KTT Mint vs. Jwick Semi-Silent Linear
An in-depth look at the KTT Mint and the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear 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, a linear switch, and the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear, also a linear switch. The Mint is renowned for its satisfyingly smooth feel, thanks to its long pole stem, which provides a poppy "thockiness" when typing. With a light and fleeting type feel, the Mint falls into the categories of being low-pitched, neutral, mild, and polished. On the other hand, the Semi-Silent Linear is hailed as one of the most innovative releases in recent times. Its semi-silent label comes from a whisper-quiet topping-out sound, complemented by a clacky bottom-out sound. This switch offers a silky smooth type feel without being over-polished. Categorized as subdued, neutral, mild, snappy, buttery, and polished, the Semi-Silent Linear has its unique appeal. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the ideal switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
N/A
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
3.70 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
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
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
15mm spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The KTT Mint and the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear switches both utilize polycarbonate for their top housings. This choice of material results in a shared set of qualities for both switches. Polycarbonate offers a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to its stiffness. This stiffness leads to a more clear and resonant sound, making it an ideal choice for those seeking a switch with enhanced sound characteristics. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate enables the use of RGB lighting, adding a visually appealing element to the switches. Overall, whether you opt for the Mint or the Semi-Silent Linear, you can expect similar results in terms of sound profile and the option to incorporate RGB lighting.
Moving on to the bottom housings, both the Mint and the Semi-Silent Linear switches feature nylon. This shared material choice brings about a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing on the switches. Nylon, being a relatively softer plastic, absorbs more sound compared to harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. This characteristic makes the typing experience on both switches more immersive and satisfying. Whether you choose the Mint or the Semi-Silent Linear, you can expect a switch that elicits a deeper sound, allowing for a more pleasurable typing experience overall.
While both switches have polycarbonate top housings and nylon bottom housings, it's essential to note that 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's impact on the bottom-out sound and feel becomes more noticeable. Conversely, the top housing has a more significant influence on the sound when a key is released. Therefore, the Mint and the Semi-Silent Linear will exhibit differences in sound and feel during the typing experience, with the bottom housing affecting the press and the top housing impacting the release.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the KTT Mint linear switch and the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear linear switch, there are notable differences to consider. The Mint switch has an actuation force of 45 grams, providing a medium-light touch to trigger a keystroke, while the Semi-Silent Linear switch's actuation force is unavailable, making it difficult to directly compare with the Mint switch. However, the bottom out force of the Mint switch is 53 grams, which is slightly lighter than the Semi-Silent Linear switch's bottom out force of 62 grams. This means that the Mint switch offers a lighter overall typing experience compared to the Semi-Silent Linear switch.
Weight plays a crucial role in choosing a switch as it affects typing comfort and endurance. Those who prefer a lighter switch tend to appreciate the ability to type for longer periods, making it suitable for work or extended gaming sessions. On the other hand, individuals seeking a more substantial typing experience may opt for a switch with a heavier force, providing a stronger push feel with each keystroke.
While the specific actuation force of the Semi-Silent Linear switch is not disclosed, it is safe to assume that it falls within a similar range to the Mint switch, as both are linear switches. Therefore, they are likely to provide relatively similar results in terms of actuation sensitivity. However, it is important to note that the Semi-Silent Linear switch has a heavier bottom out force of 62 grams, which may slightly alter the typing experience compared to the Mint switch.
In summary, the KTT Mint linear switch offers a medium-light actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 53 grams, making it a lighter option for those seeking a longer typing endurance. In contrast, the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear switch's actuation force remains unknown, but its bottom out force is 62 grams, indicating a slightly heavier typing experience. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches depends on personal preference for typing force and the desired typing experience.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the KTT Mint linear switch and the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear linear switch, it is clear that the Mint has a longer travel distance of 4 mm, while the Semi-Silent Linear has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.7 mm. These differences may seem small, but they can have an impact on the user experience. The Mint's 4.0mm travel distance falls into the category of more traditional distances, offering a familiar and comfortable feeling when pressing down on a key. On the other hand, the Semi-Silent Linear's 3.7mm travel distance is slightly shallower, making it more suitable for those who prefer a faster response time, particularly favored by gamers. It is important to consider personal preference when choosing between these switches. If you value quick responsiveness, the shorter travel distance of the Semi-Silent Linear may be the better option. However, if you prefer a deeper and more substantial keypress, the Mint's longer travel distance may be more to your liking. Both options offer a different tactile experience, so regardless of your choice, you can expect a distinct feeling when using either switch.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Jwick Semi-Silent Linear has an MSRP of $6.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Semi-Silent Linear for $5.27.
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 offers a low-pitched sound profile. This means that it produces a more bass-heavy and mellow tone compared to higher-pitched switches. The Mint switch is also described as having a neutral sound profile, meaning it has a moderate actuation force requirement and a sound that is suitable for various purposes.
On the other hand, the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear switch is described as having a subdued sound. While it is not completely silent, it offers a more dampened and subtle sound signature compared to most switches. Similar to the Mint switch, the Semi-Silent Linear switch also has a neutral sound profile, making it versatile for different typing preferences and environments.
In terms of feel, both the Mint and the Semi-Silent Linear switches are described as having a mild typing experience. This means that they offer a gentle and approachable feel that suits a wide range of users. Both switches are also described as polished, indicating that they have a smooth and refined finish resulting in a sleek typing experience. This could be due to materials used and/or factory lubrication, which reduces friction and ensures smooth key travel.
Additionally, the Semi-Silent Linear switch is described as snappy, meaning it is super responsive and provides a lively typing experience. It is also labeled as buttery, implying a smooth and fluid keystroke experience that feels seamless and effortless.
Taking all the available information into consideration, the KTT Mint linear switch offers a satisfyingly smooth and poppy thockiness to its sound while providing a light and fleeting typing feel. On the other hand, the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear switch provides a whisper-quiet topping-out sound and a clacky bottom-out sound, accompanied by a silky smooth and polished type feel. Despite some differences in sound and a slight variation in feel, both switches offer a mild and polished typing experience suitable for most users.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you prefer a lighter bottom out force and enjoy a satisfying poppy thockiness while typing, the KTT Mint linear switch would be a great choice for you. Its smooth and fleeting type feel provides a pleasant typing experience. In terms of sound, the Mint has a low-pitched and neutral profile, offering a bass-heavy and mellow tone. As for feel, the Mint falls into the mild and polished category, providing a gentle typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel.
On the other hand, if you prefer a slightly higher bottom out force and value a semi-silent typing experience, the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear switch should be your go-to option. Its whisper-quiet topping-out sound combined with a clacky bottom-out sound makes for an innovative and unique typing experience. The Semi-Silent Linear has a subdued and neutral sound profile, offering a dampened but more subtle sound signature compared to most switches. In terms of feel, the Semi-Silent Linear shares the same mild and polished characteristics as the Mint, but also adds a snappy and buttery typing sensation, making your typing experience more alive and effortless.
Ultimately, the choice between the KTT Mint linear switch and the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear switch depends on your personal preferences for bottom out force, sound, and feel. Both switches offer enjoyable typing experiences with their unique characteristics, so consider what matters most to you when making your decision.
Mentioned in this article
