KTT Mint vs. Jwick Taro
An in-depth look at the KTT Mint and the Jwick Taro switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options are the KTT Mint and the Jwick Taro. The Mint is a linear switch that is best known for its satisfyingly smooth typing experience. With its long pole stem, there is a noticeable poppy thockiness when typing on these switches, providing a unique tactile feedback. Additionally, the Mint offers a light and fleeting type feel, perfect for those who prefer a lightweight switch. On the other hand, the Taro is a tactile switch that is beloved for its comfy subdued color scheme and similarly cozy typing experience. These switches offer a snappy, medium-level of tactility, allowing for accurate and responsive keystrokes while emitting acute and crisp clacks. So, while the Mint provides a smooth linear typing experience, the Taro offers a tactile typing experience with a touch of sophistication. 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
67g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.70 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
No
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
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The KTT Mint and the Jwick Taro both utilize polycarbonate for their top housing material. This choice of material creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile for both switches. Additionally, the relatively stiffer nature of polycarbonate leads to a more clear and resonant sound. Aesthetically, the use of clear polycarbonate is indicated in switches with RGB lighting capabilities. Therefore, both the Mint and the Taro benefit from the translucency of polycarbonate for their top housings.
Moving on to the bottom housing material, the Mint and the Taro both employ nylon. This classic switch housing material gives rise to a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing. Nylon, being a softer plastic, absorbs more sound than harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. Consequently, both the Mint and the Taro elicit similar sound characteristics due to the shared use of nylon for their bottom housings. When typing on either switch, the nylon housing plays a significant role in the overall sound experience.
Differences arise when considering the impact of the top and bottom housings on the overall sound and feel of the switches. While the qualities of the bottom housing, such as the impact on the bottom-out sound and feel, are more prominent when the switch is pressed down, the top housing has a greater influence on the sound when releasing a key. This means that the Mint and the Taro may produce slightly different sounds upon key release, as their top housings may vary. However, the overall experience is likely to be similar since the shared use of polycarbonate for the top housing and nylon for the bottom housing in both switches creates distinct sound profiles.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the KTT Mint linear switch and the Jwick Taro tactile switch, some differences emerge. The Mint has an actuation force of 45 grams, providing a medium-light touch required to trigger a keystroke. In contrast, the Taro's actuation force is unavailable, meaning we lack specific information about this aspect. However, regarding the bottom out force, the Mint requires 53 grams of pressure, while the Taro demands a higher force of 67 grams, making it medium-heavy. This indicates that the Mint offers a lighter typing experience compared to the Taro, which provides a more substantial and weighted feeling when pressing down. Therefore, those seeking longer typing durations or lighter keystrokes may prefer the Mint, while individuals desiring a stronger push feel for a more solid typing experience may lean towards the Taro.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the KTT Mint linear switch and the Jwick Taro tactile switch, it is clear that there is a slight difference. The Mint has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Taro has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.7 mm. Both of these distances fall within the traditional range, with 4 mm being more standard and 3.7 mm being slightly shallower. However, for gamers who value faster response times, the shorter travel distance of the Taro may be preferred. On the other hand, those who enjoy a deeper feel when pressing down on a key may prefer the Mint's slightly longer travel distance. Ultimately, the choice between the two will come down to personal preference and the desired level of responsiveness versus depth.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Jwick Taro has an MSRP of $5.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Taro for $4.25.
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
The KTT Mint linear switch is best known for its satisfyingly smooth typing experience. When using these switches, users can expect a light and fleeting type feel, with a poppy thockiness due to the long pole stem. The sound profile of the Mint switch is described as low-pitched and neutral, featuring a more bass-heavy and mellow tone compared to higher-pitched switches. The feel of the Mint switch is described as mild and polished, offering a gentle typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel. Overall, the Mint switch provides a smooth and refined typing experience with a comfortable sound and feel.
On the other hand, the Jwick Taro tactile switch is known for its cozy typing experience. Users can expect a snappy medium-level of tactility and hear acute and crisp clacks when using these switches. The sound profile of the Taro switch is also described as neutral, with a moderate actuation force requirement. Similarly, the feel of the Taro switch is described as buttery and stepped. A buttery switch implies a smooth and fluid keystroke experience, while the stepped characteristic suggests a mild level of tactility with some pre-travel and/or post-travel.
In conclusion, both the KTT Mint linear switch and the Jwick Taro tactile switch offer their own unique qualities. The Mint switch provides a smooth and refined typing experience with a low-pitched sound profile and a mild, polished feel. On the other hand, the Taro switch offers a cozy typing experience with a neutral sound profile and a buttery, stepped feel. While they have different characteristics, both switches are suitable for most intents and purposes and can deliver a satisfying typing experience depending on personal preference.
Conclusion
In closing, when choosing between the KTT Mint linear switch and the Jwick Taro tactile switch, it ultimately depends on your preference for typing experience. If you value a satisfyingly smooth and poppy typing feel with a lighter touch, the Mint would be the ideal choice for you. Its medium-light bottom out force of 53 grams provides a fleeting and light type feel. Additionally, the Mint offers a low-pitched and neutral sound, which is suitable for most intents and purposes. On the other hand, if you prefer a cozy typing experience with snappy tactility and acute clacks, the Taro is the switch for you. With a medium-heavy bottom out force of 67 grams, the Taro provides a medium-level of tactility and a more pronounced typing feel. It also has a neutral sound profile that suits various use cases. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches comes down to whether you prefer a smoother and lighter feel (Mint) or a more tactile and snappy typing experience (Taro).
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