TTC Brother vs. KTT Pine
An in-depth look at the TTC Brother and the KTT Pine switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, the TTC Brother clicky switch and the KTT Pine linear switch offer unique characteristics to cater to different preferences. The Brother stands out with its lightweight design, boasting a breezy actuation of just 37g for a tactile experience that is never burdensome. Its satisfyingly crunchy sound signature and articulate tactile bump make it a favorite among clicky switch enthusiasts. On the other hand, the Pine offers a medium-heavy, buttery smooth typing experience thanks to its factory-lubed finish that minimizes friction for effortless key travel. While the Brother is ideal for those who prefer a crunchy, easy-to-press switch, the Pine caters to users seeking a buttery, low-pitched typing feel. 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
37g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
58g
Pre-travel
2.20 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
17.5mm spring
Spring
15.5mm gold-plated spring
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the TTC Brother and the KTT Pine, it is evident that both switches utilize polycarbonate for their top housing. This material contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile, thanks to its relatively stiff nature. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches intended to be used with RGB lighting. However, the distinction between the two lies in their bottom housing material. The Brother features a nylon bottom housing, which results in a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer nature that absorbs more sound. On the other hand, the Pine utilizes a polycarbonate bottom housing, mirroring the characteristics of the top housing for a consistent sound profile.
While the top housing materials of the TTC Brother and the KTT Pine are the same, their bottom housings provide a point of differentiation. The Brother's nylon bottom housing offers a unique typing experience with a deeper sound profile, enhancing the overall tactile feedback of the switch. In contrast, the Pine's polycarbonate bottom housing contributes to a sharper and clearer sound profile, aligning with the characteristics of its top housing. Despite this difference, both switches aim to provide an excellent typing experience with distinct sound profiles based on the specific qualities of their housing materials.
Overall, the housing materials of the TTC Brother and the KTT Pine play a crucial role in shaping the sound profile and tactile feedback of each switch. While they both employ polycarbonate for the top housing, the use of different materials for the bottom housing offers a variation in sound characteristics. Whether it is the deeper and fuller sound of the Brother's nylon bottom housing or the sharper and crisper sound of the Pine's polycarbonate bottom housing, each switch provides a unique typing experience tailored to the specific qualities of its housing materials. Ultimately, both switches aim to deliver high-quality performance with their distinct sound profiles and tactile feedback.
Weight
The TTC Brother clicky switch has a lighter actuation force of 37 grams compared to the KTT Pine linear switch, which has a higher actuation force of 45 grams. This means that the Brother switch may be preferred by those who prefer a lighter touch when typing or gaming for extended periods. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Pine switch is heavier with 58 grams compared to the Brother switch, where the bottom out force is unknown. This heavier bottom out force of the Pine switch may appeal to those who enjoy a more solid and substantial typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on personal preference for actuation and bottom out force, with the Brother switch offering a lighter touch and the Pine switch providing a heavier feel.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the TTC Brother clicky switch and the KTT Pine linear switch, we can see that the Brother has a shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm compared to the Pine's 4 mm. The Brother switch would provide a slightly quicker response time due to its shorter travel distance, making it a preferred choice for gamers looking for faster reactions. On the other hand, the Pine switch offers a slightly deeper key press with its longer travel distance, which may be more comfortable for users who prefer a more substantial feel when typing. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches would depend on individual preferences for key press depth and response time.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The TTC Brother has an MSRP of $5.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Brother for $3.30.
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 Brother clicky switch offers a crunchy and satisfying sound profile, reminiscent of stepping on piles of crisp autumn leaves. On the other hand, the KTT Pine linear switch provides a bassy and low-pitched sound during key presses, creating a deeper and richer auditory experience. Both switches offer unique sound characteristics that cater to different preferences, with the Brother being more traditional in its clicky sound and the Pine offering a mellower and bass-heavy tone.
When it comes to feel, the TTC Brother clicky switch is known for its easy-to-press nature, providing gentle resistance and requiring minimal force to activate. This results in an effortless and comfortable typing experience, reducing finger fatigue during extended use. In contrast, the KTT Pine linear switch is described as buttery and creamy, offering a smooth and fluid keystroke experience that is seamless and uniform. Both switches offer distinct tactile sensations, with the Brother being more stepped and easy to press, while the Pine provides a luxurious and silky typing sensation.
Overall, while the TTC Brother clicky switch and the KTT Pine linear switch offer different sound and feel qualities, both switches excel in their respective categories. The Brother provides a crunchy and tactile experience with a lightweight actuation force, making it ideal for clicky switch enthusiasts. On the other hand, the Pine offers a buttery and creamy typing feel with medium-heavy resistance, perfect for those seeking a smooth linear switch option. Whether you prefer the traditional clicky sound of the Brother or the luxurious feel of the Pine, both switches promise a high-quality typing experience that will enhance your overall keyboarding experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the TTC Brother clicky switch and KTT Pine linear switch, consider the key factors at play. If you value a light actuation force, a satisfyingly crunchy sound, and a distinct tactile bump, then the Brother clicky switch is the way to go. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-bottom out force, a buttery smooth typing experience, and a factory-lubed finish for reduced friction, then the Pine linear switch is the better choice for you. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preferences for sound, feel, and typing experience. Both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different typing styles, so choose the one that aligns best with your needs and preferences.
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