KTT Mint vs. Durock Sea Glass
An in-depth look at the KTT Mint and the Durock Sea Glass switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the KTT Mint and the Durock Sea Glass mechanical keyboard switches, it becomes apparent that both offer unique attributes and qualities that make them standout options. The Mint switch is known for its satisfyingly smooth linear feel and distinct sound, thanks to its long pole stem. With a light and fleeting type feel, it offers a low-pitched and neutral typing experience. On the other hand, the Sea Glass switch series by Durock stands out with its captivating selection of pastel colors. These switches provide a dry, wispiness, and airy typing experience due to their proprietary material blend, while still maintaining a smoothness that is uncompromised. Despite its 62g bottom-out force, the Sea Glass switches possess a surprising weightlessness that defies expectations, adding to their frictionless nature. Additionally, they produce a uniquely hollow sound signature. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your personal preferences and typing style.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
53g
Bottom-out force
62g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
P3+
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
15mm spring
Spring
Gold-plated
Housing materials
The housing materials used in the KTT Mint and Durock Sea Glass switches differ in terms of their composition and resulting sound profiles. The Mint utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, which lends itself to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to the stiffness of polycarbonate, which allows for a more clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucent nature of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches with RGB lighting. On the other hand, the Sea Glass features a unique blend of Polymer nylon and UHMWPE in its top housing, resulting in a sound profile that is pleasant but not particularly sharp. While both materials contribute to a brighter sound, the Sea Glass blend provides a distinct tonal quality.
In terms of their bottom housings, the Mint uses nylon while the Sea Glass employs a blend of Polymer nylon and UHMWPE. Nylon is a classic switch housing material known for producing a deeper and fuller sound profile. Its relatively softer composition allows it to absorb more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder overall sound. Meanwhile, the Sea Glass's blend of Polymer nylon and UHMWPE for its bottom housing offers a unique combination. Although it is also a softer material, it contributes to a sound profile that is both pleasant and slightly brighter.
Despite their differences, both switches share a common characteristic when it comes to the impact of their top and bottom housings. The qualities of each housing material are divided between the top and bottom of the switch. When pressing down on the switch, the bottom housing dominates the bottom-out sound and feel. Conversely, the top housing plays a more significant role in the sound produced when releasing a key. While the individual materials may differ, the concept of housing material affecting both the feel and sound of key presses is consistent in both the KTT Mint and Durock Sea Glass switches.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the KTT Mint linear switch and the Durock Sea Glass linear switch, we find that they both have an actuation force of 45 grams. This means that the force required to trigger a keystroke is the same for both switches. However, when it comes to the bottom out force, there is a noticeable difference. The Mint has a bottom out force of 53 grams, which falls into the medium-light category. On the other hand, the Sea Glass has a bottom out force of 62 grams, putting it in the medium category.
This distinction in bottom out force means that the Sea Glass switch will provide a slightly heavier typing experience compared to the Mint switch. For those who prefer a stronger push feel and a more substantial typing experience, the Sea Glass switch would be the better choice. On the other hand, if someone prefers a lighter switch that allows for longer periods of typing without fatigue, the Mint switch would be a more suitable option. It is worth noting that both switches offer similar actuation forces, which means that in terms of triggering a keystroke, users will achieve similar results. Overall, the choice between the two switches boils down to individual preferences regarding the weight and feel of the typing experience.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the KTT Mint linear switch and the Durock Sea Glass linear switch, it is clear that they differ slightly. The Mint has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Sea Glass has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.8 mm. Both of these distances fall within the range of traditional travel distances, with the Mint being on the longer side and the Sea Glass on the shorter side. Gamers tend to prefer shorter travel distances as it allows for faster response times, making the Sea Glass a popular choice for them. However, those who prefer a deeper and more substantial feel when pressing down on a key may find the 4 mm travel distance of the Mint to be more suitable. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and the desired level of responsiveness.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Durock Sea Glass has an MSRP of $5.80 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Sea Glass for $4.87.
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 it comes to sound, the KTT Mint linear switch is known for its low-pitched and neutral profile. This means that the switch produces a bass-heavy and mellow tone, making it suitable for most purposes whether you are a beginner or advanced user. On the other hand, the Durock Sea Glass linear switch doesn't have any specific descriptors mentioned for its sound, so it's difficult to provide a direct comparison. However, it's important to note that the sound of a switch is influenced by factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the KTT Mint linear switch is described as mild and polished. This means that it provides a gentle typing experience with smooth and refined key travel, thanks to a smooth and refined finish or potential factory lubing. The KTT Mint switch falls within a safe middle-ground zone, offering an approachable feel for most users. On the other hand, the Durock Sea Glass linear switch has descriptors like frictionless, mild, feathery, and easy-to-press. This indicates that the switch provides an extremely smooth and effortless typing experience with minimal resistance, reducing finger fatigue and making it comfortable for extended typing sessions.
Taking all the available information into account, the KTT Mint linear switch offers a satisfyingly smooth and poppy thockiness while providing a light and fleeting type feel. It has a low-pitched and neutral sound profile and a mild and polished typing experience. On the other hand, the Durock Sea Glass linear switch features a distinct dryness, wispiness, and airiness, with a uniquely hollow sound signature. It offers a weightless feel despite its 62g bottom-out force, and provides a frictionless typing experience. Overall, while the Mint and Sea Glass switches have their own unique qualities, if you're looking for a smooth and light linear switch experience, both switches would provide similar results.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you're someone who values a satisfyingly smooth and poppy typing experience, with a light and fleeting type feel, the KTT Mint linear switch is a great choice for you. Despite its medium-light bottom-out force of 53 grams, it still provides a moderate actuation force requirement and a neutral sound profile, making it suitable for most intents and purposes. Additionally, the Mint switch offers a polished finish, resulting in reduced friction and smooth key travel.
On the other hand, if you're drawn to pastel colors and are looking for a switch with a distinct dryness, wispiness, and airiness in its typing experience, the Durock Sea Glass linear switch is worth considering. Despite its medium bottom-out force of 62 grams, these switches possess a weightlessness that defies expectations, thanks to their frictionless nature. They also provide a uniquely hollow sound signature that sets them apart.
In terms of feel, both switches offer a mild typing experience that is approachable to most users. The Mint switch, with its polished finish, provides a sleek and refined typing experience with reduced friction. The Sea Glass switch, on the other hand, offers a frictionless and feathery typing experience, with exceptionally light key presses that reduce finger fatigue. Both switches are easy-to-press and enhance the overall typing experience by offering a responsive and low-impact feel.
Ultimately, the choice between the KTT Mint linear switch and the Durock Sea Glass linear switch depends on your personal preferences. Consider factors such as the desired typing experience, sound profile, and the aesthetics of the switches to make an informed decision. Whether you prefer the smooth and poppy feel of the Mint or the dry and weightless feel of the Sea Glass, both switches offer their own unique characteristics that can enhance your mechanical keyboard experience.
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