KTT Mint vs. Cherry MX Speed Silver
An in-depth look at the KTT Mint and the Cherry MX Speed Silver switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When looking for a mechanical keyboard switch, two popular options to consider are the KTT Mint and the Cherry MX Speed Silver, both linear switches. The Mint is praised for its smooth linear feel and satisfying poppy thockiness due to its long pole stem, providing a light and fleeting typing experience. On the other hand, the MX Speed Silver is known for its full height design for maximum speed, triggering instantly with low spring resistance, making it ideal for gamers seeking rapid response times. While the Mint is categorized as low-pitched, neutral, mild, and polished, the MX Speed Silver is described as textured, thocky, and low-pitched. 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
45g
Bottom-out force
53g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.20 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
Stainless steel
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the KTT Mint and the Cherry MX Speed Silver, one significant difference is the material used for the top housing. While the Mint utilizes polycarbonate for its top housing, which creates a sharper and crisper sound profile, the MX Speed Silver opts for a nylon top housing that elicits a deeper and fuller sound. The choice between a stiffer plastic like polycarbonate and a softer plastic like nylon can greatly impact the overall sound and feel of the switches.
Another point of comparison is the material used for the bottom housing of these switches. Both the Mint and the MX Speed Silver feature a nylon bottom housing, which again contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing. The use of nylon in the bottom housing helps to absorb sound and create a duller and rounder sound compared to switches with harder plastic bottom housings. This similarity in bottom housing material suggests that the typing experience of these switches may have some commonalities despite differences in the top housing material.
Overall, the choice of housing materials in mechanical switches plays a crucial role in determining the sound and feel of typing. While the KTT Mint and Cherry MX Speed Silver may differ in their top housing material with polycarbonate and nylon respectively, they both utilize nylon for the bottom housing. This commonality in bottom housing material suggests that both switches may offer a similar typing experience in terms of sound profile. However, the differences in top housing material between polycarbonate and nylon will result in distinct sound profiles, with the Mint offering a sharper and crisper sound while the MX Speed Silver produces a deeper and fuller sound.
Weight
When comparing the actuation and bottom out forces of the KTT Mint linear switch and the Cherry MX Speed Silver linear switch, it is evident that the Mint switch has a heavier actuation force of 45 grams compared to the MX Speed Silver's lighter actuation force of 30 grams. However, the bottom out force for the Mint switch is also heavier at 53 grams, whereas the MX Speed Silver's bottom out force is unknown. In terms of weight, the Mint switch provides a medium-light typing experience while the MX Speed Silver offers a lighter feel. Some users may prefer the heavier actuation force of the Mint switch for a more substantial typing experience, while others may enjoy the lighter actuation force of the MX Speed Silver for longer typing sessions. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for typing feel and force requirements.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the KTT Mint linear switch and the Cherry MX Speed Silver linear switch, we can see that the Mint has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the MX Speed Silver has a travel distance of 3.4 mm. This means that the MX Speed Silver has a shorter travel distance compared to the Mint. A shorter travel distance can result in faster response times, which is favored by many gamers. On the other hand, a longer travel distance can provide a more substantial feel when typing, which some may prefer for a more satisfying typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will come down to personal preference - whether you prioritize speed and responsiveness or depth and tactility.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Cherry MX Speed Silver has an MSRP of $5.90 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the MX Speed Silver for $4.00.
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 KTT Mint linear switch offers a low-pitched and neutral sound profile, providing a bass-heavy and mellow tone that is suitable for most users whether at home or work. On the other hand, the Cherry MX Speed Silver linear switch produces a thocky and low-pitched sound, resulting in a deep, rich, and satisfying sound when pressed. Depending on your choice of board and keycaps, both switches can offer a pleasant auditory experience, with the Mint being more neutral and the MX Speed Silver leaning towards a more satisfying thockiness.
In terms of feel, the KTT Mint linear switch provides a mild and polished typing experience, offering a gentle and approachable feel to most users. The smooth and refined finish of the Mint switch results in reduced friction and smooth key travel, enhancing the overall typing experience. On the other hand, the Cherry MX Speed Silver linear switch is described as having a textured feel, with noticeable friction when pressed. This texture may be preferred by some users, while others might prefer a smoother, friction-free typing experience. Both switches offer different tactile experiences, with the Mint focusing on a polished and gentle feel, while the MX Speed Silver provides a more textured typing experience.
Taking all the available information into consideration, the KTT Mint linear switch and the Cherry MX Speed Silver linear switch offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Mint switch is best known for its smooth linear action and low sound profile, making it suitable for a wide range of users. On the other hand, the MX Speed Silver switch excels in rapid response and satisfying thocky sound, making it ideal for gamers and users who prioritize speed. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on personal preference and typing style, but both switches offer reliable performance and unique characteristics that cater to different user needs.
Conclusion
In closing, when choosing between the KTT Mint linear switch and the Cherry MX Speed Silver linear switch, consider your specific needs and preferences. If you enjoy a smooth and poppy thockiness with a light and fleeting typing feel, the Mint may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you are a gamer looking for maximum speed and instant triggering for those crucial milliseconds, the MX Speed Silver would be the better option. Keep in mind that the Mint offers a low-pitched and neutral sound profile with a mild and polished feel, while the MX Speed Silver provides a thocky and low-pitched sound with a textured feel. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches will depend on your personal typing style and preferences.
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