KTT Mint vs. Outemu Milk Tea
An in-depth look at the KTT Mint and the Outemu Milk Tea switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When looking at mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options to consider are the KTT Mint and the Outemu Milk Tea. The Mint is a linear switch that is loved for its satisfyingly smooth typing experience, with a poppy thockiness thanks to its long pole stem. It offers a light and fleeting typing feel and is categorized as low-pitched, neutral, mild, and polished. On the other hand, the Milk Tea is a tactile switch that lacks specific standout characteristics but provides a different typing experience compared to the Mint. While the Mint is known for its smooth linear action, the Milk Tea offers a tactile bump that provides feedback during typing. Each switch has its own unique qualities and benefits, but to truly understand which one is best for you, it is important to delve deeper beyond these generalities.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
53g
Bottom-out force
N/A
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
Ly
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
15mm spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
Both the KTT Mint and Outemu Milk Tea switches feature polycarbonate top housings, which offer a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to the stiffness of polycarbonate, which creates a clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches with RGB lighting, providing a visually appealing aesthetic. In contrast, the Milk Tea's Ly top housing offers a very bright sound signature, producing resonant clacks when typing.
In terms of bottom housings, both the Mint and Milk Tea switches utilize nylon material. Nylon is known for creating a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to harder plastics, as it absorbs more sound and creates a duller and rounder sound. Therefore, typing on switches with nylon bottom housings will elicit a softer and more muted sound, enhancing the overall typing experience. This similarity in bottom housing material ensures that both the Mint and Milk Tea switches provide a satisfying sound when typing.
While the top housings of the KTT Mint and Outemu Milk Tea switches offer different sound profiles due to their materials, the nylon bottom housings of both switches provide a consistent experience in terms of sound. The split between the top and bottom housing materials allows for a balance in sound qualities when typing on these switches. The impact of the bottom housing can be felt when bottoming out a key, while the top housing influences the sound when releasing a key. Overall, both switches offer a unique combination of materials that contribute to their distinct sound profiles and overall typing experience.
Weight
The KTT Mint linear switch and the Outemu Milk Tea tactile switch both have the same actuation force of 45 grams, resulting in a similar typing experience in terms of initial key press. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Mint requires 53 grams while the force for the Milk Tea switch is unknown. This means that the Mint switch is slightly heavier when it comes to fully pressing the key down. The actuation force of 45 grams for both switches is considered medium-light, making them suitable for those who prefer a lighter typing experience for extended periods of use. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will come down to whether one prefers a slightly heavier bottom out force or if the unknown bottom out force of the Milk Tea switch is a deciding factor.
Travel distance
Both the KTT Mint linear switch and the Outemu Milk Tea tactile switch have a travel distance of 4 mm, making them equal in this aspect. When pressing down on a key equipped with either switch, users can expect a consistent travel distance experience. This means that whether you choose the Mint or the Milk Tea, you will get similar results in terms of the distance the switch travels from the top to the bottom. Therefore, the travel distance of these switches will not be a differentiating factor for those deciding between the two.
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 Tea 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 sound profile, providing a bass-heavy and mellow tone that is suitable for various environments and typing preferences. on the other hand, the Outemu Milk Tea tactile switch's sound qualities are unknown, so it is difficult to compare directly. Both switches' sound profiles can be further influenced by the keyboard they are used in and the keycaps attached.
Moving on to feel, the KTT Mint linear switch is described as mild and polished, offering a gentle typing experience with smooth key travel and reduced friction. This switch falls into a safe middle-ground zone, making it approachable for most users. Unfortunately, details on the feel of the Outemu Milk Tea tactile switch are unavailable, making direct comparison challenging. However, based on the information provided, both switches may offer a pleasant typing experience, albeit with potential differences in tactile feedback and actuation force.
Overall, while the specific qualities of the Outemu Milk Tea tactile switch remain unknown, the KTT Mint linear switch stands out for its smooth, satisfying typing experience with a low-pitched sound profile. Both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences, with potential differences in sound and feel that can complement various typing styles. As a newcomer exploring mechanical keyboard switches, experimenting with both options may provide valuable insights into your preferred switch type and elevate your typing experience.
Conclusion
In closing, when choosing between the KTT Mint linear switch and the Outemu Milk Tea tactile switch, you should consider your preferences and typing style. If you prefer a smooth and easy typing experience with a light and fleeting feel, the Mint switch might be the better choice for you. Additionally, if you enjoy a low-pitched sound profile and a polished switch for reduced friction and smooth key travel, the Mint switch would suit your needs. On the other hand, if you are looking for a switch with a different tactile experience and are willing to try something new with a bottom out force that is unavailable, the Milk Tea switch may be the switch for you. Ultimately, the decision comes down to your personal preferences and typing preferences.
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