KTT MoonRosa vs. KTT Pine
An in-depth look at the KTT MoonRosa and the KTT Pine switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, two compelling options are the KTT MoonRosa and the KTT Pine, both of which shine as linear switches, each offering its own unique characteristics. The KTT MoonRosa is renowned for its all-POM construction, providing a buttery smooth typing experience marked by a neutral sound signature. Categorized as "Mild" and "Easy-to-press," it is an excellent choice for those who prefer a lighter touch and minimal auditory distraction while typing. In contrast, the KTT Pine presents a more robust typing experience with its medium-heavy feel and polished, factory-lubed finish that reduces friction, resulting in a buttery smooth and creamy key travel. Described as "Bassy," the KTT Pine is ideal for users who appreciate a slightly more substantial feel and sound while typing. While both switches excel in delivering a satisfying tactile experience, your choice will ultimately depend on your typing style and preferences. However, 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
37g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
45g
Bottom-out force
58g
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Total travel
3.50 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
22mm spring
Spring
15.5mm gold-plated spring
Housing materials
When it comes to the comparison between the housing materials of the KTT MoonRosa and the KTT Pine, the differences are notably pronounced. The MoonRosa features POM (Polyoxymethylene) for both its top and bottom housings, which results in a deeper, more muted sound profile that is regarded as unique and pleasing to the ear. The choice of POM contributes to a softer auditory experience, making it a strong option for those who prefer a rich sound with less sharpness. In contrast, the KTT Pine utilizes polycarbonate for its housings, which is characterized by a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper tonal quality. The rigidity of polycarbonate allows for clearer resonance, producing a sound profile that pops, particularly under RGB lighting where translucence can enhance visual effects.
In terms of aesthetic appeal and practical utility, the differences in materials also set the two switches apart. The MoonRosa's POM housing, while potentially less visually striking in terms of light diffusion, offers a sound signature that resonates well with users looking for a more subdued experience. On the other hand, the KTT Pine's polycarbonate housing not only provides a brighter acoustic profile but also enhances the RGB lighting effect due to its transparent nature. This makes the Pine more appealing to those who desire both eye-catching illumination and sound clarity, showing how the materials chosen can significantly affect both functionality and aesthetic outcome in a keyboard switch.
Ultimately, if both switches were to use similar housing materials, one would expect a more cohesive sound profile throughout the actuation and bottoming out phases. Given that the MoonRosa's components amplify a muted, rich sound due to POM, while the Pine delivers sharp clarity thanks to polycarbonate, users choosing between the two will have distinctly different auditory experiences. If uniformity in material across top and bottom housings were employed, one would achieve a balance of characteristics, combining sound depth with clarity, thus tailoring the experience to user preference without the stark contrasts inherent in these two designs. As such, knowing the distinct traits of each material becomes crucial for users in selecting a switch that aligns with their desired keyboard experience.
Weight
When comparing the KTT MoonRosa and KTT Pine linear switches, there are notable differences in both actuation and bottom out forces that cater to distinct user preferences. The MoonRosa features a lighter actuation force of 37 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, making it an excellent choice for those who prefer a softer touch for extended typing or gaming sessions. In contrast, the Pine switch has a heavier actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 58 grams, appealing to users who enjoy a more substantial typing experience and a stronger tactile feedback. Overall, the KTT MoonRosa is suited for individuals seeking comfort during long use, while the KTT Pine provides a firmer push feel for those preferring a stronger keypress. Thus, selecting between them hinges on whether a lighter or heavier typing experience is preferred.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the KTT MoonRosa and KTT Pine linear switches, the MoonRosa has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Pine measures 4 mm. This makes the MoonRosa the shorter option and the Pine the longer one. The MoonRosa’s shorter travel distance may appeal to gamers looking for quicker response times, allowing them to execute actions more rapidly. In contrast, the Pine’s 4 mm travel distance provides a more traditional feel, which some users might prefer for a deeper, more satisfying typing experience. Ultimately, if you choose the MoonRosa, you will benefit from its snappier actuation, while the Pine may be better suited for those who enjoy a more pronounced key press.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
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.
The KTT MoonRosa comes in at $4.88 per 10 switches.
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, both the KTT MoonRosa and KTT Pine linear switches feature low-pitched, bassy characteristics. The MoonRosa has a neutral sound signature described as low-pitched, which lends a mellow, bass-heavy tone that is pleasant and unobtrusive. The Pine, on the other hand, also boasts a low-pitched sound but emphasizes its bassy richness, delivering a deeper and more resonant auditory experience when typing. While both switches provide a relatively muted sound profile conducive to a quieter workspace, the Pine is noted for having a more pronounced bass depth, which can enhance the tactile experience, although the overall sound quality will ultimately depend on the keyboard frame and keycap materials used.
Regarding feel, the KTT MoonRosa offers a mild typing experience designed to be approachable for a wide range of users. It features an easy-to-press actuation, making it ideal for extended typing sessions without causing finger fatigue. The typing sensation is gentle yet responsive, providing a comfortable interaction with the keys. In contrast, the KTT Pine linear switch shares this smoothness, being described as buttery and creamy, indicative of a seamless keystroke experience. Both switches excel in delivering an effortless typing sensation, reducing the physical strain on the fingers during prolonged use. Collectively, they emphasize a very similar smooth feel, making either an excellent choice for enthusiasts looking for a comfortable typing experience.
Overall, both the KTT MoonRosa and KTT Pine linear switches provide quality attributes that cater to smoothness and acoustic appeal. While the MoonRosa leans slightly towards a neutral sound profile with its mild feel, the Pine enhances the experience with a richer bass sound and a similarly smooth actuation. Users can expect a comparable typing experience in terms of softness and comfort from both switches, allowing for a satisfying typing experience regardless of choice. Ultimately, your decision may hinge on whether you prefer the more subtle tonal quality of the MoonRosa or the deeper bass response of the Pine.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the KTT MoonRosa and KTT Pine linear switches ultimately depends on your personal preferences and typing habits. If you lean towards a light and effortless typing experience with minimal resistance, the KTT MoonRosa is your go-to option. Its low actuation force of 45 grams and buttery smooth feel can significantly reduce finger fatigue during long typing sessions, making it an excellent choice for casual users or those who type extensively. On the other hand, if you prefer a switch that provides a bit more weight and resistance while still offering a smooth, buttery keystroke, the KTT Pine switch, with its 58-gram bottom out force, would be more suited to your needs. Its polished, factory-lubed finish enhances the typing experience, making it feel creamy and satisfying to use. Additionally, if you are drawn to a richer, deeper acoustic experience, the Pine’s bassy sound profile may resonate more with you. In essence, consider the MoonRosa for a lighter touch and a milder sound, while the Pine is ideal for those who appreciate a bit more resistance and a more pronounced auditory experience.
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