KTT Mint vs. KTT Strawberry
An in-depth look at the KTT Mint and the KTT Strawberry switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, there are a plethora of options to choose from, each with its own unique characteristics. Two switches that stand out are the KTT Mint and the KTT Strawberry, both of which are linear switches. The Mint switch is best known for its satisfyingly smooth typing experience. With its long pole stem, it provides a poppy thockiness and a light and fleeting feel while typing. Categorized as 'Low-pitched', 'Neutral', 'Mild', and 'Polished', the Mint switch offers a comfortable and polished typing experience. On the other hand, the Strawberry switch is beloved for its attractive pink and clear housings. Offering smooth actuation, a comfortable feel, and reliable performance, it is categorized as 'Low-pitched', 'Frictionless', 'Silky', 'Buttery', and 'Polished'. While these general descriptions give us a glimpse into the characteristics of each switch, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so that you can make the best switch choice for your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
43g
Bottom-out force
53g
Bottom-out force
62g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.90 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 KTT Mint and KTT Strawberry both utilize polycarbonate for their top housings, resulting in a similar sound profile. Polycarbonate, being a relatively stiff plastic, creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches with RGB lighting, as it allows for better light dispersion. Therefore, users can expect comparable sound quality and visual effects when using both the Mint and Strawberry switches.
However, the bottom housings of these switches differ in material. The Mint incorporates a nylon bottom housing, which offers a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon, being a softer plastic, absorbs more sound compared to harder plastics. This property results in a duller and rounder sound when typing on the Mint switches. On the other hand, the Strawberry features a polycarbonate bottom housing, similar to its top housing. This choice ensures that the sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile associated with polycarbonate is consistent throughout the switch.
When pressing down on either switch, the qualities of the bottom housing become noticeable. The Mint, with its nylon bottom housing, contributes to the bottom-out sound and feel experienced during typing. Conversely, the polycarbonate bottom housing of the Strawberry influences the overall sound when keys are released. While the top housings have a stronger influence on the sound profile during keystrokes, the bottom housings play a significant role in creating a distinctive sound experience for each switch.
In summary, both the KTT Mint and KTT Strawberry employ polycarbonate for their top housings, resulting in a similar sharp and clear sound. However, the Mint differentiates itself with a nylon bottom housing, creating a deeper and fuller sound profile, while the Strawberry maintains consistency throughout with the use of polycarbonate for both top and bottom housings. The combination of these materials and their respective properties contribute to the unique sound experiences associated with each switch.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the KTT Mint linear switch and the KTT Strawberry linear switch, there are notable differences. The Mint switch has an actuation force of 45 grams, slightly heavier than the Strawberry's 43 grams. Similarly, the Mint switch has a bottom out force of 53 grams, while the Strawberry has a higher force of 62 grams. These variances indicate that the Strawberry switch requires a lighter touch to trigger a keystroke compared to the Mint switch. However, both switches fall within the medium-light to medium range, providing a satisfying typing experience without being overly heavy. For individuals who prefer a lighter feel, the Mint switch would be a suitable choice, allowing for longer typing sessions with less strain. On the other hand, those seeking a more substantial typing experience may opt for the Strawberry switch, which has a heavier bottom out force. In either case, these switches offer a reliable and balanced actuation force, ensuring a comfortable typing experience for different user preferences.
Travel distance
The travel distance of a switch is the distance it travels from the top to the bottom when you press down on a key. In the case of the KTT Mint and KTT Strawberry linear switches, both have a travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when you press down on a key with either of these switches, the distance you feel will be the same. Therefore, the travel distance of the Mint and Strawberry linear switches is equal, providing similar results in terms of the experience of pressing down on the keys.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
For 10 switches, the KTT Mint comes in at $2.91, whereas the KTT Strawberry comes in at $4.91.
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, both the KTT Mint and KTT Strawberry switches are described as low-pitched. This means that they produce a more bass-heavy and mellow tone compared to higher-pitched switches. However, it's important to note that the sound of a switch is also influenced by other factors such as the choice of keyboard and keycaps. Therefore, if you use the Mint or Strawberry switches on different setups, you may get similar low-pitched sound results.
Moving on to feel, the Mint switch is often described as mild and polished. A mild switch offers a gentle typing experience, suitable for most users due to its safe middle-ground characteristics. Additionally, the polished finish of the Mint switch ensures a smooth and refined typing experience, with reduced friction and smooth key travel. On the other hand, the Strawberry switch is said to be frictionless, silky, buttery, and polished. These qualities contribute to an exceptionally smooth and effortless typing experience, minimizing resistance and providing a fluid key travel sensation.
In conclusion, both the KTT Mint and KTT Strawberry switches offer subjective qualities that make them enjoyable to use. They have their similarities in terms of a low-pitched sound profile. However, the Mint switch provides a light and fleeting type feel with a poppy thockiness, while the Strawberry switch offers smooth actuation, comfortable feel, and reliable performance. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on personal preference and the specific typing experience desired.
Conclusion
In closing, if you are searching for a satisfyingly smooth and light typing experience with a poppy thockiness, then the KTT Mint linear switch is the ideal choice for you. Its medium-light bottom out force of 53 grams and long pole stem contribute to the light and fleeting type feel that many users appreciate. Additionally, the Mint switch offers a low-pitched sound profile and a mild, polished feel, providing a gentle and approachable typing experience.
On the other hand, if you prefer a smooth actuation, comfortable feel, and reliable performance, then the KTT Strawberry linear switch is the perfect fit. With a medium bottom out force of 62 grams, the Strawberry switch offers a comfortable typing experience without being too heavy. These switches are also known for their low-pitched sound profile, enhancing the overall typing atmosphere.
Ultimately, the choice between the KTT Mint and KTT Strawberry switches boils down to personal preference. If you prioritize a light and fleeting type feel with a poppy thockiness, go for the Mint switch. However, if you value smooth actuation and reliable performance, the Strawberry switch is the way to go. Both switches offer enjoyable typing experiences, so consider your preferences and select the one that suits your needs best.
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