KTT Mint vs. TTC Yunhai

Overview

When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the KTT Mint and the TTC Yunhai both shine as exemplary linear options, yet they cater to distinct typing preferences. The KTT Mint is celebrated for its satisfyingly smooth action, characterized by a long pole stem that produces a poppy thockiness while typing, offering a light and fleeting feel that many users find delightful for extended typing sessions. Its low-pitched and polished sound profile contributes to a refined tactile experience that balances feedback and sound. On the other hand, the TTC Yunhai captivates typists with its deep, rounded sound profile and incredibly light actuation force, creating a typing experience that is both gentle and effortless. This feathery touch is ideal for those who prefer a soft and less demanding keypress. While both switches provide unique advantages—smoothness and sound from the Mint, and lightness and subtlety from the Yunhai—each serves different needs and preferences. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.

By the numbers

KTT Mint Linear

TTC Yunhai Linear

$2.91 per 10

$7.50

$5.99 per 10

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Housing materials

When comparing the housing materials of the KTT Mint and the TTC Yunhai, a notable distinction lies in their top housings. The KTT Mint utilizes polycarbonate for its top housing, which is known for producing a sharper and more resonant sound profile. This characteristic is attributed to polycarbonate’s stiffer nature, allowing for a more crystalline auditory experience. Additionally, its translucency makes it an excellent choice for switches designed with RGB lighting in mind, enhancing the aesthetic appeal as the illumination shines through the clear material. In contrast, the TTC Yunhai features a nylon top housing, which is softer and known to provide a deeper, fuller sound profile. The damping qualities of nylon absorb sound better than polycarbonate, resulting in a mellower auditory feedback when typing.

The bottom housings for both the KTT Mint and the TTC Yunhai, however, are the same, as both switches utilize nylon. This shared material contributes significantly to the tactile experience and auditory characteristics during typing. Nylon’s ability to absorb sound leads to a duller and rounder sound profile, making both switches feel more muted upon bottoming out. Since both the Mint and Yunhai employ nylon for their bottom housings, they will provide similar sensory feedback in this regard, giving users a consistent and rich typing experience regardless of the differences in their top housing materials.

Overall, the foundational sound profiles of the KTT Mint and TTC Yunhai can be viewed as a blend of their distinct top housing materials—the sharper polycarbonate of the Mint contrasting with the softer nylon of the Yunhai—while maintaining a unified experience through their nylon bottoms. The impact of each housing material on the sound and feel of the switches is a nuanced interplay, where the top housing significantly influences the release sound, and the bottom housing shapes the bottom-out feel. Users choosing between these two switch options will appreciate this blend of auditory clarity from the Mint and rich depth from the Yunhai, ensuring a satisfying typing experience tailored to individual preferences.

Weight

When comparing the KTT Mint linear switch and the TTC Yunhai linear switch, there are notable differences in both actuation and bottom out forces. The Mint switch features an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 53 grams, categorizing it as medium-light. In contrast, the Yunhai switch boasts a lighter actuation force of 42 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, making it a lighter option overall. This distinction in weight can impact typing experiences significantly; the Mint may provide a more substantial feel for users who prefer a heavier switch, while the Yunhai's lighter forces might be more accommodating for prolonged typing or gaming sessions. Ultimately, if someone prefers a lighter feel, the TTC Yunhai would be the better choice, whereas those who appreciate a stronger push may lean toward the KTT Mint.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distances of the KTT Mint linear switch and the TTC Yunhai linear switch, we find that the KTT Mint has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the TTC Yunhai measures 3.6 mm. This indicates that the Mint has a longer travel distance, providing a more substantial feel when pressing down on a key, which can appeal to those who prefer a deeper keypress. In contrast, the Yunhai's shorter 3.6 mm travel caters to users looking for a quicker response time, making it a more suitable choice for gamers who prioritize speed and efficiency. Ultimately, the KTT Mint is the better option for those who enjoy a more pronounced depth in their typing experience, while the TTC Yunhai is ideal for those who prefer a more responsive, less abrupt engagement.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound, the KTT Mint switches provide a low-pitched and neutral auditory experience. The low-pitched nature of these switches offers a bass-heavy and mellow tone, making them suitable for both quiet and more dynamic environments. The neutral sound profile further enhances their versatility, appealing to a wide audience, from beginners to seasoned typists, whether for home or work use. In contrast, the TTC Yunhai switches are characterized by a deep, rounded sound profile, although specific details about their pitch are less defined. This distinct auditory quality paired with their light actuation force results in a gentle typing sound that can be enticing for those who prefer a more subdued acoustic feedback.

In terms of feel, the KTT Mint switches are known for their mild and polished characteristics. This means that while they offer a gentle typing experience, they also feature smooth and refined finishes that enhance key travel and reduce friction for a sleek feel. This combination makes them approachable for most users, providing a satisfying typing experience that balances comfort and performance. On the other hand, the TTC Yunhai switches stand out with their feathery feel, requiring very little effort to actuate. This minimal actuation force not only contributes to reduced finger fatigue but also promotes a very comfortable environment for extended typing sessions, making it an excellent choice for prolonged use.

Overall, both the KTT Mint and TTC Yunhai linear switches offer unique qualities that can cater to different preferences and typing styles. The Mint provides a more traditional, refined experience with its smooth sound and feel, while the Yunhai delivers a lighter touch paired with a deeper sound profile. Depending on your preferences for sound and feel, both switches may yield similar satisfying results in terms of usability. If you prefer a gentle yet satisfying typing experience, either of these switches could be a great fit, resonating well with typists looking for comfort and efficiency.

Conclusion

To sum up, choosing between the KTT Mint and the TTC Yunhai linear switches ultimately depends on your personal typing preferences and the context in which you plan to use them. If you're someone who enjoys a slightly heavier feel and a smooth, satisfying typing experience with a gentle thock sound, the KTT Mint is likely your best bet. Its medium-light actuation force and polished design provide a refined touch that can enhance both typing and gaming experiences. On the other hand, if you prefer a light and effortless keypress, especially for extended typing sessions, the TTC Yunhai would be more suitable. Its lighter actuation force and feathery feel make it an exceptional choice for those who want to reduce finger fatigue, making it ideal for long hours spent at the keyboard, whether for work or leisurely typing. Ultimately, your choice should reflect not only your specific tactile and auditory preferences but also how you intend to use your keyboard day-to-day.

Mentioned in this article

KTT Mint Linear

$2.91 per 10

Learn more

TTC Yunhai Linear

$7.50

$5.99 per 10

Learn more