KTT Mint vs. Haimu Viola Tricolor
An in-depth look at the KTT Mint and the Haimu Viola Tricolor switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, there are two popular options that stand out: the KTT Mint, a linear switch, and the Haimu Viola Tricolor, a tactile switch. The Mint is well-regarded for its satisfyingly smooth linear feel, offering a light and fleeting typing experience with a poppy thockiness. On the other hand, the Viola Tricolor is designed to deliver a thuddy and punchy sound profile that adds character to your typing. It offers a pronounced tactility without being overly tactile, striking a perfect balance between sharp sensation and user comfort. While these general descriptions provide a good starting point, let's dive in a bit deeper to explore each switch's specific attributes, so you can make an informed decision based on your preferences and requirements.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
53g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
N/A
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
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
Dual-staged gold-plated spring
Housing materials
The KTT Mint and the Haimu Viola Tricolor both use polycarbonate for their top housing. This material creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile for both switches. The translucency of polycarbonate is especially useful if you plan to use RGB lighting, as it allows the lighting effects to shine through. So, in terms of sound and aesthetics, both switches will provide similar results due to their shared use of polycarbonate for the top housing.
However, when it comes to the bottom housing, the Mint utilizes nylon while the Viola Tricolor also uses nylon. Typing on switches with nylon bottom housing elicits a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon is a softer plastic compared to harder plastics, and it absorbs more sound. This absorption leads to a duller and rounder sound when typing on switches with nylon bottom housing. Therefore, both the Mint and the Viola Tricolor will offer a similar typing experience in terms of the bottom-out sound and feel due to their shared use of nylon for the bottom housing.
It's important to note that the top and bottom housings of a switch play different roles in the overall sound profile. The bottom housing has a significant impact on the bottom-out sound and feel when you press down on a key. On the other hand, the top housing influences the sound when you let go of a key. So, while the Mint and the Viola Tricolor may have different materials for their top and bottom housings, the qualities each housing material brings to the switch will be split between the top and bottom. However, since both switches use polycarbonate for the top housing, you can expect a similar sound character when releasing a key.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the KTT Mint linear switch and the Haimu Viola Tricolor tactile switch, there are some notable differences. The Mint has an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 53 grams, which falls into the category of medium-light. On the other hand, information about the Viola Tricolor's actuation force is not available, but it has a bottom out force of 63.5 grams, which is considered medium-heavy.
In terms of weight, some individuals prefer a lighter switch for extended typing sessions or prolonged gaming sessions. This allows for easier keystrokes and reduces fatigue over time. The Mint, with its medium-light actuation and bottom out forces, would be a suitable choice for those who prioritize a lighter typing experience.
On the contrary, some users prefer a stronger push feel for a more substantial typing experience. They enjoy the tactile feedback and the satisfaction of a heavier keystroke. For these individuals, the Viola Tricolor would be a better option with its medium-heavy bottom out force of 63.5 grams.
It is important to note that while the actuation force for the Viola Tricolor is not disclosed, it is likely to be within a similar range to the Mint's. Therefore, even though the actuation force is unknown for the Viola Tricolor, one can expect similar results to the Mint in terms of the force required to trigger a keystroke.
In conclusion, the KTT Mint offers a medium-light typing experience with an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 53 grams, making it ideal for individuals who prefer a lighter touch. On the other hand, the Haimu Viola Tricolor provides a medium-heavy typing experience with a bottom out force of 63.5 grams, catering to those who enjoy a stronger push feel. Both switches offer distinct tactile experiences, and while the actuation force of the Viola Tricolor is unknown, it is likely to yield comparable results to the Mint.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the KTT Mint linear switch and the Haimu Viola Tricolor tactile switch, it becomes apparent that the Mint has a slightly longer travel distance of 4 mm, while the Viola Tricolor has a shorter travel distance of 3.8 mm. Both switches fall within the traditional range of travel distances, with the Mint being on the longer side and the Viola Tricolor on the shorter side. Gamers who prioritize faster response times may prefer the Viola Tricolor with its shorter travel distance. On the other hand, individuals who prefer a more substantial and deeper key press may opt for the Mint with its slightly longer travel distance. Overall, the choice between the two switches depends on personal preference and the desired level of responsiveness or depth.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Haimu Viola Tricolor has an MSRP of $6.60 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Viola Tricolor for $3.09.
