Outemu Red vs. KTT Pine
An in-depth look at the Outemu Red and the KTT Pine switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Outemu Red and the KTT Pine stand out as popular linear options. The Outemu Red switch is known for its smooth keystrokes and consistency. On the other hand, the KTT Pine switch offers a unique typing experience with its medium-heavy feel and buttery smooth keystrokes, thanks to its factory-lubed finish. While the Red switch is ideal for those looking for a standard linear switch, the Pine switch caters to users who prefer a slightly heavier and more luxurious typing experience. 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
46g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
62g
Bottom-out force
58g
Pre-travel
2.10 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
In comparing the housing materials of the Outemu Red and the KTT Pine, we can see that both switches use polycarbonate for their top housing. This material choice results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile, as polycarbonate is known for its stiffness that leads to a clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches designed to utilize RGB lighting, enhancing the aesthetic appeal of the keyboard. While both switches share similar top housing materials, they may differ in their overall sound profiles due to other factors such as stem construction or spring weights.
However, the key point of difference between the two switches lies in their bottom housing materials. The Outemu Red utilizes a nylon bottom housing, which offers a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to the sharper and crisper sound of the polycarbonate bottom housing in the KTT Pine. Nylon, being a softer plastic, absorbs more sound and creates a duller and rounder sound profile, influencing the overall typing experience on the Outemu Red switch. This shows how the choice of bottom housing material can significantly impact the sound and feel of the switch, providing a unique typing experience for users.
Ultimately, the housing materials of the Outemu Red and KTT Pine switches play a crucial role in shaping their sound profiles and overall typing experiences. While both switches use polycarbonate for their top housing, their choice of bottom housing material sets them apart in terms of sound characteristics. The Outemu Red's nylon bottom housing offers a deeper and fuller sound, while the KTT Pine's polycarbonate bottom housing provides a sharper and crisper sound. This shows how different housing materials can impact the overall typing experience and sound output, highlighting the importance of considering all aspects of switch construction when choosing the right switch for your keyboard.
Weight
The Outemu Red linear switch and the KTT Pine linear switch both have similar actuation forces, with the Red having an actuation force of 46 grams and the Pine having an actuation force of 45 grams. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Red has a heavier force of 62 grams compared to the Pine's 58 grams. This means that while both switches require a moderate amount of force to actuate, the Red will provide a slightly heavier typing experience when fully pressed. For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the Pine switch may be the better option, while the Red switch would be more suitable for those who prefer a slightly heavier touch. Ultimately, both switches offer a medium level of actuation and bottom out force, providing a balanced typing experience overall.
Travel distance
The Outemu Red linear switch and the KTT Pine linear switch both have a travel distance of 4 mm, making them equal in this aspect. This means that when pressing down on a key equipped with either of these switches, the distance the switch travels from the top to the bottom will be the same for both. This uniform travel distance ensures a consistent typing experience for users of either switch. While there may be differences in other aspects of these switches, such as actuation force or sound profile, their travel distance remains the same, providing a familiar feel regardless of which switch is chosen.
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 Red 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
The Outemu Red linear switch is known for its silent operation, with no specific sound descriptors provided. On the other hand, the KTT Pine linear switch is characterized by a bassy and low-pitched sound profile, offering a deeper and richer auditory experience during key presses. When comparing the sound qualities of these switches, the Pine is likely to produce a more pronounced and mellow sound compared to the comparatively quieter Red switch.
Moving onto the feel of the switches, the Outemu Red linear switch does not have a specific feel descriptor provided. In contrast, the KTT Pine linear switch is described as buttery and creamy, offering a smooth and fluid keystroke experience that provides a seamless and effortless typing sensation. The factory-lubed finish of the Pine switch minimizes friction, further enhancing the smoothness of key travel and contributing to a more luxurious typing experience compared to the unspecified feel of the Outemu Red switch.
In conclusion, while the Outemu Red linear switch may provide a silent typing experience and the KTT Pine linear switch offers a bassy and low-pitched sound profile, the Pine switch stands out for its buttery and creamy feel that ensures a smooth and effortless typing sensation. Depending on individual preferences for sound and feel, users can expect different typing experiences with these switches. Ultimately, choosing between the Outemu Red and KTT Pine switches will come down to personal preference in terms of sound and feel.
Conclusion
In summary, when deciding between the Outemu Red linear switch and the KTT Pine linear switch, you should consider your preference for typing experience. If you are looking for a slightly lighter bottom out force with a smooth key travel and a buttery typing sensation, the KTT Pine linear switch may be the better choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium bottom out force and are not concerned about sound or specific tactile feel, the Outemu Red linear switch could be a suitable option. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your individual typing preferences and priorities in terms of key feel, sound profile, and overall typing experience.
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