KTT Mint vs. KTT Sea Salt Lemon
An in-depth look at the KTT Mint and the KTT Sea Salt Lemon switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the KTT Mint and the KTT Sea Salt Lemon are two popular choices among enthusiasts. The Mint is best known for its satisfyingly smooth linear switch, providing a delightful typing experience. With its long pole stem, users can expect a poppy thockiness and a light, fleeting type feel. On the other hand, the Sea Salt Lemon offers a different take on linear switches. These switches boast a progressive spring and KTT's dry-lube design, resulting in a buttery smooth typing experience. Both switches are categorized as low-pitched, neutral, and mild, ensuring a pleasant auditory experience. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
53g
Bottom-out force
53g
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
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
13mm progressive spring
Housing materials
Both the KTT Mint and KTT Sea Salt Lemon switches share the same housing materials for their top housing - polycarbonate. This material creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile for both switches. Additionally, the use of polycarbonate allows for the switches to have a translucent appearance, making them ideal for use with RGB lighting. Therefore, users can expect similar sound and aesthetic results from both the Mint and Sea Salt Lemon switches when it comes to their top housing.
However, when it comes to the bottom housing, the Mint and Sea Salt Lemon switches differ in their materials. The Mint utilizes a nylon bottom housing, which produces a deeper and fuller sound when typing. This is due to nylon being a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound profile. On the other hand, the Sea Salt Lemon also features a nylon bottom housing, providing a similar typing experience with a deeper and fuller sound profile. Therefore, both switches offer a comparable sound experience thanks to their shared nylon bottom housing.
It's important to note that the qualities brought by each housing material are divided between the top and bottom of the switch. The impact of the bottom housing will be felt when pressing down on the switch, affecting the bottom-out sound and feel. Conversely, the top housing will have more influence on the sound produced when releasing a key. This means that while the Mint and Sea Salt Lemon switches may have slight differences in their overall sound profiles due to their housing materials, the experience of typing on both switches will be fairly similar.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the KTT Mint linear switch and the KTT Sea Salt Lemon linear switch, it becomes apparent that they are exactly the same. Both switches have an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 53 grams, making them medium-light switches. This means that typing on either switch will require a similar amount of force to trigger a keystroke and to press all the way down. For individuals who prefer a lighter typing experience, both switches offer a suitable option that allows for extended typing sessions without exerting too much force. Similarly, for those who enjoy a more substantial typing feel, both switches provide a satisfying push. In terms of weight, both switches are equal and offer a versatile choice for different preferences and use cases.
Travel distance
Both the KTT Mint linear switch and the KTT Sea Salt Lemon linear switch have a travel distance of 4 mm, meaning they travel a distance of 4 mm from the top to the bottom when pressed. This indicates that both switches would provide a similar tactile feedback and typing experience in terms of the distance traveled when pressing down on the keys. Therefore, you can expect similar results when using either the KTT Mint or the KTT Sea Salt Lemon linear switch in terms of travel distance.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
For 10 switches, the KTT Mint comes in at $2.91, whereas the KTT Sea Salt Lemon comes in at $2.80.
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, both the KTT Mint and KTT Sea Salt Lemon switches have similar qualities. They are both described as low-pitched, which means they produce a more bass-heavy and mellow tone compared to higher-pitched switches. Additionally, they are both categorized as neutral switches, meaning they have a moderate actuation force requirement and sound profile. This makes them suitable for most users, whether beginners or advanced, and whether used at home or in a professional setting. It's important to note that the overall sound of a switch is also influenced by factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps chosen.
Moving on to feel, the Mint switch is described as offering a mild typing experience. This means it provides a more gentle and approachable feel compared to switches with more pronounced characteristics. With the Mint switch, you can expect a polished and refined finish, resulting in a sleek typing experience. This is due to either high-quality materials or factory lubrication, which reduces friction and ensures smooth key travel. On the other hand, information on the feel of the Sea Salt Lemon switch is not provided, so it is unknown how it compares in terms of the typing experience.
Taking into account the available information, both the KTT Mint and KTT Sea Salt Lemon switches have similar qualities in terms of sound, with a low-pitched and neutral profile. In terms of feel, the Mint switch stands out with its mild and polished characteristics, offering a gentle and refined typing experience. As for the Sea Salt Lemon switch, information on its feel is not provided. Overall, if you're looking for a satisfyingly smooth linear switch with a poppy thockiness and light type feel, the Mint switch would be a great choice. If you prefer a buttery smooth typing experience with a mild feel, the Sea Salt Lemon switch could also be a good option, although further information would be needed to make a direct comparison.
Conclusion
To wrap up, when it comes to choosing between the KTT Mint linear switch and the KTT Sea Salt Lemon linear switch, both switches have a bottom out force of 53 grams, making them medium-light switches. However, there are some differences to consider.
The Mint switch is best known for its satisfyingly smooth linear feel. With its long pole stem, typing on the Mint switch provides a poppy thockiness and a light and fleeting typing experience. In terms of sound, the Mint switch produces a low-pitched tone and has a neutral sound profile, making it suitable for various purposes and environments. Additionally, the Mint switch offers a mild and polished typing experience, with a gentle feel and reduced friction due to its smooth and refined finish.
On the other hand, the Sea Salt Lemon switch is praised for its representation of what a linear switch can offer. It features a progressive spring and KTT's dry-lube design, resulting in a buttery smooth typing experience. Similar to the Mint switch, the Sea Salt Lemon switch produces a low-pitched sound and has a neutral sound profile. In terms of feel, the Sea Salt Lemon switch provides a mild and approachable typing experience.
Ultimately, the choice between the KTT Mint linear switch and the KTT Sea Salt Lemon linear switch depends on your personal preferences. If you enjoy a poppy thockiness and a light typing feel with reduced friction, the Mint switch may be the better option for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a buttery smooth typing experience with a mild and approachable feel, the Sea Salt Lemon switch would be a great choice. Consider your desired sound and feel when making your decision.
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