KTT Mint vs. Dareu Snow
An in-depth look at the KTT Mint and the Dareu Snow switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options to compare and contrast are the KTT Mint and the Dareu Snow, both linear switches. the mint is praised for its satisfyingly smooth typing experience, characterized by a poppy thockiness and a light, fleeting feel. on the other hand, the snow switch sets itself apart with its innovative use of POK material in both the top housing and stem, resulting in a deeper sound signature. while the mint is described as low-pitched, neutral, mild, polished, the snow is categorized as thocky, neutral, low-pitched, bouncy. each switch offers unique features and qualities that may appeal to different preferences and typing styles. 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
50g
Bottom-out force
53g
Bottom-out force
60g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.30 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.30 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
POK
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 housing materials of the KTT Mint and Dareu Snow switches offer unique characteristics that contribute to the overall typing experience. While the Mint features a polycarbonate top housing, known for creating a sharp, crisp sound profile, the Snow boasts a POK top housing that provides smooth, clacky, and durable switches. Both materials have their strengths - polycarbonate offers a high-pitched sound with excellent resonance, while POK is exceptionally strong and wear-resistant. Despite their differences, both materials excel in providing a quality typing experience, albeit with distinct sound profiles.
In terms of the bottom housing, both the Mint and Snow switches utilize nylon, a classic choice known for producing a deep and full sound profile. Nylon's softer composition allows for more sound absorption compared to harder plastics, resulting in a rounder and duller sound. This similarity in housing material for the bottom half of the switches ensures consistency in sound and feel when typing on both the Mint and Snow switches. The nylon bottom housing plays a crucial role in the overall typing experience by influencing the bottom-out sound and feel of the switches.
The combination of different housing materials in the KTT Mint and Dareu Snow switches results in a balanced and unique typing experience. While the Mint prioritizes a sharper and higher-pitched sound profile with its polycarbonate top housing, the Snow focuses on providing smooth and durable switches with its POK top housing. Similarly, both switches utilize nylon bottom housings, which contribute to a deep and full sound profile. The distinct qualities of each housing material complement each other, resulting in switches that offer a combination of clarity, smoothness, durability, and depth in sound. Whether choosing the Mint or Snow, users can expect a satisfying typing experience with a unique sound profile tailored to their preferences.
Weight
The KTT Mint linear switch is lighter in terms of actuation force and bottom out force compared to the Dareu Snow linear switch. The Mint has an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 53 grams, while the Snow has an actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams. Both switches fall into the medium-light and medium categories, respectively. For those who prefer a lighter typing experience for longer periods of time, the Mint would be the preferable choice. On the other hand, those who enjoy a more substantial push feel may opt for the Snow with its slightly heavier forces. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and typing style.
Travel distance
The KTT Mint linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Dareu Snow linear switch has a travel distance of 3.3 mm. This means that the Mint has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Snow. The 4.0mm travel distance of the Mint is on the more traditional side, offering a balance between responsiveness and depth. On the other hand, the 3.3 mm travel distance of the Snow is shorter, making it a preferred choice for gamers looking for faster response times. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preferences for travel distance and typing experience. Overall, both switches offer distinct advantages based on their respective travel distances, providing users with options to suit their individual needs.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Dareu Snow has an MSRP of $7.78 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Snow for $5.76.
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 it comes to sound, the KTT Mint linear switch is known for its low-pitched and neutral sound profile, which provides a bass-heavy and mellow tone suitable for various environments and users. On the other hand, the Dareu Snow linear switch offers a deeper and thocky sound thanks to its innovative use of POK material. Both switches have a neutral sound profile, making them versatile for different typing preferences and settings. Keep in mind that the sound of a switch can also be affected by factors such as the keyboard and keycaps being used.
In terms of feel, the KTT Mint linear switch is praised for its mild and polished characteristics, offering a gentle typing experience with smooth and refined key travel. This switch falls into a safe middle-ground zone, making it comfortable for most users. On the contrary, the Dareu Snow linear switch is described as bouncy, providing a lively and elastic feedback sensation that gives a spring-like feel when typing. While the Mint switch focuses on a polished and mild typing experience, the Snow switch aims to provide a more energetic and responsive feel to the user.
In conclusion, both the KTT Mint and Dareu Snow linear switches offer unique sound and feel characteristics that cater to different preferences and typing styles. The Mint switch excels in providing a satisfyingly smooth and poppy thockiness with a light and fleeting type feel, while the Snow switch stands out with its deep and thocky sound signature and bouncy key feedback. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on the individual user's preference for sound profile and typing feel. Users can expect similar results in terms of sound and feel within the respective categories of low-pitched and neutral sound profiles for the Mint switch and thocky and bouncy feel for the Snow switch.
Conclusion
In closing, when it comes to choosing between the KTT Mint linear switch and the Dareu Snow linear switch, consider the following guidelines. Opt for the Mint if you prefer a medium-light bottom out force for a light and fleeting typing experience with a satisfyingly smooth feel and a low-pitched sound profile. On the other hand, choose the Snow if you lean towards a medium bottom out force for a deeper sound signature with an innovative use of POK material for a bouncy and lively typing experience. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your preference for typing feel, sound profile, and bottom out force to ensure that you have a pleasant and satisfying typing experience.
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