KTT Mint vs. Bsun Olive

Overview

When looking at mechanical keyboard switches, the KTT Mint and the Bsun Olive offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences. The Mint, a linear switch, is praised for its smooth typing experience and poppy thockiness, creating a light and fleeting feel. On the other hand, the Olive, a tactile switch, stands out for its resonant, deep sound and pronounced tactile feedback, resulting in a satisfyingly sharp bottom-out. While the Mint is categorized as low-pitched, neutral, mild, and polished, the Olive is described as accented, invigorating, sharp, and snappy. Each switch offers its own advantages, but diving deeper into their specific features is essential in determining the best choice for your typing needs.

By the numbers

KTT Mint Linear

Bsun Olive Tactile

$2.91 per 10

$5.80

$4.70 per 10

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Housing materials

The KTT Mint and Bsun Olive both offer unique sound profiles due to their housing materials, with the Mint utilizing polycarbonate for the top housing and nylon for the bottom housing, while the Olive uses POM for both the top and bottom housings. The use of polycarbonate in the top housing of the Mint results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile, especially when paired with RGB lighting. On the other hand, the POM top housing of the Olive provides a deeper and more muted sound experience. This contrast in sound profiles showcases the different effects that housing materials can have on the overall typing experience.

While the Mint's nylon bottom housing and the Olive's POM bottom housing both contribute to a deeper and fuller sound profile, there are distinctions in how they absorb sound. The softer nylon material of the Mint absorbs more sound than harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. In comparison, the POM bottom housing of the Olive contributes to the overall deep and muted sound profile. Despite these differences, both switches offer a satisfying typing experience with their unique sound characteristics.

Overall, the selection of housing materials significantly impacts the sound and feel of a switch. The split between top and bottom housings allows for different qualities to be showcased during typing - with the bottom housing influencing the bottom-out sound and feel, and the top housing impacting the sound when a key is released. Whether it's the sharp and clear sound of polycarbonate in the Mint or the deep and muted sound of POM in the Olive, both switches provide distinct typing experiences that cater to different preferences in sound profiles.

Weight

In comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the KTT Mint linear switch and the Bsun Olive tactile switch, it is evident that the Mint is lighter in terms of both actuation and bottom out force. The Mint has an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 53 grams, while the Olive has an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 65 grams. This means that the Mint requires less force to activate and reach the bottom of the keystroke compared to the Olive. The Mint provides a medium-light typing experience, ideal for those who prefer a lighter touch for longer typing sessions, while the Olive offers a medium-heavy feel, suitable for individuals who prefer a more substantial and tactile typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for typing force and feedback.

Travel distance

Comparing the travel distance of the KTT Mint linear switch and the Bsun Olive tactile switch, we can see that the Mint has a longer travel distance of 4 mm compared to the Olive's 3.4 mm. The Mint's 4.0mm travel distance is more towards the traditional side, while the Olive's 3.4mm is slightly shorter. Gamers tend to prefer shorter travel distances for quicker response times, making the Olive a popular choice in the gaming community. However, for those who prefer a more substantial keypress feel, the Mint with its longer travel distance may provide a more satisfying typing experience. In general, the choice between a shorter or longer travel distance ultimately depends on personal preference and the desired typing experience. Regardless of the difference in travel distance, both switches will provide similar results in terms of key press actuation and functionality.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound, the Mint and Olive switches offer contrasting experiences. The Mint switch provides a low-pitched and neutral sound profile, featuring a bass-heavy and mellow tone that caters to a wide range of users, whether beginners or advanced typists. On the other hand, the Olive switch boasts a resonant and deep sound due to its all-POM housing, creating a unique auditory experience that stands out. Depending on your preference, you can expect a more subdued sound from the Mint switch or a more distinctive sound from the Olive switch, enhancing the overall typing experience based on your auditory preferences.

In terms of feel, the Mint switch offers a mild and polished typing experience. With its gentle keypress and smooth finish, users can enjoy a refined and comfortable typing session. In comparison, the Olive switch provides an invigorating and sharp tactile feedback, creating a more pronounced and lively typing sensation. The accented tactility of the Olive switch ensures a prominent feedback without being overwhelming, giving users a satisfying tactile experience with each keypress. Whether you prefer a softer and polished feel like the Mint switch or a more pronounced and snappy feel like the Olive switch, both switches cater to different preferences, allowing users to choose based on their typing style and comfort level.

In conclusion, the choice between the KTT Mint linear switch and the Bsun Olive tactile switch ultimately comes down to personal preference. If you prefer a smoother and more neutral sound with a milder and polished feel, the Mint switch would be a great option. On the other hand, if you enjoy a deeper and more resonant sound with a sharp and invigorating tactile feedback, the Olive switch would be a better fit. Both switches offer unique qualities that can enhance your typing experience, ensuring a satisfying and customized feel based on your preferences. Ultimately, whether you choose the Mint or Olive switch, you can expect a high-quality typing experience that meets your specific needs and preferences.

Conclusion

To sum up, when it comes to choosing between the KTT Mint linear switch and the Bsun Olive tactile switch, you'll want to consider your preference for bottom out force, sound, and feel. If you prefer a medium-light bottom out force and a smooth typing experience with a poppy thockiness, the Mint switch is the way to go. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-heavy bottom out force, a resonant, deep sound, and pronounced tactile feedback for a satisfying typing experience, the Olive switch will be more to your liking. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal typing preferences and the specific attributes that appeal to you most.

Mentioned in this article

KTT Mint Linear

$2.91 per 10

Learn more

Bsun Olive Tactile

$5.80

$4.70 per 10

Learn more