KTT Mint vs. Durock White Lotus

Overview

When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, there are a plethora of options available, each with their own unique characteristics and benefits. Two switches worth considering are the KTT Mint and the Durock White Lotus. The Mint is a linear switch known for its satisfyingly smooth typing experience. With its long pole stem, it delivers a poppy thockiness that is sure to please. Additionally, it offers a light and fleeting type feel. On the other hand, the White Lotus is a tactile switch designed with the discerning typist in mind. It strikes the perfect balance between delicate tactility and functionality, making it ideal for both work and extended typing sessions. Furthermore, the White Lotus features a removable light column, allowing for vibrant and luminous RGB lighting effects that add a captivating glow to any keyboard setup. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can best decide on the perfect switch for your needs.

By the numbers

KTT Mint Linear

Durock White Lotus Tactile

$2.91 per 10

$5.60

$4.57 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

The KTT Mint and Durock White Lotus keyboards differ in their housing materials, particularly in the top housing. The Mint features a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to the stiffness of polycarbonate, resulting in a more clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the Mint's polycarbonate housing is translucent, making it ideal for showcasing RGB lighting. On the other hand, the White Lotus utilizes a modified PC & UPE Blend top housing, offering a unique and premium feel. While it lacks the translucency of polycarbonate, this blend provides a distinct tactile experience.

In terms of the bottom housing, both the Mint and White Lotus share the use of nylon. Nylon is a classic switch housing material known for eliciting a deeper and fuller sound profile. Its relatively softer nature allows for the absorption of more sound compared to harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. As a result, typing on both keyboards will provide a similar experience in terms of sound.

When considering the overall typing experience, the difference in the top housing between the Mint and White Lotus becomes significant. The bottom housing influences the bottom-out sound and feel, which remains consistent between the keyboards due to their shared nylon material. However, the top housing plays a crucial role in the sound when releasing a key. With the Mint's polycarbonate top housing, users can expect a sharper and crisper sound upon key release, while the White Lotus' modified PC & UPE Blend top housing may deliver a more unique tactile sensation.

Overall, the housing materials of the KTT Mint and Durock White Lotus keyboards exhibit both similarities and differences. While both keyboards utilize nylon for their bottom housing, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile, their top housing materials set them apart. The Mint's polycarbonate top housing offers a clearer and resonant sound profile, while the White Lotus' modified PC & UPE Blend top housing provides a distinct and premium feel. Understanding these variations allows users to select a keyboard that aligns with their desired sound and tactile preferences.

Weight

When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the KTT Mint linear switch and the Durock White Lotus tactile switch, it is clear that both switches have similar weight properties. The Mint has an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 53 grams, which can be categorized as medium-light. Similarly, the White Lotus has an actuation force of 46 grams and a bottom out force of 56 grams, also falling under the medium-light range. Therefore, both switches offer a relatively lighter experience, making them suitable for extended typing or gaming sessions. Although there is a slight difference in their specific force measurements, the overall feel and typing experience are likely to be similar for users who prefer a lighter touch. However, it is worth mentioning that both switches provide a substantial typing experience, as they require a certain amount of force to actuate and bottom out. This makes them an ideal choice for individuals who prefer a stronger push feel while typing. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and the desired typing experience, but regardless of the switch chosen, users can expect a satisfying, albeit slightly different, typing experience in terms of actuation and bottoming out.

Travel distance

Both the KTT Mint linear switch and the Durock White Lotus tactile switch have a travel distance of 4 mm, meaning that they both travel 4 mm from the top to the bottom when pressed down. Therefore, in terms of travel distance, both switches will provide similar results. Neither switch is shorter or longer than the other in terms of travel distance.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When comparing the sound qualities of the KTT Mint linear switch and the Durock White Lotus tactile switch, both switches fall into the low-pitched and neutral categories. Low-pitched switches generally have a bass-heavy and mellow tone compared to higher-pitched switches. Additionally, neutral switches have a moderate actuation force requirement and a moderate sound profile, making them suitable for a wide range of users and environments. It is important to note that the sound of a switch is also influenced by other factors such as the keyboard and keycaps used, so the final sound experience may vary.

In terms of feel, the Mint linear switch is described as mild and polished. A mild switch provides a gentle typing experience without any pronounced characteristics, making it approachable for most users. The polished finish of the switch ensures smooth and refined key travel, resulting in a sleek typing experience with reduced friction. On the other hand, the White Lotus tactile switch is described as easy-to-press, mild, and subtle. These characteristics indicate that the switch offers gentle resistance during key presses, requiring minimal force to activate. This light actuation force enhances typing comfort and reduces finger fatigue during extended typing sessions. The subtle resistance of the switch maintains a light typing feel, and the sound signature is not resonant, making it suitable for shared spaces.

In conclusion, both the KTT Mint linear switch and the Durock White Lotus tactile switch offer their own unique qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Mint switch provides a satisfyingly smooth linear experience with a low-pitched and neutral sound profile. It offers a mild and polished feel, ensuring a safe and approachable typing experience. On the other hand, the White Lotus switch is a light tactile option designed for discerning typists. It features a low-pitched and neutral sound profile, while offering an easy-to-press and mild feel with a subtle resistance. Both switches have their own merits, and the final choice will depend on personal preference and typing style. However, based on the provided information, one can expect similar results in terms of sound and feel from both switches.

Conclusion

In conclusion, if you prioritize smoothness and a light and fleeting typing experience, then the KTT Mint linear switch is the ideal choice for you. Its long pole stem creates a satisfyingly smooth keystroke with a poppy thockiness. Additionally, the Mint has a low-pitched and neutral sound profile, making it suitable for both beginners and advanced users in various environments.

On the other hand, if you value a delicate tactility and a tranquil typing experience, the Durock White Lotus tactile switch is the perfect option. These switches strike the perfect balance with their light tactility, making them suitable for prolonged typing sessions without overwhelming the user. Furthermore, the White Lotus switches feature a removable light column, adding vibrant and luminous RGB lighting effects to your keyboard setup. Similar to the Mint, the White Lotus also offers a low-pitched and neutral sound profile.

Ultimately, the choice between the KTT Mint and the Durock White Lotus comes down to personal preference. If you prefer linear switches with a smooth typing feel and poppy thockiness, the Mint is the way to go. On the other hand, if you prefer a tactile switch with a delicate tactility and captivating RGB lighting effects, the White Lotus is the perfect choice. Both switches provide an enjoyable and comfortable typing experience, making them great options for any avid typist or keyboard enthusiast.

Mentioned in this article

KTT Mint Linear

$2.91 per 10

Learn more

Durock White Lotus Tactile

$5.60

$4.57 per 10

Learn more