KTT Mint vs. Cherry MX Orange

Overview

When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the KTT Mint and the Cherry MX Orange both offer distinct experiences for typists and gamers alike, despite sharing the linear switch category. The KTT Mint is best known for its satisfyingly smooth typing experience, marked by a long pole stem that delivers a unique poppy thockiness; this makes it an appealing choice for those who appreciate a light and fleeting type feel. Its characteristics—categorized as low-pitched, neutral, mild, and polished—provide a refined tactile sensation, ideal for users looking for quick and subtle keystrokes. On the other hand, the Cherry MX Orange switches are a revival of the original MX Orange switches, enhanced with the MX2A generation upgrades sought after by enthusiasts. While the specific sound profile of the MX Orange isn't detailed here, the longevity and reputation of Cherry switches ensure that they are a reliable option for those who value a consistent, high-quality typing experience. Both switches have their merits: the Mint may attract those who love a lighter, more agile touch, while the MX Orange serves as a nod to traditional Cherry reliability with modern enhancements. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.

By the numbers

KTT Mint Linear

Cherry MX Orange Linear

$2.91 per 10

$4.10

$3.89 per 10

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Housing materials

The KTT Mint and Cherry MX Orange switches exhibit notable differences in their top housing materials that significantly impact their sound profiles. The KTT Mint features a polycarbonate top housing, known for its stiff characteristics, which produces a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. This material’s translucence adds a visual aspect that enhances RGB lighting effects, making it a preferred choice for gamers or users who prioritize aesthetics in addition to performance. In contrast, the Cherry MX Orange utilizes a nylon top housing. As a softer plastic, nylon absorbs sound more effectively, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile. This fundamental difference is crucial for those who prefer a more subdued typing experience.

Despite the contrasting materials in their top housings, both the KTT Mint and Cherry MX Orange switches share the same bottom housing material: nylon. Both switches’ nylon bottom housing contributes to a sound profile that is deeper and rounder, enhancing the tactile experience of bottoming out. Given that the bottom housing has a significant influence on the feel and sound when a key is pressed down, users will notice that both switches provide a robust and cushioned typing experience on this front. As a result, while the top housings differ and contribute distinct sound qualities, the shared properties of the nylon bottom housing serve to align their bottom-out experiences, ensuring that both switches are satisfying in that regard.

Ultimately, the sound perception with each switch will arise from the interplay between their individual housing materials. The KTT Mint, with its polycarbonate top housing, stands out for those seeking a brighter and more resonant sound upon key release. Conversely, the Cherry MX Orange, with its nylon top, offers a duller sound profile. The combined use of nylon in both bottom housings unifies their performance in terms of feel upon actuation, creating a familiar depth in sound regardless of the type of switch. Consequently, keyboard enthusiasts can select either switch based on their sound preferences, while still enjoying a consistent bottoming-out experience due to the common nylon bottom.

Weight

The KTT Mint linear switch and the Cherry MX Orange linear switch present distinct characteristics in terms of actuation force and bottom out force. The KTT Mint features a medium-light actuation force of 45 grams, requiring less pressure to trigger a keystroke, making it a suitable option for users who prefer longer typing or gaming sessions without fatigue. In contrast, the Cherry MX Orange has a heavier actuation force of 55 grams, providing a more substantial feel for those who favor a stronger push when typing. While the Mint's bottom out force is quantified at 53 grams, the bottom out force for the MX Orange is unavailable, leaving a gap in comparative data. Overall, users seeking a lighter switch experience may opt for the KTT Mint, while those who favor a heavier feel might lean towards the Cherry MX Orange.

Travel distance

The KTT Mint linear switch and the Cherry MX Orange linear switch both feature a travel distance of 4 mm, making them identical in this respect. This similarity means that users can expect a comparable feel when pressing down on the keys of either switch, resulting in similar typing and gaming experiences. Since both switches have the same travel distance, users can anticipate equivalent feedback and responsiveness, enhancing their overall performance regardless of which switch they choose.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound, the KTT Mint linear switch offers a low-pitched profile that is both bass-heavy and mellow, creating a type of auditory experience that enhances the tactile presence of each keystroke. This unique sound quality can often be described as a "thock," which tends to be more pleasant and less jarring than higher-pitched switches. While the Mint switches provide a neutral sound profile that appeals to a broad range of users, the sound of the Cherry MX Orange is currently unknown, making direct comparisons challenging in this aspect. However, it is essential to recognize that the overall sound output will also be influenced by the choice of keyboard and keycaps, so experimentation with setups may yield different results.

In terms of feel, the KTT Mint switch is characterized by its mild and polished attributes. Users will appreciate the gentle typing experience it offers, making it accessible and comfortable for both beginners and seasoned typists. This smooth, refined finish minimizes friction, resulting in an enjoyable and consistent key travel. Unfortunately, details about the feel of the Cherry MX Orange switch are not available at this time, preventing a direct comparison. However, if the MX Orange has similar characteristics of comfort and smoothness, users could expect a comparable typing experience to that of the KTT Mint.

In summary, the KTT Mint linear switch excels in both sound and feel with its low-pitched, mellow profile and a typing experience that is both mild and polished. While the Cherry MX Orange switch holds potential with its historical significance and reissue enhancements, specific characteristics regarding its sound and feel remain unknown. As such, potential users comparing these two switches might gravitate towards the Mint for its defined auditory and tactile qualities, whereas the MX Orange could similarly cater to those who seek a classic switch experience, provided it shares favorable attributes with the Mint.

Conclusion

To conclude, when deciding between the KTT Mint linear switch and the Cherry MX Orange switch, consider your typing preferences and intended usage. If you value a smooth, low-pitched typing experience with a light and fleeting feel, the KTT Mint switch may be the ideal choice for you. Its medium-light bottom-out force and satisfying thockiness make it suitable for extended typing sessions, whether for gaming or casual use, without causing fatigue. On the other hand, if you're drawn to a switch with vintage appeal and seek a well-balanced experience that fits a variety of settings, the Cherry MX Orange is worth considering. While less known for its specific performance characteristics in this comparison, its enhancements could cater well to those who prefer a more tactile experience reminiscent of the original Cherry MX switches. Ultimately, your choice should reflect how you engage with your keyboard, whether you prioritize a smooth, refined feel or a nostalgic tactile experience.

Mentioned in this article

KTT Mint Linear

$2.91 per 10

Learn more

Cherry MX Orange Linear

$4.10

$3.89 per 10

Learn more