KTT Mint vs. Outemu Milk Blue
An in-depth look at the KTT Mint and the Outemu Milk Blue switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the KTT Mint's linear switch and the Outemu Milk Blue's clicky switch are popular options to consider. The Mint is praised for its smooth linear feel, offering a satisfying typing experience with a poppy thockiness and light touch. On the other hand, the Milk Blue provides a distinct clicky feedback without any additional information provided. While the Mint is described as low-pitched, neutral, mild, and polished, the Milk Blue's characteristics remain undisclosed. Both switches have their own unique qualities, making them suitable for different preferences and typing styles. 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
50g
Bottom-out force
53g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.20 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
The KTT Mint and Outemu Milk Blue both feature polycarbonate top housings, offering a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. Polycarbonate is known for its stiffness, which contributes to a clear and resonant sound. Additionally, due to its translucency, polycarbonate is ideal for switches that utilize RGB lighting. The similarities in the top housing material of these switches suggest that users can expect a similar auditory experience when typing on either the KTT Mint or the Outemu Milk Blue.
In contrast, the KTT Mint and Outemu Milk Blue differ in their choice of bottom housing material. The Mint utilizes nylon, which produces a deeper and fuller sound when typing. Nylon's softness absorbs more sound compared to harder plastics, resulting in a rounder and duller sound profile. On the other hand, the Milk Blue also features a nylon bottom housing, providing a similar deep and full sound while typing. The shared use of nylon in the bottom housing of both switches indicates that users can anticipate a comparable typing experience in terms of sound and feel.
Ultimately, the characteristics of the housing materials in the KTT Mint and Outemu Milk Blue are divided between their top and bottom components. The bottom housing has a greater impact on the sound and feel when pressing down on a key, while the top housing influences the sound when releasing a key. While both switches offer distinctive sound profiles due to their housing materials, users can expect a harmonious typing experience that combines the qualities of the polycarbonate top and nylon bottom housings in each switch.
Weight
The KTT Mint linear switch has a lighter actuation force compared to the Outemu Milk Blue clicky switch, with 45 grams versus 50 grams, respectively. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Mint requires 53 grams while the Milk Blue force is unknown. Both switches offer a different typing experience due to these differences in force requirements. The Mint switch provides a medium-light feel, allowing for longer typing periods without fatigue, making it ideal for work or gaming sessions. On the other hand, the Milk Blue switch offers a stronger push feel, providing a more substantial typing experience for those who prefer heavier forces. Overall, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for actuation and bottom out force.
Travel distance
The KTT Mint linear switch and the Outemu Milk Blue clicky switch both have a travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when pressing down on a key with either of these switches, you will feel the same amount of distance traveled from the top to the bottom. Both switches provide a consistent typing experience in terms of travel distance. Therefore, if you prefer a key switch with a travel distance of 4 mm, you can expect similar results whether you choose the KTT Mint or the Outemu Milk Blue. Ultimately, the travel distance of these switches is equal, making them both suitable choices for those who prioritize consistency in their typing experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
For 10 switches, the KTT Mint comes in at $2.91, whereas the Outemu Milk Blue 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
When it comes to sound, the KTT Mint linear switch offers a low-pitched and neutral typing experience, providing a bass-heavy and mellow tone with a moderate actuation force requirement. This results in a satisfyingly smooth typing sound that is suitable for various environments. On the other hand, the Outemu Milk Blue clicky switch does not have a sound description provided, but typically clicky switches offer a louder and more tactile typing experience. Overall, if you prefer a quieter and more subtle sound, the Mint switch would be the better choice.
In terms of feel, the KTT Mint linear switch is described as mild and polished, offering a gentle and refined typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel. This makes it comfortable for long typing sessions and appealing to a wide range of users. As for the Outemu Milk Blue clicky switch, there is no specific feel description available, but clicky switches usually provide a more tactile and feedback-rich typing experience. If you enjoy a smoother and more refined feel, the Mint switch would be the preferable option.
Considering all the available information, the KTT Mint linear switch stands out for its satisfyingly smooth typing sound and gentle, polished feel. It offers a low-pitched sound profile and a mild, approachable typing experience, making it a versatile option for both beginners and advanced users. While the Outemu Milk Blue clicky switch may provide a louder and more tactile typing experience, the Mint switch's qualities make it a reliable choice for those looking for a comfortable and refined mechanical keyboard switch. Ultimately, choosing between the two switches will depend on your personal preferences for sound and feel.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the KTT Mint linear switch and the Outemu Milk Blue clicky switch, consider the Mint if you prefer a smooth linear switch with a medium-light bottom out force. The Mint provides a satisfying typing experience with a poppy thockiness and a light, fleeting feel. On the other hand, opt for the Milk Blue if you prefer a clicky switch with an undefined bottom out force. While the Mint offers a low-pitched and neutral sound profile with a mild and polished feel, the Milk Blue's sound and feel characteristics are not specified. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preference for typing experience, sound, and feel.
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