KTT Mint vs. Akko Penguin
An in-depth look at the KTT Mint and the Akko Penguin switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options that stand out are the KTT Mint, a linear switch, and the Akko Penguin, a tactile switch. The Mint is known for its smooth linear feel, offering a poppy thockiness and a light, fleeting typing experience. On the other hand, the Penguin switches from Akko are designed for quiet environments, featuring a rounded tactile bump for satisfying feedback with minimal noise. The Mint is categorized as 'Low-pitched', 'Neutral', and 'Mild', while the Penguin is described as 'Polished', 'Muted', and 'Feathery'. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities to help you decide on the best switch for your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
43g
Bottom-out force
53g
Bottom-out force
60g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 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
Nylon
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
The housing materials of the KTT Mint and the Akko Penguin differ in terms of the top housing material. The Mint features a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to its relatively stiff nature. In contrast, the Penguin uses a nylon top housing, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile as nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound. This contrast in top housing materials leads to a noticeable difference in sound characteristics between the two switches.
However, when it comes to the bottom housing material, both the Mint and the Penguin utilize nylon for this component. This means that typing on both switches elicits a deeper and fuller sound profile, as nylon's soft nature absorbs sound effectively. The similarities in bottom housing material between the two switches result in a similar typing experience in terms of sound profile. Despite the differences in the top housing material, users can expect a consistent sound quality when it comes to the bottom-out sound and feel of both switches.
Overall, the choice of housing materials for the KTT Mint and the Akko Penguin plays a significant role in shaping their sound profiles. While the Mint's polycarbonate top housing creates a sharper and crisper sound, the Penguin's nylon top housing offers a deeper and fuller sound experience. On the other hand, both switches share a nylon bottom housing, which contributes to a consistent deep and full sound profile during typing. By understanding the impact of different housing materials on sound characteristics, users can select a switch that aligns with their preferences for sound profile and typing experience.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the KTT Mint linear switch and the Akko Penguin tactile switch, it is clear that the Mint is lighter overall. The Mint has an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 53 grams, making it medium-light in terms of typing feel. On the other hand, the Akko Penguin has an actuation force of 43 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams, putting it in the medium category. Both switches offer a comfortable typing experience, but those who prefer a lighter touch may lean towards the Mint, while those who enjoy a bit more resistance might prefer the Penguin. Regardless, users can expect similar results in terms of actuation force and bottom out force with both switches, providing a satisfying typing experience for different preferences.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the KTT Mint linear switch is 4 mm, while the Akko Penguin tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.3 mm. In this case, the Penguin has a shorter travel distance compared to the Mint. The Mint's 4 mm travel distance is more traditional and offers a slightly deeper press compared to the Penguin's 3.3 mm. Gamers who prioritize faster response times may prefer the shorter travel distance of the Penguin, while those who prefer a more substantial key press may lean towards the Mint. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference regarding key travel depth and responsiveness.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Akko Penguin has an MSRP of $4.22 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Penguin for $3.10.
The KTT Mint comes in at $2.91 per 10 switches.
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 comparing the sound of the KTT Mint linear switch and the Akko Penguin tactile switch, they both fall under the category of neutral sound profiles. However, the Mint offers a low-pitched tone, providing a more bass-heavy and mellow sound compared to the Penguin's muted and softer sound. Depending on factors like the keyboard and keycaps used, the Mint may offer a more poppy thockiness, while the Penguin focuses on minimizing noise, making it suitable for quiet environments like offices.
Moving on to the feel aspect, both switches are described as polished, offering a smooth and refined typing experience. The Mint is characterized as mild, providing a gentle typing experience in a safe middle-ground zone, while the Penguin also falls under the mild category and adds the descriptor of feathery, indicating its exceptionally light actuation force. The Penguin allows for reduced finger fatigue and comfortable extended typing sessions, making it suitable for various uses like gaming, school, or work.
In conclusion, the KTT Mint linear switch and the Akko Penguin tactile switch offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Mint provides a low-pitched tone with a smooth typing experience, while the Penguin focuses on muted sound and a lighter actuation force for reduced fatigue. Both switches cater to different preferences, with the Mint possibly offering a more satisfying thockiness, and the Penguin being a quieter option for office settings. It ultimately comes down to personal preference and the specific environment in which the keyboard will be used when choosing between these two switches.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the KTT Mint linear switch and the Akko Penguin tactile switch, consider the factors that are most important to you. Choose the Mint if you prefer a light and smooth linear switch with a poppy thockiness and low-pitched sound profile. Opt for the Penguin if you value a silent tactile switch with a rounded tactile bump, muted sound profile, and balanced medium weight for comfortable typing sessions. Ultimately, your choice should align with your preferences in terms of feel, sound, and typing experience. Remember to consider the environment in which you'll be using the keyboard to ensure that you make the best decision for your needs.
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