KTT Mint vs. KTT Pine

Overview

When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the KTT Mint and the KTT Pine are both popular choices. The Mint is known for its satisfyingly smooth linear switch, while the Pine offers a buttery smooth typing experience. The Mint has a light and fleeting type feel, while the Pine is medium-heavy. Both switches are categorized as low-pitched, but the Mint is more neutral and mild, while the Pine is bassy and creamy. Additionally, the Mint has a polished finish that adds a poppy thockiness to typing, while the Pine has a translucent, forest green appearance. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.

By the numbers

KTT Mint Linear

KTT Pine Linear

$2.91 per 10

$4.60

$4.15 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

The KTT Mint and KTT Pine both utilize polycarbonate for their top housings, which results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to the stiffness of polycarbonate, which enhances clarity and resonance. The translucent nature of polycarbonate is also beneficial for those who plan to use RGB lighting. Therefore, both switches provide similar sound and aesthetic benefits with their polycarbonate top housings.

However, when it comes to the bottom housing, the Mint and Pine differ in their materials. The Mint features a nylon bottom housing, which is known for creating a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon's softer composition absorbs more sound, leading to a duller and rounder sound. On the other hand, the Pine utilizes a polycarbonate bottom housing, resulting in a sharper and crisper sound profile. The stiffness of polycarbonate enhances clarity and resonance in the bottom-out sound and feel of the switch.

In terms of functionality, the qualities brought by each housing material are distributed between the top and bottom of the switch. When pressing down on either the Mint or Pine, the impact on the bottom-out sound and feel will be primarily influenced by the bottom housing material. Conversely, the sound when releasing a key will be more influenced by the top housing material. This highlights the importance of both top and bottom housing materials in determining the overall typing experience and sound profile of a switch.

Weight

When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the KTT Mint linear switch and the KTT Pine linear switch, there are both similarities and differences to consider. Both switches have an actuation force of 45 grams, meaning they require the same amount of force to trigger a keystroke. This ensures a consistent typing experience for users who prefer a lighter touch. However, when it comes to bottoming out, the Mint switch has a force of 53 grams, while the Pine switch has a force of 58 grams. This means that the Pine switch provides a slightly heavier feel when fully pressed down compared to the Mint switch.

Weight is an important consideration for keyboard enthusiasts, as it can impact both comfort and performance. Those who prefer a lighter switch, such as the Mint, may find it more suitable for extended typing sessions or prolonged gaming sessions. The lighter actuation and bottom out forces allow for quicker keystrokes and reduce the strain on the fingers. On the other hand, individuals who prefer a more substantial typing experience may opt for the Pine switch, with its slightly heavier bottom out force. This can provide a satisfying tactile feedback and a sense of solidity with each keystroke.

In conclusion, while both the KTT Mint and Pine linear switches have the same actuation force, the differences in their bottom out forces contribute to contrasting typing experiences. The Mint switch offers a lighter overall feel, while the Pine switch provides a slightly heavier and more robust typing sensation. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on the user's personal preferences and typing style.

Travel distance

The KTT Mint linear switch and the KTT Pine linear switch both have a travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when you press down on a key with either of these switches, you will feel the same distance of travel. Both switches offer a consistent and satisfying tactile experience. Whether you choose the Mint or the Pine, you can expect similar results in terms of the travel distance. The two switches are evenly matched in this aspect, providing a reliable typing or gaming experience.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound, the KTT Mint linear switch offers a low-pitched and neutral tone. This means that it has a more bass-heavy and mellow sound profile, which is suitable for various purposes, whether you are a beginner or an advanced typist, and whether you are using it at home or work. On the other hand, the KTT Pine linear switch provides a bassy and low-pitched sound. It offers a deeper and richer sound profile, resembling the depth and richness associated with bass tones. Both switches have a similar low-pitched sound characteristic, but the Pine switch offers a slightly richer tone due to its bassy nature.

In terms of feel, the KTT Mint linear switch provides a mild and polished typing experience. The mild characteristic means that it offers a gentle typing experience without any extreme tactile or auditory feedback. It falls in the safe middle-ground zone in terms of feel, making it approachable for most typists. The Mint switch also has a polished finish, resulting in reduced friction and smooth key travel, thanks to factory lubing. Similarly, the KTT Pine linear switch offers a buttery and creamy typing experience. These terms imply a smooth and fluid keystroke experience, with a seamless and effortless typing sensation. The Pine switch offers a silky sensation, allowing your fingers to glide effortlessly across the keys. Both switches share a smooth and refined typing experience, but the Pine switch adds a creamy sensation, making it especially silky and luxurious.

Taking all the available information into account, the KTT Mint and Pine linear switches offer different subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Mint switch provides a satisfyingly smooth linear switch experience with a poppy thockiness, light type feel, low-pitched and neutral sound, and a mild and polished typing experience. On the other hand, the Pine switch offers a medium-heavy linear switch experience, with a buttery smooth feel, bassy and low-pitched sound, and a creamy typing experience. Although both switches have some similarities, such as a low-pitched sound profile and a smooth feel, they each bring their own unique characteristics to the table. Depending on an individual's preferences, one may prefer the Mint switch for its lighter and more neutral qualities, while another may enjoy the Pine switch for its heavier and creamier experience.

Conclusion

To sum up, if you are looking for a satisfyingly smooth and light typing experience with a poppy thockiness, the KTT Mint linear switch would be a great choice for you. With its medium-light bottom out force of 53 grams and a long pole stem, this switch provides a light and fleeting type feel. In terms of sound, the Mint switch offers a low-pitched and neutral profile, providing a more bass-heavy and mellow tone compared to higher-pitched switches. Additionally, the Mint switch has a mild and polished feel, offering a gentle typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel.

On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-heavy switch with a translucent forest green color and a buttery smooth typing experience, the KTT Pine linear switch would be the ideal option for you. With a bottom out force of 58 grams and a polished, factory-lubed finish, the Pine switch ensures effortless key travel and minimizes friction. In terms of sound, the Pine switch offers a bassy and low-pitched profile, providing a deeper and richer sound during key presses. As for the feel, the Pine switch is described as buttery and creamy, offering a smooth, fluid, and uniform typing sensation. It effortlessly melts into each keystroke, providing a silky sensation similar to gliding your fingers across the keys with ease.

Ultimately, the choice between the KTT Mint linear switch and the KTT Pine linear switch depends on your personal preferences in terms of typing experience, sound, and feel. Both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences, so consider what you value most in a keyboard switch and make your decision accordingly.

Mentioned in this article

KTT Mint Linear

$2.91 per 10

Learn more

KTT Pine Linear

$4.60

$4.15 per 10

Learn more