. Consequently, whether using the Melodic clicky switch or the Mint linear switch, users can enjoy similar results in terms of keypress feel and travel distance.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron Melodic has an MSRP of $6.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Melodic for $6.00.
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 Gateron Melodic clicky switch is known for its resonant and crunchy auditory experience, offering a clean and sharp sound profile reminiscent of stepping on crispy autumn leaves. On the other hand, the KTT Mint linear switch provides a low-pitched and neutral sound, producing a more bass-heavy and mellow tone suitable for various typing environments. Both switches offer distinct sound profiles that can enhance the overall typing experience, with the Melodic emphasizing a higher-pitched and immersive sound while the Mint delivers a more subtle and versatile auditory feedback.
When it comes to feel, the Gateron Melodic switch is described as buttery and invigorating, providing a smooth and fluid keystroke experience with pronounced feedback and moderate actuation force. In contrast, the KTT Mint switch offers a mild and polished typing sensation, delivering a gentle and approachable feel with reduced friction and smooth key travel. Each switch presents a unique tactile feedback and typing sensation, catering to different preferences in terms of key feel and responsiveness.
In conclusion, the Gateron Melodic clicky switch excels in providing a resonant and crunchy sound profile along with a buttery and invigorating typing experience, ideal for users seeking a tactile and immersive typing sensation. On the other hand, the KTT Mint linear switch offers a low-pitched and neutral sound with a mild and polished feel, catering to individuals looking for a more subtle and smooth typing experience. Ultimately, choosing between the two switches will depend on personal preferences regarding sound, feel, and overall typing satisfaction.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a clicky switch with a medium bottom out force that provides a resonant or crunchy sound profile and a buttery or invigorating typing feel, then the Gateron Melodic switch would be a great choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a linear switch with a medium-light bottom out force that offers a low-pitched or neutral sound profile and a mild or polished typing feel, then the KTT Mint switch would be the better option for you. Consider your preferences for sound, feel, and bottom out force when deciding between these two switches to ensure you select the one that best suits your typing needs.
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