KTT Mint vs. Cherry MX Brown
An in-depth look at the KTT Mint and the Cherry MX Brown switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options that often come up in discussions are the KTT Mint and the Cherry MX Brown. Each switch offers a unique typing experience, catering to different preferences. The KTT Mint stands out for its smooth linear switch, prized by those who enjoy a satisfyingly smooth typing feel. With its long pole stem, it provides a poppy thockiness and a light and fleeting type feel. In contrast, the Cherry MX Brown is all about subtlety. These switches offer a relatively light typing experience with gentle tactility and subdued audio feedback. They are categorized as textured, bassy, and low-pitched. So, if you prefer a more pronounced and smooth typing experience, the KTT Mint might be the way to go. On the other hand, if you value subtlety and a lighter touch, the Cherry MX Brown could be the ideal choice. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits you best.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
53g
Bottom-out force
55g
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
No
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
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The KTT Mint and the Cherry MX Brown have different housing materials for both the top and bottom housing. The Mint uses a polycarbonate top housing, while the MX Brown has a nylon top housing. The polycarbonate top housing of the Mint creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile, thanks to its relatively stiffer plastic. In contrast, the nylon top housing of the MX Brown produces a deeper and fuller sound profile, as nylon is a relatively softer plastic that absorbs more sound. Additionally, the Mint's polycarbonate top housing is especially beneficial if you plan to use RGB lighting due to its translucency.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the KTT Mint linear switch and the Cherry MX Brown tactile switch, both switches have the same actuation force of 45 grams. This means that the force required to trigger a keystroke is identical for these switches, resulting in a similar typing experience in terms of sensitivity. However, when it comes to the bottom out force, there is a slight difference. The KTT Mint linear switch has a bottom out force of 53 grams, while the Cherry MX Brown tactile switch has a slightly higher bottom out force of 55 grams. This means that the MX Brown switch requires a slightly stronger push to fully press the key down compared to the Mint switch.
In terms of weight, both switches fall under the category of medium-light. This lighter weight is preferred by individuals who want to type for longer periods of time without experiencing fatigue. It is ideal for those who use their keyboards for extended work hours or intense gaming sessions. However, for users who prefer a more substantial typing experience with a stronger push feel, the MX Brown switch with its slightly higher bottom out force may be a better option. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on the user's personal preference and typing style.
Travel distance
Both the KTT Mint linear switch and the Cherry MX Brown tactile switch have a travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when you press down on a key with either of these switches, you will experience the same distance of travel from the top to the bottom. Therefore, in terms of travel distance, both switches will provide similar results.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
For 10 switches, the KTT Mint comes in at $2.91, whereas the Cherry MX Brown comes in at $4.00.
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, the KTT Mint linear switch produces a low-pitched and neutral sound profile. This means that it offers a more mellow and bass-heavy tone during key presses, making it suitable for both beginners and advanced users. On the other hand, the Cherry MX Brown tactile switch also has a low-pitched and bassy sound profile. Both switches provide a satisfying audio feedback, but the Mint offers a slightly more neutral tone compared to the MX Brown's deeper and richer sound.
When it comes to feel, the KTT Mint linear switch provides a mild and polished typing experience. It offers a gentle and approachable feel with a smooth and refined finish. This results in reduced friction and smooth key travel for a sleek typing experience. The Cherry MX Brown tactile switch, however, is described as textured, meaning it has noticeable friction when pressed. Some users prefer this subtle texture, while others prefer a smoother and friction-free feel. Therefore, the Mint offers a safer and more middle-ground typing experience, while the MX Brown has more pronounced characteristics that some users may prefer.
Taking all the available information into account, it is clear that both the KTT Mint linear switch and the Cherry MX Brown tactile switch have their unique qualities. The Mint provides a light and fleeting type feel with poppy thockiness, while the MX Brown offers a relatively light typing experience with gentle tactility. Sound-wise, the Mint has a more neutral and low-pitched tone, while the MX Brown has a bassy and low-pitched sound. In terms of feel, the Mint offers a mild and polished experience with reduced friction, while the MX Brown is textured and may have noticeable friction. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on personal preferences and the desired typing experience. However, if you are looking for a similar experience in terms of sound and feel, both switches provide comparable results.
Conclusion
To sum up, when considering the KTT Mint linear switch and the Cherry MX Brown tactile switch, there are a few key factors to consider. The Mint switch offers a satisfyingly smooth typing experience with a light and fleeting feel. It has a bottom out force of 53 grams, which is medium-light. In terms of sound, the Mint switch has a low-pitched and neutral profile, providing a bass-heavy and mellow tone. Additionally, the Mint switch is described as mild and polished, offering a gentle and refined typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel.
On the other hand, the Cherry MX Brown switch is known for its subtlety. It provides a relatively light typing experience with gentle tactility and subdued audio feedback. With a bottom out force of 55 grams, it is also medium-light. In terms of sound, the MX Brown switch has a bassy and low-pitched profile. Furthermore, it is described as textured, which means it has noticeable friction when pressed. Some users prefer this subtle texture, while others may prefer a smoother, friction-free typing experience.
Ultimately, when choosing between the KTT Mint linear switch and the Cherry MX Brown tactile switch, it comes down to personal preference. If you prefer a smooth and refined typing experience with a neutral sound profile, the Mint switch would be a great choice. However, if you appreciate subtlety, light tactility, and a bassy sound profile with a textured feel, the MX Brown switch would be more suitable. Consider your typing preferences and the qualities that align with your preferences to make the best decision for your mechanical keyboard.
Mentioned in this article
