KTT Pine vs. Kailh Sage
An in-depth look at the KTT Pine and the Kailh Sage switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
Introducing the KTT Pine, a linear switch, and the Kailh Sage, a clicky switch. Both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences and typing styles. The KTT Pine is best known for its medium-heavy weight and buttery smoothness, providing an effortless typing experience. With its polished, factory-lubed finish, these switches minimize friction for a satisfyingly smooth key travel. On the other hand, the Kailh Sage stands out for its distinct clicky typing experience. Designed with a heavy weight and a refreshingly sharp clickiness, this switch provides an invigorating and crunchy feel. While the Pine offers a bassy, creamy sensation, the Sage delivers an invigorating and sharp sensation. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your typing preferences.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
58g
Bottom-out force
70g
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Pre-travel
1.70 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
No
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
15.5mm gold-plated spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The housing materials of the KTT Pine and the Kailh Sage, specifically the polycarbonate top housing, share similar characteristics and effects. Both switches utilize polycarbonate in the top housing, which results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The translucency of polycarbonate is especially beneficial if RGB lighting is intended to be used. Additionally, the relatively stiffer nature of polycarbonate contributes to a clear and resonant sound profile, enhancing the overall typing experience. Therefore, users can expect similar auditory outcomes when using either the Pine or Sage switches.
However, the bottom housing materials of the two switches diverge. The Pine incorporates a polycarbonate bottom housing, while the Sage employs a nylon bottom housing. This distinction leads to a difference in sound profiles when typing on the switches. The polycarbonate bottom housing of the Pine contributes to a sharper and crisper bottom-out sound and feel. In contrast, the nylon bottom housing of the Sage elicits a deeper and fuller sound profile with its relatively softer plastic composition. Nylon has the advantage of absorbing more sound compared to harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. Therefore, the choice between the Pine and Sage may depend on the desired auditory experience.
It is important to note that the top housing of a switch plays a significant role in the sound when releasing a key. Thus, while the bottom housing may influence the bottom-out sound and feel, the top housing will have a more substantial impact on the sound when a key is released. This implies that the housing materials used in the top housing, whether polycarbonate for the Pine or Sage, will strongly define the sound produced when keys are released. Therefore, both the Pine and Sage can be expected to offer distinct sound profiles when keys are released, amplified by their respective top housing materials.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the KTT Pine linear switch and the Kailh Sage clicky switch, there are some notable differences. The Pine has an actuation force of 45 grams, which is the force required to trigger a keystroke, and a bottom out force of 58 grams, which measures bottoming out or pressing all the way down. On the other hand, the Sage's actuation force is unknown, but it has a heavier bottom out force of 70 grams.
For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the Pine switch would be a good choice as it has a lower actuation force. This allows for quicker and easier keystrokes, which can be beneficial for longer typing sessions or gaming sessions. On the other hand, for those who prefer a stronger push feel and a more substantial typing experience, the heavier bottom out force of the Sage switch would be more suitable. This provides a greater resistance when pressing the keys, resulting in a more satisfying tactile feedback.
It's worth noting that while the actuation and bottom out forces of the Pine switch are known and listed, the actuation force of the Sage switch is not provided. However, since the Pine switch has a medium actuation force and the Sage switch is described as medium-heavy, it can be inferred that the Sage switch likely has a higher actuation force than the Pine. This would make the Sage switch even more suitable for those seeking a stronger typing experience.
Ultimately, the choice between the two switches would depend on personal preference and the desired typing experience. Whether one prefers a lighter or a heavier feel, both the KTT Pine linear switch and the Kailh Sage clicky switch offer options that can cater to different typing preferences.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the KTT Pine linear switch and the Kailh Sage clicky switch, it is clear that they have different distances. The Pine has a longer travel distance of 4 mm, while the Sage has a shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm. The Pine's 4 mm distance is considered more traditional, providing a deeper key press experience. On the other hand, the Sage's 3.6 mm distance caters to those who prefer a shallower and quicker key press. Gamers, in particular, often opt for shorter travel distances to achieve faster response times. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on individual preference. If you prioritize responsiveness, the Sage would be the ideal choice. However, if you enjoy a more substantial key press, the Pine's longer travel distance would be preferable.
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 Kailh Sage comes in at $6.25 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 KTT Pine linear switch offers a bassy and low-pitched profile during key presses. This means that the sound produced is deeper and richer, resembling the depth and richness associated with bass tones. On the other hand, the Kailh Sage clicky switch is described as crunchy, which is a common characteristic of clicky switches. It produces a sound similar to stepping on piles of crisp and crunchy autumn leaves. It is important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard itself and the keycaps used.
When it comes to the feel, the KTT Pine linear switch provides a buttery and creamy typing experience. These switches are known for their smooth and fluid keystroke, offering a seamless and effortless typing sensation. They have a uniform feel that allows the fingers to glide across the keys with ease. On the other hand, the Kailh Sage clicky switch offers an invigorating and sharp tactile experience. It provides pronounced feedback, moderate to firm actuation force, and a snappy and reactive feel. Each keypress is accompanied by a strong and crisp tactile bump that is felt distinctly.
In conclusion, the KTT Pine linear switch and the Kailh Sage clicky switch offer different subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Pine switch has a bassy and low-pitched sound profile, while the Sage switch is described as crunchy. The Pine switch has a buttery and creamy feel, while the Sage switch provides an invigorating and sharp tactile experience. It is important to consider personal preferences and the desired typing experience when choosing between these switches. However, if a similar result is desired, the Sage switch can provide a clicky sound similar to the Pine switch, although the feel may differ.
Conclusion
In closing, when it comes to choosing between the KTT Pine linear switch and the Kailh Sage clicky switch, it ultimately boils down to your personal preferences and typing style. If you prioritize a smooth and effortless typing experience, the Pine switch with its medium bottom out force of 58 grams, buttery and creamy feel, and bassy sound profile could be the perfect fit for you. Its factory-lubed finish minimizes friction, resulting in smooth key travel. On the other hand, if you prefer a distinct clicky typing experience with a heavier bottom out force of 70 grams, the Sage switch might be more suitable. With its invigorating and sharp tactile feel, along with a crunchy sound reminiscent of stepping on autumn leaves, it offers a refreshing and immersive typing sensation. Consider your desired typing experience, sound profile, and actuation force when making a decision, and ultimately choose the switch that best aligns with your preferences.
Mentioned in this article
