Cherry MX Brown vs. KTT Pine
An in-depth look at the Cherry MX Brown and the KTT Pine switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Cherry MX Brown and KTT Pine are two popular options with distinct characteristics. The MX Brown is renowned for its subtle typing experience, offering light keypresses with gentle tactility and minimal audio feedback. On the other hand, the KTT Pine Linear Switches boast a medium-heavy feel, providing a buttery smooth typing experience that effortlessly glides across the keys. Both switches have their own unique qualities that appeal to different preferences. The MX Brown excels in providing a textured and low-pitched typing experience, while the Pine switches offer a bassy, creamy feel. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities to help you make the best decision based on your specific needs and preferences.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
55g
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
No
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Nylon
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
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 Cherry MX Brown and the KTT Pine differ in their housing materials, with the MX Brown featuring a nylon top and bottom housing, while the Pine has a polycarbonate top and bottom housing. The use of nylon in the MX Brown produces a deeper and fuller sound profile, as nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. In contrast, the polycarbonate housing of the Pine creates a sharper and crisper sound profile, as polycarbonate is a stiffer plastic that leads to a more clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the Pine's polycarbonate housing is especially useful for those planning to use RGB lighting, as its translucency allows for a more aesthetically pleasing visual experience. Overall, the MX Brown and Pine offer distinct auditory experiences due to their different housing materials.
While the top housing materials of the MX Brown and the Pine differ, they both exhibit similar characteristics in their respective bottom housing materials. The MX Brown's nylon bottom housing, like its top housing, contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile by absorbing more sound. Similarly, the Pine's polycarbonate bottom housing further enhances the sharper and crisper sound profile characteristic of the switch. This means that when pressing down on either switch, the qualities of the bottom housing will be more noticeable in the bottom-out sound and feel. Thus, despite the differences in their top housing materials, the MX Brown and the Pine share similarities in their respective bottom housings.
An interesting contrast between the MX Brown and the Pine lies in the impact of the top housing material on the sound produced when letting go of a key. Since the top housing of a switch has a more prominent influence on the sound when releasing a key, the MX Brown's nylon top housing contributes to a deeper and fuller sound when compared to the Pine's polycarbonate top housing. This distinction can make a difference in the overall auditory experience for users of these switches, as the sound when releasing a key can significantly affect typing feel and satisfaction. Therefore, those seeking a switch with a more pronounced sound upon key release might prefer the MX Brown's nylon top housing over the Pine's polycarbonate top housing.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Cherry MX Brown tactile switch and the KTT Pine linear switch, we find both similarities and differences. In terms of actuation force, both switches require 45 grams of force to trigger a keystroke, ensuring a responsive typing experience. This similarity means that users can expect similar results in terms of keystroke activation.
However, when it comes to bottom out force, there is a distinction between the two switches. The Cherry MX Brown has a bottom out force of 55 grams, providing a slightly heavier and more substantial typing experience compared to the actuation force. On the other hand, the KTT Pine has a bottom out force of 58 grams, making it slightly heavier than the Cherry MX Brown. This means that users who prefer a more robust and firm feel while typing may lean towards the KTT Pine switch.
Weight is an important consideration as it affects the typing experience. Those who prefer a lighter switch may appreciate the Cherry MX Brown as it allows for more extended typing sessions without fatigue. This lighter weight is ideal for individuals using keyboards for work or long gaming sessions. Conversely, individuals who value a stronger push feel for a more substantial typing experience may prefer the KTT Pine switch, as its slightly heavier bottom out force provides a more satisfying typing feedback.
In summary, both the Cherry MX Brown and KTT Pine switches have the same actuation force of 45 grams, ensuring a responsive keystroke. However, the Cherry MX Brown has a lighter bottom out force of 55 grams, while the KTT Pine has a slightly heavier bottom out force of 58 grams. This distinction allows users to choose a switch based on their preference for a lighter or more substantial typing experience.
Travel distance
Both the Cherry MX Brown tactile 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 equipped with either of these switches, you will feel a consistent 4 mm distance traveled from the top to the bottom. Therefore, whether you choose the Cherry MX Brown or the KTT Pine, you can expect a similar experience in terms of the travel distance of the switch.
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 Cherry MX Brown comes in at $4.00 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
The Cherry MX Brown switch is known for its subtle and gentle qualities. When it comes to sound, the MX Brown switch offers a bassy and low-pitched sound profile. This means that the sound produced during key presses will have a deeper and richer tone, resembling the depth and richness associated with bass tones. The feel of the MX Brown switch is described as textured, indicating that there is noticeable friction when pressing the keys. Some users prefer this subtle texture, while others may prefer a smoother and friction-free typing experience.
On the other hand, the KTT Pine linear switch is medium-heavy, buttery smooth, and built for an effortless typing experience. The sound of the Pine switch is also described as bassy and low-pitched, similar to the MX Brown switch. The feel of the Pine switch is described as buttery and creamy, providing a smooth and fluid keystroke experience. These switches are designed to provide a seamless and uniform typing sensation, allowing your fingers to effortlessly glide across the keys.
In conclusion, both the Cherry MX Brown tactile switch and the KTT Pine linear switch produce a bassy and low-pitched sound. While the MX Brown switch offers a lighter typing experience with gentle tactility and subtle audio feedback, the Pine switch is medium-heavy and provides a smooth and effortless typing experience. Both switches have their own unique qualities and it ultimately comes down to personal preference. If you prefer a lighter typing experience with subtle tactility, the MX Brown switch is a great option. If you prefer a medium-heavy switch with a buttery smooth feel, the Pine switch is worth considering.
Conclusion
In closing, when it comes to choosing between the Cherry MX Brown tactile switch and the KTT Pine linear switch, it ultimately depends on your personal preferences and typing style. If you prefer a lighter typing experience with subtle tactility and subdued audio feedback, the MX Brown switches would be a suitable choice for you. On the other hand, if you value a medium-heavy switch with buttery smoothness and effortless typing, the Pine switches would be a great option.
In terms of sound, both switches offer a deeper and richer sound profile during key presses, characterized by a lower frequency range resembling bass tones. Additionally, both switches have a low-pitched tone, which provides a more bass-heavy and mellow sound compared to higher-pitched switches.
When it comes to feel, the MX Brown switches have a textured or slightly scratchy feel, which might be preferred by some users who appreciate noticeable friction when pressing the keys. On the other hand, the Pine switches provide a buttery and creamy typing experience, offering smooth and fluid keystrokes that feel effortless and uniform.
Overall, it ultimately comes down to your personal preferences for typing experience, sound, and feel. Consider trying out both switches, if possible, to determine which one suits your needs and typing style best. Ultimately, the choice between Cherry MX Brown and KTT Pine switches will ensure that your mechanical keyboard provides a delightful and satisfying typing experience.
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