SP-Star Meteor White vs. KTT Mint
An in-depth look at the SP-Star Meteor White and the KTT Mint switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two options that stand out are the SP-Star Meteor White and the KTT Mint, both of which are linear switches. The Meteor White is renowned for its gentle and subdued nature, offering an easy push and a soft, pitter-patter sound profile. With a classification of "Neutral," "Mild," "Thocky," and "Polished," this switch provides a comfortable typing experience with a quiet and smooth feel. On the other hand, the Mint is known for its satisfyingly smooth feel, thanks to its long pole stem. This switch delivers a poppy thockiness and a light, fleeting type feel. With a classification of "Low-pitched," "Neutral," "Mild," and "Polished," the Mint offers a slightly more tactile experience compared to the Meteor White. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can best decide on the ideal switch for your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
N/A
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
57g
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
Nylon
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
15mm spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the SP-Star Meteor White and the KTT Mint, we can see distinct differences in the sound profiles they produce. The Meteor White features a nylon top housing, which creates a deeper and fuller sound profile. This is because nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. On the other hand, the Mint's polycarbonate top housing offers a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. Being a stiffer plastic, polycarbonate produces a more clear and resonant sound. So, while the Meteor White provides a softer and rounder sound, the Mint delivers a crisper and sharper sound.
Moving onto the bottom housing, both the Meteor White and the Mint utilize nylon. This common choice in switch housing material offers a similar experience in terms of sound profile. The softness of nylon absorbs more sound than harder plastics, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile for both switches. Therefore, whether you choose the Meteor White or the Mint, you can expect a comparable sound experience when it comes to the bottom-out sound and feel.
It's important to note that the housing materials play a significant role in the overall sound performance of a switch. The split composition of the top and bottom housings allows for different qualities to be attributed to each part. When you press down on either the Meteor White or the Mint, you will feel the impact of the bottom housing, influencing the bottom-out sound and feel. Conversely, the top housing has a greater impact on the sound when you release a key. Therefore, while the materials may differ between the switches, the overall sound experience will be influenced by both the top and bottom housings, providing a unique blend of qualities depending on the switch chosen.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the SP-Star Meteor White linear switch and the KTT Mint linear switch, there are a few differences to note. The actuation force of the Meteor White is unavailable, while the Mint requires 45 grams of force to trigger a keystroke. In terms of bottom out force, the Meteor White requires 57 grams, which is considered medium-light, while the Mint requires 53 grams, which is also medium-light.
In terms of weight, the Mint switch is lighter, making it a favorable choice for those who prefer a lighter typing experience. This can be beneficial for extended typing sessions or long gaming sessions where fatigue may become an issue. On the other hand, the Meteor White switch offers a slightly higher bottom out force, which may appeal to individuals who prefer a more substantial typing feel. This added resistance can provide a sense of satisfaction or improve accuracy for some typists.
While the exact actuation force of the Meteor White switch is unknown, its bottom out force is slightly higher than that of the Mint switch. This suggests that individuals seeking a slightly heavier typing experience may find the Meteor White switch more suitable. However, both switches fall into the medium-light category, so users can expect similar results in terms of force required for actuation and bottoming out. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and the desired typing experience.
Travel distance
The travel distances of the SP-Star Meteor White linear switch and the KTT Mint linear switch are both 4 mm. This means that when you press down on a key with either switch, you will feel the same distance of travel from the top to the bottom. Therefore, you can expect similar results and experiences when using both switches. Both switches offer a consistent travel distance, which can provide a satisfying typing experience for users.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The SP-Star Meteor White has an MSRP of $5.60 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Meteor White for $5.00.
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
When it comes to sound, the SP-Star Meteor White linear switch offers a gentle and subdued experience. With a soft pitter-patter sound profile, this switch is easy to push and provides a neutral sound. On the other hand, the KTT Mint linear switch delivers a satisfyingly smooth typing experience with a poppy thockiness. It produces a low-pitched tone that is bass-heavy and mellow. Both switches have a moderate actuation force requirement, making them suitable for various purposes. However, it is important to note that the sound of the switches can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard and keycaps used.
When discussing the feel of the switches, both the Meteor White and Mint switches offer a mild and approachable typing experience. They fall into a safe middle-ground zone, providing a more gentle typing experience compared to switches with more pronounced characteristics. Additionally, both switches are described as polished, indicating a smooth and refined finish that results in sleek key travel. This is achieved through factory lubing or the use of high-quality materials, reducing friction and enhancing the overall typing feel.
In conclusion, the SP-Star Meteor White and KTT Mint linear switches differ in their sound profiles but share similar qualities in terms of feel. The Meteor White switch offers a soft and gentle sound, with a neutral switch profile suitable for most users. In contrast, the Mint switch produces a low-pitched, bass-heavy sound with a poppy thockiness. Both switches provide a mild and approachable typing experience, with a polished finish that ensures smooth key travel. Whether you choose the Meteor White or Mint switch, you can expect satisfying results, taking into consideration other factors such as your choice of keyboard and keycaps.
Conclusion
In closing, if you are looking for a gentle and subdued linear switch with a soft sound profile, the SP-Star Meteor White would be a great choice for you. With a bottom out force of 57 grams and a neutral sound and feel, it is suitable for both beginners and advanced users. On the other hand, if you prefer a smoother typing experience with a light and fleeting type feel, the KTT Mint linear switch would be the one to go for. With a bottom out force of 53 grams and a low-pitched sound profile, it offers a satisfyingly smooth and bass-heavy tone. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches comes down to personal preference in terms of typing experience and sound profile.
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