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 and neutral sound profile. The low-pitched characteristic of these switches gives them a bass-heavy and mellow tone, creating a satisfyingly smooth auditory experience. The neutral sound profile means that the Mint switch strikes a balance between different frequencies, making it suitable for various typing environments, whether you're a beginner or advanced user. However, keep in mind that the sound of the switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard and keycaps you choose to use.
On the other hand, the Haimu Viola Tricolor tactile switch provides a bassy and low-pitched sound profile. These switches offer a deeper and richer sound during key presses, resembling the depth and richness associated with bass tones. Similar to the Mint, the Viola Tricolor switch also offers a balance between different frequencies, ensuring that the sound remains pleasant without being overwhelmingly tactile. This switch strikes a perfect balance, delivering a thuddy and punchy sound profile that adds character to your typing experience.
When it comes to feel, the KTT Mint linear switch offers a mild and polished typing experience. The mild characteristic of these switches provides a more gentle typing sensation, making it approachable for most users. The Mint switch sits in a safe, middle-ground zone, ensuring that the sound and feel are suitable for various preferences. Additionally, the polished finish of the Mint switch contributes to a smooth and refined typing experience. The reduced friction and smooth key travel result in a sleek sensation, thanks to either the materials used or factory lubing.
On the other hand, the Haimu Viola Tricolor tactile switch offers an accented and invigorating feel. The accented characteristic of these switches describes a medium tactile switch that provides a prominent amount of tactility without being overwhelming or subtle. This means that the Viola Tricolor switch offers a satisfying feedback without crossing into the realm of being overly tactile. The invigorating feel of the Viola Tricolor switch ensures pronounced feedback, moderate to firm actuation force, and a snappy and reactive typing experience, creating an immersive sensation.
In conclusion, the KTT Mint linear switch and the Haimu Viola Tricolor tactile switch offer different subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Mint switch provides a satisfyingly smooth linear experience with a low-pitched and neutral sound profile, along with a mild and polished typing feel. On the other hand, the Viola Tricolor switch delivers a thuddy and punchy sound profile with a bassy and low-pitched tone, accompanied by an accented and invigorating tactile feel. Depending on your preference for sound and feel, both switches offer unique characteristics to enhance your typing experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you're looking for a smooth and satisfying typing experience with a light and fleeting type feel, the KTT Mint linear switch would be a great choice for you. Its medium-light bottom out force of 53 grams provides a comfortable typing experience without being too heavy. The Mint switch is best known for its poppy thockiness and smoothness, making it a popular option for those who appreciate a smooth linear switch.
On the other hand, if you prefer a more pronounced tactile feedback without it becoming overwhelming, the Haimu Viola Tricolor tactile switch would be ideal. With a medium-heavy bottom out force of 63.5 grams, these switches offer a sharp sensation without overwhelming the user. They are known for their thuddy and punchy sound profile, adding character to your typing experience. The Viola Tricolor strikes a perfect balance between tactility and smoothness, providing a satisfying feedback without being overly tactile.
In terms of sound, the Mint switch has a more neutral profile, with a moderate actuation force and a moderate sound. This makes it suitable for most intents and purposes, whether you are a beginner or advanced user, and whether you plan to use it at home or work. The Viola Tricolor, on the other hand, offers a deeper and richer sound profile with bassy and low-pitched characteristics. These switches provide a more immersive typing experience with their unique sound.
In terms of feel, the Mint switch offers a mild and polished typing experience. Its mild characteristics make it approachable for most users, while its polished finish ensures smooth key travel with reduced friction. The Viola Tricolor, on the other hand, provides an accented and invigorating feel. The accented tactile feedback is prominent but not overwhelming, creating a medium tactile experience that is satisfying to type on.
Ultimately, the choice between the KTT Mint linear switch and the Haimu Viola Tricolor tactile switch depends on your personal preferences. If you prefer a smooth and satisfying typing experience, the Mint switch is a great option. If you prefer a more pronounced tactile feedback without it becoming overwhelming, the Viola Tricolor switch would be more suitable. Consider your typing style, sound preferences, and desired level of tactile feedback when making your decision.
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