KTT Pine vs. Gateron Type S
An in-depth look at the KTT Pine and the Gateron Type S switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the KTT Pine and Gateron Type S mechanical keyboard switches, both linear switches offer unique advantages for different preferences. The KTT Pine is praised for its medium-heavy feel and buttery smooth typing experience, making it a great choice for those who enjoy a low-pitched and creamy switch. On the other hand, the Gateron Type S stands out with its weightier 65g bottom-out and neutral yet deeper sound signature, appealing to users who prefer a more subdued typing experience. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
55g
Bottom-out force
58g
Bottom-out force
65g
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
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Nylon
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
18mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the KTT Pine and the Gateron Type S, the main difference lies in the materials used for both the top and bottom housings. The Pine utilizes polycarbonate for both its top and bottom housings, resulting in a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile. This is due to polycarbonate's stiffer nature, creating a clearer and more resonant sound. In contrast, the Type S features a nylon top and bottom housing, leading to a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon's softer plastic absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound compared to polycarbonate.
One similarity between the KTT Pine and the Gateron Type S is that both switches use translucent materials for their housings. The Pine's polycarbonate housing allows for RGB lighting effects to shine through, enhancing the aesthetics of the switch. On the other hand, the Type S's nylon housing may not offer the same visual appeal with RGB lighting, but it provides a classic and durable housing material. Both switches offer unique sound profiles based on the characteristics of their housing materials, with the Pine emphasizing a sharper sound while the Type S delivers a deeper tone.
Overall, the choice between the KTT Pine and the Gateron Type S will depend on personal preference for sound and feel. The polycarbonate housing of the Pine creates a sharper and crisper typing experience, ideal for those who prefer a more distinct sound profile. In contrast, the nylon housing of the Type S offers a deeper and fuller sound, catering to those who value a more rounded tone. Regardless of the differences in housing materials, both switches showcase the importance of housing material in determining the overall typing experience and sound profile of mechanical keyboards.
Weight
The KTT Pine linear switch has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams compared to the Gateron Type S linear switch's 55 grams. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Pine switch requires 58 grams, while the Type S switch needs 65 grams. This makes the Type S switch heavier overall in terms of both actuation and bottom out forces. Those who prefer a lighter touch for longer typing sessions or gaming may lean towards the Pine switch, while those who enjoy a more substantial typing experience may opt for the Type S switch. Both switches provide a medium actuation force, but the Type S switch falls into the medium-heavy category when it comes to bottom out force. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and typing habits.
Travel distance
The travel distance of both the KTT Pine linear switch and the Gateron Type S linear switch is 4 mm. This means that when pressing down on a key with either of these switches, you will feel the same distance traveled from the top to the bottom. Both switches offer a consistent and satisfying typing experience with their identical travel distances. Whether you choose the Pine or Type S linear switch, you can expect to get similar results in terms of keypress feel and response. Ultimately, the travel distances of these switches are equal, providing a consistent typing experience regardless of which switch you choose.
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 Gateron Type S comes in at $4.70 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
When it comes to sound, the KTT Pine linear switch offers a bassy and low-pitched experience, providing a deeper and richer sound profile during key presses. On the other hand, the Gateron Type S linear switch offers a more neutral and subdued sound, making it suitable for various environments and preferences. Depending on your setup and personal preference, the Pine switch may offer a more pronounced and characteristic sound, while the Type S switch provides a quieter and more understated typing experience.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the KTT Pine linear switch is described as buttery and creamy, offering a smooth and seamless typing experience that feels effortless and uniform. This is due to its factory-lubed finish that minimizes friction for a satisfying key travel. On the contrary, the feel of the Gateron Type S linear switch is unknown at this time. However, based on the information provided, the Pine switch seems to offer a more luxurious and silky typing experience compared to the Type S switch.
In conclusion, both the KTT Pine linear switch and the Gateron Type S linear switch offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the Pine switch provides a bassy sound profile and a buttery typing experience, the Type S switch offers a more neutral sound signature and a weightier keystroke feel. Depending on your personal preference for sound, feel, and typing experience, either switch can provide a satisfying and enjoyable typing experience. Ultimately, both switches are solid options that can cater to different preferences within the mechanical keyboard community.
Conclusion
In closing, if you prefer a smoother and lighter keystroke with a lower bottom-out force, the KTT Pine linear switch would be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a slightly weightier keystroke with a neutral sound profile, the Gateron Type S linear switch might be more suited to your preferences. Ultimately, your choice between these two switches will depend on whether you prioritize a buttery smooth typing experience with a lower bottom-out force or a weightier keystroke with a more neutral sound signature. Consider your typing preferences and needs to make the best decision for your mechanical keyboard setup.
Mentioned in this article
