KTT Mint vs. Kailh NovelKeys Cream

Overview

When it comes to comparing and contrasting mechanical keyboard switches, the KTT Mint and the Kailh NovelKeys Cream are two popular options worth considering. The Mint is best known for its satisfyingly smooth linear switch and its unique poppy thockiness that comes from its long pole stem. With a light and fleeting type feel, the Mint falls into the categories of being low-pitched, neutral, mild, and polished. On the other hand, the NovelKeys Cream offers a heftier linear typing experience. This switch produces a fairly deep sound profile, deeper than the average switch but not overly so. Categorized as buttery, low-pitched, textured, resonant, and invigorating, the Cream switch brings a distinct feeling to the typing experience. However, let's dive deeper beyond these generalities so you can make an informed decision when choosing the best switch for your needs.

By the numbers

KTT Mint Linear

Kailh NovelKeys Cream Linear

$2.91 per 10

$6.50

$6.25 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

The KTT Mint and the Kailh NovelKeys Cream have different housing materials that contribute to their unique sound profiles. The Mint uses a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. This is because polycarbonate is a stiffer plastic that produces clear and resonant sounds. Additionally, the Mint's top housing is translucent, making it suitable for RGB lighting. On the other hand, the Cream features a POM top housing, resulting in a deeper and more muted sound. While both switches have different top housings, they are similar in that they produce distinct sound profiles.

Regarding the bottom housing, the Mint utilizes a nylon material. This classic switch housing material contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, creating a duller and rounder sound. In contrast, the Cream's bottom housing is made of POM, which gives it a unique and pleasing sound. Similar to the top housing, the Cream's POM bottom housing also produces a deeper and more muted sound profile. Both switches exhibit a difference in their bottom housing materials, which affects the overall sound experience.

When pressing down on either switch, the impact on the sound and feel varies between the top and bottom housing materials. The bottom housing has more influence on the bottom-out sound and feel, meaning that the materials used in this area will have a significant impact on the overall experience. Conversely, the top housing affects the sound when releasing a key, creating a distinct sound profile. Therefore, the differences in the top and bottom housings of these switches contribute to their individual sound characteristics, providing users with unique typing experiences.

Weight

When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the KTT Mint linear switch and the Kailh NovelKeys Cream linear switch, there are noticeable differences. The Mint has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams, while the Cream requires a slightly heavier force of 55 grams to trigger a keystroke. Similarly, the bottom out force of the Mint is 53 grams, on the lighter side, whereas the Cream has a higher bottom out force of 70 grams.

For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the Mint switch would be the preferred choice as it requires less force to actuate and bottom out. This lighter actuation and bottom out force can be beneficial for longer typing sessions or extended gaming sessions, as it helps reduce finger fatigue over time. On the other hand, those who prefer a more substantial and tactile typing experience may lean towards the Cream switch, which has a heavier actuation and bottom out force. This heavier force provides a stronger push feel, giving a satisfying feedback with each keystroke.

Overall, the choice between the Mint and Cream switches ultimately comes down to personal preference. Those who prefer a lighter and smoother typing experience may opt for the Mint, while those who seek a more tactile and substantial feel may opt for the Cream. Both switches offer their own unique benefits, and the decision should be made based on individual typing preferences.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distance of the KTT Mint linear switch and the Kailh NovelKeys Cream linear switch, we find that they are actually the same. Both switches have a travel distance of 4 mm, which means that pressing down on the keys will result in a consistent and familiar experience. Whether you choose the Mint or the Cream, you can expect similar results in terms of the travel distance.

Price comparison

Typing experience

The KTT Mint linear switch is best known for its satisfyingly smooth typing experience. When typing on these switches, users often describe a poppy thockiness, which adds a unique sound profile to the typing experience. The sound of the Mint switch is low-pitched, providing a bass-heavy and mellow tone. The feel of the Mint switch is mild and polished, offering a gentle and refined typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel.

On the other hand, the Kailh NovelKeys Cream linear switch provides a heftier typing experience compared to the Mint switch. Typing on the Cream switches generates a fairly deep sound profile, deeper than the average switch but not overly so. The sound of the Cream switch is also low-pitched, with a clean and sharp auditory experience. In terms of feel, the Cream switch is described as buttery, providing a smooth and fluid keystroke experience. Users can expect a seamless, effortless, and uniform typing sensation.

Based on the available information, both switches offer unique subjective qualities. While the Mint switch provides a smoother and more polished typing experience, the Cream switch offers a more pronounced and invigorating feel. The sound profiles are generally low-pitched for both switches, with the Cream switch being described as resonant, providing a higher-pitched and immersive auditory experience.

Overall, both the KTT Mint and Kailh NovelKeys Cream linear switches offer enjoyable typing experiences, each with their distinct characteristics. The choice between them will ultimately depend on personal preferences for sound and feel. However, it is important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by the keyboard board and keycaps used.

Conclusion

To sum up, if you are looking for a satisfyingly smooth and poppy typing experience with a light and fleeting feel, the KTT Mint linear switch is a great choice. With a bottom out force of 53 grams, it offers a medium-light typing experience. The Mint switch has a low-pitched and neutral sound profile, making it suitable for various purposes and environments.

On the other hand, if you prefer a heftier typing experience with a fairly deep sound profile, the Kailh NovelKeys Cream linear switch is a better option. With a bottom out force of 70 grams, it provides a medium-heavy typing experience. The Cream switch has a low-pitched and resonant sound profile, offering a clean and sharp auditory experience.

In terms of feel, 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 Cream switch is described as buttery, textured, and invigorating, providing a smooth and fluid keystroke experience with pronounced feedback and a snappy feel.

Ultimately, the choice between the KTT Mint linear switch and the Kailh NovelKeys Cream linear switch depends on your personal preference for typing experience. Consider factors such as bottom out force, sound profile, and feel to make an informed decision. Both switches offer their unique characteristics to enhance your mechanical keyboard experience.

Mentioned in this article

KTT Mint Linear

$2.91 per 10

Learn more

Kailh NovelKeys Cream Linear

$6.50

$6.25 per 10

Learn more