KTT Mint vs. Everglide Tourmaline Blue
An in-depth look at the KTT Mint and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, two options stand out: the KTT Mint and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue. The Mint is beloved for its satisfyingly smooth linear switch, providing a poppy thockiness that is accompanied by a light and fleeting typing feel. On the other hand, the Tourmaline Blue offers a deep and thocky sound profile, immersing users in a truly satisfying typing experience. With a lengthened single-stage spring, these switches provide a bouncy feel with each keystroke. Both switches have their unique characteristics, with the Mint being categorized as low-pitched, neutral, mild, and polished, while the Tourmaline Blue is described as buttery, easy-to-press, mild, and neutral. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can make the best decision on which switch suits you best.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
59g
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
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 the Everglide Tourmaline Blue share some similarities. Both switches utilize polycarbonate for their top housings, which contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to the stiffer nature of polycarbonate, which allows for a more clear and resonant sound. Additionally, both top housings are translucent, making them ideal for switches that incorporate RGB lighting.
However, the bottom housing materials differ between the two switches. The Mint employs a nylon bottom housing, while the Tourmaline Blue utilizes a polycarbonate bottom housing. Typing on switches with a nylon bottom housing results in a deeper and fuller sound profile. This is because nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, creating a duller and rounder sound. On the other hand, the polycarbonate bottom housing of the Tourmaline Blue contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound.
When pressing down on either switch, the bottom housing plays a significant role in the bottom-out sound and feel. The specific qualities of the bottom housing material will be more pronounced during this action. Conversely, the top housing has a greater impact on the sound produced when a key is released. Therefore, the sound profile and feel of each switch will differ depending on the combination of top and bottom housing materials used.
In summary, both the KTT Mint and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue utilize polycarbonate for their top housings, resulting in a similar sound profile. However, the Mint distinguishes itself with a nylon bottom housing, providing a deeper and fuller sound, while the Tourmaline Blue features a polycarbonate bottom housing for a sharper and crisper sound. The specific dynamics of these housing materials contribute to the overall experience and sound produced by each switch.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the KTT Mint linear switch and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue linear switch, there are noticeable differences in weight. The Mint switch has an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 53 grams, making it relatively medium-light. On the other hand, the Tourmaline Blue switch has a higher actuation force of 59 grams and a heavier bottom out force of 67 grams, placing it in the medium-heavy category.
For those who prefer a lighter feel, the Mint switch would be a suitable choice. This lighter actuation force allows for longer periods of comfortable typing, making it ideal for both work and extended gaming sessions. However, those seeking a more substantial typing experience may opt for the Tourmaline Blue switch with its heavier forces. The higher actuation and bottom out forces provide a stronger push feel, satisfying users who prefer a more tactile and responsive keystroke.
While the actuation and bottom out forces differ between the two switches, it is essential to note that both options offer a satisfactory typing experience for their respective preferences. Understanding one's personal preference for weight and the desired sensation when typing can help in selecting the most suitable switch. Whether choosing the KTT Mint or the Everglide Tourmaline Blue, users can expect reliable performance and a satisfying keystroke, allowing for an enjoyable typing experience.
Travel distance
Both the KTT Mint linear switch and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue linear switch have a travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when you press down on a key using either switch, you will feel the same distance of travel from the top to the bottom. The travel distance is an important factor in determining the overall feel and responsiveness of a keyboard switch, as it directly affects the amount of force required to actuate the switch. In this case, users can expect similar results from both switches in terms of travel distance, ensuring a consistent typing experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Everglide Tourmaline Blue has an MSRP of $6.86 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Tourmaline Blue for $3.89.
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 offers a low-pitched sound profile that is bass-heavy and mellow. This creates a satisfyingly deep and thocky sound when typing, which many users appreciate. On the other hand, the Everglide Tourmaline Blue linear switch also has a neutral sound profile, which means it has a moderate sound and actuation force requirement suitable for various users and purposes. Both switches provide a pleasant typing experience in terms of sound, but the Mint offers a slightly deeper and more bass-heavy tone.
In terms of feel, the KTT Mint linear switch provides a mild and polished typing experience. Being a mild switch, it offers a gentle typing sensation that falls in a safe, middle-ground zone, making it approachable to most users. The switch's polished nature ensures reduced friction and smooth key travel, resulting in a sleek typing experience. On the other hand, the Everglide Tourmaline Blue linear switch is described as buttery and easy-to-press. This means it offers a smooth and fluid keystroke experience, providing seamless and effortless typing. The light actuation force requirement makes typing comfortable and reduces finger fatigue during extended typing sessions. Both switches offer a pleasant typing experience, with the Mint being mild and polished, while the Tourmaline Blue is buttery and easy-to-press.
Considering all the available information, both the KTT Mint linear switch and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue linear switch offer subjective qualities that can enhance the typing experience. The sound profile of the Mint is low-pitched and bass-heavy, resulting in a deep and satisfying thocky sound. Meanwhile, the Tourmaline Blue provides a neutral sound profile suitable for a wide range of users and purposes. In terms of feel, the Mint offers a mild and polished typing experience, providing a gentle and smooth typing sensation. On the other hand, the Tourmaline Blue is described as buttery and easy-to-press, offering a seamless and effortless typing experience. Whether you prefer a slightly deeper sound with a polished feel or a buttery and easy-to-press typing experience, both switches provide enjoyable options.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a satisfyingly smooth and light typing experience with a poppy thockiness, then the KTT Mint linear switch is the way to go. It offers a medium-light bottom out force of 53 grams and has a low-pitched and neutral sound profile. The Mint switch also provides a mild and polished feel with reduced friction and smooth key travel. On the other hand, if you prefer a deep and thocky sound profile with a bouncy feel, the Everglide Tourmaline Blue linear switch is a great choice. With a medium-heavy bottom out force of 67 grams, it strikes a balance and is enjoyable for a wide range of users. The Tourmaline Blue switch has a neutral sound profile and offers a buttery, easy-to-press, and mild feel. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches depends on your personal preferences for typing experience, sound, and feel.
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