KTT Pine vs. KTT Sea Salt Lemon
An in-depth look at the KTT Pine and the KTT Sea Salt Lemon switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
If you're in the market for a mechanical keyboard switch, two options worth considering are the KTT Pine and the KTT Sea Salt Lemon, both of which are linear switches. The KTT Pine is best known for its medium-heavy weight and smooth typing experience. With a polished, factory-lubed finish, these switches minimize friction and offer effortless key travel. Categorized as 'Bassy', 'Buttery', 'Creamy', and 'Low-pitched', the Pine switch provides a satisfying typing experience. On the other hand, the KTT Sea Salt Lemon offers a different take on linear switches. These switches are known for their progressive spring and KTT's dry-lube design, resulting in a buttery smooth typing experience. Categorized as 'Low-pitched', 'Neutral', and 'Mild', the Sea Salt Lemon switch offers a more subtle and versatile typing experience. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can make the best decision when choosing your ideal switch.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
58g
Bottom-out force
53g
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 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
13mm progressive spring
Housing materials
The KTT Pine and KTT Sea Salt Lemon keyboards both feature polycarbonate top housings, which contribute to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to the stiffness of polycarbonate, which produces a clearer and more resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for incorporating RGB lighting into the switch. As such, users can expect similar sound profiles and visual effects from both keyboards.
However, when it comes to the bottom housings, the materials used in the Pine and Sea Salt Lemon keyboards differ. The Pine utilizes a polycarbonate bottom housing, while the Sea Salt Lemon employs a nylon bottom housing. This contrast leads to distinct sound characteristics. The nylon bottom housing of the Sea Salt Lemon yields a deeper and fuller sound, thanks to its softer nature and its ability to absorb more sound compared to harder plastics. Conversely, the Pine's polycarbonate bottom housing contributes to a sharper and crisper bottom-out sound and feel.
Considering the impact of the top and bottom housings on the overall typing experience, the KTT Pine and KTT Sea Salt Lemon differ in terms of sound when you let go of a key versus when you press down on it. The top housing, regardless of whether it is polycarbonate or nylon, influences the sound upon key release. On the other hand, the qualities of the bottom housing are felt and heard when pressing down on a key. Therefore, users can expect a variation in sound and feel between the two keyboards, depending on the specific housing material used in each component.
Weight
When comparing the KTT Pine linear switch and the KTT Sea Salt Lemon linear switch, both switches have the same actuation force of 45 grams, meaning that the force required to trigger a keystroke is equivalent for both. However, they differ in terms of their bottom out force. The Pine switch has a bottom out force of 58 grams, which is slightly heavier compared to the Sea Salt Lemon switch with a bottom out force of 53 grams, making it lighter in comparison.
Considering the weight factor, those who prefer a lighter typing experience may opt for the Sea Salt Lemon switch as it allows for longer periods of comfortable typing, making it suitable for work or extended gaming sessions. On the other hand, individuals who desire a more substantial and stronger push feel during typing would benefit from the Pine switch, as it provides a heavier bottom out force. This gives them a more substantial and tactile typing experience.
In conclusion, while the actuation force remains the same for both switches, the Pine switch offers a heavier bottom out force compared to the Sea Salt Lemon switch, making it the ideal choice for those seeking a stronger and more substantial typing experience. However, for individuals who value a lighter feel and extended typing sessions, the Sea Salt Lemon switch with its slightly lighter bottom out force would prove to be a better fit.
Travel distance
Both the KTT Pine linear switch and the KTT Sea Salt Lemon linear switch have a travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when you press down on a key equipped with either switch, you will feel a consistent 4 mm of travel from the top to the bottom. In terms of travel distance, both switches offer the same results. So, whether you choose the KTT Pine or the KTT Sea Salt Lemon, you can expect to experience a similar amount of travel distance when typing or gaming.
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 KTT Sea Salt Lemon comes in at $2.80 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 is best described as bassy and low-pitched. With its deeper and richer sound profile, the Pine switch offers a lower frequency range, resembling the depth and richness associated with bass tones. On the other hand, the KTT Sea Salt Lemon linear switch is also low-pitched, providing a more bass-heavy and mellow tone. Additionally, it is described as having a neutral sound profile, which makes it suitable for various purposes. However, it is important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.
When it comes to feel, the KTT Pine linear switch is known for its buttery and creamy typing experience. A buttery switch implies a smooth and fluid keystroke, providing a seamless and effortless sensation. The Pine switch also offers a creamy feel, which can be attributed to the lubricant applied at the factory or specific materials used. Typing on the Pine switch feels like gliding your fingers across the keys with ease, as each keystroke effortlessly melts into the switch. On the other hand, the KTT Sea Salt Lemon linear switch offers a mild and gentle typing experience. It falls into a middle-ground zone, providing a more approachable feel that is comfortable for most users.
Considering all the available information, the KTT Pine and Sea Salt Lemon linear switches offer distinct characteristics in sound and feel. If you're looking for a switch with a bassy, low-pitched sound and a buttery, creamy feel, the KTT Pine switch would be a great choice. However, if you prefer a switch with a low-pitched, neutral sound and a mild, gentle feel, the KTT Sea Salt Lemon switch would be more suitable. Both switches prioritize smooth and effortless typing experiences, ensuring a pleasant and satisfying time with your mechanical keyboard. Keep in mind that individual preferences can vary, and it is always recommended to try out different switches before making a final decision.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a medium-heavy switch that offers a smooth and effortless typing experience, the KTT Pine linear switch would be the ideal choice for you. With its medium bottom out force of 58 grams and polished, factory-lubed finish, these switches minimize friction and provide a buttery smooth keystroke. The Pine switch is also known for its bassy and low-pitched sound profile, offering a deeper and richer tone during key presses. In terms of feel, the Pine switch is described as buttery and creamy, providing a seamless and uniform typing sensation.
On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter switch with a more mild and gentle typing experience, the KTT Sea Salt Lemon linear switch would be a great option. With a medium-light bottom out force of 53 grams and KTT's dry-lube design, these switches also offer a buttery smooth typing experience. The Sea Salt Lemon switch is known for its low-pitched and neutral sound profile, giving it a bass-heavy and mellow tone. The feel of the Sea Salt Lemon switch is described as mild, providing a more approachable and middle-ground typing experience.
Ultimately, the choice between the KTT Pine and KTT Sea Salt Lemon switches depends on your personal preferences and typing style. If you prefer a slightly heavier switch with a deeper sound and a smoother feel, the Pine switch is recommended. However, if you prefer a lighter switch with a milder sound and a more approachable feel, the Sea Salt Lemon switch would be a better fit for you.
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