KTT Mint vs. Gateron North Pole V2
An in-depth look at the KTT Mint and the Gateron North Pole V2 switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the KTT Mint and the Gateron North Pole V2, two popular linear mechanical keyboard switches, we find some distinct differences. The Mint is well-known for its satisfyingly smooth linear switch, delivering a poppy thockiness and a light and fleeting typing feel. Categorized as low-pitched, neutral, mild, and polished, the Mint provides a unique typing experience. On the other hand, the North Pole V2 is described as gummy, offering a deep and muted sound profile with a satisfying chewy typing feel. Categorized as gummy, creamy, subdued, bouncy, and polished, this switch has its own unique qualities. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can best decide on the perfect switch for your keyboard needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
50g
Bottom-out force
53g
Bottom-out force
65g
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
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
Ink Housing Material
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
15mm spring
Spring
Gold-plated
Housing materials
The KTT Mint and the Gateron North Pole V2 both utilize polycarbonate for their top housings. This material choice creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile, resulting in a more clear and resonant sound overall. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate allows for stunning RGB lighting effects, making it an excellent choice for those who want to enhance their keyboard's visual appeal. Thus, both the Mint and the North Pole V2 will provide similar sound profiles and aesthetic experiences due to their shared use of polycarbonate in the top housing.
However, where these switches differ is in their choice of bottom housing material. The Mint features a nylon bottom housing, which introduces a deeper and fuller sound profile during typing. Nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound overall. In contrast, the North Pole V2 opts for a polycarbonate bottom housing, similar to its top housing. This choice maintains the sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile found in the top housing, providing a more consistent audio experience throughout typing sessions. Consequently, the choice between the Mint and the North Pole V2's bottom housings will have an impact on the sound and feel when bottoming out a key.
In terms of overall typing experience, the combination of top and bottom housing materials plays a crucial role. The bottom housing is responsible for the impact on the bottom-out sound and feel, meaning that the nylon bottom housing of the Mint will result in a deeper and fuller typing experience. Conversely, the polycarbonate bottom housing of the North Pole V2 will contribute to a sharper and crisper bottom-out sound. On the other hand, the top housing has a more prominent impact on the sound when releasing a key. Thus, the polycarbonate top housing shared by both switches will create a consistent and resonant sound upon key release. Ultimately, both switches offer unique sound profiles depending on their combination of top and bottom housing materials.
Weight
The KTT Mint linear switch and the Gateron North Pole V2 linear switch both have different actuation forces and bottom out forces, providing distinct typing experiences. The Mint switch has an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 53 grams, making it medium-light. In comparison, the North Pole V2 has a slightly heavier actuation force of 50 grams and a higher bottom out force of 65 grams, establishing it as medium-heavy.
Considering weight preferences, those who prefer a lighter typing experience may opt for the Mint switch as it allows them to type for extended periods without fatigue. This lightweight characteristic makes it ideal for work environments or extended gaming sessions. On the other hand, individuals who desire a more substantial push feel and a stronger typing experience may find the North Pole V2 switch more suitable. Its heavier actuation force and increased bottom out force offer a more satisfying typing feedback.
Although the actuation forces and bottom out forces of the two switches differ, individuals seeking similar outcomes can still achieve their desired results. Those who appreciate a lighter typing experience can use the Mint switch, whereas those who prefer a heavier feel can achieve similar results with the North Pole V2 switch. Ultimately, it all depends on personal preference and the desired typing experience.
Travel distance
The travel distance of a switch plays a crucial role in determining the physical sensation and overall typing experience. In the case of the KTT Mint linear switch and the Gateron North Pole V2 linear switch, both have a travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when pressing down on a key, users will feel the same level of travel distance with either switch. Therefore, the typing experience and the physical sensation when using these switches will be quite similar.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron North Pole V2 has an MSRP of $6.80 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the North Pole V2 for $5.70.
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 is best described as having a low-pitched and neutral sound profile. The low-pitched characteristic gives it a bass-heavy and mellow tone, providing a satisfying auditory experience. Being a neutral switch means that it offers a moderate actuation force requirement and a moderate sound profile, making it suitable for various purposes. On the other hand, the Gateron North Pole V2 linear switch is described as having a subdued sound profile. This means that when pressed, it produces a dampened sound that is not completely silent but offers a more subtle sound signature compared to most switches. Keep in mind that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps chosen.
In terms of feel, the KTT Mint linear switch offers a mild and polished typing experience. The mild characteristic ensures a gentle typing experience that is approachable to most users. It falls into a safe middle-ground zone, providing a comfortable typing feel. Additionally, the switch is described as polished, meaning it has a smooth and refined finish that results in a sleek typing experience. This smoothness can be attributed to materials used and/or factory lubrication, which reduce friction and result in smooth key travel. On the other hand, the Gateron North Pole V2 linear switch provides a gummy, creamy, bouncy, and polished typing experience. The gummy characteristic creates a unique typing sensation similar to bottoming-out on a trampoline or a gummy bear. The creamy attribute indicates smooth and buttery typing, where the keys effortlessly melt into each keystroke. It is likely due to factory lubrication or specific materials used. Furthermore, the bouncy feature gives the keys a spring-like or elastic feedback sensation, providing a lively feel and rebound when pressed. Similar to the KTT Mint, the Gateron North Pole V2 also has a polished finish, resulting in reduced friction and smooth key travel.
Overall, the KTT Mint and Gateron North Pole V2 linear switches offer distinct subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Mint has a low-pitched and neutral sound profile, providing a bass-heavy and mellow tone along with a satisfying typing feel. It offers a mild and polished experience, ensuring a gentle and sleek typing experience. On the other hand, the North Pole V2 has a subdued sound profile that produces a dampened sound when pressed. It offers a gummy, creamy, bouncy, and polished typing feel, creating a unique, smooth, and lively typing experience. While both switches differ in their characteristics, both options offer satisfying and enjoyable typing experiences. It is important to consider personal preferences and the overall setup, including the keyboard board and keycaps, as they can affect the final sound and feel.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you're looking for a satisfyingly smooth and poppy typing experience with a light and fleeting type feel, the KTT Mint linear switch is the way to go. It has a medium-light bottom out force of 53 grams and offers a mild and polished feel. The Mint has a low-pitched and neutral sound profile, making it suitable for most purposes.
On the other hand, if you prefer a deep and muted sound profile with a satisfying chewy typing feel, the Gateron North Pole V2 linear switch is the better choice. It has a slightly heavier bottom out force of 65 grams and provides a gummy and bouncy feel. The North Pole V2 has a subdued sound, offering a more subtle sound signature compared to most switches.
Ultimately, the decision between the Mint and the North Pole V2 depends on your preferences for typing feel and sound. If you enjoy a smooth and polished typing experience with a light and fleeting feel, the Mint is the way to go. However, if you prefer a gummy and bouncy typing experience with a deep and muted sound, the North Pole V2 is the better choice for you.
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