KTT Mint vs. Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring
An in-depth look at the KTT Mint and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the KTT Mint and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring offer two distinct options for keyboard enthusiasts. The Mint, a linear switch, is beloved for its satisfyingly smooth typing experience. With its long pole stem, users can expect a delightful poppy thockiness when typing, accompanied by a light and fleeting type feel. On the other hand, the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring, a tactile switch, provides a medium-high level of tactility with its unique two-staged spring. Typing on these switches elicits deep, resonating thocks. While the Mint falls under the categories of 'Low-pitched', 'Neutral', 'Mild', and 'Polished', the Shadow switch variant is described as 'Clacky', 'High-pitched', 'Sharp', 'Accented', 'Snappy', 'Bouncy', and 'Stepped'. Both switches have their own merits, offering different typing experiences to satisfy different preferences. 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
55g
Bottom-out force
53g
Bottom-out force
63g
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
Polycarbonate
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
15mm spring
Spring
20mm dual-stage spring
Housing materials
The KTT Mint and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring both utilize polycarbonate for their top housings. This material choice creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile in both switches. The relatively stiff nature of polycarbonate allows for a more clear and resonant sound, making it an excellent choice for those seeking a vibrant and distinctive typing experience. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate is particularly advantageous for users who plan to incorporate RGB lighting into their setup, as it allows light to pass through and create visually appealing effects.
While the top housings share similar characteristics, the bottom housings differ in material. The Mint features a nylon bottom housing, which produces a deeper and fuller sound profile. This is attributed to nylon's softer nature, which absorbs more sound compared to harder plastics. As a result, typing on the Mint yields a duller and rounder sound, creating a more mellow and subdued auditory experience. On the other hand, the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring employs a polycarbonate bottom housing. This choice aligns with the desire for a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile, similar to that of the top housing. The relatively stiffer nature of polycarbonate contributes to a more clear and resonant sound, complementing the overall sound profile of the switch.
When pressing down on either switch, the qualities of their respective bottom housings come into play. The bottom housing material primarily impacts the bottom-out sound and feel, influencing the overall typing experience. In contrast, the top housing material has a more noticeable effect on the sound produced when releasing a key. Thus, while the Mint and the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring differ in their bottom housing materials, both switches deliver compelling and unique sound profiles that cater to specific preferences. Whether one seeks a dynamic and vibrant sound or a mellower and more subdued tone, these switches offer distinct options to enhance the typing experience.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the KTT Mint linear switch and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring tactile switch, there are a few notable differences. The Mint has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams compared to the Shadow's 55 grams, making it easier to trigger a keystroke. Similarly, in terms of bottom out force, the Mint requires a force of 53 grams while the Shadow requires 63 grams, indicating that the Mint provides a lighter typing experience overall. However, it is worth noting that both switches fall within the medium range. For those who prefer a lighter touch, the Mint would be a suitable choice, allowing for longer typing sessions and more comfortable gaming. On the other hand, the Shadow offers a slightly heavier push feel, providing a more substantial typing experience for users who prefer that. Overall, while the Mint is lighter in both actuation and bottom out forces, both switches offer similar results within the medium range.
Travel distance
The KTT Mint and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring tactile switches have the same travel distance of 4mm. This means that both switches will provide a similar experience when pressing down on a key, as they will travel the same distance from the top to the bottom. Therefore, whether you choose the Mint or the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring, you can expect to feel a consistent 4mm travel distance when typing.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring has an MSRP of $4.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring for $3.57.
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 best described as having a low-pitched and neutral sound profile. The low-pitched switches produce a more bass-heavy and mellow tone, while the neutral switch has a moderate sound profile suitable for most purposes. On the other hand, the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring tactile switch is described as clacky and high-pitched. The clacky sound is sharp and snappy, while the high-pitched nature produces a crisp and sharp sound. It is important to note that other factors such as the choice of keyboard board and keycaps can also influence the sound of the switches. Overall, if you prefer a mellower sound, the Mint switch would be a good choice, while the Shadow switch offers a sharper and more percussive sound.
In terms of feel, the KTT Mint linear switch provides a mild and polished typing experience. The mild switch offers a gentle typing experience, falling within a safe middle-ground zone. The polished finish of the Mint switch results in a smooth and refined feel, reducing friction and providing smooth key travel. On the other hand, the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring tactile switch offers a range of sensations. It is described as sharp, accentuated, snappy, bouncy, and stepped. The sharp tactile bump provides high feedback intensity, allowing the user to distinctly feel each keypress. The accented tactile switch offers a prominent amount of tactility without being overwhelming or subtle. The snappy and bouncy nature of the switch makes it super responsive and provides a lively, rebounding feel. Additionally, the stepped switch provides a more mild tactile experience with some pre-travel and/or post-travel. Depending on your preferences, the Mint switch provides a mild and polished feel, while the Shadow switch offers various levels of tactility and responsiveness.
Considering the available information, the KTT Mint linear switch and Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring tactile switch offer distinct subjective qualities. In terms of sound, the Mint switch provides a low-pitched and neutral profile, while the Shadow switch offers a clacky and high-pitched sound. When it comes to feel, the Mint switch offers a mild and polished experience, while the Shadow switch provides sharp tactile feedback, accentuated tactility, snappy responsiveness, bouncy rebound, and a stepped sensation. If you are seeking a smoother and mellow sound with a gentle typing experience, the Mint switch is a suitable choice. On the other hand, if you prefer sharp and snappy sound with varying levels of tactility and responsiveness, the Shadow switch would be a better option.
Conclusion
In closing, if you are looking for a smooth linear switch with a light and fleeting typing feel, the KTT Mint is the perfect choice for you. With its medium-light bottom out force of 53 grams, you can expect a satisfyingly smooth typing experience and a poppy thockiness due to its long pole stem. In terms of sound, the Mint offers a low-pitched and neutral profile, making it suitable for various purposes. The Mint is also described as mild and polished, providing a gentle and sleek typing experience. On the other hand, if you prefer a tactile switch with a medium-high level of tactility, the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring is the ideal option. With a bottom out force of 63 grams, this switch offers a strong and crisp tactile bump that is distinctly felt with each keypress. The Shadow (Ink) Double Spring is known for its deep and resonating thocks, providing a satisfying typing sound. In terms of feel, the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring is described as sharp, accented, snappy, bouncy, and stepped, offering a dynamic and responsive typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the KTT Mint and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring depends on your preference for linear or tactile switches and the specific typing experience you desire.
Mentioned in this article
