KTT Mint vs. Gateron Weightlessness

Overview

When choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the KTT Mint and Gateron Weightlessness stand out for their distinct characteristics and user experiences. The KTT Mint, revered for its satisfyingly smooth linear action, boasts a long pole stem that delivers a unique poppy thockiness, creating a light and fleeting typing feel. This makes the Mint an excellent choice for gamers and typists alike who appreciate a swift, uninterrupted keystroke devoid of tactile bumps. In contrast, the Gateron Weightlessness offers a subtle to moderate tactile response, appealing to users who enjoy a more pronounced feedback with each keystroke while still maintaining a balanced sound profile. This tactile sensation can enhance the typing experience, particularly for those who prefer a connection between their fingers and the keyboard, making it ideal for prolonged typing sessions or creative work. However, let’s dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your preferences.

By the numbers

KTT Mint Linear

Gateron Weightlessness Tactile

$2.91 per 10

$6.10

$5.50 per 10

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Housing materials

The KTT Mint and Gateron Weightlessness are distinct in their choice of housing materials, specifically the types of plastics utilized in their top housings. The Mint features a polycarbonate top housing, known for its stiffness and translucency. This material contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile, making each keystroke more resonant and clear. In contrast, the Gateron Weightlessness employs a nylon top housing, which is softer and more absorbent of sound waves. Consequently, this results in a deeper and fuller sound profile, providing a rounder auditory experience. While the Mint's polycarbonate top enhances the clarity of RGB lighting effects due to its transparency, the Weightlessness’s nylon top may slightly dull these effects but provides a warmer acoustic resonance.

Both the KTT Mint and Gateron Weightlessness feature nylon as their material for bottom housing, creating a cohesive sound profile in terms of depth and fullness. The use of nylon in both switch models contributes to a muted and sophisticated keystroke experience, as it absorbs vibrations more effectively than harder plastics. This uniformity in bottom housing translates to a similar bottom-out sound and feel between the two switches, ensuring that regardless of the differences in top housing, typists can expect a comfortable and consistent feel when engaging with the keys. The reinforcing qualities of nylon on the bottom housing mean that it effectively dampens noise, allowing for a more enjoyable typing experience, regardless of the aesthetics introduced by the top materials.

Ultimately, even though the KTT Mint and Gateron Weightlessness incorporate different materials for their top housings, the similar use of nylon in the bottom housing ensures that certain acoustic and tactile characteristics remain aligned. The Mint, with its polycarbonate top, emphasizes clear and crisp sounds upon release, while the Weightlessness, with its nylon top, enhances the warm, full sound upon bottoming out. This dual-material approach allows users to appreciate distinct auditory profiles while maintaining comfort and familiarity across both switch types. Thus, whether one is drawn to the sharper clarity of the Mint or the warmer sound of the Weightlessness, both designs offer an engaging typing experience rooted in partially shared acoustic properties.

Weight

When comparing the actuation and bottom out forces of the KTT Mint linear switch and the Gateron Weightlessness tactile switch, distinct differences emerge. The Mint switch has an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 53 grams, classifying it as medium-light and making it suitable for lengthy typing sessions without excessive strain. In contrast, the Weightlessness switch features a slightly higher actuation force of 50 grams; however, its bottom out force is currently unavailable, leaving us without a complete comparison on that front. This means that while the Mint switch is the lighter option overall, particularly for actuation force, the Weightlessness may offer a different tactile experience that could appeal to those seeking a more pronounced feedback, even if its bottom out force remains unspecified. For users who prefer a lighter typing feel with less resistance, the KTT Mint is the clear choice, while the Gateron Weightlessness may attract those who appreciate a stronger push, despite the unknown bottom out dynamics.

Travel distance

The KTT Mint linear switch features a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Gateron Weightlessness tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm. This makes the KTT Mint the longer option, providing a more pronounced depth when pressed, which some users might find preferable for its tactile feedback and sense of control. In contrast, the Gateron Weightlessness, with its shorter travel distance, caters to gamers and those who favor quicker response times, allowing for more rapid key presses. Consequently, the choice between these two switches largely depends on personal preference: if you appreciate a more pronounced travel and tactile experience, the KTT Mint is the way to go; however, if you lean towards a snappier, more responsive feel, the Gateron Weightlessness would be a better fit.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound, the KTT Mint linear switch offers a low-pitched, bass-heavy tone that creates a mellow auditory experience. This neutral sound profile strikes a balance that is suitable for both beginners and experienced users alike, making it versatile for various environments, be it at home or in an office setting. The overall auditory character adds a pleasing backdrop to typing sessions, while the sound produced is not overly distracting, promoting a harmonious typing atmosphere. In contrast, details regarding the sound profile of the Gateron Weightlessness tactile switch remain unknown, leaving consumers to rely on their experiences with different keyboard setups, such as the choice of board and keycaps, to determine the overall sound characteristics.

In terms of feel, the KTT Mint is characterized by a mild typing experience that appeals to a broad range of users. The polished nature of the switches contributes to a smooth and refined typing action, aided by either the materials used or factory lubrication, which minimizes friction and enhances key travel. This gentle sensation, combined with the poppy thockiness from its long pole stem, makes typing on the Mint both satisfying and delightful. On the other hand, the feel of the Gateron Weightlessness tactile switch is less defined in the provided information, which means prospective users might have to look to external reviews or personal testing to understand how it compares with the Mint in terms of tactile feedback and overall typing experience.

Overall, the KTT Mint linear switch distinguishes itself with a low-pitched sound and a mild, polished feel, making it an excellent choice for those who prioritize a smooth typing experience without overwhelming auditory feedback. The Gateron Weightlessness tactile switch, while lacking detailed descriptions, may offer a subtle tactile feeling that some users find appealing. For those exploring mechanical keyboard switches, the Mint provides a solid foundation with its well-rounded characteristics, while the Weightlessness switch remains a mystery, potentially requiring further investigation by the user to fully appreciate its qualities.

Conclusion

To conclude, the choice between the KTT Mint linear switch and the Gateron Weightlessness tactile switch ultimately comes down to your personal typing preferences and intended use. If you value a smooth and fluid typing experience, the KTT Mint is an excellent option. Its medium-light bottom-out force of 53 grams, combined with a poppy thockiness due to its long pole stem, provides a satisfying keystroke that’s perfect for fast typists or gamers who seek responsiveness without overwhelming force. Additionally, its low-pitched, neutral sound profile means it can be a great choice for both home and office use, ensuring you won't disturb those around you while enjoying a polished and mild typing feel. On the other hand, if you prefer a more tactile feedback in your typing experience, you should consider the Gateron Weightlessness switches. Their subtle to moderate tactile nature offers a nice balance without being excessively pronounced, making them a solid choice for those who enjoy a defined feel while typing but don’t want the typing experience to be jarring. While the specifics of sound for Weightlessness switches weren't detailed, you can still expect a balanced profile that complements the tactile feedback. In summary, opt for the KTT Mint if you desire smooth, linear action with a touch of subtle sound and feel, while the Gateron Weightlessness is the way to go for a more tactile sensation that enhances your typing without overwhelming you.

Mentioned in this article

KTT Mint Linear

$2.91 per 10

Learn more

Gateron Weightlessness Tactile

$6.10

$5.50 per 10

Learn more