KTT Pine vs. TTC Speed Silver
An in-depth look at the KTT Pine and the TTC Speed Silver switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
Introducing the KTT Pine and TTC Speed Silver - two mechanical keyboard switches that offer distinct advantages for different typing experiences. The KTT Pine is widely recognized for its medium-heavy weight, buttery-smooth operation, and low-pitched sound. Designed with a factory-lubed finish, these switches minimize friction, resulting in effortless key travel. On the other hand, the TTC Speed Silver switches are an excellent choice for those who prioritize speed and precision. These tactile switches offer a light-medium resistance and a pristine sound profile, with a reduced travel distance that enables quick and effortless actuation. Each switch has its own unique characteristics, but let's delve deeper into their specifics to help you decide which one is the perfect fit for your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
58g
Bottom-out force
55g
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Pre-travel
1.08 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.40 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
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
15.5mm gold-plated spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The housing materials of the KTT Pine and the TTC Speed Silver switches both utilize polycarbonate for their top housings. This choice of material results in similar benefits for both switches, including a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The stiffness of polycarbonate contributes to a clearer and more resonant sound, making it an ideal material for those who prioritize sound quality in their typing experience. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate allows for RGB lighting to shine through, enhancing the aesthetic appeal of the switches. Therefore, both the Pine and Speed Silver switches can offer comparable sound profiles and visual effects when their polycarbonate top housings are used.
On the other hand, while the top housings of the two switches are the same, their bottom housings differ. The KTT Pine features a polycarbonate bottom housing, similar to its top housing. This means that the qualities brought by polycarbonate are maintained throughout the switch, contributing to a consistent sound profile and typing experience. Conversely, the TTC Speed Silver utilizes a nylon bottom housing. Nylon is a softer plastic compared to polycarbonate, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile. The softer nature of nylon allows it to absorb more sound, creating a duller and rounder sound compared to the sharper sound produced by polycarbonate. Therefore, the bottom-out sound and feel of the Speed Silver switch may differ from that of the Pine switch, with the former offering a deeper and fuller experience.
In summary, both the KTT Pine and TTC Speed Silver switches share the use of polycarbonate for their top housings, resulting in a similar sound profile characterized by sharpness and clarity. Their differences arise in the bottom housings, where the Pine maintains the polycarbonate material for consistent sound, while the Speed Silver adopts a nylon material for a deeper and fuller sound. These distinctions mean that the bottom-out sound and feel of the two switches may differ, with the Pine providing a more consistent and resonant experience, and the Speed Silver offering a softer and rounder typing experience. However, the impact of the top housing on the sound when a key is released remains similar between the two switches.
Weight
When comparing the KTT Pine linear switch and the TTC Speed Silver linear switch, there are some similarities and differences in their actuation force and bottom out force. Both switches have the same actuation force of 45 grams, meaning that the force required to trigger a keystroke is identical for both switches. This ensures that users will get a similar responsive typing experience with either switch. However, when it comes to bottom out force, there is a distinction. The KTT Pine has a bottom out force of 58 grams, providing a slightly heavier feel when pressing all the way down. On the other hand, the TTC Speed Silver has a bottom out force of 55 grams, making it slightly lighter.
Considering weight preferences, those who desire a lighter typing experience may lean towards the TTC Speed Silver switch. This lighter weight allows for extended typing sessions without causing excessive finger fatigue, making it suitable for work environments or long gaming sessions. On the contrary, individuals who prefer a more substantial and robust typing experience may opt for the KTT Pine switch with its heavier bottom out force. This heavier force provides a stronger push feel, delivering a satisfying typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on individual preferences for typing feel and the desired level of actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the KTT Pine linear switch and the TTC Speed Silver linear switch, there is a noticeable difference. The Pine has a longer travel distance of 4 mm, while the Speed Silver has a shorter travel distance of 3.4 mm.
In terms of the traditional range, 4.0 mm is closer to the standard travel distance, providing a more familiar feel. On the other hand, 3.4 mm is on the shallower side, offering a quicker response time, which is favored by gamers for its increased speed.
Choosing between the two switches depends on personal preference. If you prioritize responsiveness and quicker key presses, the Speed Silver with its shorter travel distance would be the more suitable option. However, for individuals who prefer a deeper and more substantial feel when pressing down on the keys, the Pine's longer travel distance would be the preferred choice. Ultimately, it's important to consider your own preferences and requirements to determine which switch will provide 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 TTC Speed Silver has an MSRP of $6.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Speed Silver for $4.58.
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. This means that it offers a deeper and richer sound profile during key presses, resembling the depth and richness associated with bass tones. On the other hand, the TTC Speed Silver linear switch is described as having a neutral sound profile. This means that it has a moderate sound profile that is suitable for most intents and purposes, whether you are a beginner or advanced user, or if you are planning to use these switches at home or work. It is important to note that the sound of a switch is also influenced by other factors such as the choice of keyboard and keycaps. Overall, both switches offer different sound profiles, with the Pine providing a bass-heavy sound and the Speed Silver offering a more neutral sound.
When it comes to feel, the KTT Pine linear switch is described as buttery and creamy. These terms indicate a smooth and fluid keystroke experience. The Pine switch provides a seamless, effortless, and uniform typing sensation. This is due to the switch being factory-lubed and having a polished finish, minimizing friction for smooth key travel. On the other hand, the TTC Speed Silver linear switch is described as mild and polished. This means that it offers a more gentle typing experience compared to switches with more pronounced characteristics. The polished finish of the Speed Silver switch also contributes to a smooth and refined typing experience, with reduced friction and smooth key travel. Both switches provide a smooth typing experience, with the Pine switch offering a particularly silky sensation.
In conclusion, the KTT Pine linear switch and TTC Speed Silver linear switch offer different subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Pine switch has a bassy sound profile, while the Speed Silver switch has a neutral sound profile. In terms of feel, the Pine switch is buttery and creamy, providing a seamless and effortless typing experience. The Speed Silver switch is mild and polished, offering a gentle yet refined typing experience. It is important to consider personal preferences and requirements when choosing between these switches, as they will provide different overall typing experiences. However, both switches are known for their smoothness and smooth key travel, ensuring a satisfying typing experience.
Conclusion
In conclusion, if you prioritize a medium-heavy bottom out force and a smooth typing experience, the KTT Pine linear switch would be a great choice for you. With its factory-lubed finish and buttery smooth feel, these switches ensure an effortless typing experience. The Pine also offers a bassy and low-pitched sound profile, adding depth and richness to your keystrokes.
On the other hand, if you prefer a slightly lighter bottom out force and a fast and precise typing experience, the TTC Speed Silver linear switch would be more suitable for you. With reduced travel distance and a light-medium level of resistance, these switches enable quick and effortless actuation. The Speed Silver also has a neutral sound profile, making it suitable for various environments and purposes.
Ultimately, the decision between the KTT Pine and TTC Speed Silver switches depends on your personal preferences for bottom out force, typing experience, and sound profile. Consider the different characteristics of each switch and choose the one that aligns with your desired typing style. Happy typing!
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