KTT Cream Yellow vs. KTT Pine
An in-depth look at the KTT Cream Yellow and the KTT Pine switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
Introducing the KTT Cream Yellow and KTT Pine, two mechanical keyboard switches that offer distinct experiences for users. On one hand, the Cream Yellow switch is renowned for its standout clacky sound and resonant audio feedback. With a shortened bottom-out distance, long-pole stem, and lengthened spring, it provides a uniquely bouncy typing feel. On the other hand, the Pine switch stands out with its translucent, forest green design. Known for being medium-heavy, buttery smooth, and effortless, it offers an unparalleled typing experience. The factory-lubed finish ensures minimal friction, resulting in smooth key travel. While both switches have their own unique qualities, they are different in terms of sound and feel. The Cream Yellow is bouncy and clacky, while the Pine is bassy, buttery, creamy, and low-pitched. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can make the best decision on which switch suits you best.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
50g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
58g
Bottom-out force
58g
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
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
Polycarbonate
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
18mm spring
Spring
15.5mm gold-plated spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the KTT Cream Yellow and the KTT Pine, specifically the polycarbonate top housing, share similar qualities. Both switches utilize polycarbonate in their top housing, which results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The stiffness of polycarbonate contributes to a clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of the polycarbonate top housing is advantageous for those intending to use RGB lighting. Therefore, users can expect similar sound and aesthetic benefits from the polycarbonate top housing of both switches.
However, when it comes to the bottom housing, the Cream Yellow and the Pine differ in their material choices. The Cream Yellow features a nylon bottom housing, while the Pine incorporates a polycarbonate bottom housing. The nylon bottom housing of the Cream Yellow offers a unique typing experience by producing a deeper and fuller sound profile. Due to its relatively softer nature, nylon absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. On the other hand, the polycarbonate bottom housing of the Pine complements the sharp and clear sound profile achieved by its top housing. This harder plastic material enhances the overall resonance and clarity of the switch's sound.
As a result of the different housing materials used in the top and bottom of each switch, the qualities they bring are divided. Pressing down on the switches allows users to experience the impact of the bottom housing on the bottom-out sound and feel. Conversely, the top housing plays a more significant role in the sound produced when releasing a key. While both switches offer a similar experience in terms of the polycarbonate top housing, their respective nylon and polycarbonate bottom housings provide distinct sound characteristics, giving users the option to choose between a deeper, fuller sound or a sharp, clear sound.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the KTT Cream Yellow linear switch and the KTT Pine linear switch, some similarities and differences can be observed. In terms of actuation force, the Cream Yellow requires 50 grams of force to trigger a keystroke, while the Pine requires a slightly lighter 45 grams. Both switches can be considered medium in terms of actuation force.
Regarding the bottom out force, both switches have the same measurement of 58 grams, indicating that they provide similar resistance when pressed all the way down. Therefore, in terms of bottom out force, both switches would yield comparable results.
Considering weight as a factor, the lighter actuation force of the Pine switch may be preferable for individuals who desire a lighter typing experience. This lighter actuation force allows for potentially longer typing sessions, making it suitable for work or prolonged gaming sessions. On the other hand, the Cream Yellow switch offers a slightly stronger push feel due to its higher actuation force, providing a more substantial typing experience. This may be favored by individuals who prefer a more tactile feedback when typing.
Ultimately, while the Pine switch is lighter in terms of actuation force compared to the Cream Yellow switch, both switches share the same bottom out force measurement. Therefore, individuals seeking a similar typing experience can achieve comparable results using either switch.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the KTT Cream Yellow linear switch and the KTT Pine linear switch, there is a noticeable difference. The Cream Yellow has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, which is shorter than the more traditional 4 mm travel distance of the Pine. Gamers, in particular, tend to prefer shorter travel distances as it allows for faster response times. If you prioritize responsiveness, the Cream Yellow would be the better choice for you. However, some individuals find short travel distances to feel abrupt and may prefer a switch with a longer travel distance like the Pine. Ultimately, it comes down to personal preference and whether you value a shorter or longer travel distance for your typing or gaming experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The KTT Cream Yellow has an MSRP of $2.75 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Cream Yellow for $2.55.
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 Cream Yellow switch produces a distinctive clacky sound that is crisp, bright, and percussive when pressed. This is due to its shortened bottom-out distance and long-pole stem, which provide resonant audio feedback. On the other hand, the Pine switch offers a deeper and richer sound profile that resembles the depth and richness associated with bass tones. It has a lower frequency range, giving it a bass-heavy and mellow tone. It is important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps chosen, so your overall experience may vary.
Moving on to the feel, the Cream Yellow switch offers a uniquely bouncy typing experience. It provides a spring-like or elastic feedback sensation, giving the keys a lively feel and rebound when pressed. In contrast, the Pine switch is described as buttery and creamy, offering a smooth and fluid keystroke experience. These switches are characterized by their seamless, effortless, and uniform typing sensation. They have a lubricated finish from the factory, minimizing friction for smooth key travel. Typing on the Pine switch feels like gliding your fingers across the keys with ease, as they effortlessly melt into each keystroke.
Taking all the available information into account, the Cream Yellow switch delivers a clacky sound and a bouncy typing feel, while the Pine switch produces a bassy sound and a buttery, creamy typing experience. If you prefer a sharper and livelier sound with a spring-like feedback sensation, the Cream Yellow switch would be a great option. On the other hand, if you prefer a deeper and richer sound with a smooth and effortless typing feel, the Pine switch would be more suitable. Keep in mind that the overall experience can be further influenced by other aspects such as the keyboard board and keycaps chosen.
Conclusion
In conclusion, when considering the KTT Cream Yellow linear switch, you should choose it if you value a distinctively clacky sound and a uniquely bouncy typing feel. The Cream Yellow switch is designed with a shortened bottom-out distance and a long-pole stem, resulting in resonant audio feedback. Additionally, its lengthened spring adds to the bouncy typing sensation. On the other hand, if you prefer a smooth and effortless typing experience with a medium-heavy feel, the KTT Pine linear switch is the ideal choice. The Pine switches are factory-lubed and polished to minimize friction, ensuring smooth key travel. These switches provide a buttery and creamy typing sensation, along with a low-pitched bassy sound profile. Ultimately, your decision should be based on whether you prioritize the clacky sound and bouncy feel of the Cream Yellow or the buttery smoothness and effortless typing experience of the Pine.
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