KTT Mint vs. Dareu Sky V3
An in-depth look at the KTT Mint and the Dareu Sky V3 switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the KTT Mint and the Dareu Sky V3 both offer unique features that cater to different typing preferences. The Mint stands out for its satisfyingly smooth linear switch that provides a poppy thockiness due to its long pole stem. With a light and fleeting type feel, it is best suited for those who prefer a low-pitched, neutral, mild, and polished typing experience. On the other hand, the Dareu Sky V3 switches are renowned for their neutral sound signature and medium-light weight, offering a balanced typing experience that caters to a wide range of preferences. With a neutral, subdued, and mild categorization, the Sky V3 switches are favored for delivering comfort and precision, making them an ideal choice for both enthusiasts and professionals. 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
40g
Bottom-out force
53g
Bottom-out force
N/A
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
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
Gold-plated spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the KTT Mint and the Dareu Sky V3 are quite similar in terms of their polycarbonate top housing. Both switches utilize polycarbonate for their top housing, creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to polycarbonate being a relatively stiff plastic, which results in a clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches with RGB lighting, providing a visually appealing feature. Therefore, users can expect a consistent sound profile and aesthetic experience with the polycarbonate top housing in both the Mint and the Sky V3.
However, the key point of contrast between the two switches lies in their nylon bottom housing. The Mint utilizes nylon for its bottom housing, which elicits a deeper and fuller sound profile during typing. Nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound than harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound compared to polycarbonate. On the other hand, the Sky V3 also features a nylon bottom housing, offering a similar typing experience with a deeper and fuller sound profile. Despite differences in the bottom housing material, both switches provide a unique typing experience that showcases the impact of different housing materials on sound quality.
In conclusion, the KTT Mint and the Dareu Sky V3 offer a blend of similarities and differences in their housing materials. While both switches share the benefits of polycarbonate top housing, providing a clear and resonant sound profile, they diverge in their use of nylon bottom housing. The Mint's deeper and fuller sound profile contrasts with the Sky V3's rounder and duller sound, showcasing the impact of housing materials on typing experience. Whether you prefer a crisper and sharper sound profile of polycarbonate or a deeper and fuller sound of nylon, both switches offer a unique typing feel that caters to individual preferences.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the KTT Mint linear switch and the Dareu Sky V3 linear switch, it is evident that the Mint is lighter in terms of both actuation and bottom out force. The Mint requires 45 grams of force to actuate and 53 grams to bottom out, making it a medium-light switch. On the other hand, the Sky V3 has a lighter actuation force of 40 grams, but the bottom out force is unknown. Weight is an essential factor to consider when choosing a switch, as lighter switches are preferred by some for extended typing or gaming sessions, while others may prefer a heavier feel for a more tactile typing experience. Overall, the Mint switch offers a slightly lighter typing experience compared to the Sky V3, but both can provide similar results depending on personal preference.
Travel distance
The KTT Mint linear switch and the Dareu Sky V3 linear switch both have a travel distance of 4 mm, making them equal in this aspect. This means that when you press down on a key with either of these switches, you will experience the same distance traveled from the top to the bottom. This similarity in travel distance can result in a consistent typing experience across both switches, allowing for similar results in terms of keypress feel and feedback. Overall, while both switches have the same travel distance, they may differ in other factors such as actuation force or sound profile, which could impact the overall typing experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Dareu Sky V3 has an MSRP of $7.78 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Sky V3 for $4.76.
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 comparing the sound of the KTT Mint linear switch and the Dareu Sky V3 linear switch, both switches are described as having a neutral sound profile. The Mint offers a low-pitched tone, while the Sky V3 provides a more subdued and dampened sound. The choice between these two switches will ultimately depend on personal preference and the overall setup of the keyboard, including the choice of board and keycaps.
In terms of feel, both the Mint and the Sky V3 are described as providing a mild typing experience. The Mint switch offers a polished and smooth typing experience, while the Sky V3 provides a comfortable and approachable feel. Both switches fall within a safe middle-ground zone in terms of their tactile feedback, making them suitable for a wide range of users.
In conclusion, both the KTT Mint linear switch and the Dareu Sky V3 linear switch offer similar qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the Mint may have a slightly different sound profile with its low-pitched tone compared to the subdued sound of the Sky V3, both switches provide a mild and comfortable typing experience. Ultimately, choosing between these switches will come down to personal preference and the specific requirements of the user's keyboard setup.
Conclusion
Therefore, when considering the KTT Mint linear switch, you should choose it if you prefer a medium-light bottom out force and enjoy a satisfyingly smooth typing experience with a poppy thockiness. The Mint switch also offers a light and fleeting type feel, making it a great option for those who prefer a softer touch while typing. On the other hand, if you are looking for a switch with a neutral sound signature and medium-light weight, the Dareu Sky V3 linear switch would be the better choice for you. The Sky V3 switches are known for their comfortable and precise typing experience, catering to both enthusiasts and professionals. Ultimately, your decision between the Mint and Sky V3 switches will depend on your preference for typing feel and sound, so choose the one that best suits your needs and typing style.
Mentioned in this article
