KTT Mint vs. Outemu Silent White
An in-depth look at the KTT Mint and the Outemu Silent White switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the KTT Mint linear switch to the Outemu Silent White linear switch, both offer a smooth typing experience without the tactile bump typically found in other types of switches. The Mint is praised for its satisfyingly smooth feel with a poppy thockiness due to its long pole stem, while the Silent White remains silent during typing. The Mint is described as having a low-pitched, neutral, mild, and polished feel, whereas the Silent White does not have any specific characteristics listed. Depending on your preference for sound and feel, you may lean towards the Mint for a more tactile typing experience or the Silent White for a quieter option. 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
45g
Bottom-out force
53g
Bottom-out force
60g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.60 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.30 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
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
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
15mm spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
Both the KTT Mint and the Outemu Silent White switches feature polycarbonate top housings, which create a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to the stiffness of polycarbonate, which leads to a more clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it an ideal material for switches that plan to utilize RGB lighting. In terms of aesthetics and sound quality, both switches offer similar benefits when it comes to their polycarbonate top housings.
The KTT Mint and the Outemu Silent White switches also both utilize nylon for their bottom housings. Nylon is known for creating a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to other housing materials. This is because nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. Typing on switches with nylon bottom housings can provide a more satisfying and tactile typing experience. The similarity in bottom housing material between the two switches means that users can expect a comparable sound and feel when using either the KTT Mint or the Outemu Silent White switches.
When considering the overall typing experience, the differences in housing materials between the KTT Mint and the Outemu Silent White switches may affect how the sound is perceived. While both switches feature polycarbonate top housings, which impact the sound when letting go of a key, the nylon bottom housing of each switch will contribute to the bottom-out sound and feel. Users may find that the KTT Mint and the Outemu Silent White switches offer a harmonious blend of crispness from the polycarbonate top housing and depth from the nylon bottom housing, creating a well-rounded typing experience.
Weight
The KTT Mint linear switch and the Outemu Silent White linear switch both have an actuation force of 45 grams, making them equally light in terms of the force needed to trigger a keystroke. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Mint requires 53 grams, while the Silent White requires 60 grams, making the Silent White slightly heavier in terms of the force needed to press all the way down. This means that those who prefer a lighter typing experience may lean towards the Mint, while those who prefer a bit more resistance may opt for the Silent White. Both switches provide a medium actuation force, but the Mint offers a lighter bottom out force compared to the Silent White, allowing for a smoother typing experience.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the KTT Mint linear switch is 4 mm, while the Outemu Silent White linear switch has a travel distance of 3.3 mm. In this case, the KTT Mint has a longer travel distance compared to the Outemu Silent White. The Mint's 4 mm travel distance provides a slightly deeper key press feel, offering a more traditional typing experience. On the other hand, the Silent White's 3.3 mm travel distance is shorter, making it a preferred choice for gamers seeking faster response times. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference: those who value a deeper key press may opt for the Mint, while those who prioritize quicker responses may prefer the Silent White. Both switches offer a unique typing experience, with the Mint providing a longer travel distance and the Silent White offering a shorter one.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
For 10 switches, the KTT Mint comes in at $2.91, whereas the Outemu Silent White 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
The KTT Mint linear switch is known for its low-pitched sound with a poppy thockiness, creating a satisfyingly smooth typing experience. The sound of these switches is neutral, making them suitable for various typing environments. The feel of the Mint switch is described as mild and polished, offering a gentle typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel. On the other hand, information on the sound and feel of the Outemu Silent White linear switch is not available. Therefore, if you are looking for a smooth and satisfying typing experience with a low-pitched sound and a polished feel, the KTT Mint linear switch would be a great choice. However, if you are specifically looking for a silent option, further information on the Outemu Silent White switch would be needed to make a direct comparison. Ultimately, both switches can provide a pleasant typing experience depending on your preferences.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a smooth and satisfying typing experience with a light and poppy feel, you should choose the KTT Mint linear switch. The Mint switch also offers a low-pitched sound profile and a mild and polished typing feel, making it a great choice for most users. On the other hand, if you prefer a slightly heavier actuation force and a medium sound profile, you may want to go for the Outemu Silent White linear switch. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches will depend on your personal preferences for typing feel, sound, and actuation force.
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