KTT Mint vs. Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp)
An in-depth look at the KTT Mint and the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options to consider are the KTT Mint, a linear switch, and the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp), a tactile switch. The Mint is renowned for its satisfyingly smooth linear action, providing a poppy thockiness and a light and fleeting typing experience. On the other hand, the Silent T1 (Shrimp) caters to those seeking a tactile and silenced switch, making it ideal for noise-sensitive environments. It offers a medium bump, a padded bottom-out feel, and subdued audio feedback. While these general descriptions give you a glimpse into what each switch has to offer, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
53g
Bottom-out force
67g
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
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
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
15mm spring
Spring
Gold-plated
Housing materials
The KTT Mint and the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) both utilize polycarbonate as their top housing material. This choice offers similar benefits to both switches, creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. Polycarbonate's stiffness contributes to a clear and resonant sound, making it an excellent option for those seeking a switch with an enhanced sound profile. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it perfect for RGB lighting enthusiasts, as it allows the illumination to shine through beautifully. Therefore, users can expect comparable results when it comes to the sound and aesthetic experience offered by the polycarbonate top housing of both the Mint and the Silent T1 (Shrimp).
In terms of the bottom housing material, both the Mint and the Silent T1 (Shrimp) utilize nylon. This choice provides a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing due to nylon's softer plastic nature. The material's ability to absorb sound effectively creates a duller and rounder sound, which can be desirable for those seeking a more muted typing experience. Therefore, users can enjoy a comparable sound profile when using switches with nylon bottom housings, regardless of whether they choose the Mint or the Silent T1 (Shrimp).
It's important to note that when a switch has different top and bottom housings, the qualities of each material will impact specific aspects of the typing experience. When pressing down on the switch, the qualities of the bottom housing will be more noticeable, influencing the bottom-out sound and feel. On the other hand, the top housing will have a greater impact on the sound when releasing a key. However, users can expect a similar combination of sharpness, clarity, and resonance in both the Mint and the Silent T1 (Shrimp), as the polycarbonate top housing shared by both switches promises comparable results when it comes to sound and feel. Likewise, the nylon bottom housing of both switches provides a shared experience of deeper and fuller sound profiles, creating a familiar typing sensation.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the KTT Mint linear switch and the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) tactile switch, there are noticeable differences. The Mint linear switch has an actuation force of 45 grams, making it medium-light, while the Durock Silent T1's actuation force is unavailable. In terms of bottom out force, the Mint linear switch requires 53 grams of force, which is still medium-light. On the other hand, the Silent T1 has a bottom out force of 67 grams, categorizing it as medium-heavy.
Considering the weight of the switches, there are different preferences for users. Those who prefer lighter switches may opt for the Mint linear switch, as it allows for longer periods of typing without fatigue. This makes it suitable for work keyboards or extended gaming sessions. Conversely, individuals who prefer a heavier push feel and a more substantial typing experience may lean towards the Silent T1 with its medium-heavy forces.
Although the actuation force of the Silent T1 is unavailable, it is likely to be higher than the Mint linear switch, given its higher bottom out force. Therefore, users seeking a similar result to the Mint linear switch but with a heavier typing experience may find satisfaction with the Silent T1. Overall, while the Mint linear switch offers a medium-light typing experience, the Silent T1 provides a medium-heavy feel for those desiring more resistance.
Travel distance
The travel distances of the KTT Mint linear switch and the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) tactile switch are both 4 mm. This means that both switches provide a similar tactile experience when pressing down on a key. The distance traveled by these switches from the top to the bottom is equal, resulting in a consistent and familiar feel for users. Whether typing on a keyboard with the KTT Mint linear switch or the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) tactile switch, individuals can expect a satisfying key travel distance of 4 mm.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) has an MSRP of $7.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Silent T1 (Shrimp) for $5.57.
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
The KTT Mint linear switch is best known for its satisfyingly smooth typing experience. With its long pole stem, users can expect a poppy thockiness when typing on these switches. Additionally, the Mint provides a light and fleeting type feel. In terms of sound, the Mint has a low-pitched profile, which means it produces a more bass-heavy and mellow tone compared to higher-pitched switches. Its sound is also described as neutral, making it suitable for various settings and users. When it comes to feel, the Mint is considered mild, offering a gentle typing experience that appeals to a wide range of users. It is also described as polished, indicating a smooth and refined finish for reduced friction and smooth key travel.
On the other hand, the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) is perfect for those looking for a tactile and silenced switch, making it ideal for noise-sensitive environments. This switch provides a medium bump and a padded bottom-out feel, offering a satisfying tactile experience without being overwhelming. In terms of sound, the Silent T1 is described as muted, which means it produces a softer and quieter sound compared to regular mechanical keyboard switches.
Based on the available information, these switches offer different sound and feel qualities. The Mint has a low-pitched and neutral sound profile, providing a bass-heavy and mellow tone suitable for most users. Its feel is described as mild and polished, ensuring a gentle typing experience with reduced friction. On the other hand, the Silent T1 offers a muted sound, minimizing the noise typically associated with mechanical keyboards. Its feel is described as stepped, accented, and polished, providing a tactile experience that is not too overwhelming or subtle, with smooth key travel.
While both switches have their unique qualities, if you are looking for a similar experience, the Mint may provide a comparable feel to the Silent T1's stepped and accented tactility, and both switches have a polished finish for smooth typing. However, it is important to consider personal preference and the overall typing experience you desire when choosing between these two switches.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a smooth linear switch with a light and fleeting type feel, the KTT Mint switch is the way to go. With its medium-light bottom out force of 53 grams, it offers a satisfyingly smooth typing experience and a poppy thockiness due to its long pole stem. In terms of sound, the Mint has a low-pitched and neutral profile, making it suitable for most environments. Moreover, it has a mild and polished feel, providing reduced friction and smooth key travel.
On the other hand, if you desire both a tactile and silenced switch, the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) switch is the perfect choice. With a medium-heavy bottom out force of 67 grams, this switch offers a medium bump and padded bottom-out feel, along with subdued audio feedback. The Silent T1 (Shrimp) is ideal for noise-sensitive environments and provides a muted sound profile, minimizing the noise typically associated with mechanical keyboards. In terms of feel, it is described as stepped, meaning it has a mild tactility with some pre-travel and/or post-travel. Additionally, it has an accented and polished feel, ensuring a smooth and refined typing experience.
Ultimately, the choice between the KTT Mint and Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) switches depends on your personal preferences. If you prioritize a smooth linear switch with a light and fleeting type feel, along with a low-pitched and neutral sound profile, the Mint is the way to go. However, if you desire both tactility and silence, along with a muted sound profile and a stepped and accented feel, the Silent T1 (Shrimp) switch is the better option. Assess your typing preferences and consider the environment in which you will be using the keyboard to make an informed decision.
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