KTT Mint vs. KTT Vanilla Ice Cream
An in-depth look at the KTT Mint and the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
The KTT Mint and KTT Vanilla Ice Cream are two popular mechanical keyboard switches that both fall under the linear switch category. The Mint is praised for its smooth linear action and satisfying thockiness, while the Vanilla Ice Cream sets itself apart with its use of innovative materials for a creamy and buttery typing experience. The Mint offers a light and fleeting type feel, while the Vanilla Ice Cream delivers a high-pitched and clacky sound signature. Both switches have their own unique characteristics 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
43g
Bottom-out force
53g
Bottom-out force
48g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POK
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Proprietary KTT blend
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POK
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
15mm spring
Spring
Stainless steel 18mm spring
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the KTT Mint and the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream, we see that both switches have unique top housings. The Mint utilizes polycarbonate for its top housing, which results in a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile. This is contrasted with the Vanilla Ice Cream's proprietary KTT blend top housing, which offers a high-pitched and clacky sound signature. While both materials provide distinctive sound profiles, the use of polycarbonate in the Mint switch caters more towards RGB lighting with its translucency, while the Vanilla Ice Cream's blend remains a mystery, offering a sound profile that is still unique in its own right.
When it comes to the bottom housing materials of the Mint and the Vanilla Ice Cream, we see another difference between the two switches. The Mint utilizes nylon for its bottom housing, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile due to the softer nature of nylon absorbing more sound. In contrast, the Vanilla Ice Cream features a POK bottom housing, known for its exceptional smoothness, durability, and clacky sound. This stark difference in bottom housing materials speaks to the different sound profiles and typing experiences that users can expect from these two switches.
While the Mint and the Vanilla Ice Cream offer distinct sound profiles and typing experiences with their contrasting housing materials, they both prioritize creating a unique and enjoyable typing experience for users. The split between top and bottom housing materials allows for a balance between the sound of pressing down and releasing a key. Whether it's the sharpness of polycarbonate in the Mint or the smoothness and durability of POK in the Vanilla Ice Cream, both switches offer a high-quality typing experience that caters to different preferences and needs. Ultimately, users can choose between the Mint's sharp and high-pitched sound or the Vanilla Ice Cream's clacky and durable sound based on their individual preferences.
Weight
The KTT Mint linear switch has an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 53 grams, making it a medium-light switch. On the other hand, the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream linear switch has an actuation force of 43 grams and a bottom out force of 48 grams, making it a lighter option. The difference in force between the two switches may result in a slightly lighter typing experience with the Vanilla Ice Cream switch compared to the Mint switch. Some users may prefer the Mint switch for a more substantial typing experience due to its slightly heavier bottom out force. However, for those who prefer a lighter feel that allows for longer typing or gaming sessions, the Vanilla Ice Cream switch may be the better choice. Ultimately, the actuation and bottom out forces play a significant role in determining the typing experience and overall feel of the switch.
Travel distance
The KTT Mint linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm. The Mint has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Vanilla Ice Cream, meaning you may feel a bit more resistance when pressing down on the keys. The Vanilla Ice Cream, on the other hand, offers a slightly shorter travel distance, making it a preferred choice for those looking for a faster response time, such as gamers. Both options fall within the range of traditional travel distances, so you can expect similar results in terms of key press feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for travel distance and responsiveness.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The KTT Vanilla Ice Cream has an MSRP of $5.78 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Vanilla Ice Cream for $4.60.
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
When it comes to sound, the KTT Mint linear switch offers a low-pitched and neutral auditory experience, with a bass-heavy and mellow tone that is suitable for most users. On the other hand, the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream linear switch delivers a high-pitched, marbly, and resonant sound profile that is sharp and clean, providing a unique auditory experience that sets it apart from other switches in the market.
In terms of feel, the KTT Mint linear switch provides a mild and polished typing experience, offering a gentle and approachable feel with smooth key travel and reduced friction. In comparison, the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream linear switch offers a buttery and creamy typing sensation, thanks to its smooth and fluid keystroke experience that is reminiscent of gliding fingers effortlessly across the keys with each press.
Overall, while the KTT Mint and KTT Vanilla Ice Cream linear switches offer different sound and feel experiences, both switches are designed to provide users with a satisfying and enjoyable typing experience. Whether you prefer a low-pitched and neutral sound profile with a mild and polished feel or a high-pitched and marbly sound profile with a buttery and creamy feel, both switches are sure to deliver similar results in terms of quality and performance.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the KTT Mint linear switch and the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream linear switch, consider the differences in bottom out force, sound profile, and typing feel. If you prefer a slightly heavier bottom out force and a more neutral sound profile with a mild and polished typing feel, the Mint switch may be the better choice for you. On the other hand, if you enjoy a lighter bottom out force, a high-pitched and clacky sound profile with a marbly and resonant typing feel that is buttery and creamy, the Vanilla Ice Cream switch could be the perfect fit for your preferences. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal typing preferences and the overall typing experience you are looking to achieve.
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