TTC Gold Silver vs. KTT Pine
An in-depth look at the TTC Gold Silver and the KTT Pine switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the TTC Gold Silver and KTT Pine both offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences. The Gold Silver is renowned for its rapid responsiveness, providing a decisive and solid bottom-out with each keystroke. Its smooth journey from initial press to bottoming out is complemented by a resonant sound signature, offering a seamless blend of speed, sound, and fluidity. On the other hand, the Pine Linear Switches are medium-heavy, buttery smooth, and designed for an effortless typing experience. With a polished, factory-lubed finish, these switches minimize friction for smooth key travel. Each switch brings its own set of characteristics and benefits to the table, catering to those who prefer a more polished and thocky typing experience (Gold Silver) or a creamy and buttery smooth feel (Pine). 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
45g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
58g
Pre-travel
1.40 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
NPI
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 TTC Gold Silver and KTT Pine both utilize polycarbonate for their top housing, resulting in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The stiffer nature of polycarbonate contributes to a more clear and resonant sound. However, the Gold Silver features a nylon bottom housing, which elicits a deeper and fuller sound compared to the Pine's polycarbonate bottom housing. The nylon bottom housing absorbs more sound due to its softer nature, creating a duller and rounder sound.
In terms of aesthetics, both the Gold Silver and Pine's polycarbonate top housing allow for the transmission of RGB lighting, enhancing the visual appeal of the switches. While the Gold Silver's top housing influences the sound when a key is released, the Pine's polycarbonate bottom housing impacts the bottom-out sound and feel when a key is pressed. This split in qualities between the top and bottom housings demonstrates how different materials can affect different aspects of the typing experience.
Despite their differences in bottom housing materials, both the Gold Silver and Pine switches offer unique sound profiles due to their respective housing materials. The use of polycarbonate in both switches results in a similar sharp and crisp sound, while the nylon bottom housing in the Gold Silver provides a deeper and fuller sound compared to the Pine's polycarbonate bottom housing. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches may come down to personal preference in sound profile and typing experience.
Weight
The TTC Gold Silver and KTT Pine linear switches both have an actuation force of 45 grams, making them equally light in terms of force needed to trigger a keystroke. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Gold Silver has an unknown value while the Pine has a bottom out force of 58 grams, indicating that the Pine switch is heavier in terms of the force required to fully press the key. For those who prefer a lighter typing experience for extended periods of time, the Gold Silver may be the better choice. In contrast, individuals who enjoy a more substantial typing feel may lean towards the Pine switch. Overall, both switches offer a similar actuation force but differ in bottom out force, catering to different preferences based on typing style and comfort.
Travel distance
The TTC Gold Silver linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, which is shorter than the 4 mm travel distance of the KTT Pine linear switch. Both switches fall between the traditional range of 3.0 mm to 4.0 mm, with the Gold Silver being on the shallower end and the Pine being on the deeper end. Gamers who prioritize faster response times may prefer the Gold Silver due to its shorter travel distance, while those who prefer a more substantial keypress may opt for the Pine with its longer travel distance. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for travel distance and keypress feel.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The TTC Gold Silver has an MSRP of $6.11 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Gold Silver for $2.90.
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 Silver offers a thocky and low-pitched profile that delivers a deep and satisfying noise with each key press. The neutral sound signature ensures a balanced tone suitable for various environments. On the other hand, the KTT Pine emits a bassy and low-pitched sound, characterized by a rich and mellow tone that adds depth to the typing experience. Both switches provide a pleasant auditory feedback dependent on factors like the keyboard used and keycaps installed.
In terms of feel, the TTC Gold Silver switch offers a polished, silky, mild, and subtle typing experience, ensuring smooth key travel and reduced friction, all while maintaining a gentle resistance for comfortable typing. Meanwhile, the KTT Pine switch delivers a buttery and creamy feel, providing a seamless and effortless typing sensation akin to gliding fingers across the keys with ease. Both switches prioritize smoothness and fluidity in typing, enhancing the overall tactile experience for users.
In conclusion, the TTC Gold Silver and KTT Pine linear switches offer distinct qualities in sound and feel that cater to different preferences. While the Gold Silver excels in rapid responsiveness, with a thocky and low-pitched sound and a polished and subtle feel, the KTT Pine stands out for its medium-heavy smoothness, boasting a bassy and low-pitched sound alongside a buttery and creamy typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on personal preferences for sound, feel, and typing style. However, both switches promise a premium typing experience with their unique characteristics.
Conclusion
In closing, when choosing between the TTC Gold Silver linear switch and the KTT Pine linear switch, consider your preference for rapid responsiveness and a thocky, low-pitched sound profile with a polished and silky typing experience, or opt for a medium-heavy switch with a bassy, low-pitched sound and a buttery, creamy typing feel. If you prioritize speed and precision in your keystrokes, the Gold Silver may be the better option for you. On the other hand, if you value a smoother typing experience and a deeper sound profile, the Pine switch could be the ideal choice. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preferences and typing style.
Mentioned in this article
