KTT Mint vs. Outemu Spring Breeze
An in-depth look at the KTT Mint and the Outemu Spring Breeze switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When looking at mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options that often come up for comparison are the KTT Mint, a linear switch, and the Outemu Spring Breeze, a clicky switch. The Mint is praised for its smooth linear feel, providing a satisfying typing experience with a poppy thockiness caused by its long pole stem. With a light and fleeting type feel, it falls into the categories of being low-pitched, neutral, mild, and polished. In contrast, the Spring Breeze's specific characteristics are not explicitly mentioned, leaving it open to interpretation. For those who prefer a quieter typing experience with a pronounced tactile feedback, the Mint may be the preferable choice, while the Spring Breeze could appeal to those who enjoy a clicky sound with every key press. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can make an informed decision on the best switch for your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
40g
Bottom-out force
53g
Bottom-out force
55g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.50 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 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
Nylon
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 main difference between the housing materials of the KTT Mint and the Outemu Spring Breeze is the use of polycarbonate in the Mint's top housing versus nylon in the Spring Breeze's top housing. Polycarbonate is known for creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile, while nylon produces a deeper and fuller sound. This means that typing on the Mint switches would result in a more clear and resonant sound, while typing on the Spring Breeze switches would offer a duller and rounder sound.
In terms of the bottom housings, both the Mint and the Spring Breeze utilize nylon. This means that both switches would provide a similar typing experience in terms of the impact on the bottom-out sound and feel. Nylon's softer plastic absorbs more sound than harder plastics, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile. Therefore, whether using the Mint or the Spring Breeze, users can expect a similar typing experience in terms of the sound produced from the bottom housing.
Overall, the choice between the KTT Mint and the Outemu Spring Breeze comes down to personal preference in sound profile. The Mint's polycarbonate top housing would create a sharper and crisper sound, while the Spring Breeze's nylon top housing would produce a deeper and fuller sound. However, since both switches use nylon for the bottom housing, users can expect a consistent typing experience in terms of the impact on sound and feel. Ultimately, users should consider their desired sound profile when choosing between these two switches.
Weight
The actuation force and bottom out force of the KTT Mint linear switch and the Outemu Spring Breeze clicky switch show some similarities and differences. The Mint has a slightly higher actuation force of 45 grams compared to the Spring Breeze's 40 grams. Both switches have a medium-light bottom out force, with the Mint at 53 grams and the Spring Breeze at 55 grams. This means that the Spring Breeze requires a lighter touch to activate a keystroke but a slightly heavier force to bottom out, providing a more tactile typing experience. However, both switches fall into the medium-light category, making them suitable for users who prefer a balance between typing comfort and feedback. Ultimately, whether someone chooses the Mint or the Spring Breeze will depend on their personal preference for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
Both the KTT Mint linear switch and the Outemu Spring Breeze clicky switch have a travel distance of 4 mm, making them equal in this aspect. This means that when pressing down on a key with either switch, you will feel the key travel a total distance of 4 mm from the top to the bottom. This similarity in travel distance ensures that users will have a consistent typing experience regardless of which switch they choose. It is worth noting that a shorter travel distance can lead to faster typing speeds and potentially less fatigue, while a longer travel distance can provide a more tactile typing experience. Therefore, both switches offer a standard travel distance that balances speed and tactility for users to enjoy.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
For 10 switches, the KTT Mint comes in at $2.91, whereas the Outemu Spring Breeze 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, which gives a bass-heavy and mellow tone while also being suitable for most typing purposes. On the other hand, the Outemu Spring Breeze clicky switch does not have any known descriptions of its sound. It is important to note that the sound of a switch is also influenced by other factors such as the keyboard and keycaps used.
Moving on to the feel, the Mint linear switch is described as mild and polished, providing a gentle typing experience with a smooth and refined finish. This results in reduced friction and smooth key travel, making it appealing to users seeking a comfortable typing experience. Conversely, there is no available information on the feel of the Spring Breeze clicky switch.
In conclusion, the KTT Mint linear switch stands out for its smooth linear feel and low-pitched, neutral sound profile, making it a popular choice for those looking for a satisfying typing experience. While information on the Outemu Spring Breeze clicky switch is limited, it is important to consider personal preferences for sound and feel when selecting a mechanical keyboard switch. Ultimately, both switches may offer similar results depending on individual preferences.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the KTT Mint linear switch and the Outemu Spring Breeze clicky switch, it is important to consider your preferences and needs. If you are looking for a smooth and satisfying typing experience with a light and fleeting feel, then the Mint linear switch would be a great choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a clicky switch with a medium-light bottom out force and are not particularly concerned about sound and feel descriptors, then the Spring Breeze clicky switch may be the better option. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches will depend on whether you prioritize the typing experience or the tactile feedback in your mechanical keyboard. Consider what aspects are most important to you and choose accordingly.
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