TTC Flaming Pink vs. KTT Pine
An in-depth look at the TTC Flaming Pink and the KTT Pine switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the TTC Flaming Pink and KTT Pine are two compelling linear options that cater to different user preferences and typing experiences. The TTC Flaming Pink stands out with its smooth, responsive feel and satisfying bottom-out sound, delivering a premium experience that appeals to both gamers and typists alike. Its sound profile strikes a balance between brightness and subtlety, making it a versatile choice for those seeking a pleasant auditory experience without overwhelming noise. In contrast, the KTT Pine switches boast a medium-heavy actuation force, characterized by a buttery smooth operation that promotes effortless typing. With a polished, factory-lubed finish, the KTT Pine minimizes friction, enhancing its desirability for users who prioritize a silky key travel experience. Both switches offer unique attributes that may attract different users, but 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
43g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
58g
Pre-travel
1.60 mm
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Total travel
3.60 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
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
24mm single-staged spring
Spring
15.5mm gold-plated spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the TTC Flaming Pink and the KTT Pine, it becomes apparent that both utilize polycarbonate for their top housings, leading to similar auditory experiences. The polycarbonate material is characterized by its rigidity, which contributes to a sharp, higher-pitched, and crisp sound profile. Both switches will therefore produce clear and resonant sounds when activated, making them suitable choices for enthusiasts who prioritize auditory feedback in their typing experience. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate enhances aesthetic appeal, particularly when using RGB lighting, ensuring that both switches will display vibrant illumination effects.
In contrast, the bottom housing materials differ markedly between the two switches, which influences the overall sound profile. The TTC Flaming Pink employs a nylon bottom housing, known for its softer texture that absorbs sound and provides a deeper, fuller auditory experience. This contrasts sharply with the KTT Pine's polycarbonate bottom housing, which maintains the sharper and crisper tonal qualities established by the top housing. Consequently, while both switches deliver clear sounds from the top, the Flaming Pink offers a rounder bottom-out sound due to the nylon's sound-dampening properties, while the KTT Pine’s polycarbonate bottom will emphasize a more defined sound, creating a more cohesive auditory experience through both the up and down key actions.
Ultimately, the differences in material in the bottom housing will lead to a distinct keystroke feel between the TTC Flaming Pink and the KTT Pine. While both switches' top housings contribute to a similarly bright auditory experience, the Flaming Pink's nylon bottom will lend a deeper, mellower feel during typing, whereas the Pine's polycarbonate bottom adds consistency to the high-pitched response throughout the keypress. Therefore, while both types of switches can achieve similar aesthetic and overall sound results from their polycarbonate top housings, they diverge in the characteristics of the bottom housing that defines the nuances of their performance.
Weight
When comparing the TTC Flaming Pink linear switch and the KTT Pine linear switch, there are notable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces that may influence user preference. The Flaming Pink features a lighter actuation force of 43 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, making it suitable for users who prefer a softer touch for longer typing sessions or extended gaming marathons. In contrast, the KTT Pine has a slightly heavier actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 58 grams, appealing to those who enjoy a more substantial feel when typing. This difference indicates that the Pine offers a firmer push, which may satisfy users seeking a more tactile experience. Overall, while both switches can cater to different preferences, the Flaming Pink is the lighter option, and the Pine is the heavier one, making their selection largely dependent on the user’s typing habits and desired force feedback.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the TTC Flaming Pink linear switch and the KTT Pine linear switch, the two exhibit differing metrics that could influence user preference. The Flaming Pink features a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Pine has a slightly longer travel distance of 4 mm. This makes the Flaming Pink the shorter option, which may appeal to users seeking a more responsive typing experience typically favored by gamers. On the other hand, the Pine’s 4 mm travel distance offers a deeper key feel, which some users may prefer for a more tactile and substantial feedback while typing. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on individual preferences regarding responsiveness and comfort during use.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The TTC Flaming Pink has an MSRP of $4.29 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Flaming Pink for $4.00.
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
The TTC Flaming Pink linear switch is characterized by a bright yet subtle sound profile, providing a satisfying bottom-out noise that enhances the typing experience without becoming overly loud. This makes it suitable for various environments, whether for gaming or daily typing tasks. In contrast, the KTT Pine linear switch offers a bassy and low-pitched sound, resonating with a richer and deeper quality. The sound produced by the Pine switches is often described as more mellow, which can create a warm auditory experience during use. Both switches exhibit a sound quality influenced by factors like the keyboard construction and keycap selection, but they cater to slightly different auditory preferences.
When it comes to feel, the Flaming Pink switch provides a smooth and responsive typing experience that many users find enjoyable. While specific descriptors are not provided, the impression is that it offers a solid yet pleasurable experience for various tasks. The KTT Pine switch, on the other hand, presents a unique buttery and creamy sensation, primarily due to its polished, factory-lubed finish that minimizes friction. This results in a notably effortless key travel experience, allowing fingers to glide smoothly across the keys, making it favorable for long typing sessions or intense gaming marathons. Although the Flaming Pink has a favorable feel, the Pine's creamy texture sets it apart in terms of fluidity.
In conclusion, while both the TTC Flaming Pink and KTT Pine linear switches provide distinct qualities, they each cater to different user preferences in sound and feel. The Flaming Pink offers a bright sound with a smooth typing experience, whereas the Pine showcases a bassy sound profile complemented by a buttery, creamy feel. Choosing between the two ultimately boils down to individual preferences regarding sound dynamics and tactile sensation during use. If a user is seeking a sound experience that is less prominent, the Flaming Pink might be more appealing, while those who love a richer, deeper auditory feedback might gravitate towards the KTT Pine.
Conclusion
To conclude, when choosing between the TTC Flaming Pink and KTT Pine linear switches, consider your typing preferences and intended use. If you prefer a lighter switch with a smooth and responsive feel, the Flaming Pink is an excellent choice, especially for those who engage in gaming or typing where quick responsiveness is key. Its subtle sound profile ensures that while it offers a satisfying bottom-out sound, it won’t be overly distracting. On the other hand, if you’re looking for a switch that provides a more substantial feel with a medium bottom-out force, the KTT Pine could be preferable. Its buttery smooth operation and pale green aesthetic make it ideal for long typing sessions and casual use, coupled with a deeper, bassy sound that may appeal to those who enjoy a richer auditory feedback. Ultimately, your decision should weigh the importance of lighter actuation versus sound and feel preferences, allowing you to select the switch that aligns with your unique typing experience.
Mentioned in this article
