TTC Gold Red vs. KTT Pine
An in-depth look at the TTC Gold Red and the KTT Pine switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
Introducing the TTC Gold Red and the KTT Pine, two mechanical keyboard switches that offer a sublime typing experience with their linear functionality. The Gold Red linear switches are renowned for their buttery smoothness and light-medium level of resistance, providing a pleasant touch while typing. Their snappy sound profile adds a modest touch of personality to your keyboard, without being too overpowering. On the other hand, the Pine Linear Switches are medium-heavy and offer an effortless typing experience. Their translucent, forest green design adds a unique aesthetic to your keyboard setup. With a polished, factory-lubed finish, these switches minimize friction for smooth key travel. Categorized as 'Thocky,' 'Low-pitched,' 'Neutral,' 'Mild,' 'Silky,' 'Subtle,' and 'Polished,' the Gold Red switches exude elegance, while the Pine switches, categorized as 'Bassy,' 'Buttery,' 'Creamy,' and 'Low-pitched,' offer a luscious typing experience. Both switches have their strengths and allure, but let's delve deeper to help you determine the best switch for your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
43g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
58g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Total travel
4.00 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
Stainless steel
Spring
15.5mm gold-plated spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Gold Red and the Pine switches, we can see that they both utilize polycarbonate in their top housing. This leads to a similar result in terms of sound profile, as polycarbonate creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. This is due to its stiffness, which allows for a more clear and resonant sound. Additionally, both switches feature clear housing, which is more likely to be made of polycarbonate. This is especially useful for those planning to use RGB lighting, as the translucency allows for better illumination.
The main difference lies in the bottom housing material. The Gold Red uses nylon, while the Pine utilizes polycarbonate. Nylon, being a softer plastic, absorbs more sound and creates a deeper and fuller sound profile. On the other hand, polycarbonate is stiffer and leads to a clearer and more resonant sound. This means that when typing on the Gold Red, the bottom housing will have more impact on the sound and feel, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. Conversely, in the Pine switch, the top housing will have a greater impact on the sound when releasing a key.
Overall, while both switches have polycarbonate top housing and provide similar sound profiles, the choice of bottom housing material sets them apart. The use of nylon in the Gold Red results in a deeper and fuller sound, whereas the polycarbonate bottom housing in the Pine creates a sharper and crisper sound. Depending on personal preference, one may favor the rounder sound of the Gold Red or the clearer sound of the Pine. However, in terms of aesthetic and RGB lighting compatibility, both switches benefit from the use of polycarbonate in their top housing.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the TTC Gold Red linear switch and the KTT Pine linear switch, there are noticeable differences. The Gold Red has a lighter actuation force of 43 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams. In contrast, the Pine switch has a slightly heavier actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 58 grams. The lighter actuation force of the Gold Red switch makes it more suitable for individuals who prefer a lighter typing experience, allowing them to type for longer periods without fatigue. On the other hand, the Pine switch's slightly heavier actuation force provides a more substantial push feel, which some users may find preferable for a more satisfying typing experience. In terms of bottom out force, the Gold Red falls on the lighter side while the Pine offers a medium level of resistance. Ultimately, those who prioritize a lighter typing experience may opt for the Gold Red switch, while users looking for a bit more resistance may choose the Pine switch.
Travel distance
Both the TTC Gold Red linear switch and the KTT Pine linear switch have the same travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when you press down on a key with either of these switches, you will experience the same amount of distance traveled. Therefore, in terms of travel distance, both switches will offer similar results.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The TTC Gold Red has an MSRP of $5.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Gold Red for $3.28.
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
When it comes to sound, the TTC Gold Red switch has a thocky, low-pitched, and neutral sound profile. This means that when pressed and released, these switches produce a deep, rich, and satisfying sound, with a bass-heavy and mellow tone. The sound is not too loud or ostentatious, making it suitable for various environments. On the other hand, the KTT Pine switch offers a bassy and low-pitched sound profile. This results in a deeper, richer sound during key presses, reminiscent of bass tones. Both switches have similarities in terms of low-pitched sounds, but the Gold Red has a more neutral sound profile overall.
When it comes to feel, the TTC Gold Red switch offers a mild, silky, subtle, and polished typing experience. These switches have a gentle resistance that provides a safe middle-ground typing feel, with a smooth and refined finish. The silky and polished characteristics of the switch contribute to a smooth and easy typing experience with reduced friction. On the other hand, the KTT Pine switch is described as buttery and creamy. This indicates a smooth, fluid, and effortless keystroke experience. The switch is designed to provide a seamless and uniform typing sensation, akin to gliding your fingers effortlessly across the keys. Both switches offer a buttery smooth typing experience, but the Gold Red has more subtle and polished qualities compared to the Pine.
Considering the available information, the sound profiles of the TTC Gold Red and KTT Pine switches have similarities in being low-pitched, bass-heavy, and smooth. However, the Gold Red has a more neutral sound profile compared to the Pine. In terms of feel, both switches offer a buttery and smooth typing experience. The Gold Red has a mild, silky, subtle, and polished feel, while the Pine is described as buttery and creamy. These switches are both built to provide effortless and smooth typing experiences, with the Gold Red leaning towards a more neutral and refined experience, and the Pine emphasizing a seamless and fluid sensation. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on personal preference and the specific typing experience one desires.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a light-medium level of resistance and a buttery smooth typing experience, the TTC Gold Red linear switch would be a great choice for you. Its bottom out force of 50 grams offers a light touch while still providing enough resistance for comfortable typing. The Gold Red switch also brings a modest touch of personality to your keyboard with its snappy sound profile, adding a touch of satisfaction without being too ostentatious.
On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-heavy bottom out force of 58 grams and a smooth and effortless typing experience, the KTT Pine linear switch would be the way to go. The Pine switch has a polished, factory-lubed finish that minimizes friction and ensures smooth key travel. With its translucent, forest green appearance, the Pine switch adds a unique aesthetic to your keyboard.
In terms of sound, the Gold Red switch produces a thocky and low-pitched sound, while the Pine switch offers a bassy and low-pitched sound profile. Both switches provide a satisfying auditory experience, but the Gold Red switch leans more towards a deep "thud" or soft "knock" sound, while the Pine switch offers a deeper and richer sound profile associated with bass tones.
When it comes to feel, the Gold Red switch offers a mild, silky, subtle, and polished typing experience. It provides a gentle typing feel with a smooth and refined finish, making it approachable and suitable for shared spaces. On the other hand, the Pine switch offers a buttery and creamy typing experience, with a seamless and effortless sensation that glides your fingers across the keys with ease.
Ultimately, the choice between the TTC Gold Red linear switch and the KTT Pine linear switch depends on your specific preferences. If you prefer a lighter touch with a snappy sound, the Gold Red switch is a great option. If you prefer a slightly heavier touch with a smooth and buttery typing experience, the Pine switch is the way to go. Both switches offer unique characteristics that can enhance your typing experience, so consider your desired resistance, sound profile, and feel when making your decision.
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