Bsun Pine vs. KTT Mallo
An in-depth look at the Bsun Pine and the KTT Mallo switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the BSUN Pine and KTT Mallo both offer unique typing experiences for users looking for tactile switches. The BSUN Pine is known for its sharp tactile bump and quick bottom-out, providing a direct and snappy feel while typing. On the other hand, the KTT Mallo switches focus on subtlety and finesse, offering a gentle tactility that provides just the right amount of feedback without being overpowering. With a medium-light typing feel and a neutral sound signature, the Mallo strikes a balanced chord for typists in various environments. Each switch has its own strengths and appeals 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
N/A
Bottom-out force
65g
Bottom-out force
55g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
No
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The Bsun Pine and KTT Mallo both feature polycarbonate top housings, which create a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to the stiffness of the plastic material. This material is especially useful for switches that plan to incorporate RGB lighting due to its translucency. On the other hand, the Pine and Mallo differ in their bottom housings, with the Pine featuring a nylon bottom housing that elicits a deeper and fuller sound profile, while the Mallo also utilizes nylon for its bottom housing for similar sound qualities.
While both the Pine and Mallo share the use of polycarbonate for their top housings, showcasing similar qualities in terms of sound profile and aesthetically pleasing translucency, they differ in their bottom housings. The Pine's nylon bottom housing offers a deeper and fuller sound experience, absorbing more sound due to its softer plastic material. Similarly, the Mallo's nylon bottom housing provides a rounder and duller sound profile, highlighting the impact of the different housing materials on the overall typing experience.
Overall, the choice between the Bsun Pine and KTT Mallo ultimately comes down to personal preference in sound profile. Both switches offer unique characteristics based on their housing materials, with the Pine providing a sharper and crisper sound with its polycarbonate top housing and nylon bottom housing, while the Mallo offers a similar experience with its polycarbonate top housing and nylon bottom housing. Whether one prefers a sharper sound or a deeper sound, both switches offer a high-quality typing experience based on the materials used for their housings.
Weight
The Bsun Pine tactile switch has a higher actuation force of 45 grams compared to the KTT Mallo tactile switch, which has an unknown actuation force. However, the Bsun Pine has a heavier bottom out force of 65 grams, whereas the KTT Mallo has a bottom out force of 55 grams, making it slightly lighter. This means that the Bsun Pine provides a more substantial typing experience with a heavier push feel, while the KTT Mallo offers a lighter touch for longer typing sessions. Both switches cater to different preferences, with the Pine being on the heavier side and the Mallo being on the lighter side in terms of force required. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on the individual's preference for actuation force and bottom out force in their typing experience.
Travel distance
The Bsun Pine tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm, while the KTT Mallo tactile switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. In this case, the Mallo has a longer travel distance compared to the Pine. Generally, a longer travel distance can provide a more satisfying keypress as it allows for more depth and feedback. On the other hand, a shorter travel distance can be preferred by those looking for faster response times, such as gamers. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and the type of typing experience you are looking for. Both switches are within the range of traditional travel distances, so you can expect similar results in terms of keypress feel despite the slight difference in length.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Bsun Pine has an MSRP of $4.70 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Pine for $3.70.
The KTT Mallo has an MSRP of $5.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Mallo for $4.40.
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 BSUN Pine switch is known for its distinct and sharp tactile bump, which may result in a slightly louder sound compared to the more neutral sound signature of the KTT Mallo switch. The Mallo switch, with its subdued sound profile, provides a quieter typing experience that is suitable for various environments. The choice between the two switches will ultimately depend on personal preference and the desired sound level for your typing experience.
In terms of feel, the BSUN Pine switch offers an invigorating and sharp tactile feedback, providing a snappy and responsive typing sensation. On the other hand, the KTT Mallo switch is described as feathery and mild, offering a gentle typing experience that is comfortable for extended use. The Pine switch delivers a more pronounced tactile bump compared to the subtlety of the Mallo switch, catering to different preferences for tactile feedback intensity.
Overall, the BSUN Pine switch stands out for its sharp and pronounced tactility, while the KTT Mallo switch excels in providing a subtle and balanced typing experience. Both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences in sound and feel, ensuring that users can customize their typing experience to suit their individual needs. Whether you prefer a sharp and direct tactile feedback or a more subdued and gentle typing feel, both the Pine and Mallo switches offer reliable options for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the BSUN Pine tactile switch and the KTT Mallo tactile switch, consider the type of typing experience you prefer. If you value a sharp, invigorating tactile bump with a medium-heavy bottom out force, the Pine may be the better choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a more subtle, feathery tactile feel with a medium-light bottom out force, the Mallo could be the ideal option. Additionally, take into account the sound profile you desire, with the Pine offering a more accented and sharp sound compared to the Mallo's subdued and neutral sound. Ultimately, the decision between these switches will depend on your personal typing preferences and the environment in which you'll be using your keyboard.
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