KTT Mint vs. Outemu Dustproof Black
An in-depth look at the KTT Mint and the Outemu Dustproof Black switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the KTT Mint and the Outemu Dustproof Black both offer a linear typing experience. The Mint is praised for its smoothness and poppy thockiness, thanks to its long pole stem, resulting in a light and fleeting typing feel. On the other hand, the Dustproof Black does not have a standout feature but provides a more neutral typing experience. The Mint is categorized as 'Low-pitched', 'Neutral', 'Mild', 'Polished', while the Dustproof Black does not fall into any specific category. If you are looking for a switch with a unique tactile feel, the Mint may be the way to go. 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
60g
Bottom-out force
53g
Bottom-out force
80g
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
Partial box
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
15mm spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the KTT Mint and the Outemu Dustproof Black, both switches utilize polycarbonate for their top housing, leading to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to the stiffness of polycarbonate, which results in a clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches with RGB lighting. However, the Mint's polycarbonate top housing is paired with a nylon bottom housing, creating a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to the Dustproof Black's nylon bottom housing. The softer nature of nylon absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound for the Mint.
While both switches share the use of nylon for their bottom housing, each material impacts the overall sound profile differently. Typing on switches with nylon bottom housings creates a deeper and fuller sound due to the material's softer nature and better sound absorption. With both the Mint and Dustproof Black utilizing nylon for their bottom housing, users can expect a similar tactile and auditory experience during typing. However, the top housing material can also play a significant role in the overall sound profile of a switch.
When the top and bottom housings differ in material, the qualities of each housing material are divided between the bottom-out sound and feel, and the sound when releasing a key. In the case of the Mint and Dustproof Black, the impact of the top and bottom housing materials is split according to their properties. As a result, the typing experience on these switches will involve a combination of the crispness and resonance from the polycarbonate top housing and the depth and fullness from the nylon bottom housing. Ultimately, the choice between the KTT Mint and the Outemu Dustproof Black will depend on personal preference for sound profile and typing experience.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the KTT Mint linear switch and the Outemu Dustproof Black linear switch, it is evident that they offer different experiences to the user. The Mint switch has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 53 grams, making it a medium-light option. In contrast, the Dustproof Black switch has a heavier actuation force of 60 grams and a bottom out force of 80 grams, placing it in the heavy category. Those who prefer a lighter touch may find the Mint switch more suitable for longer typing sessions or gaming, while those who enjoy a more substantial typing experience may opt for the Dustproof Black switch. Overall, the difference in actuation and bottom out forces between these two switches provides users with the ability to choose the one that aligns best with their typing preferences.
Travel distance
The KTT Mint linear switch and the Outemu Dustproof Black linear switch both have a travel distance of 4 mm, making them equal in this aspect. This means that when pressing down on a key using either of these switches, you will feel the same distance of travel. Both switches offer a consistent experience in terms of tactile feedback and keypress distance, ensuring a similar typing experience regardless of which one is used. Therefore, whether you choose the KTT Mint or the Outemu Dustproof Black, you can expect to get similar results in terms of the travel distance of the switch.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
For 10 switches, the KTT Mint comes in at $2.91, whereas the Outemu Dustproof Black comes in at $3.10.
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, the KTT Mint linear switch offers a low-pitched and neutral sound profile, giving a satisfying bass-heavy tone with a moderate actuation force requirement suitable for various typing intentions. On the other hand, the Outemu Dustproof Black linear switch lacks specific sound descriptors, making it difficult to directly compare the two in this aspect. The sound produced by either switch will also be influenced by the keyboard and keycap combination used.
When it comes to the feel of the switches, the KTT Mint linear switch provides a mild and polished typing experience, offering a gentle yet refined feel with smooth key travel and reduced friction. This makes it a comfortable option for most users seeking a pleasant typing experience. In contrast, the Outemu Dustproof Black linear switch does not have any specific feel descriptors provided, making it challenging to determine how it compares to the Mint in this regard.
Overall, while the subjective qualities of the KTT Mint linear switch are well-described with its smooth and poppy thockiness, light feel, low-pitched sound, and polished typing experience, the Outemu Dustproof Black linear switch lacks comparable information in terms of sound and feel. As such, it may be difficult to directly compare the two switches based on the available information. In practice, however, both switches being linear, it is likely that users can expect a similar linear typing experience in terms of feel and sound, with nuanced differences that may be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard setup and user preferences.
Conclusion
In closing, when choosing between the KTT Mint linear switch and the Outemu Dustproof Black linear switch, consider the following guidelines. If you prefer a medium-light bottom out force and enjoy a satisfyingly smooth linear switch with a poppy thockiness, opt for the KTT Mint. Additionally, if you prefer a low-pitched sound profile and a mild, polished typing feel, the Mint may be the better choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a heavier bottom out force and are looking for a linear switch with specific sound and feel characteristics that are not listed for the Dustproof Black, then this switch might be the one for you. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preferences for typing experience and sound profile.
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