Dareu Master vs. KTT Pine
An in-depth look at the Dareu Master and the KTT Pine switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing two popular mechanical keyboard switches, the Dareu Master and the KTT Pine, we find that they both offer unique features tailored to different preferences. The Dareu Master boasts The Master switch, a linear option known for its medium weight, classic clacky sound, and exceptional smoothness, categorizing it as 'Clacky', 'Mild', and 'Polished'. On the other hand, the KTT Pine linear switches are recognized for their translucent, forest green design, medium-heavy feel, buttery smooth operation, and low-pitched sound profile, falling into categories like 'Bassy', 'Buttery', 'Creamy', and 'Low-pitched'. Choosing between these switches may depend on whether you prefer a classic clacky sound with medium weight or a smooth, buttery typing experience with a low-pitched sound. 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
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Total travel
3.40 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
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
15.5mm gold-plated spring
Housing materials
The Dareu Master and the KTT Pine both offer unique housing materials for their switches, with the Master featuring POM housings and the Pine opting for polycarbonate. The POM top housing of the Master provides a deep and muted sound profile, while the Pine's polycarbonate top housing creates a sharper and crisper sound. In terms of aesthetics, the use of polycarbonate in the top housing of the Pine allows for better compatibility with RGB lighting, thanks to its translucency. Despite these differences, both switches offer a pleasing and unique sound experience, albeit with distinct characteristics.
On the flip side, the bottom housings of the Dareu Master and the KTT Pine also differ in material, with the Master utilizing POM and the Pine using polycarbonate. The POM bottom housing of the Master contributes to a deeper and more muted sound profile, while the Pine's polycarbonate bottom housing adds to the sharpness and clarity of the overall sound. Just like with the top housing, the choice of material for the bottom housing can significantly impact the sound and feel of pressing down on a key. The split between the qualities brought by each housing material allows for a nuanced experience when using either switch.
Overall, while the Dareu Master and the KTT Pine have distinct housing materials for their top and bottom housings, the qualities each material brings to the switch ultimately shape the overall sound profile and user experience. Whether it's the deeper and more muted sound of the POM housing in the Master or the sharper and crisper sound of the polycarbonate housing in the Pine, both switches offer a unique typing experience. Understanding the role of each housing material can help enthusiasts choose the switch that best suits their preferences in terms of sound, feel, and aesthetics.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Dareu Master linear switch and the KTT Pine linear switch, it is evident that both switches have the same actuation force of 45 grams. However, the Dareu Master switch does not provide information on the bottom out force, while the KTT Pine switch has a bottom out force of 58 grams. This makes the KTT Pine switch the heavier option between the two. In terms of weight, the Dareu Master switch may be more suitable for individuals who prefer a lighter typing experience, ideal for extended typing or gaming sessions. On the other hand, the KTT Pine switch would appeal to those who prefer a stronger push feel for a more substantial typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches would depend on personal preference for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The Dareu Master linear switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm, which is shorter than the 4 mm travel distance of the KTT Pine linear switch. The Master's shorter travel distance may appeal to gamers looking for quicker response times, while the Pine's longer travel distance might be favored by those who prefer a more substantial key press. Both switches fall within the range of traditional travel distances, with the Pine offering a more traditional feel compared to the slightly shorter travel of the Master. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on personal preference for travel distance and key press feel.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Dareu Master has an MSRP of $7.78 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Master for $4.76.
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 Dareu Master linear switch is known for its classic clacky sound signature, providing a sharp and snappy sound when pressed. On the other hand, the KTT Pine linear switch offers a deeper and richer sound profile, characterized by a bass-heavy and mellow tone. While the Master switch delivers a more traditional clacky sound, the Pine switch offers a more bassy and low-pitched auditory experience. Both switches provide unique sound qualities that cater to different preferences, with the Master being more crisp and bright, and the Pine offering a deeper and richer sound.
In terms of feel, the Dareu Master switch is described as mild, offering a gentle typing experience that falls in a safe middle-ground zone. The switch is polished, providing a smooth and refined finish for sleek typing. On the other hand, the KTT Pine switch is buttery and creamy, delivering a smooth and fluid keystroke experience that is effortless and uniform. The factory-lubed finish on the Pine switch minimizes friction for smooth key travel, enhancing the overall typing sensation. Users can expect a gentle and approachable typing experience from the Master switch, while the Pine switch offers a silky sensation with easy keystrokes.
Overall, the Dareu Master linear switch and the KTT Pine linear switch provide unique subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the Master switch offers a classic clacky sound and a mild typing experience, the Pine switch delivers a bassy sound profile with a buttery and creamy feel. Both switches cater to different preferences and typing styles, ensuring that users can find a switch that suits their individual needs. Whether opting for the clacky and polished feel of the Master switch or the bassy and buttery feel of the Pine switch, users can expect a high-quality typing experience with either option.
Conclusion
In conclusion, when deciding between the Dareu Master linear switch and the KTT Pine linear switch, consider your preferences for bottom out force, sound profile, and typing feel. If you prefer a lighter bottom out force with a classic clacky sound and smooth operation, the Dareu Master switch may be the better choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-heavy bottom out force with a bassy and low-pitched sound profile, along with a buttery and creamy typing experience, the KTT Pine switch could be the ideal option. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal typing preferences and what type of typing experience you are looking to achieve.
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