KTT Mint vs. HMX Vintage Citrus
An in-depth look at the KTT Mint and the HMX Vintage Citrus switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When exploring mechanical keyboard switches, the KTT Mint and HMX Vintage Citrus stand out as two intriguing options, each offering distinct characteristics tailored to different user preferences. The KTT Mint is celebrated for its satisfyingly smooth linear feel, enhanced by a long pole stem that delivers a unique poppy thockiness during typing. This switch, categorized as low-pitched and polished, promises a light and fleeting touch, making it a great choice for those who appreciate a serene yet engaging typing experience. In contrast, the HMX Vintage Citrus switch is designed with gamers in mind, featuring an exceptionally low actuation force of just 1mm, allowing for rapid-fire inputs ideal for high-paced gaming scenarios. Its bright, clacky sound profile and smooth push feel cater to those seeking responsiveness and auditory feedback in their keystrokes. While both switches offer linear action for a fluid keypress experience, they cater to different needs and preferences in terms of sound, feel, and performance. 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
48g
Bottom-out force
53g
Bottom-out force
53g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.00 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
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
15mm spring
Spring
22mm single-staged spring
Housing materials
The KTT Mint and the HMX Vintage Citrus switches present a fascinating study in contrasting materials, particularly with regard to their top housings. The Mint employs a polycarbonate top housing, which is known for its rigidity and translucency. This material contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile that resonates clearly, making it particularly suitable for RGB lighting setups. In contrast, the Vintage Citrus utilizes a nylon top housing, a classic switch material that tends to produce a deeper and fuller sound. The softer nature of nylon absorbs more sound, resulting in a rounder and more subdued auditory experience. The contrasting characteristics of these top housings suggest that the Mint is more aligned with those seeking a crisp and vibrant typing experience, while the Vintage Citrus caters to users who prefer a richer and warmer sound.
Examining the bottom housings reveals a more intriguing nuance, as both the KTT Mint and the HMX Vintage Citrus employ nylon for their respective bottom housing components. In this case, both switches benefit from the sound-absorbing properties of nylon, which enhances the depth and roundness of the sound produced. Since both switches share this same material in the bottom, users will experience a similar depth in sound regardless of the different top housings. This commonality means that while the Mint’s higher-pitched sound could compliment its polycarbonate top, both switches' bottom designs will create a cohesive feel and sound profile during key presses, thereby integrating both materials into a harmonious experience.
Ultimately, the impact of switching between these materials is most pronounced in the auditory feedback and tactile response of each switch. The Mint's polycarbonate top housing enhances the sound output when releasing the key, leading to a pronounced auditory cue that matches its sharp character. Meanwhile, the Vintage Citrus, with its nylon top housing, provides a more muted release sound, enriching the typing experience with a subdued tonal quality. Due to their shared nylon bottom housings, both switches provide a satisfying pressing sensation, evidencing that while their top housings differentiate the switches, the overall typing experience remains cohesive through shared material properties in the bottom housing. This enables users to choose based on personal preference for the top sound profile while still enjoying the deeper resonance produced by the nylon bases.
Weight
When comparing the KTT Mint linear switch and the HMX Vintage Citrus linear switch, both switches exhibit similar bottom out forces at 53 grams, providing a consistent feedback upon full depression. However, there is a slight difference in their actuation forces; the Mint requires 45 grams to register a keystroke, while the Vintage Citrus has a slightly heavier actuation force of 48 grams. This means that the KTT Mint is the lighter option, making it more suitable for users who prefer a switch that eases typing during long sessions, such as those used in work settings or extended gaming periods. In contrast, the HMX Vintage Citrus, with its higher actuation force, may appeal to those who favor a firmer feel for a more substantial typing experience. Overall, users choosing between these switches should consider their typing style and preferences for weight when making their decision.
Travel distance
When comparing the KTT Mint linear switch and the HMX Vintage Citrus linear switch, the travel distances reveal distinct characteristics that cater to different user preferences. The KTT Mint has a travel distance of 4 mm, making it the longer option and more traditional in feel. This depth offers a robust and deliberate actuation that some users find satisfying. In contrast, the HMX Vintage Citrus features a shorter travel distance of 3 mm, aligning with the trend of shorter key travel that many gamers prefer for quicker response times. While the Mint’s longer travel might appeal to those who enjoy a more substantial keystroke, the Vintage Citrus's shallower distance could be more favorable for users seeking efficiency and rapid feedback. Therefore, the KTT Mint is ideal for those who appreciate depth, whereas the HMX Vintage Citrus caters to those who prioritize swiftness.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The HMX Vintage Citrus has an MSRP of $3.49 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Vintage Citrus for $2.79.
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 considering the sound profile of the KTT Mint switch, users can expect a pleasant acoustic experience that leans toward a low-pitched and neutral quality. The low-pitched nature gives off a bass-heavy, mellow tone that contributes to a satisfying typing ambiance, making it versatile for both gaming and office work. The neutral sound profile allows the Mint switch to avoid being overly pronounced, making it suitable for various environments without overwhelming noise. Conversely, the audio characteristics of the HMX Vintage Citrus switch have not been explicitly described, leaving some uncertainty regarding its sound performance. However, its design for rapid gaming inputs might suggest a sound profile that emphasizes clarity and sharpness, essential for fast-paced gaming sessions.
The feel of the KTT Mint switch is characterized by its mild and polished nature. This means that the typing experience remains gentle and approachable, making it suitable for users who prefer a less aggressive typing feedback. The polished finish further enhances this sensation, ensuring smooth key travel and reduced friction, which contributes to a refined typing experience. Conversely, the feel of the Vintage Citrus switch is not explicitly defined in the information provided. However, given its low actuation force and rapid response design tailored for gamers, one could anticipate that its feel would favor a swift, potentially smooth push that enables quick key presses—similar to how the Mint's smoothness is experienced by typists.
In conclusion, both the KTT Mint and HMX Vintage Citrus linear switches offer distinct qualities that cater to different user preferences. The Mint excels in sound by providing a low-pitched, neutral acoustic profile, along with a mild and polished feel that enhances the overall typing experience. While the sound characteristics of the Vintage Citrus remain unknown, its design suggests a focus on rapid responsiveness—ideal for gamers—paired with an anticipated smooth feel. Although the switches serve different niches, those seeking smoothness and refined experiences will likely find satisfaction in both, albeit through different sonic experiences.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the KTT Mint linear switch and the HMX Vintage Citrus linear switch ultimately depends on your typing preferences and use case. If you value a smooth typing experience with a satisfying poppy thockiness and a low-pitched, mellow sound profile, the Mint switch is a fantastic choice. Its medium-light bottom-out force and refined feel make it versatile for both gaming and everyday typing tasks, providing an approachable feel for beginners and a polished experience for seasoned users. On the other hand, if you prioritize speed and rapid-fire input, the Vintage Citrus switch is your go-to option. Designed specifically for gamers, its exceptionally low actuation force and clacky sound profile make it ideal for fast-paced gaming sessions where quick response times are critical. While both switches share the same bottom-out force, the distinct features of the Vintage Citrus cater more to competitive gaming, whereas the Mint excels in all-around versatility. Ultimately, consider what aspects are most important to you—smoothness and sound or speed and responsiveness—and you'll find the right switch for your mechanical keyboard setup.
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