KTT Mint vs. Huano Strawberry Latte
An in-depth look at the KTT Mint and the Huano Strawberry Latte switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When exploring the world of mechanical keyboard switches, the KTT Mint and the Huano Strawberry Latte stand out as two compelling options for enthusiasts seeking a satisfying typing experience. The KTT Mint is celebrated for its satisfyingly smooth linear action, characterized by a light, fleeting touch and a poppy thockiness attributed to its long pole stem. This results in a typing experience that is both responsive and enjoyable, making it an excellent choice for typists looking for a subtle yet delightful tactile feedback. On the other hand, the Huano Strawberry Latte shines with its super smooth operation, utilizing the latest molds from Huano to provide a balanced sound profile. While it leans neither too quiet nor overly resonant, it caters to users who appreciate a harmonious auditory experience during their typing sessions. Ultimately, both switches offer unique advantages depending on your preferences—whether you favor the KTT Mint's nuanced thock or the Strawberry Latte's refined sound. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the right switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
40g
Bottom-out force
53g
Bottom-out force
45g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 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
POK
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
15mm spring
Spring
20mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
The KTT Mint and the Huano Strawberry Latte utilize distinct materials for their top housings, which significantly impacts their sound profiles. The Mint's top housing is made from polycarbonate, known for its stiffness, which contributes to a sharper and higher-pitched sound. In contrast, the Strawberry Latte features a POK (polyketone) top housing, renowned for its smoothness and durability. While both materials play a crucial role in defining the switch's acoustic characteristics, they do so in different ways—polycarbonate's rigidity fosters a clearer, more resonant sound, whereas POK promotes consistency with its low friction coefficient, lending a clacky feel to each keystroke. Ultimately, if RGB lighting is a consideration, the Mint's polycarbonate allows for vibrant illumination, which might not be achievable to the same extent with POK, given its opaque qualities.
When it comes to the bottom housing, both the KTT Mint and the Huano Strawberry Latte share the same material: nylon. This classic choice is known for its ability to absorb sound, yielding a deeper and rounder acoustic profile. The soft nature of nylon means that both switches will produce a similar depth to the sound, providing a satisfying auditory experience when typing. Since the bottom housing largely influences the bottom-out sound and feel, the durability and acoustic damping of nylon contribute effectively to the overall experience. Thus, despite the differences in their top housing materials, both switches deliver a unified deeper sound through their nylon bottoms.
In examining the overall impact of the different housing materials, it's evident that the KTT Mint and the Huano Strawberry Latte offer contrasting characteristics that complement each other well. While their top housings present distinct sound profiles—one being sharp and resonant, the other smooth and clacky—their identical nylon bottoms ensure a consistent deeper sound experience throughout. This blend of materials allows typists to enjoy the benefits of both stiffness and smoothness, creating a versatile keyboard experience. Consequently, users opting for either switch can expect clear and satisfying performance, with the unique contributions of each housing material effectively blending to deliver a superior typing experience.
Weight
When comparing the KTT Mint and Huano Strawberry Latte linear switches, one can observe notable differences in both actuation and bottom out forces. The KTT Mint has an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 53 grams, categorizing it as medium-light. In contrast, the Huano Strawberry Latte features a lighter actuation force of 35 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams. This means that the Strawberry Latte is better suited for users who prefer a lighter touch, making it ideal for extended typing sessions or gaming, while the KTT Mint offers a slightly more substantial push, appealing to those who enjoy a firmer typing experience. Consequently, if you're looking for a softer feel, the Strawberry Latte would be the recommended choice, whereas the KTT Mint provides a bit more resistance for a more pronounced tactile response. Overall, while both switches have their strengths, their differing weights make them suitable for varying preferences in typing style and comfort.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the KTT Mint linear switch and the Huano Strawberry Latte linear switch, there is a noticeable distinction. The KTT Mint switch features a travel distance of 4 mm, making it the longer option among the two. In contrast, the Huano Strawberry Latte has a shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm. This difference suggests that the Mint switch may offer a more substantial keypress experience favored by those who appreciate a deeper feel, while the Strawberry Latte's shorter travel distance may appeal to gamers and others who prefer quicker response times. Ultimately, choosing between these switches will depend on personal preferences regarding the balance between depth and responsiveness.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Huano Strawberry Latte has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Strawberry Latte for $3.29.
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 characteristics of the KTT Mint and Huano Strawberry Latte linear switches, the Mint’s sound profile stands out due to its low-pitched and neutral qualities. The low-pitched nature gives it a bass-heavy, mellow tone that can be satisfying for long typing sessions, while the neutral sound ensures versatility, making it suitable for both home and work environments. The Strawberry Latte, on the other hand, features a balanced sound profile described as neither too quiet nor overly resonant, which suggests it may also be versatile but lacks specific descriptors from the available information. Therefore, while both switches promise a pleasant auditory experience, the Mint leans towards a richer low-end sound, whereas the Strawberry Latte offers a more balanced approach.
In terms of feel, the KTT Mint is characterized by a mild and polished typing experience. The mild nature ensures an approachable touch for users of varying skill levels, while the polished finish results in a smooth and refined action, minimizing friction throughout keystrokes. This combination makes the Mint ideal for those seeking comfort and elegance in their typing. The feel of the Strawberry Latte is not explicitly detailed, leaving an unknown factor in how it might compare in typing experience. However, if it employs the latest molds from Huano, it is likely to provide a degree of smoothness, possibly akin to the Mint's polished texture.
In conclusion, both the KTT Mint and Huano Strawberry Latte switches have fine attributes catering to different preferences. The Mint’s smooth, low-pitched sound and mild yet polished feel create a satisfying typing experience that appeals to a wide audience. The Strawberry Latte offers a balanced sound profile, leaving its tactile feel somewhat unknown but hinting at a level of smoothness reflecting its construction quality. Those seeking similar experiences might find enjoyment in both switches, particularly if they value a smooth typing action, with the Mint providing additional depth in sound and tactile engagement compared to the less defined Strawberry Latte.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between KTT Mint and Huano Strawberry Latte linear switches ultimately boils down to your personal typing preferences and the environment in which you’ll be using your keyboard. If you appreciate a medium-light actuation force combined with a satisfyingly smooth and slightly thocky typing experience, the KTT Mint might be the better choice for you. Its low-pitched and neutral sound profile makes it versatile for both home and office settings, while its polished feel ensures that every keystroke feels refined and comfortable. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter touch with a bottom-out force of just 45 grams and appreciate a balanced sound that can be both enjoyable and unobtrusive, the Huano Strawberry Latte would be the more suitable option. This switch is especially ideal if you’re looking for a smooth and unintrusive experience that allows for extended typing sessions without fatigue. Ultimately, your decision should reflect your unique typing style and the type of environment in which you plan to use your keyboard.
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