TTC Bluish White vs. KTT Pine
An in-depth look at the TTC Bluish White and the KTT Pine switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
We are pleased to offer two distinct mechanical keyboard switches that cater to different preferences in typing experience. On one hand, we have the TTC Bluish White, a tactile switch renowned for its satisfyingly poppy feel. Typing on these switches elicits a snappy sound profile that adds excitement to every keystroke. Categorized as buttery, mild, stepped, subtle, polished, and low-pitched, the Bluish Whites provide a uniquely tactile and polished typing experience. On the other hand, we have the KTT Pine, a linear switch with a translucent, forest green color. These switches prioritize a medium-heavy weight and a buttery smooth keystroke, resulting in an effortless typing experience. With a factory-lubed finish, these switches minimize friction and ensure smooth key travel. Categorized as bassy, buttery, creamy, and low-pitched, the Pine switches offer a distinct smoothness and richness to the typing experience. 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
42g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
58g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
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
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
15.5mm gold-plated spring
Housing materials
The housing materials used in the TTC Bluish White and the KTT Pine switches are quite similar. Both switches utilize polycarbonate for their top housings, resulting in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The use of polycarbonate in these clear housings also allows for the transmission of RGB lighting, making them suitable for those looking to enhance their aesthetic appeal. Therefore, in terms of sound and lighting capabilities, users can expect similar results from both switches.
However, the difference lies in the bottom housing materials. The Bluish White switch incorporates a nylon bottom housing, which offers a deeper and fuller sound profile during typing. This is due to nylon's softer nature, allowing it to absorb more sound and create a duller and rounder tone. On the other hand, the Pine switch utilizes a polycarbonate bottom housing, which contributes to a clearer and more resonant sound. The stiffer nature of polycarbonate enhances the overall sound profile. Consequently, when pressing down on these switches, users will feel the impact and experience a sound influenced by the respective bottom housing materials.
In summary, both switches share the benefits of polycarbonate top housings, resulting in a sharp and clear sound profile while complementing RGB lighting. However, the use of different bottom housing materials impacts the overall sound experience. The Bluish White's nylon bottom housing offers a deeper and fuller sound, while the Pine's polycarbonate bottom housing contributes to a clearer and resonant tone. Ultimately, users should consider their personal preferences for sound characteristics when choosing between these switches.
Weight
When comparing the TTC Bluish White tactile switch and the KTT Pine linear switch, their actuation forces and bottom out forces differ slightly. The Bluish White has a lighter actuation force of 42 grams compared to the Pine's actuation force of 45 grams, both providing a gentle touch to trigger a keystroke. However, when it comes to bottoming out, the Bluish White requires a force of 50 grams, while the Pine exerts a slightly heavier force of 58 grams.
For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the Bluish White would be an ideal choice as its actuation force and bottom out force are both lighter than the Pine. This lighter touch allows for comfortable and extended typing sessions, making it suitable for work or prolonged gaming. On the other hand, individuals seeking a more substantial push feel for a greater typing satisfaction may opt for the Pine, as its actuation and bottom out forces provide a firmer and more pronounced keystroke.
Although the differences between the two switches may seem minor, they can significantly impact the typing experience depending on personal preferences. Ultimately, the choice between the TTC Bluish White tactile switch and the KTT Pine linear switch boils down to individual typing preferences.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the TTC Bluish White tactile switch is 3.5 mm, while the KTT Pine linear switch has a longer travel distance of 4 mm. The Bluish White offers a slightly shorter travel distance, making it a preferred choice for gamers seeking faster response times. The 3.5 mm travel distance provides a more responsive and quick typing experience. On the other hand, the Pine linear switch offers a longer travel distance of 4 mm, providing a deeper and more pronounced key press sensation, which some users may prefer. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on personal preference, with the shorter travel distance option being ideal for those who prioritize quick responsiveness, and the longer travel distance option catering to those who enjoy a more substantial key press feel.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The TTC Bluish White has an MSRP of $6.60 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Bluish White for $4.63.
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 TTC Bluish White tactile switch is best described as having a snappy and low-pitched sound profile. This means that when typing on these switches, you can expect a more bass-heavy and mellow tone, resulting in a satisfyingly poppy typing experience. On the other hand, the KTT Pine linear switch offers a bassy and low-pitched sound profile. This means that the sound produced during key presses is deeper and richer, resembling the depth and richness associated with bass tones. Both switches provide pleasing sound profiles, and the actual sound experienced may also vary depending on factors such as the keyboard and keycap choice.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the TTC Bluish White tactile switch is often described as having a buttery, mild, stepped, subtle, and polished feel. A buttery switch implies a smooth and fluid keystroke experience, providing a seamless and effortless typing sensation. The mild characteristic indicates that the typing experience is gentle and approachable to most, as it stands in a safe middle ground. Stepped switches have a two-stage feel, where there is some pre-travel and/or post-travel, resulting in a mild tactile feedback. Additionally, the subtle resistance and polished finish of the Bluish White switches contribute to a light and smooth typing feel with reduced friction and smooth key travel.
Similarly, the KTT Pine linear switch is described as having a buttery and creamy feel. This suggests a smooth and fluid keystroke experience, where typing on these switches feels effortless and uniform. The creamy characteristic indicates that these switches offer a silky sensation, akin to gliding your fingers across the keys with ease. The presence of lubricant applied at the factory or specific materials contributes to this smooth and buttery typing experience.
Overall, the TTC Bluish White tactile switch and the KTT Pine linear switch both offer subjective qualities that are pleasing to different preferences. In terms of sound, the Bluish White provides a snappy and low-pitched profile, while the Pine offers a bassy and low-pitched sound. In terms of feel, both switches share the buttery characteristic, ensuring a smooth and fluid keystroke experience. Additionally, the Bluish White switches have mild, stepped, subtle, and polished attributes, while the Pine switches are further described as creamy. Depending on your preference for sound and feel, both switches can deliver satisfying typing experiences.
Conclusion
Ultimately, the choice between the TTC Bluish White tactile switch and the KTT Pine linear switch depends on your personal preferences and typing style. If you value a satisfyingly poppy typing experience with a light bottom out force, then the Bluish White switch is a great option for you. It offers a snappy sound profile and a mild, buttery feel that provides a seamless and effortless typing sensation. Additionally, the low-pitched sound of the Bluish White switch adds a mellow and bass-heavy tone to your typing experience.
On the other hand, if you prefer a medium bottom out force and are looking for a smooth and buttery typing experience, the KTT Pine linear switch is the way to go. With its factory-lubed finish, these switches minimize friction and provide smooth key travel. The Pine switch offers a medium-heavy bottom out force, making it suitable for users who prefer a slightly heavier typing feel. The bassy and low-pitched sound profile of the Pine switch adds depth and richness to each key press, enhancing your overall typing experience.
In the end, both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences. Whether you prioritize a light poppy typing experience or a medium-heavy, buttery smooth typing feel, both the TTC Bluish White tactile switch and the KTT Pine linear switch provide excellent options for an enjoyable and satisfying typing journey.
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