KTT Pine vs. Gateron Weightlessness
An in-depth look at the KTT Pine and the Gateron Weightlessness switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When exploring the world of mechanical keyboards, the choice of switches can greatly enhance your typing experience, and two popular options are the KTT Pine linear switch and the Gateron Weightlessness tactile switch. The KTT Pine is revered for its buttery smoothness and medium-heavy resistance, making it an excellent choice for those who prioritize a seamless and effortless typing experience. Users often describe its sound profile as bassy and low-pitched, adding a rich auditory dimension to the act of typing. In contrast, the Gateron Weightlessness offers a tactile response that is subtle yet satisfying, appealing to those who enjoy a distinct feedback with each keystroke without overwhelming noise. Its balanced sound complements its tactile feature, making it a favorites among typists who appreciate feedback without sacrificing a serene environment. Both switches have their unique advantages, with the Pine favored for its smoothness and the Weightlessness for its tactile feedback. 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
50g
Bottom-out force
58g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.40 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
22mm double-staged spring
Housing materials
The KTT Pine and Gateron Weightlessness switches use different materials for their housing, resulting in distinct sound profiles that cater to varying user preferences. The KTT Pine switch features a polycarbonate top housing, which contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile. This is due to polycarbonate's relatively stiff nature, allowing it to resonate more clearly and produce a crisp feedback when typing. On the other hand, the Weightlessness switch utilizes a nylon top housing, known for its softer texture, which delivers a deeper and fuller sound profile. The nylon material absorbs more sound compared to polycarbonate, resulting in a more muted and rounded auditory experience. Thus, while both switches serve the same purpose, their choice of top housing material results in contrasting sound characters.
Looking at the bottom housings, the KTT Pine maintains its polycarbonate design, reinforcing the sharpness and clarity that defines its sound profile. Similarly, the Gateron Weightlessness features a nylon bottom housing, which echoes the qualities of its top portion by enhancing the roundness of sound upon bottoming out. When typing on the Pine, the user experiences a consistent high-pitched response, while the Weightlessness offers a sound that feels fuller and more subdued. This difference means that the tactile feedback and the aural experiences during key press and release can differ considerably, with the Pine being ideal for those who prefer crisp sounds and the Weightlessness more suited for individuals who appreciate a softer auditory feedback.
When evaluating the overall experience of these switches, it becomes clear that the combination of materials used in both the top and bottom housings profoundly impacts the characteristics of the switches during use. For the KTT Pine, the clarity and resonance from the polycarbonate materials predominately shape both the press and release sounds, creating a cohesive experience. On the contrary, the Gateron Weightlessness balances its nylon top and bottom houses, which contribute equally to the well-rounded sound profile. Ultimately, while each switch delivers a unique typing experience shaped by its materials, both could yield satisfying results depending on whether the user values sharper feedback or a deeper, fuller sound.
Weight
When comparing the KTT Pine linear switch and the Gateron Weightlessness tactile switch, notable differences in actuation force can be observed. The KTT Pine features an actuation force of 45 grams, providing a relatively light feel that may enhance typing comfort during extended sessions. In contrast, the Gateron Weightlessness has a slightly heavier actuation force of 50 grams, which could appeal to users who prefer a more substantial push feel while typing. On the other hand, the bottom out force for the Gateron Weightlessness is unavailable, making it difficult to fully assess its resistance at the point of bottoming out. The Pine's bottom out force is 58 grams, indicating a medium level of resistance. Thus, while the Pine offers a lighter actuation force and a defined bottom out pressure, the Weightlessness might cater to those who enjoy a heavier actuation but lacks complete data on its bottoming out experience.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the KTT Pine linear switch and the Gateron Weightlessness tactile switch, a clear difference emerges. The KTT Pine features a travel distance of 4 mm, making it align with the more traditional distance, while the Gateron Weightlessness offers a shorter travel distance of 3.4 mm. This means that users seeking a more responsive key press may prefer the Gateron Weightlessness for its quicker actuation. Conversely, those who appreciate a more substantial feel and a deeper travel experience might favor the KTT Pine. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on individual preferences regarding responsiveness and tactile feedback, given the notable difference in travel distance.
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 Weightlessness has an MSRP of $6.10 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Weightlessness for $5.50.
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 switches are known for their deeper, bassy tones that offer a richer auditory experience during key presses. The low-pitched quality of these switches contributes to a mellow sound profile that can create an inviting atmosphere while typing. In contrast, the Gateron Weightlessness tactile switches do not have a specified sound profile, which may indicate a more neutral sound characteristic or varied outcomes based on the keyboard setup. It's important to remember that the overall sound of any switch can also be influenced by external factors such as the choice of keyboard and keycaps.
Regarding feel, the KTT Pine linear switches excel with their buttery smoothness, providing a seamless typing experience without friction, thanks in part to their polished, factory-lubed finish. This creamy sensation allows for effortless gliding across the keys, making each keystroke feel fluid and uniform. The Weightlessness switches, on the other hand, are described as offering a subtle to moderate tactile feel, but without more specific descriptors available, it is difficult to precisely gauge how their tactile feedback compares to the smoothness of the Pine linear switches.
In conclusion, while the KTT Pine linear switches deliver a definitive bassy sound and a notably smooth feel, the Gateron Weightlessness tactile switches offer a different tactile experience with an uncertain sound profile. If you seek a smoother, quieter experience, the Pine would be your ideal choice, while the Weightlessness may appeal to those who prefer a moderate tactile sensation. Ultimately, both switches can provide enjoyable typing experiences, but their qualities cater to differing preferences in sound and feel.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the KTT Pine linear switch and the Gateron Weightlessness tactile switch largely depends on your typing preferences and intended use. If you seek a smooth, fluid typing experience complemented by a deeper, bassy sound profile, the KTT Pine linear switch is an excellent option. Its medium-heavy bottom-out force of 58 grams promotes a satisfying yet effortless keystroke, making it ideal for long typing sessions or gaming, where speed and smoothness are essential. On the other hand, if you appreciate a subtle tactile feedback while maintaining a balanced sound profile, the Gateron Weightlessness switch may be your go-to. These switches provide a moderate tactile feel that can enhance your typing experience without being overly aggressive, making them suitable for both casual and productive tasks. Ultimately, consider your specific typing habits, whether you prioritize a buttery smooth actuation or a tactile sensation, to make the best choice for your mechanical keyboard setup.
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