KTT Mint vs. Gateron Mountain Top
An in-depth look at the KTT Mint and the Gateron Mountain Top switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the KTT Mint and the Gateron Mountain Top both offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences. The Mint is a linear switch known for its smooth typing experience, with a satisfyingly light and fleeting feel. It provides a poppy thockiness due to its long pole stem and is categorized as low-pitched, neutral, mild, and polished. On the other hand, the Mountain Top is also a linear switch but is specifically designed for office environments by Gateron. It offers a quiet yet not entirely silent typing experience, balancing a subdued sound signature with comfortably light actuation. Categorized as bouncy, easy-to-press, mild, neutral, snappy, and subtle, the Mountain Top switches are ideal for discreet, continuous typing in professional settings. 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
40g
Bottom-out force
53g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.40 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.40 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
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
15mm spring
Spring
22mm double-stage spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the KTT Mint and the Gateron Mountain Top switches offer different qualities that affect the sound and feel of the switches. The Mint's polycarbonate top housing creates a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile, while the Mountain Top's nylon top housing produces a deeper and fuller sound. This difference in material results in distinct acoustics when typing on the switches. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches with RGB lighting, adding a visual element to the sound experience.
In terms of the bottom housing, both the Mint and the Mountain Top switches use nylon, which is known for its ability to absorb sound and create a duller, rounder sound profile. This shared material choice suggests that both switches aim to provide a similar typing experience in terms of the bottom-out sound and feel. However, any differences in the design or construction of the bottom housing could still impact the overall sound and feel of the switches, despite their similar material choice.
Overall, the choice of housing materials for switches plays a significant role in determining the sound and feel of the typing experience. While the Mint and Mountain Top switches differ in their top housing materials, with the Mint featuring polycarbonate and the Mountain Top featuring nylon, the shared use of nylon for the bottom housing suggests some similarities in the typing experience. Ultimately, the selection of housing materials allows for customization in sound profile and feel, giving users the opportunity to choose switches that align with their preferences.
Weight
When comparing the actuation and bottom out forces of the KTT Mint linear switch and the Gateron Mountain Top linear switch, it is evident that the Mint requires a slightly higher actuation force of 45 grams compared to the Mountain Top's 40 grams. However, both switches have a relatively low actuation force, making them ideal for users who prefer a lighter typing experience. In terms of bottom out force, the Mint also has a higher force of 53 grams compared to the Mountain Top's 50 grams. This means that the Mint may provide a slightly more substantial typing experience when bottoming out keys. Overall, both switches offer a lightweight typing experience, with the Mint being slightly heavier in terms of both actuation and bottom out forces. Users who prefer a lighter typing experience may lean towards the Gateron Mountain Top, while those who prefer a slightly heavier feel may opt for the KTT Mint.
Travel distance
The KTT Mint linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Gateron Mountain Top linear switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm. The Mint has a longer travel distance compared to the Mountain Top switch. A 4 mm travel distance is more traditional, offering a deeper key press feel, while the 3.4 mm travel distance of the Mountain Top switch provides a quicker response. Gamers may prefer the shorter travel distance of the Mountain Top for faster actions, while those who enjoy a more substantial key press may opt for the Mint switch. Both switches offer different experiences based on their travel distances, catering to individual preferences for key press depth and responsiveness.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
For 10 switches, the KTT Mint comes in at $2.91, whereas the Gateron Mountain Top comes in at $6.00.
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, both the KTT Mint and Gateron Mountain Top linear switches are described as having a neutral sound profile, making them suitable for a variety of settings from home to the office. The Mint switch offers a low-pitched tone with a mellow bass-heavy quality, while the Mountain Top switch provides a quiet yet not entirely silent typing experience, emphasizing discretion in professional environments. Ultimately, the sound of a switch is also influenced by other factors such as the keyboard and keycaps used.
When it comes to feel, the Mint switch is characterized as providing a mild and polished typing experience, offering a gentle and smooth keypress with reduced friction for sleek typing. On the other hand, the Mountain Top switch offers a bouncy and easy-to-press feel, with a spring-like feedback and minimal resistance for effortless and comfortable typing. Both switches fall into the category of mild switches, providing a safe and approachable typing experience for most users.
In conclusion, while the KTT Mint and Gateron Mountain Top linear switches offer slightly different sound and feel characteristics, they both provide users with a pleasant and satisfying typing experience. Whether you prefer a more bass-heavy sound with the Mint switch or a quiet and easy-to-press feel with the Mountain Top switch, you can expect similar results in terms of overall typing comfort and enjoyment. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches may come down to personal preference and the specific needs of the user's typing environment.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the KTT Mint linear switch and the Gateron Mountain Top linear switch, consider the following guidelines. If you prioritize a smooth and satisfying typing experience with a poppy thockiness and a light and fleeting feel, the Mint switch would be an excellent choice. On the other hand, if you value a quiet yet not entirely silent typing experience designed for office environments, the Mountain Top switch is the way to go. The Mint offers a low-pitched sound and a mild and polished feel, making it suitable for a wide range of users. Meanwhile, the Mountain Top provides a neutral sound and feel with bouncy, easy-to-press keys that enhance the typing experience in professional settings. Ultimately, your choice will depend on your specific preferences and requirements for your mechanical keyboard.
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