KTT Mint vs. Cherry Nixie
An in-depth look at the KTT Mint and the Cherry Nixie switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When looking at mechanical keyboard switches, the KTT Mint and the Cherry Nixie both offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences. The Mint is favored for its smooth linear feel, providing a satisfying typing experience with a poppy thockiness and light touch. On the other hand, the Nixie is known for its classic feel with substantial heft and textured typing experience, blending tradition with modern innovation. While the Mint is categorized as low-pitched, neutral, mild, and polished, the Nixie is described as textured, thocky, and low-pitched. Both switches have their own strengths and appeal to different 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
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
63.5g
Bottom-out force
53g
Bottom-out force
80g
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
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
15mm spring
Spring
Gold-plated
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the KTT Mint and the Cherry Nixie, the main difference lies in the use of polycarbonate for the Mint's top housing and nylon for the Nixie. The polycarbonate used in the Mint creates a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile, ideal for those looking for a more crisp typing experience. On the other hand, the nylon top housing of the Nixie produces a deeper and fuller sound, giving a more rounded typing experience. While both materials have their own unique sound profiles, the choice between them ultimately comes down to personal preference and the type of typing experience one prefers.
When it comes to the bottom housing, both the Mint and the Nixie use nylon, which creates a deeper and fuller sound profile. This similarity in housing materials means that the typing experience in terms of sound will be more consistent between the two switches. Nylon is known for its ability to absorb sound, resulting in a duller sound that is less sharp and more rounded. Therefore, whether you choose the Mint or the Nixie, you can expect a similar sound profile in terms of bottom-out noise and feel, thanks to the shared bottom housing material.
Overall, the choice between the KTT Mint and the Cherry Nixie comes down to the specific sound profile and typing experience that each individual prefers. The Mint's polycarbonate top housing offers a sharper, crisper sound profile, while the Nixie's nylon top housing provides a deeper, fuller sound. However, both switches share the use of nylon for the bottom housing, resulting in a consistent sound profile in terms of bottom-out noise and feel. Ultimately, whether you prefer the Mint or the Nixie will depend on your personal preference for sound characteristics and typing feel.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the KTT Mint linear switch and the Cherry Nixie linear switch, we can see clear differences in weight. The Mint has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 53 grams, making it more suitable for those who prefer a lighter typing experience. In contrast, the Nixie features a heavier actuation force of 63.5 grams and a bottom out force of 80 grams, providing a more substantial typing feel for those who prefer a stronger push when typing. While the Mint offers a medium-light feel, the Nixie is considered heavy in comparison. Ultimately, the choice between the two would depend on personal preference for typing force, with the Mint being lighter and the Nixie being heavier.
Travel distance
Both the KTT Mint linear switch and the Cherry Nixie linear switch have the same travel distance of 4mm, making them equal in this aspect. This means that when pressing down on a key equipped with either of these switches, you will feel the same amount of travel distance from the top to the bottom. This consistency in travel distance allows for a similar typing experience regardless of whether you are using the Mint or the Nixie switch. Overall, the travel distance of both switches is identical, providing users with a consistent typing feel and response.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Cherry Nixie has an MSRP of $6.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Nixie for $4.15.
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
In terms of sound, the KTT Mint linear switch offers a low-pitched and neutral sound profile, providing a bass-heavy and mellow tone suitable for a variety of users and environments. On the other hand, the Cherry Nixie linear switch produces a thocky and low-pitched sound, characterized by a deep, rich, and satisfying thud when pressed. Both switches offer a unique auditory experience, with the Mint being more neutral and the Nixie delivering a more pronounced thockiness.
Moving on to the feel, the KTT Mint linear switch provides a mild and polished typing experience, offering a gentle and refined feel with reduced friction and smooth key travel. In contrast, the Cherry Nixie linear switch is described as textured, providing noticeable friction when pressed which may appeal to those who prefer a more tactile typing experience. While the Mint offers a polished and mild typing feel, the Nixie provides a more textured and pronounced tactile feedback.
Overall, when comparing the KTT Mint linear switch to the Cherry Nixie linear switch, it is evident that they offer distinct subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Mint provides a smoother and more polished experience both in sound and feel, while the Nixie delivers a more textured and tactile experience with a pronounced thocky sound. Depending on personal preference, users can choose between the Mint for a more neutral and refined experience or the Nixie for a more textured and substantial typing feel. Ultimately, both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences within the mechanical keyboard community.
Conclusion
In closing, if you prefer a lighter actuation force and a smooth, poppy thockiness when typing, the KTT Mint linear switch would be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you enjoy a heavier actuation force and a textured typing experience with a deep, thocky sound, the Cherry Nixie linear switch would be more suitable. Consider your personal typing preferences and needs when deciding between these two switches to enhance your overall typing experience.
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