KTT Pine vs. Jwick Semi-Silent Linear
An in-depth look at the KTT Pine and the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the KTT Pine and the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear mechanical keyboard switches, there are both similarities and differences that set them apart. The Pine switch is renowned for its medium-heavy weight, providing a satisfying typing experience. With its polished and factory-lubed finish, it minimizes friction, allowing for smooth key travel. Additionally, the Pine switch is known for its buttery and low-pitched feel, making it a popular choice among enthusiasts. On the other hand, the Semi-Silent Linear switch offers innovation in the form of a unique sound profile. While it maintains a clacky bottom-out sound, its topping-out sound is whisper-quiet, resulting in a semi-silent typing experience. The Semi-Silent Linear switch also offers a silky smooth type feel, striking a balance between being polished and maintaining an enjoyable tactile feedback. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can make an informed decision on the best switch for your specific preferences.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
58g
Bottom-out force
62g
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.70 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
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
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
15.5mm gold-plated spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The housing materials of the KTT Pine and the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear share a common characteristic - both switches utilize polycarbonate for their top housing. This choice of material contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile in both switches. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate allows for the use of RGB lighting, enhancing the aesthetic appeal of the switches. Therefore, users can expect similar sound and visual experiences when using both the KTT Pine and the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear, thanks to the shared polycarbonate top housing.
However, the bottom housings of these switches differ. The Pine utilizes polycarbonate for its bottom housing, which contributes to a clear and resonant sound profile. The stiffer nature of polycarbonate ensures that each keystroke produces a distinct and sharp sound when the key reaches the bottom-out position. On the other hand, the Semi-Silent Linear incorporates a nylon bottom housing, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon, being a softer plastic, absorbs more sound, creating a duller and rounder sound when typing. Therefore, users can choose between the Pine's crisper sound or the Semi-Silent Linear's deeper sound based on their preference.
When pressing down on either switch, the qualities of the respective bottom housing materials are felt. The bottom housing has a significant impact on the bottom-out sound and feel, influencing the overall typing experience. The Pine's polycarbonate bottom housing contributes to a clear and resonant bottom-out sound, giving a satisfying feedback to the user. Conversely, the Semi-Silent Linear's nylon bottom housing absorbs more sound, resulting in a softer and more muted bottom-out sound. It ultimately depends on the user's preference, whether they prefer a more pronounced feedback or a quieter typing experience.
While the top housing materials are the same, the impact on the sound when releasing a key will vary between the KTT Pine and the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear. The polycarbonate top housing, being stiffer, will have a more pronounced effect on the sound when letting go of a key. The sharper and higher-pitched sound profile associated with polycarbonate will be more noticeable in the Pine switch. In contrast, the Semi-Silent Linear's nylon bottom housing might dampen the sound slightly, resulting in a smoother and gentler sound when releasing a key. This distinction can provide users with different auditory feedback depending on the switch they choose.
Weight
In comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the KTT Pine linear switch and the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear linear switch, we find some similarities and differences. The Pine has an actuation force of 45 grams, while the actuation force for the Semi-Silent Linear is currently unavailable. However, both switches have a medium bottom out force, with the Pine at 58 grams and the Semi-Silent Linear at 62 grams.
Considering weight, some users prefer a lighter switch for extended typing sessions or long gaming sessions, as it allows for easier typing and reduced fatigue. In this regard, the Pine switch appears to be lighter in terms of actuation force compared to the unknown force of the Semi-Silent Linear. However, for those who desire a more substantial and strong push feel while typing, a switch with a heavier force is preferred. It should be noted that the bottom out force of both switches falls within the medium range, providing a similar typing experience in that aspect.
In conclusion, while the specific actuation force for the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear switch is unknown, the Pine linear switch seems to have a lighter actuation force. However, both switches share a medium bottom out force, offering a similar typing experience in terms of pressing all the way down. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on the user's preference for a lighter or heavier keystroke feel.
Travel distance
The KTT Pine linear switch and the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear linear switch have different travel distances. The Pine has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Semi-Silent Linear has a travel distance of 3.7 mm. The Pine has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Semi-Silent Linear.
In terms of a traditional travel distance, 4.0 mm is considered the norm, while 3.0 mm is considered shallow. However, shorter travel distances have become more popular, especially among gamers who prefer faster response times. In this case, if you prioritize responsiveness, the Semi-Silent Linear with its 3.7 mm travel distance may be a better option.
On the other hand, some individuals may find shorter travel distances to be too abrupt and prefer a more substantial depth. For those who value a hearty depth in their keyboard experience, the Pine with its longer 4 mm travel distance may be the preferred choice.
Ultimately, the decision between the KTT Pine linear switch and the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear switch should be based on personal preference and the desired typing experience.
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 Jwick Semi-Silent Linear has an MSRP of $6.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Semi-Silent Linear for $5.27.
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
When it comes to sound, the KTT Pine linear switch is best described as bassy and low-pitched. These switches offer a deeper, richer sound profile during key presses, resembling the depth and richness associated with bass tones. On the other hand, the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear linear switch is described as subdued and neutral in terms of sound. It produces a dampened sound when pressed, offering a more subtle sound signature compared to most switches. While the Pine switches provide a bass-heavy and mellow tone, the Semi-Silent Linear switches offer a more moderate and approachable sound profile suitable for various purposes. However, it's important to note that the actual sound of a switch can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.
In terms of feel, the KTT Pine linear switch is characterized as buttery and creamy. These switches provide a seamless, effortless, and uniform typing sensation, similar to gliding your fingers across the keys with ease. The smooth and fluid keystroke experience is achieved through factory lubrication and specific materials used. On the other hand, the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear linear switch offers a mild and snappy typing experience. It falls within a safe middle-ground zone, offering a gentle typing experience with a responsive feel. The snappiness is due to longer or dual-staged springs, making the typing experience feel more alive. Similar to the Pine switches, the Semi-Silent Linear switches also provide a buttery and polished typing sensation with reduced friction and smooth key travel.
Based on the available information, the KTT Pine linear switch is known for being medium-heavy, buttery smooth, and built for an effortless typing experience. It offers a bassy and low-pitched sound profile, along with a smooth and fluid keystroke feel. On the other hand, the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear linear switch is described as semi-silent, with a subdued sound that maintains a clacky bottom-out sound. Its type feel is silky smooth but not overly polished, offering a mild typing experience with a snappy response. If you're looking for a deep and rich sound profile with a buttery feel, the Pine switches would be a great choice. However, if you prefer a more subdued sound and a mildly snappy typing experience, the Semi-Silent Linear switches would be a suitable option. Ultimately, both switches provide smoothness and ease of typing, ensuring a pleasant typing experience regardless of the specific qualities mentioned.
Conclusion
In conclusion, when choosing between the KTT Pine linear switch and the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear linear switch, consider your preferences for sound and feel. The Pine switch offers a bassy and low-pitched sound profile, perfect for those who prefer a deeper and richer tone during key presses. It provides a buttery and creamy typing experience, ensuring smooth and fluid keystrokes. On the other hand, the Semi-Silent Linear switch has a subdued and neutral sound profile, offering a dampened and subtle sound during key presses. Its mild and snappy feel provides a gentle and responsive typing experience. Overall, the Pine switch is ideal for those who enjoy a bass-heavy sound and a seamless typing sensation, while the Semi-Silent Linear switch is suitable for those who prefer a more subdued sound and a gentle typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches depends on your personal preferences and typing style. Take into account the sound and feel that best align with your preferences to enhance your typing experience.
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