HMX Game1989 vs. KTT Pine
An in-depth look at the HMX Game1989 and the KTT Pine switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the perfect mechanical keyboard switches, the HMX 1989 and the KTT Pine both offer unique experiences for different types of users. The HMX 1989, renowned for its thocky sound and deep actuation, appeals to gamers and typists alike who appreciate a tactile feedback with a satisfying auditory cue. Its character as one of the deepest switches in the HMX Film series makes it ideal for those who enjoy a pronounced key press. In contrast, the KTT Pine switches are celebrated for their buttery smoothness and medium-heavy resistance, designed for an effortless typing experience. With a polished, factory-lubed finish, the KTT Pine minimizes friction, making it a great choice for those who prioritize fluid key travel over sound and tactile feedback. While both switches are linear and cater to a seamless keystroke experience, their distinct attributes cater to different preferences and needs. However, let’s dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the ideal switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
53g
Bottom-out force
58g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.90 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
T5
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm single-stage spring
Spring
15.5mm gold-plated spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the HMX 1989 and the KTT Pine switches, it becomes clear that both utilize polycarbonate for their top housing, which yields a similar auditory experience. The polycarbonate construction in the top housing results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile for both switches. This quality is attributed to polycarbonate's relatively stiff nature, which enhances clarity and resonance in sound production. Additionally, the translucency of the polycarbonate material makes it ideal for RGB lighting applications, allowing light to pass through and create visually appealing lighting effects. As a result, one can expect a consistent performance in sound experience when utilizing the top housing from either the HMX 1989 or KTT Pine.
In contrast to the similar top housing materials, the bottom housings of these switches are composed of different plastics, which significantly impacts their sound profiles. The HMX 1989 employs a nylon bottom housing, known for its softer composition that creates a deeper and fuller sound. Nylon's ability to absorb sound allows for a more muted auditory experience, which contrasts sharply with the KTT Pine’s polycarbonate bottom housing. The Pine switch leverages the stiffer polycarbonate material, resulting in a more resonant and crisp sound character, which aligns closely with the qualities of its top housing. This divergence in materials embodies a clear distinction between how each switch will sound when pressed, especially in the bottom-out phase.
Ultimately, the different bottom housing materials in the HMX 1989 and KTT Pine switches lead to unique sound profiles that influence the overall typing experience. While both shares a polycarbonate top housing and thus a similar sound on release, the nylon bottom of the HMX 1989 introduces a depth that is absent in the harsher sound profile of the Pine’s polycarbonate bottom. This combination of materials results in different auditory sensations corresponding to each switch, making it necessary for users to consider personal preference when choosing between the two. As both switches incorporate polycarbonate, they will yield a comparable sound experience regarding the release of a key, although the bottom-out sounds will reflect their respective materials, offering distinct auditory feedback.
Weight
When comparing the HMX 1989 linear switch and the KTT Pine linear switch, we find that both switches have the same actuation force of 45 grams, indicating that users can expect a similar effort when initiating a keystroke. However, the bottom out forces reveal a difference in typing feel and resistance; the 1989 has a bottom out force of 53 grams, while the Pine's is slightly higher at 58 grams. This makes the HMX 1989 lighter overall, which may be preferable for users engaged in extended typing sessions or gaming, as it requires less effort to bottom out. In contrast, those who enjoy a stronger, more substantial typing experience may lean towards the KTT Pine, with its heavier bottom out force providing a more pronounced tactile feedback when the switch is fully engaged. In summary, while both switches feature the same actuation force, the HMX 1989 is the lighter option, offering a soft typing experience, whereas the KTT Pine provides a heavier touch that some may prefer for its tactile weight.
Travel distance
Both the HMX 1989 linear switch and the KTT Pine linear switch exhibit a travel distance of 4 mm, which means they provide the same tactile experience when pressed. With both switches having identical travel distances, users can expect similar results in terms of key actuation and overall responsiveness. This equivalence ensures that whether using one switch or the other, the feel and performance during typing or gaming will remain consistent, allowing for a seamless transition between the two.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The HMX Game1989 has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Game1989 for $3.29.
The KTT Pine has an MSRP of $4.60 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Pine for $4.15.
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 HMX 1989 linear switch is celebrated for its deep and thocky character, though specific descriptors for its audio profile are not provided. In contrast, the KTT Pine linear switch is known for its bassy and low-pitched sound, offering a rich and resonant acoustic that enhances the typing experience. The KTT Pine's deeper tones create a satisfying auditory feedback during key presses, making it particularly enjoyable for users who relish a more pronounced sound profile. It’s important to note that the overall sound experience can vary significantly based on the keyboard’s construction and the keycap materials used, meaning both switches may share similarities in their auditory output depending on these factors.
When discussing the feel of these switches, the HMX 1989 linear switch offers a long-travel, satisfying keystroke known for its depth; however, specific descriptive qualities are absent. On the other hand, the KTT Pine linear switch stands out with its buttery and creamy feel, attributed to its polished, factory-lubed finish that minimizes friction for a smooth typing experience. The KTT Pine provides a seamless, effortless keystroke, allowing users to glide over the keys comfortably. This silky sensation, combined with the medium-heavy actuation, may present a more consistent and pleasant typing experience, making it particularly appealing for those who prioritize smoothness in their mechanical keyboard switches.
In summary, both the HMX 1989 and KTT Pine switches offer unique auditory and tactile experiences, catering to different preferences in the mechanical keyboard community. While the HMX 1989’s depth and thockiness provide a distinctive sound profile, the KTT Pine’s smooth and creamy feel enhances the typing experience with its polished design. Users may find a degree of overlap in sound characteristics, especially when considering various board and keycap combinations, but the KTT Pine is likely to appeal more to those seeking a buttery typing experience. Ultimately, your choice might come down to whether you prioritize sound richness or tactile smoothness, as both switches can contribute to a satisfying mechanical keyboard experience.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the HMX 1989 linear switch and the KTT Pine linear switch really depends on your preferences regarding typing feel, sound profile, and overall experience. If you're looking for a switch that offers a medium-light bottom out force of 53 grams coupled with a thocky sound and feel, the HMX 1989 might be your best option. It's ideal for gaming sessions where rapid keystrokes and a satisfying auditory feedback are crucial. On the other hand, if you prefer a buttery smooth typing experience with a medium bottom out force of 58 grams, the KTT Pine switch is likely to be more appealing. Its factory-lubed finish enhances the effortless key travel, while the bassey and low-pitched sound adds a depth that many typists find enjoyable, especially in a quieter workspace. Ultimately, consider whether you value a more tactile and thocky feedback versus a smooth and creamy keystroke, as that will guide you in selecting the switch that best enhances your typing or gaming experience.
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