KTT Pine vs. Kailh Plum

Overview

When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, there are a plethora of options to consider. Two switches that stand out are the KTT Pine and the Kailh Plum. The KTT Pine is a linear switch, known for its medium-heavy weight and buttery smooth action. Its polished, factory-lubed finish ensures minimal friction and effortless typing. On the other hand, the Kailh Plum is a tactile switch that surprises users with its unique characteristics. While it feels hefty, it doesn't have a significant tactile bump like many other tactile switches. This creates a truly distinct typing experience. Additionally, the Plum offers a neutral and enjoyable sound profile. Choosing between the two switches ultimately depends on your preferences and typing style. However, let's delve deeper into their specific qualities to help you make the best decision for your needs.

By the numbers

KTT Pine Linear

Kailh Plum Tactile

$4.60

$4.15 per 10

$6.25 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

The KTT Pine and the Kailh Plum both utilize polycarbonate for their top housing material. This shared material brings several similar qualities to the switches. By using polycarbonate, both switches are able to produce a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is because polycarbonate is a stiffer plastic compared to other materials, resulting in a more clear and resonant sound. Moreover, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches with RGB lighting, allowing for a visually appealing experience. Therefore, users can expect similar results in terms of sound and aesthetics from both the KTT Pine and the Kailh Plum due to their shared polycarbonate top housing.

However, when it comes to the bottom housing material, the Pine and the Plum differ. The Pine utilizes polycarbonate for its bottom housing, while the Plum employs nylon. This leads to distinct differences in the sound profile of the two switches. The Pine's polycarbonate bottom housing, being relatively stiffer, contributes to a sharper and crisper bottom-out sound and feel when pressing down on a key. In contrast, the Plum's nylon bottom housing, being a softer plastic, produces a deeper and fuller sound profile, resulting in a slightly duller and rounder sound when bottoming out a key. These differences in bottom housing materials provide users with options depending on their preference for the sound and feel of their keystrokes.

Considering the impact of the housing materials on the overall sound profile, the top housing material plays a more prominent role when it comes to the sound produced upon releasing a key, while the bottom housing material affects the sound and feel when pressing a key down. This means that both the Pine and the Plum will have similarities in the sound produced when releasing a key due to their shared polycarbonate top housing. However, users can expect variations in the keypress experience between the two switches, as the Pine's polycarbonate bottom housing and the Plum's nylon bottom housing will contribute distinctive characteristics to the feel and sound when pressing down on a key.

Weight

When comparing the actuation and bottom out forces of the KTT Pine linear switch and the Kailh Plum tactile switch, there are notable differences. The Pine has an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 58 grams, which falls within the medium range. On the other hand, information regarding the actuation force of the Plum switch is unavailable, but its bottom out force is 70 grams, categorizing it as medium-heavy.

For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the Pine switch would be the better choice as its actuation force is lower than that of the Plum switch. This lighter actuation force allows for prolonged typing sessions without fatigue, making it ideal for work or extended gaming. Conversely, individuals who desire a more substantial typing experience and enjoy a stronger push feel would lean towards the Plum switch. Its heavier bottom out force of 70 grams provides a more pronounced tactile feedback, which can enhance the overall typing experience.

It is worth noting that if the actuation forces are similar, whether known or unknown, the typing experience between the two switches would yield comparable results. Furthermore, considering weight is essential when selecting a switch, as lighter switches are favored for extended usage, while heavier switches are chosen for a more substantial and responsive typing experience.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distance of the KTT Pine linear switch and the Kailh Plum tactile switch, it is clear that the Pine has a longer travel distance of 4 mm, while the Plum has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm. The Pine's travel distance of 4.0mm falls into the more traditional range, providing a sense of familiarity for users. On the other hand, the Plum's travel distance of 3.6mm is slightly shallower, catering to those who prefer a shorter travel for faster response times, which is particularly advantageous for gamers seeking quick reflexes. However, it is worth noting that some individuals may find the shorter travel distance to feel abrupt or lacking in depth. In such cases, the Pine's longer travel distance may be a more suitable choice for those who prefer a more substantial and satisfying keystroke. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and the specific requirements of the user.

Price comparison

Typing experience

In terms of sound, the KTT Pine linear switch offers a bassy and low-pitched sound profile. These switches produce a deeper and richer tone during key presses, resembling the depth and richness associated with bass tones. On the other hand, the Kailh Plum tactile switch has a neutral sound profile. It does not have a significant emphasis on any particular frequency range and provides a pleasant and enjoyable sound experience. However, it is important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by the choice of keyboard board and keycaps. Overall, if you prefer a deeper and bass-heavy sound, the Pine switch would be a better choice, whereas if you prefer a neutral sound, the Plum switch is suitable.

In terms of feel, the KTT Pine linear switch is described as buttery and creamy, offering a smooth and fluid keystroke experience. These switches provide a seamless and effortless typing sensation, and they feel like gliding your fingers across the keys with ease. The Kailh Plum tactile switch, on the other hand, offers a mild and stepped feel. It provides a more gentle typing experience compared to switches with more pronounced characteristics. With stepped switches, you can feel some pre-travel and/or post-travel, giving a subtle tactile feedback. Both switches offer a comfortable typing experience, but the Pine switch provides a smoother and more uniform feeling, while the Plum switch offers a gentler and more approachable typing experience.

Taking into account the available information, the KTT Pine linear switch is best known for its medium-heavy weight, buttery smoothness, and effortless typing experience. It offers a bassy and low-pitched sound profile and a buttery and creamy feel. On the other hand, the Kailh Plum tactile switch feels hefty but has a unique lack of a pronounced tactile bump. It offers a neutral and enjoyable sound profile, and a mild and stepped feel. Based on these descriptions, it can be concluded that the Pine switch will provide a smoother and richer typing experience with a deeper sound, while the Plum switch will provide a gentler and more approachable typing experience with a neutral sound. However, it should be mentioned that individual preferences may vary, and to achieve similar results, it is important to consider the choice of keyboard board and keycaps, as they can also affect the sound and feel of the switches.

Conclusion

To sum up, if you're looking for a smooth and effortless typing experience with a medium-bottom out force, the KTT Pine linear switch is a great choice. These switches are built for minimal friction and offer a buttery and creamy feel, allowing your fingers to glide effortlessly across the keys. The Pine also provides a bassy and low-pitched sound profile, giving a deeper and richer sound during key presses.

Alternatively, if you prefer a medium-heavy bottom out force and a more gentle tactile typing experience, the Kailh Plum tactile switch is the way to go. These switches have a unique characteristic of feeling hefty without featuring a huge tactile bump. The Plum offers a mild and stepped feel, making it approachable to most users. Additionally, the sound profile of the Plum is neutral, providing a satisfying and enjoyable typing experience.

Ultimately, the choice between the KTT Pine and Kailh Plum switches depends on your preference for bottom out force and typing experience. Consider whether you prioritize smoothness and effortless typing (Pine) or a more gentle tactile feel (Plum). Both switches offer their own unique sound profiles, with the Pine being bassy and low-pitched, while the Plum provides a neutral sound.

In the end, it's important to test out these switches for yourself to see which one suits your typing style and preferences the best.

Mentioned in this article

KTT Pine Linear

$4.60

$4.15 per 10

Learn more

Kailh Plum Tactile

$6.25 per 10

Learn more