Outemu Brown vs. KTT Pine
An in-depth look at the Outemu Brown and the KTT Pine switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, the Outemu Brown and the KTT Pine offer distinct experiences for users. The Outemu Brown is a tactile switch, known for its None. On the other hand, the KTT Pine is a linear switch, boasting a medium-heavy feel with a buttery smooth experience that is perfect for effortless typing. While the Brown offers a tactile feedback for those who prefer a physical indication of keypresses, the KTT Pine provides a smooth and low-pitched typing experience that might appeal to those looking for a quieter option. 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
53g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
65g
Bottom-out force
58g
Pre-travel
1.20 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
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
15.5mm gold-plated spring
Housing materials
The Outemu Brown and KTT Pine both utilize polycarbonate material for their top housing, leading to a similar sharp, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to the stiffness of polycarbonate, which creates a clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate is advantageous for switches intended for RGB lighting, as it allows the light to shine through the housing. However, the Brown switches differentiate themselves with a nylon bottom housing, providing a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to the Pine's polycarbonate bottom housing. Nylon's softer nature absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound when typing on the switches.
While the top housings of both the Outemu Brown and KTT Pine switches share the same polycarbonate material, their bottom housings set them apart in terms of sound profile. The Brown's nylon bottom housing offers a deeper and fuller sound, whereas the Pine's polycarbonate bottom housing contributes to a sharper and crisper sound. This difference in bottom housing material can significantly impact the overall typing experience, with the bottom housing affecting the bottom-out sound and feel of the switch. The qualities of each housing material are split between the top and bottom of the switch, creating a unique blend of sound characteristics for each.
In conclusion, while the Outemu Brown and KTT Pine switches share similarities in their polycarbonate top housings, the differentiation lies in the bottom housings. The Brown's nylon bottom housing produces a deeper and fuller sound, while the Pine's polycarbonate bottom housing results in a sharper and crisper sound. Both switches offer a unique typing experience based on the combination of materials used in their housing, with the top housing influencing the release sound and the bottom housing affecting the bottom-out sound and feel. Despite these differences, both switches provide high-quality sound profiles suited for different preferences in mechanical keyboard enthusiasts.
Weight
Comparing the Outemu Brown tactile switch and the KTT Pine linear switch, the actuation force of the Brown is 53 grams, while the Pine is lighter at 45 grams. Both switches have a similar medium level bottom out force, with the Brown at 65 grams and the Pine at 58 grams. The Brown switch offers a slightly heavier actuation force for those who prefer a more substantial typing experience, while the Pine switch provides a lighter actuation force for users who prefer a smoother typing feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preference for actuation force and bottom out force, with the Brown being the heavier option and the Pine being the lighter option for those seeking different typing experiences.
Travel distance
Both the Outemu Brown tactile switch and the KTT Pine linear switch have a travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when pressing down on a key with either of these switches, you will experience the same amount of travel distance. The Outemu Brown switch offers a tactile bump during actuation, giving the user a slight feedback feeling when pressed, while the KTT Pine switch is a linear switch with a smooth and consistent keystroke without any tactile feedback. Overall, despite their different tactile characteristics, both switches offer the same travel distance, providing a consistent typing experience for users.
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 Outemu Brown comes in at $3.10 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, the Outemu Brown tactile switch is known for its quiet and moderate sound profile, making it suitable for office environments or more discreet typing sessions. On the other hand, the KTT Pine linear switch is described as having a bassy and low-pitched sound profile, providing a deeper and richer auditory experience during key presses. The Pine switch's factory-lubed finish contributes to the smooth key travel, enhancing the overall typing sound. Keep in mind that the sound produced by these switches can also be affected by factors such as the keyboard frame and keycaps used.
When it comes to feel, the Outemu Brown tactile switch offers a gentle tactile bump that provides feedback without being too pronounced, making it ideal for those who prefer a subtle tactile response. In contrast, the KTT Pine linear switch is characterized by its buttery and creamy feel, delivering a smooth and fluid keystroke experience. The factory-lubricated design of the Pine switch ensures effortless and uniform typing sensations, allowing for a silky and seamless typing experience.
In conclusion, while the Outemu Brown and KTT Pine switches differ in their sound and feel characteristics, both offer unique qualities that cater to various preferences. If you enjoy a quieter typing experience with a moderate tactile feedback, the Outemu Brown switch may be the better choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a deeper and richer sound profile with a smooth and buttery typing sensation, the KTT Pine switch could be more suited to your typing needs. Ultimately, the decision between these switches will depend on your personal preferences and typing style.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are someone who prefers a tactile typing experience with a medium-heavy bottom out force and is not particularly concerned about sound or feel, the Outemu Brown tactile switch would be a suitable choice for you. On the other hand, if you prioritize a smooth and effortless typing experience with a slightly lighter bottom out force, and enjoy switches that produce a bassy and low-pitched sound while feeling buttery and creamy, then the KTT Pine linear switch would be the better option for you. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preferences in terms of typing feel, sound, and bottom out force.
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