KTT Mint vs. Haimu Neo White
An in-depth look at the KTT Mint and the Haimu Neo White switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the KTT Mint and the Haimu Neo White both offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences. The Mint is praised for its smooth linear feel and satisfying poppy thockiness, perfect for those who prefer a light and fleeting typing experience. On the other hand, the Neo White stands out with its medium weight and smooth actuation, thanks to the rare use of a Ly stem. While both switches fall under the 'Neutral' category, with the Mint also being 'Low-pitched' and 'Polished' while the Neo White is 'Mild', they each have their own distinct qualities that make them appealing options. 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
N/A
Bottom-out force
53g
Bottom-out force
58g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
Ly
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
15mm spring
Spring
Double-staged spring
Housing materials
The KTT Mint and the Haimu Neo White both utilize polycarbonate for their top housing, resulting in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The stiffness of the polycarbonate plastic creates a clear and resonant sound, making it an ideal choice for switches if RGB lighting is a consideration. When comparing the two, they would offer similar results in terms of sound quality and aesthetic appeal due to their shared polycarbonate top housing material.
In terms of the bottom housing material, both the KTT Mint and the Haimu Neo White feature nylon, which produces a deeper and fuller sound profile. The softer nature of nylon absorbs more sound than harder plastics, creating a duller and rounder sound when typing. This common choice of material for the bottom housing ensures that both switches provide a consistent sound experience that is impactful and satisfying for users.
While both switches share similarities in their choice of housing materials, the differences in material between the top and bottom housing of a switch can impact the overall typing experience. The qualities of the bottom housing material contribute more to the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing a key, while the top housing material has a greater impact on the sound when releasing a key. This distinction highlights how the combination of materials in the housing of a switch can influence both the sound and feel of typing on a mechanical keyboard.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the KTT Mint linear switch and the Haimu Neo White linear switch, it is evident that the Mint is lighter in both aspects. The Mint has an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 53 grams, while the Neo White has a bottom out force of 58 grams and an unknown actuation force. The Mint provides a medium-light typing experience, making it ideal for extended typing sessions or gaming. On the other hand, the Neo White offers a medium typing experience, which some may find more satisfying for a substantial keystroke feel. Overall, the lighter actuation and bottom out forces of the Mint may appeal to those seeking a smoother typing experience, while the Neo White provides a slightly heavier touch for those who prefer a more pronounced keystroke feedback.
Travel distance
The KTT Mint linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Haimu Neo White linear switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm. The Mint switch is the longer option with a slightly deeper travel distance, making it potentially more suitable for those who prefer a bit more depth when pressing down on keys. On the other hand, the Neo White switch offers a slightly shorter travel distance, which might be favored by gamers looking for faster response times and a more responsive feel. Both switches fall within the range of traditional travel distances and provide a tactile experience when typing or gaming. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on personal preference for travel distance and the desired feel when using the switches.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
For 10 switches, the KTT Mint comes in at $2.91, whereas the Haimu Neo White comes in at $2.70.
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 Haimu Neo White switches are described as having a neutral sound profile, making them suitable for various environments and preferences. The Mint switch is noted for its low-pitched sound, providing a more bass-heavy and mellow tone, while the Neo White switch offers a similarly moderate sound profile. It's important to consider that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard case and keycaps used.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, both the Mint and Neo White switches are described as providing a mild typing experience. The Mint switch is noted for its polished feel, resulting in smooth key travel and reduced friction, making for a sleek typing experience. On the other hand, the Neo White switch offers a distinctive typing feel with a medium weight and slightly reduced total travel, contributing to a remarkably smooth actuation. These characteristics make both switches approachable to most users, providing a comfortable typing experience.
In conclusion, both the KTT Mint and Haimu Neo White linear switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences. While the Mint switch provides a poppy thockiness and a low-pitched sound, along with a polished feel for smooth key travel, the Neo White switch stands out with its distinctive typing feel and smooth actuation. Depending on your preferences for sound and feel, either switch can offer a satisfying typing experience. Ultimately, both switches can provide similar results in terms of a light and smooth typing experience, making them both solid choices for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts.
Conclusion
To sum up, when considering whether to choose the KTT Mint linear switch or the Haimu Neo White linear switch, it ultimately comes down to personal preference and typing style. If you prefer a lighter bottom out force and a poppy thockiness with a light and fleeting type feel, the Mint may be the better option for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a slightly heavier bottom out force with a smooth actuation and a distinctive typing feel, the Neo White may be more suitable. Both switches offer a neutral sound profile and a mild typing experience, so you can't go wrong with either choice. Consider your typing preferences and needs to determine which switch will enhance your typing experience the most.
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