KTT Mint vs. KTT Wine Red
An in-depth look at the KTT Mint and the KTT Wine Red switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, there are a plethora of options to choose from, each offering its own unique typing experience. Two switches worth comparing and contrasting are the KTT Mint and the KTT Wine Red, both of which belong to the linear switch category. The Mint switch is best known for its satisfyingly smooth linear feel, characterized by a poppy thockiness and a light and fleeting type feel. On the other hand, the Wine Red switch is renowned for its intoxicating typing experience, providing a pillowy light type feel accompanied by a deep and rich sound profile. While both switches offer their own appeal, it's important to delve deeper into their specific characteristics to determine which one suits your individual preferences best.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
44g
Bottom-out force
53g
Bottom-out force
55g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
No
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
15mm spring
Spring
Progressive spring
Housing materials
The KTT Mint and the KTT Wine Red both feature polycarbonate top housings, which create a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. Polycarbonate is known for being a relatively stiffer plastic, resulting in a more clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucent nature of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches that incorporate RGB lighting. Therefore, both the Mint and Wine Red will provide similar sound profiles and aesthetic benefits thanks to their polycarbonate top housings.
Where the Mint and Wine Red differ is in their bottom housings. The Mint utilizes a nylon bottom housing, which produces a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing. This is due to nylon being a relatively softer plastic that absorbs more sound compared to harder plastics. As a result, the Mint will provide a slightly duller and rounder sound when compared to the Wine Red. On the other hand, the Wine Red features a polycarbonate bottom housing, which will contribute to the overall sharp, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile of the switch. This difference in bottom housing material allows for a slight variation in sound and feel between the two switches when pressed down.
When it comes to the release of a key, the top housing once again takes center stage. Whether it's the Mint or the Wine Red, the polycarbonate top housing will have a significant impact on the sound produced when letting go of a key. The stiffness of the polycarbonate material contributes to a clearer and resonant sound, making the release of a key more audible and satisfying. In this aspect, the Mint and Wine Red will provide similar results due to their shared polycarbonate top housings.
In summary, the main difference between the housing materials of the KTT Mint and the KTT Wine Red lies in their bottom housings. While both switches utilize polycarbonate top housings, providing a sharp and clear sound profile, the Mint's nylon bottom housing creates a deeper and fuller sound, while the Wine Red's polycarbonate bottom housing maintains the overall characteristics of the top housing. However, when it comes to the release of a key, both switches will deliver similar results, thanks to the impact of the polycarbonate top housing.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the KTT Mint linear switch and the KTT Wine Red linear switch, there are some similarities and differences to note. Both switches fall under the category of medium-light in terms of actuation and bottom out forces. The KTT Mint has an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 53 grams, while the KTT Wine Red has an actuation force of 44 grams and a bottom out force of 55 grams. Based on these values, it can be said that the KTT Wine Red is slightly lighter in terms of actuation force, but slightly heavier when it comes to bottom out force compared to the KTT Mint.
Considering the weight of a switch is important as it can greatly impact the typing experience. For those who prefer lighter switches, the KTT Mint would be a suitable choice. Its actuation force is relatively low, making it easier to trigger keystrokes and allowing for longer typing sessions without fatigue. On the other hand, the KTT Wine Red offers a slightly heavier actuation force, providing a more substantial typing experience for individuals who enjoy a stronger push feel. This can be beneficial for those who prefer a more pronounced tactile feedback while typing.
In terms of bottoming out, both switches have similar characteristics as they fall within the medium-light range. This means that the force required to fully press the keys all the way down is not overly heavy, offering a comfortable typing experience while still providing a satisfactory level of feedback.
Overall, the actuation and bottom out forces of the KTT Mint and KTT Wine Red switches have slight differences, with the KTT Wine Red being slightly lighter in terms of actuation force and slightly heavier in terms of bottom out force. However, both switches cater to those who prefer lighter switches for extended typing sessions and a more substantial typing experience respectively. Whether choosing one over the other ultimately depends on personal preference and the desired typing experience.
Travel distance
The travel distance of a switch refers to the distance it travels from the top to the bottom when pressed. In the case of the KTT Mint linear switch and the KTT Wine Red linear switch, both have a travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when pressing down on a key equipped with either of these switches, you will feel a similar distance being traveled. Therefore, both switches offer a comparable travel distance and can provide a consistent typing experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
For 10 switches, the KTT Mint comes in at $2.91, whereas the KTT Wine Red comes in at $2.71.
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 is known for its low-pitched tone, which gives it a bass-heavy and mellow sound profile. This makes it ideal for those who prefer a deeper and more relaxed sound during key presses. On the other hand, the KTT Wine Red linear switch is also described as low-pitched and has a deep and rich sound profile, resembling the depth and richness associated with bass tones. Both switches offer a similar low-pitched sound, providing a satisfying and pleasant auditory experience. However, it's important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.
In terms of feel, the KTT Mint linear switch offers a mild typing experience. This means that it provides a more gentle and approachable feel compared to switches with more pronounced characteristics. The Mint switch's qualities fall in a safe middle-ground zone, making it suitable for most users. Additionally, the Mint switch is described as polished, meaning that it has a smooth and refined finish, resulting in a sleek and frictionless typing experience. This can be attributed to the use of high-quality materials or factory lubing, ensuring reduced friction and smooth key travel. Unfortunately, there is no provided information about the specific feel of the KTT Wine Red linear switch.
Overall, both the KTT Mint linear switch and the KTT Wine Red linear switch offer their own unique qualities. While the Mint switch is praised for its poppy thockiness, light and fleeting feel, low-pitched sound, mild typing experience, and polished finish, there isn't enough information available to directly compare these qualities to the Wine Red switch. However, based on the available information, it can be inferred that the Wine Red switch offers a pillowy light feel and a satisfyingly deep and rich sound profile. If you are seeking a smooth linear switch with a low-pitched sound and a pleasant typing experience, both switches are likely to provide similar results.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you're looking for a satisfyingly smooth typing experience with a light and fleeting feel, then the KTT Mint linear switch would be a great choice for you. Its long pole stem provides a poppy thockiness that many enjoy. In terms of sound, the Mint has a low-pitched and neutral profile, offering a more bass-heavy and mellow tone. Additionally, it has a mild and polished feel, providing a gentle typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel.
On the other hand, if you prefer an intoxicating typing experience with a pillowy light feel and a deep, rich sound profile, then the KTT Wine Red linear switch would be the ideal option. With its satisfyingly deep and rich sound, characterized by lower frequencies resembling bass tones, the Wine Red offers a unique auditory experience. While there is no specific description provided for the feel of the Wine Red, its light type feel implies a comfortable and effortless typing experience.
Ultimately, the choice between the KTT Mint and the KTT Wine Red depends on your personal preferences for typing feel and sound. Both switches offer their own unique characteristics, so consider what you value most in a mechanical keyboard switch and make your decision accordingly.
Mentioned in this article
