KTT Mint vs. SP-Star Duck
An in-depth look at the KTT Mint and the SP-Star Duck switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, there are various options to choose from, each offering a unique feel and experience. Two popular switches, the KTT Mint and the SP-Star Duck, are notable for their distinct qualities. The Mint is known for its satisfyingly smooth linear switch, which provides a light and fleeting typing experience. With a long pole stem, it offers a poppy thockiness that users find enjoyable. On the other hand, the Duck is ideal for those seeking a more subtle tactile typing experience. It features a gentle tactility and clean, crispy sound profile. While both switches offer a polished feel, the Mint leans towards a low-pitched profile, while the Duck maintains a more balanced and neutral sound. 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
N/A
Bottom-out force
53g
Bottom-out force
58g
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
Polycarbonate
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
15mm spring
Spring
Gold plated
Housing materials
The housing materials of the KTT Mint and SP-Star Duck share a common trait, as both feature polycarbonate top housings. This choice of material results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile for both switches. Additionally, polycarbonate's stiffness contributes to a clearer and more resonant sound. Aesthetically, the translucency of polycarbonate enables the use of RGB lighting, making it an especially fitting choice for top housings in switches designed for such lighting effects.
However, the two switches diverge in terms of their bottom housing materials. The Mint utilizes a nylon bottom housing, which imparts a deeper and fuller sound profile to the typing experience. This is due to nylon being a relatively softer plastic that absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. In contrast, the Duck employs a polycarbonate bottom housing, which aligns with the qualities of the top housing. As a result, the sharp, higher-pitched, and crisp sound profile is maintained throughout the switch, enhancing the overall typing experience.
When considering the tactile experience of both switches, the influence of the different housing materials becomes apparent. Pressing down on a switch will primarily showcase the qualities of the bottom housing. As such, the Mint's nylon bottom housing will contribute to a distinct bottom-out sound and feel, highlighting its deeper and fuller sound profile. Conversely, the top housing's impact on the sound is more noticeable when releasing a key. Therefore, the polycarbonate top housing employed by both switches will result in a consistent, sharp, and resonant sound when letting go of a key.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the KTT Mint linear switch and the SP-Star Duck tactile switch, there are noticeable differences. The Mint has an actuation force of 45 grams, providing a medium-light touch to activate a keystroke. In contrast, the actuation force of the Duck switch is unavailable, making it difficult to determine the exact force required for triggering a keystroke. However, the bottom out force of the Duck switch is 58 grams, which is heavier compared to the Mint's 53 grams. This means that while the Mint offers a lighter typing experience, the Duck switch provides a more substantial and tactile feel when pressing all the way down.
Considering weight is important, as it impacts the typing experience for different individuals. For those who prefer a lighter switch, the Mint is a suitable choice as it allows for typing over extended periods without fatigue. This makes it ideal for professional environments or lengthy gaming sessions. On the other hand, individuals who enjoy a stronger push feel may find the heavier bottom out force of the Duck switch more satisfying. This provides a more pronounced tactile experience while typing, offering a greater sense of key engagement. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will depend on personal preference and the desired typing experience.
Travel distance
The KTT Mint linear switch and the SP-Star Duck tactile switch have the same travel distance of 4 mm. Both switches will provide a consistent and familiar feeling when pressed, as the distance they travel from the top to the bottom is identical. This means that whether you choose the Mint or the Duck, you can expect a similar typing experience in terms of the distance traveled by the key when pressed.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The SP-Star Duck has an MSRP of $5.80 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Duck for $5.40.
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 profile. This means that it produces a bass-heavy and mellow tone that is satisfying to the ears. The sound of the Mint switches can be described as neutral, offering a moderate sound profile that is suitable for various purposes. The SP-Star Duck tactile switch, on the other hand, also has a neutral sound profile. It provides a clean and crispy sound when typing, which some users find more subtle and less attention-grabbing compared to a linear switch. Overall, both switches offer a moderate sound experience with slight differences in tonality.
In terms of feel, the KTT Mint linear switch provides a mild typing experience. The switch is designed to offer a gentle and approachable feel to most typists. Its smooth and polished finish ensures reduced friction and smooth key travel, resulting in a sleek typing experience. Similarly, the SP-Star Duck tactile switch also offers a mild and gentle typing experience. It is described as "buttery," meaning it provides a smooth and fluid keystroke sensation. The switch's polished finish contributes to a seamless and effortless typing experience. Both switches fall under the mild category, providing a comfortable and enjoyable feel while typing.
Taking into account the available information, the KTT Mint linear switch offers a satisfyingly smooth and poppy thockiness when typing. It has a light and fleeting type feel, which can be enjoyable for those who prefer a linear switch. The sound profile of the Mint switch is low-pitched, with a neutral overall sound characteristic. Its feel is described as mild and polished, ensuring a gentle typing experience with reduced friction.
On the other hand, the SP-Star Duck tactile switch provides a more subtle tactile typing experience. It offers a gentle tactility and a clean, crispy sound profile. The feel of the Duck switch is described as mild, buttery, and polished, ensuring a smooth and fluid keystroke experience.
While the Mint and Duck switches have some differences in sound and feel, they both fall into the neutral category in terms of sound profile. Additionally, they both provide a mild and polished typing experience. Therefore, if you are looking for a satisfyingly smooth linear switch with a slightly low-pitched sound and a gentle typing feel, the KTT Mint switch would be a great choice. If you prefer a more subtle tactile typing experience with a clean and crispy sound, the SP-Star Duck switch would be an excellent option.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you're looking for a satisfyingly smooth linear switch with a light and fleeting typing feel, the KTT Mint is the way to go. Its long pole stem provides a poppy thockiness that enhances the typing experience. Additionally, the Mint has a low-pitched and neutral sound profile, making it suitable for both beginners and advanced users in any setting.
On the other hand, if you prefer a more subtle tactile typing experience, the SP-Star Duck switches are perfect for you. These switches offer a gentle tactility and a clean and crispy sound profile. They have a medium bottom out force and provide a mild and buttery typing feel. Similar to the Mint, the Duck switches also have a neutral sound profile and a polished finish that ensures smooth and refined key travel.
Ultimately, the choice between the KTT Mint and SP-Star Duck switches boils down to your preference for linear or tactile switches and your desired typing experience. If you prioritize smoothness and a light feel, go for the Mint. If you prefer a gentle tactility and a more subtle typing experience, the Duck switches are the way to go. Overall, both switches offer high-quality performance and are suitable for most users.
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