KTT Mint vs. KTT Purple Click
An in-depth look at the KTT Mint and the KTT Purple Click switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, two options that stand out are the KTT Mint and the KTT Purple Click. The Mint is a linear switch that is best known for its satisfyingly smooth typing experience. With its long pole stem, users can expect a delightful "poppy thockiness" when typing on this switch, paired with a light and fleeting type feel. On the other hand, the Purple Click, also known as Purple Sauce, offers a fairly high-pitched and satisfying click, making it a popular option for those who enjoy a tactile typing experience. The keystrokes on the Purple Click are light yet still provide pronounced tactility without being overwhelming, resulting in a perfect equilibrium. While these general descriptions provide a glimpse into the unique qualities of each switch, it is important to dive deeper beyond these generalities to determine which switch is the best fit for your specific 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
1.90 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
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
15mm spring
Spring
18mm spring
Housing materials
Both the KTT Mint and the KTT Purple Click feature polycarbonate top housings, which contribute to a similar sound profile. The polycarbonate material results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound, making it ideal for those seeking a clear and resonant typing experience. Additionally, the translucent nature of polycarbonate allows for enhanced RGB lighting effects, adding an aesthetic appeal to the switches. Therefore, users can expect similar results in terms of sound and visual experience when using either switch.
In terms of the bottom housing material, both the Mint and the Purple Click utilize nylon. This classic switch housing material offers a contrasting sound profile compared to the polycarbonate top housing. Typing on switches with nylon bottom housings creates a deeper and fuller sound, as nylon is a relatively softer plastic that absorbs more sound compared to harder plastics. This absorption leads to a duller and rounder sound when bottoming out the keys. Consequently, whether you choose the Mint or the Purple Click, you can expect a similar typing experience in terms of the bottom-out sound and feel.
While the top and bottom housings may differ for each switch, the overall typing experience is influenced by both. The bottom housing has a greater impact on the bottom-out sound and feel, affecting the overall tactile feedback when pressing down on a key. On the other hand, the top housing plays a more significant role in the sound produced when releasing a key. Therefore, depending on your typing style and preference, the combination of polycarbonate and nylon housing materials in the Mint and the Purple Click will provide a unique blend of sound characteristics, offering users the opportunity to find the perfect balance between sharpness and depth in their typing experience.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the KTT Mint linear switch and the KTT Purple Click clicky switch, there are some notable differences. The Mint has an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 53 grams, which falls under the category of medium-light. On the other hand, the Purple Click has an actuation force of 40 grams and a slightly higher bottom out force of 55 grams, also classifying it as medium-light.
In terms of weight, both switches offer a relatively light typing experience. This can be favorable for those who prefer longer typing sessions or extended gaming sessions, as the lighter weight allows for minimal finger fatigue. The Mint and Purple Click switches both provide a smooth and easy actuation, making them suitable for these scenarios.
However, for individuals who desire a more substantial typing feel and prefer a stronger push, the bottom out force becomes more relevant. The Mint requires a slightly lighter force for bottoming out compared to the Purple Click, with a difference of 2 grams. This means that the Mint switch may provide a slightly less pronounced typing experience compared to the Purple Click.
In conclusion, while both the KTT Mint linear switch and the KTT Purple Click clicky switch offer a relatively light typing experience, the Mint requires a slightly lighter force for both actuation and bottoming out. This makes the Mint a preferred choice for those who prioritize a lighter touch, while the Purple Click may appeal to individuals seeking a slightly stronger, more tactile typing experience.
Travel distance
The KTT Mint linear switch and the KTT Purple Click clicky switch have the same travel distance of 4 mm. This means that both switches will provide a similar tactile feedback and typing experience, as you will feel the switch travel the same distance when pressing down on a key. Whether you prefer a linear switch or a clicky switch, you can expect the same level of travel distance for both the Mint and the Purple Click switches.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The KTT Purple Click has an MSRP of $3.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Purple Click for $2.55.
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
The KTT Mint linear switch is best known for its satisfyingly smooth and poppy thockiness when typing. The sound of the Mint switch is described as low-pitched, which means it has a more bass-heavy and mellow tone compared to higher-pitched switches. This makes it a great choice for those who prefer a quieter typing experience. As for the feel, the Mint switch is considered mild and polished. It offers a gentle typing experience with a smooth and refined finish, resulting in reduced friction and smooth key travel. The Mint switch provides a light and fleeting type feel, making it approachable to most users.
On the other hand, the KTT Purple Click clicky switch is known for its fairly high-pitched and satisfying click sound. The sound profile of the Purple Click switch is described as crunchy and resonant. It produces a sound similar to stepping on piles of crisp and crunchy autumn leaves, creating an immersive auditory experience. The feel of the Purple Click switch is invigorating and stepped. It offers pronounced feedback, moderate to firm actuation force, and a snappy and reactive feel. This gives typists an engaging and tactile typing sensation.
In summary, the KTT Mint linear switch and the KTT Purple Click clicky switch have distinct subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Mint switch provides a low-pitched sound and a mild, polished feel. It offers a satisfyingly smooth typing experience with a poppy thockiness. The Purple Click switch, on the other hand, delivers a fairly high-pitched click sound and an invigorating, stepped feel. It offers a clicky typing experience with pronounced feedback. Both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences. However, it's important to note that the sound and feel of the switches can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used. If you are looking for a smooth and mild typing experience, the Mint switch would be a good choice. If you prefer a clicky and invigorating typing experience, the Purple Click switch would be more suitable.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the KTT Mint linear switch and the KTT Purple Click clicky switch, it all comes down to your personal preferences and typing experience preferences.
If you enjoy a smooth and poppy typing experience with a light and fleeting type feel, the Mint switch would be a great choice for you. It has a medium-light bottom out force of 53 grams and offers a satisfyingly smooth linear feel. The sound profile of the Mint switch is described as low-pitched and neutral, providing a bass-heavy and mellow tone without being too overwhelming. The feel of the Mint switch is characterized as mild and polished, offering a gentle typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel.
On the other hand, if you prefer a clicky switch with a pronounced tactile feedback and a higher-pitched, satisfying click sound, the Purple Click switch is the way to go. It also has a medium-light bottom out force of 55 grams, providing a light keystroke feel with a perfect equilibrium of tactility. The sound profile of the Purple Click switch is described as crunchy and resonant, resembling the sound of stepping on autumn leaves and offering an immersive auditory experience. The feel of the Purple Click switch is invigorating and stepped, providing a snappy and reactive typing sensation with noticeable pre-travel and/or post-travel.
Ultimately, it's important to consider what qualities you prioritize in a switch - whether it's the smoothness and mildness of the Mint or the clickiness and tactile feedback of the Purple Click. Consider your typing preferences and choose the switch that best suits your needs. Happy typing!
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