KTT Mint vs. HMX Twilight
An in-depth look at the KTT Mint and the HMX Twilight switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, the KTT Mint and the HMX Twilight offer unique attributes that cater to different typing preferences. The KTT Mint is celebrated for its satisfyingly smooth feel, thanks to its long pole stem, which provides a poppy "thock" sound that many typists find appealing. Its low-pitched and polished characteristics contribute to a light and fleeting typing experience, making it ideal for users who prefer a responsive and velvety action. In contrast, the HMX Twilight boasts an extended travel distance of 3.85mm, resulting in a quieter performance while still capturing the clacky essence often associated with HMX switches. This makes the Twilight a solid choice for gamers or writers who appreciate that tactile feedback without the noise typically generated by more aggressive switches. Both switches deliver distinctive experiences tailored to individual tastes, but as you explore further, 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
42g
Bottom-out force
53g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.85 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
Ly
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Nylon
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 housing materials of the KTT Mint and HMX Twilight switches showcase distinct characteristics that influence their sound profiles during use. The Mint features a polycarbonate top housing, known for its stiffer composition, which contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound when typing. This material's translucency also enhances the visual aspect, particularly when utilizing RGB lighting, allowing the colors to shine through vividly. In contrast, the HMX Twilight uses nylon for its top housing, a material that is softer and known for its ability to absorb sound. This results in a deeper and fuller sound profile, creating a more rounded audio experience when typing. The differences in materials lend themselves to unique auditory sensations, underscoring the individual identities of the switches.
When we consider the bottom housings of both switches, there is a similarity between the KTT Mint and HMX Twilight as they both utilize nylon. This choice means that both switches benefit from the same properties attributed to nylon: a softer touch that absorbs sound, contributing to the deeper tonal quality prevalent in both. Consequently, this commonality offers a more uniform experience while typing, resulting in a duller and smoother sound profile regardless of which switch is employed. Although the top housings vary significantly, the nylon in the bottom of both switches elevates the overall typing experience with a shared acoustic characteristic.
Ultimately, the combination of the different materials at play in both the KTT Mint and HMX Twilight switches influences the overall sound and feel when typing. With the Mint’s polycarbonate top housing creating a brighter and clearer sound, contrasted with Twilight’s nylon top producing a more muted sound, the switches offer users varied experiences. However, both switches maintain similar characteristics in their bottom housings with nylon, which influences the overall impact and sound dampening when bottoming out. Therefore, while the top housings distinctly shape the sound profile, the common nylon bottom housing provides an essential foundation that aligns the tactile and acoustic experiences of both switch types, showcasing how material choices can define the overall essence of a mechanical switch.
Weight
When comparing the KTT Mint linear switch and the HMX Twilight linear switch, we can observe some distinct differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Mint switch features an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 53 grams, categorizing it as medium-light. In contrast, the Twilight switch requires a lighter actuation force of 42 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, making it overall lighter than the Mint. This difference means that typists who prefer a lighter touch may find the Twilight more comfortable for prolonged use, such as during long gaming sessions or extended typing tasks. Additionally, while both switches have their bottom out forces above their actuation forces, the Mint’s higher bottom out force of 53 grams contributes to a more substantial typing experience, which might appeal to those who like a stronger push feel. Ultimately, while both switches serve different preferences, the Twilight is lighter, offering a gentler typing experience compared to the heavier Mint.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the KTT Mint linear switch and the HMX Twilight linear switch, the KTT Mint stands out with a travel distance of 4 mm, while the HMX Twilight measures at 3.85 mm. This means that the Mint offers a more traditional, deeper feel, which can be more satisfying for users who appreciate a hearty depth when pressing a key. In contrast, the Twilight's slightly shorter travel distance caters to those who favor quicker responsiveness, making it ideal for gamers seeking faster actuation. Although both switches are relatively close in travel distance, the Mint provides a longer feel compared to the Twilight, appealing to different user preferences based on their typing or gaming styles.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The HMX Twilight has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Twilight 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 it comes to sound quality, the KTT Mint linear switch is characterized by a low-pitched and neutral tone. This gives it a mellow, bass-heavy sound that is suitable for various environments, whether at home or in an office setting. It strikes a balance that makes it approachable for both beginners and seasoned users. On the other hand, the HMX Twilight linear switch is noted for its quiet operation due to its extended 3.85mm travel distance. While the exact tonal qualities are not specified, it retains a clacky characteristic inherent to HMX switches. As a result, the Mint offers a more pronounced aural presence, while the Twilight caters to those seeking a quieter typing experience, albeit possibly with a distinct sound signature that remains somewhat undefined.
In terms of tactile feel, the Mint switch offers a mild and polished experience. This means users can expect a gentle and refined typing sensation, making it comfortable for long typing sessions without feeling overwhelmed by the switch's characteristics. The polished nature suggests smooth keystrokes with minimal friction, facilitating an effortless typing experience. Conversely, the HMX Twilight has no specific descriptors detailing its feel, making it difficult to provide a direct comparison. However, one might expect that the extended travel distance could lead to a different tactile sensation, potentially affecting the typing experience.
In conclusion, both the KTT Mint and HMX Twilight linear switches cater to distinct preferences in sound and feel. The Mint switch provides a satisfying, low-pitched sound with a mild and polished feel, striking a harmonious balance suitable for most users. The Twilight offers a quieter operation with an undefined sound profile and an uncharacterized feel that could appeal to those looking for a more subdued typing experience. Ultimately, while the Mint leads with defined qualities, the Twilight may still deliver a satisfying typing experience depending on individual preferences and requirements.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between the KTT Mint and HMX Twilight linear switches boils down to your personal preferences for typing experience and sound. If you appreciate a smooth typing feel with a touch of "thock" that provides satisfying auditory feedback, then the KTT Mint, with its medium-light 53-gram bottom-out force, would be your ideal pick. It's particularly suited for users who value a balance of comfort and auditory enjoyment during long typing sessions, making it a great choice for both work and casual use. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter keystroke with a longer travel distance and desire a slightly quieter operation without sacrificing a clacky feel, the HMX Twilight with its 50-gram bottom-out force might be more appealing. This switch is especially good for those who prioritize a gentler typing experience, making it suitable for environments where noise levels need to be minimal. Ultimately, your choice should reflect what you value most in your typing experience—be it the robust sound and satisfying feedback of the Mint or the lightweight comfort and subtlety of the Twilight.
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