Cherry MX Red vs. KTT Pine
An in-depth look at the Cherry MX Red and the KTT Pine switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options frequently come to mind: the Cherry MX Red and the KTT Pine switches, both of which fall under the category of linear switches. The Cherry MX Red is renowned for its slightly heftier feel and deeper sound profile, providing a robust typing experience that balances responsiveness with satisfying auditory feedback. On the other hand, the KTT Pine switches offer a medium-heavy feel, buttery smooth key actuation, and a creamy typing experience due to their factory-lubed finish that minimizes friction. While the MX Red is described as 'Thocky', 'Low-pitched', and 'Textured', the Pine is characterized as 'Bassy', 'Buttery', 'Creamy', and 'Low-pitched'. Each switch has its own unique qualities that cater to different preferences and typing styles. 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
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
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 Red housing materials emphasize a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its nylon construction. This softer plastic absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder noise when typing. In contrast, the KTT Pine's polycarbonate housing material creates a sharper and crisper sound profile. The stiffness of polycarbonate leads to a clearer and more resonant noise, especially beneficial for RGB lighting effects. While both switches offer unique sound profiles, the Cherry MX Red's nylon top and bottom housing materials create a consistent deeper sound, whereas the KTT Pine's polycarbonate top and bottom housings produce a sharper and higher-pitched sound.
Both the Cherry MX Red and KTT Pine switches have top and bottom housing materials that impact the sound and feel of typing. The nylon bottom housing of the MX Red and the polycarbonate bottom housing of the Pine contribute to the bottom-out sound and feel of the switch. Conversely, the top housing materials, nylon for the MX Red and polycarbonate for the Pine, play a larger role in the sound when releasing a key. This split in housing materials allows for a nuanced typing experience, with each switch offering a unique tactile and auditory response based on the combination of top and bottom materials.
In summary, the Cherry MX Red and KTT Pine switches offer contrasting sound profiles based on their housing materials. While the MX Red's nylon housing creates a deeper and duller sound, the Pine's polycarbonate housing produces a sharper and crisper noise. The translucency of polycarbonate in the Pine switch also provides the added benefit of enhancing RGB lighting effects. Overall, the different housing materials of these switches result in distinct typing experiences, with the bottom housing influencing the bottom-out sound and feel, and the top housing impacting the sound when releasing a key.
Weight
The Cherry MX Red and KTT Pine linear switches have the same actuation force of 45 grams, making them equally light to press down on. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the MX Red does not have a specified value, while the Pine has a bottom out force of 58 grams, which is on the medium side. This means that the Pine switch requires a bit more force to fully press down compared to the MX Red. For those who prefer a lighter touch and may want to type for longer periods without fatigue, the MX Red would be the ideal choice. On the other hand, if a stronger push feel and a more substantial typing experience is preferred, the KTT Pine switch would be more suitable due to its higher bottom out force. In essence, the MX Red offers a lighter typing experience overall, while the KTT Pine provides a slightly heavier touch for those who enjoy a more solid keystroke feel.
Travel distance
Both the Cherry MX Red linear switch and KTT Pine linear switch have a travel distance of 4 mm, making them equal in this aspect. This means that pressing down on a key with either switch will require the same amount of movement from the top to the bottom. As a result, users can expect similar results in terms of travel distance when using either switch. This similarity allows for a consistent typing experience regardless of which switch is being used. Overall, the Cherry MX Red and KTT Pine linear switches offer a comparable travel distance, making them suitable choices for those who prioritize key feel and feedback in their keyboard switches.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Cherry MX Red has an MSRP of $5.90 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the MX Red for $4.00.
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
In terms of sound, the Cherry MX Red switch is known for its thocky and low-pitched sound profile, providing a deep and satisfying typing experience. On the other hand, the KTT Pine switch offers a bassy and low-pitched sound, which delivers a rich and mellow tone during key presses. Both switches give off a similar deep and bass-heavy sound, making them ideal for users who enjoy a more immersive typing experience. Keep in mind that the sound produced by a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard and keycaps used.
When it comes to feel, the Cherry MX Red switch is described as having a slightly textured feel, providing some friction when pressed. On the contrary, the KTT Pine switch is known for its buttery and creamy feel, offering a smooth and fluid typing experience. While the MX Red may have a subtle texture to it, the Pine switch excels in providing a seamless and effortless keystroke sensation, akin to gliding your fingers across the keys with ease. Both switches offer a comfortable typing feel, with the Pine switch being particularly lauded for its buttery smoothness.
In conclusion, the Cherry MX Red and KTT Pine linear switches both offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences. While the MX Red provides a slightly heftier feel and a thocky sound profile, the KTT Pine stands out for its medium-heavy weight, buttery smooth feel, and bassy sound. If you enjoy a deeper and rich typing experience with a focus on smoothness, the KTT Pine switch might be the ideal choice for you. However, if you prefer a switch with a slightly textured feel and a more classic typing sound, the Cherry MX Red could be the perfect fit. Experimenting with both switches can help you determine which one aligns best with your typing style and preferences.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the Cherry MX Red linear switch and the KTT Pine linear switch, consider the following guidelines. If you prefer a slightly heftier feel and deeper sound profile with a satisfying auditory depth, the MX Red may be the better option for you. The MX Red is also known for its responsiveness and robust typing experience. On the other hand, if you are looking for a medium-heavy switch that offers buttery smooth key travel and an effortless typing experience, the KTT Pine linear switch could be the ideal choice. The Pine switch is factory-lubed to minimize friction, providing a seamless and uniform typing sensation. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preferences for sound, feel, and typing experience.
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