KTT Mint vs. Durock Piano
An in-depth look at the KTT Mint and the Durock Piano switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, two popular options that often come to mind are the KTT Mint and the Durock Piano. The Mint is favored for its satisfyingly smooth linear switch, providing a poppy thockiness and a light and fleeting type feel. On the other hand, the Durock Piano stands out for its proprietary material blend, making it one of the most pleasant linear switches to type on. With a gliding push feel and a deep, creamy sound signature, it offers a unique typing experience. Both switches have their distinct characteristics and appeal, but to make an informed decision, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond the generalities and explore which switch might be the best fit for your preferences.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
53g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
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
No
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
Mystery material
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Proprietary POM blend
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Proprietary POM blend
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
15mm spring
Spring
Gold-plated
Housing materials
The housing materials of the KTT Mint and the Durock Piano exhibit significant differences. The Mint features a polycarbonate top housing, which lends itself to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The stiffness of polycarbonate contributes to a clear and resonant sound, making it suitable for users who prioritize a precise and vibrant typing experience. In contrast, the Piano utilizes a proprietary POM blend top housing, which offers a uniquely satisfying and deep sound profile. Although the exact details of this blend are unknown, the POM material is known for its excellent durability and smoothness. Therefore, while the Mint provides a more distinct sound, the Piano presents a deeper and gratifying audio output.
While the top housings of the Mint and the Piano differ, their nylon and POM blend bottom housings share similarities. The Mint incorporates a nylon bottom housing, which is renowned for creating a deeper and fuller sound profile. Its softer nature allows for increased sound absorption, resulting in a more subdued and well-rounded auditory experience. Similarly, the Piano features a proprietary POM blend bottom housing, offering an equally satisfying and deep sound profile. Although the exact composition is undisclosed, the POM blend exhibits qualities similar to nylon in terms of sound production. Thus, users can expect comparable sound characteristics from both switches' bottom housings, providing a consistent typing experience.
While the bottom housings may share similarities, the Mint and the Piano exhibit distinct characteristics in their respective top and bottom housing materials. When using the Mint, the polycarbonate top housing will have a more pronounced impact on the sound when a key is released. Its stiffness and translucency, suitable for RGB lighting, contribute to a sharp and resonant audio output upon key release. Conversely, the Piano's POM blend top housing imparts a unique and satisfying sound profile upon key release, albeit with deeper undertones. Additionally, the impact on the bottom-out sound and feel will primarily come from the bottom housing for both switches. Therefore, users can expect variations in sound and feel between the Mint and the Piano due to the distinct qualities of their respective top and bottom housings.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the KTT Mint linear switch and the Durock Piano linear switch, there are noticeable differences. The Mint has an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 53 grams, which falls into the medium-light category. On the other hand, the Piano's actuation force is unknown, making it difficult to compare directly, but it has a bottom out force of 63.5 grams, putting it in the medium-heavy range. In terms of weight, the Mint is lighter than the Piano, which can be beneficial for those who prefer a lighter typing experience for extended periods of time. However, for individuals who enjoy a more substantial typing feel, the Piano's heavier bottom out force may provide the desired level of resistance. While the actuation force comparison is unavailable, it is likely that the Mint's medium-light actuation force would result in a relatively similar typing experience to the Piano's heavier bottom out force, since both switches require a certain level of force to activate the keystroke.
Travel distance
The travel distance of a switch is a crucial factor to consider when selecting a keyboard switch, as it directly affects the user's typing experience. In the case of the KTT Mint and Durock Piano linear switches, both models offer a travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when pressing down on a key equipped with either of these switches, users will experience the same distance of travel from the top to the bottom. Therefore, if you prefer the travel distance provided by the KTT Mint linear switch, you can expect a very similar experience with the Durock Piano linear switch, as both switches offer an identical travel distance.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Durock Piano has an MSRP of $6.70 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Piano for $5.57.
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 subjective qualities of the KTT Mint linear switch and the Durock Piano linear switch, it is important to consider the sound and feel of each switch. The Mint switch is best known for its satisfyingly smooth linear feel, which is accompanied by a unique poppy thockiness. This switch provides a light and fleeting typing experience. On the other hand, the Piano switch is highly regarded for its proprietary material blend, which contributes to a gliding push feel and a deep, creamy sound signature.
In terms of sound, the Mint switch is described as having a low-pitched and neutral sound profile. Low-pitched switches tend to produce a more bass-heavy and mellow tone. The neutral sound profile of the Mint switch makes it suitable for both beginners and advanced users in various settings. On the other hand, the Piano switch is characterized as being bassy, offering a richer and deeper sound during key presses. This switch produces a lower frequency range reminiscent of the depth and richness associated with bass tones.
When it comes to feel, the Mint switch is described as mild and polished. The mild characteristic ensures a gentle typing experience that appeals to a wide range of users. The polished finish of the Mint switch ensures reduced friction and smooth key travel. In contrast, the Piano switch is known for its frictionless and silky feel. This means that it offers an extremely smooth and effortless typing experience, with minimal resistance or friction when pressing the keys.
Overall, both the KTT Mint linear switch and the Durock Piano linear switch offer unique subjective qualities. While the Mint switch provides a satisfyingly smooth and poppy thockiness, the Piano switch offers a gliding push feel and a deep, creamy sound signature. When it comes to sound, the Mint switch has a low-pitched and neutral profile, while the Piano switch is bassy. In terms of feel, the Mint switch is mild and polished, while the Piano switch is frictionless and silky. Depending on personal preferences, both switches can provide a pleasant typing experience. However, it is important to note that the final sound and feel of the switches may also be influenced by factors such as the choice of keyboard and keycaps.
Conclusion
In closing, when it comes to choosing between the KTT Mint linear switch and the Durock Piano linear switch, it ultimately depends on your preferences and typing style. If you enjoy a medium-light bottom out force and are looking for a satisfyingly smooth typing experience with a light and fleeting feel, then the Mint switch is a great option for you. It offers a low-pitched sound profile and a mild and polished feel, making it approachable to most users.
On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-heavy bottom out force and value a gliding push feel with a deep and creamy sound signature, then the Durock Piano switch is the one to consider. It offers a bassy sound profile that resembles the depth and richness associated with bass tones. The Piano switch provides a frictionless and silky typing experience, making it exceptionally smooth and effortless to use.
In summary, the Mint switch is best suited for those who prioritize a smooth and polished typing experience, with a preference for a lighter feel and a more mellow sound. On the other hand, the Piano switch is ideal for users who prefer a deeper and richer sound, along with a frictionless and silky smooth feel. Consider your preferences and typing style to make the best decision for your mechanical keyboard switch choice.
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