KTT Pine vs. KTT Wine Red
An in-depth look at the KTT Pine and the KTT Wine Red switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
The KTT Pine and KTT Wine Red are two mechanical keyboard switches that offer unique characteristics for different typing preferences. The Pine switch is best known for its medium-heavy weight, buttery smooth feel, and effortless typing experience. With a polished, factory-lubed finish, these switches minimize friction and provide smooth key travel. Categorized as 'Bassy', 'Buttery', 'Creamy', and 'Low-pitched', the Pine switch offers a satisfyingly deep and rich sound profile. On the other hand, the Wine Red switch is beloved for its pillowy light type feel and a satisfyingly deep and rich sound profile, making it an ideal option for those who prefer a softer touch. Classified as 'Bassy' and 'Low-pitched', the Wine Red switch delivers a delightful typing experience. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can make an informed decision about the best switch for your personal preferences.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
44g
Bottom-out force
58g
Bottom-out force
55g
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
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
15.5mm gold-plated spring
Spring
Progressive spring
Housing materials
The KTT Pine and KTT Wine Red both feature polycarbonate top and bottom housings. This material choice lends itself to creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile for both switches. The relatively stiffer nature of polycarbonate contributes to a clearer and more resonant sound. Aesthetically, the translucent quality of polycarbonate is especially advantageous for RGB lighting purposes. Therefore, users can expect similar results in terms of sound and visual effects when comparing the two switches' top and bottom housings.
Where the Pine and Wine Red differ is in their respective aesthetics. While both switches use polycarbonate for both the top and bottom housings, the Pine has a unique appearance. The KTT Pine features a distinct, vibrant green color, giving it a more eye-catching look. In contrast, the Wine Red showcases a deep red hue, exuding a rich and luxurious appeal. These color choices can greatly influence the overall aesthetic of a keyboard, allowing users to select the switch that best matches their individual style preferences.
When it comes to the functional aspects of the switches, the differences lie in the impact on sound and feel. The bottom housing, made from polycarbonate in both the Pine and Wine Red switches, plays a significant role in the bottom-out sound and feel of the key when it is fully pressed down. On the other hand, the top housing, also constructed from polycarbonate in both switches, influences the sound when a key is released. Therefore, while the materials are the same, the placement of the respective housings means that each switch will offer a slightly different tactile experience in terms of both pressing down and releasing keys.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the KTT Pine linear switch and the KTT Wine Red linear switch, there are some noticeable similarities and differences. The actuation force of the Pine is slightly heavier at 45 grams, while the Wine Red has a slightly lighter actuation force of 44 grams. Both switches fall into the medium range in terms of actuation force, providing a satisfying push feel without being too heavy or too light.
In terms of bottom out force, the Pine switch requires a heavier force of 58 grams, while the Wine Red switch requires a lighter force of 55 grams. This means that when typing on the Pine switch, there will be a slightly more substantial typing experience due to the higher bottom out force. On the other hand, the Wine Red switch offers a lighter bottom out force, which may be preferable for those who prefer a lighter typing experience and want to avoid fatigue during long typing or gaming sessions.
Considering the weight of the switches, it is worth noting that the Pine switch is slightly heavier overall due to its higher bottom out force. However, both switches still fall within the medium range, providing a balance between typing longevity and a satisfying push feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will come down to personal preference and the desired typing experience. Whether one prefers a slightly heavier or lighter feel, both the Pine and Wine Red switches offer options that cater to different preferences.
Travel distance
The KTT Pine linear switch and the KTT Wine Red linear switch both have the same travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when you press down on a key with either of these switches, you will feel the same distance of travel from the top to the bottom. Whether you choose the Pine or the Wine Red, you can expect similar results in terms of the distance traveled by the switch. Both switches offer a consistent and comfortable travel distance, making them suitable options for those who prefer a linear 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 KTT Wine Red comes in at $2.71 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, both the KTT Pine and KTT Wine Red switches are described as having a deep and rich sound profile. They are characterized as bassy switches, offering a lower frequency range for a satisfyingly deep sound during key presses. It is important to note that the sound of a switch can be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps chosen. Therefore, while both switches have similar sound qualities, the overall sound experience can vary depending on these additional factors.
When it comes to feel, the KTT Pine switches are described as "buttery" and "creamy". These terms imply a smooth and fluid keystroke experience and provide a seamless and effortless typing sensation. The KTT Pine switches are medium-heavy and are designed to offer a buttery smooth typing experience with minimized friction. In contrast, the specific description of the feeling of the KTT Wine Red switches is unknown.
Considering the available information, both the KTT Pine and KTT Wine Red switches offer similar subjective qualities in terms of sound, being categorized as bassy and low-pitched. However, while the KTT Pine switches are described as buttery and creamy in feel, the specific feel of the KTT Wine Red switches is unknown. Therefore, if you are seeking a similar sound profile, both switches would provide satisfactory results. However, if you prioritize a specific feel, the KTT Pine switches would be the recommended choice due to their described smooth and effortless typing experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a slightly lighter switch with a medium-light bottom out force, the KTT Wine Red linear switch would be a great choice for you. With its pillowy light type feel and satisfyingly deep and rich sound profile, you can enjoy a smooth and gentle typing experience. Additionally, both switches offer a bassy and low-pitched sound profile, ensuring a pleasant auditory experience. However, if you prefer a slightly heavier switch with a medium bottom out force, the KTT Pine linear switch would be the better option. Known for its medium-heavy feel, buttery smoothness, and effortless typing experience, the Pine switch provides a seamless and uniform keystroke sensation. Overall, the decision between the KTT Pine and Wine Red switches ultimately depends on your personal preference for keystroke force and typing experience.
Mentioned in this article
