KTT Pine vs. SP-Star Yanyu
An in-depth look at the KTT Pine and the SP-Star Yanyu switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
Introducing two popular mechanical keyboard switches, the KTT Pine and the SP-Star Yanyu. The KTT Pine is a linear switch that offers a medium-heavy feel and a smooth typing experience. With its translucent, forest green appearance, these switches are not only visually appealing but also designed for effortless typing. The factory-lubed finish of the Pine minimizes friction, resulting in smooth key travel. Categorized as 'Bassy', 'Buttery', 'Creamy', and 'Low-pitched', this switch is perfect for those seeking a satisfying tactile experience. On the other hand, the SP-Star Yanyu is also a linear switch, but with a more delicate touch. Ideal for individuals who type for extended periods, the Yanyu provides a crisp sound profile with its material blend. Categorized as 'Neutral', 'Mild', 'Thocky', 'Feathery', 'Subtle', and 'Polished', it offers a unique typing experience different from the Pine. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the perfect switch for your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
58g
Bottom-out force
43g
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
Polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
15.5mm gold-plated spring
Spring
Gold plated
Housing materials
The housing materials of the KTT Pine and the SP-Star Yanyu differ when it comes to their top housing. The Pine utilizes polycarbonate, which results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This stiffer plastic material provides a clear and resonant sound, making it especially ideal for switches with RGB lighting due to its translucency. In contrast, the Yanyu features a unique blend of polymer nylon and UHMWPE for its top housing, offering a pleasant sound profile that is not particularly sharp but leans towards the brighter side. While both materials contribute to enhancing the sound experience, the Pine's polycarbonate is likely to create a sharper and more resonant sound, compared to the Yanyu's blend that focuses on a pleasant and brighter tone.
Moving on to the bottom housing, both the Pine and the Yanyu again diverge in their choice of materials. The Pine opts for polycarbonate, resembling its top housing counterpart. This consistency allows for a consistent sound profile throughout the switch. On the other hand, the Yanyu adopts a blend of polymer nylon and UHMWPE for its bottom housing. This unique combination produces a distinct sound profile that, while not sharp in nature, delivers a slightly brighter tone. Consequently, the housing materials of the two switches differ in terms of the resulting sound and feel upon bottoming out a key.
When comparing the impact of the top and bottom housings on the overall sound, a key distinction arises. The bottom housing of a switch, which is influenced by the materials used, significantly affects the sound and feel when a key is bottomed out. Therefore, the housing material of the bottom housing will have a more prominent role in determining this aspect of the typing experience. Conversely, the top housing material plays a more significant role in the sound produced when letting go of a key. Thus, while the Pine and Yanyu may differ in their housing materials, the qualities brought by each material are split between the top and bottom of the switch, impacting the sound at different stages of key actuation.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the KTT Pine linear switch and the SP-Star Yanyu linear switch, there are some notable differences. The Pine has an actuation force of 45 grams, whereas the actuation force of the Yanyu is unknown. In terms of bottom out force, the Pine requires 58 grams of force, while the Yanyu only requires 43 grams. This makes the Yanyu lighter in terms of both actuation and bottom out force.
Considering weight, some individuals prefer a lighter switch as it allows them to type for extended periods without fatigue, making it ideal for work or long gaming sessions. On the other hand, some users prefer a stronger push feel for a more substantial typing experience. For these individuals, heavier forces are preferred.
Overall, the Pine offers a medium actuation force and a heavier bottom out force, providing a balanced typing experience. In contrast, the Yanyu has a lighter bottom out force, potentially yielding a lighter and more comfortable typing experience. Although the actuation force for the Yanyu is unknown, it can be expected to be lighter as well, resulting in similar results to the Pine in terms of force required for keystrokes.
Travel distance
The travel distance of a switch plays a crucial role in the overall typing experience. In the case of the KTT Pine linear switch and the SP-Star Yanyu linear switch, both have a travel distance of 4 mm, resulting in a similar tactile sensation when pressing down on the keys. This means that regardless of whether you choose the Pine or the Yanyu, you can expect a consistent travel distance and feedback while typing. With both switches offering the same travel distance, users can expect similar results in terms of key travel and overall 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 SP-Star Yanyu has an MSRP of $5.80 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Yanyu for $5.40.
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 and richer sound profile during key presses, resembling the depth and richness associated with bass tones. On the other hand, the SP-Star Yanyu linear switch is known for having a neutral sound profile and being thocky. A neutral switch has a moderate sound profile, making it suitable for most intents and purposes. The Yanyu switch, in particular, produces a deep, rich, and satisfying sound when pressed. Overall, if you prefer a bass-heavy and mellow tone, the Pine would be a great choice. If you prefer a more moderate sound with a deep and satisfying thud, the Yanyu would be a good option.
In terms of feel, the KTT Pine linear switch is often described as buttery and creamy. These switches provide a smooth and fluid keystroke experience, offering a seamless and effortless typing sensation. They feel like gliding your fingers across the keys with ease. On the other hand, the SP-Star Yanyu linear switch is mild, feathery, subtle, and polished. These switches offer a more gentle typing experience with a light actuation force, reducing finger fatigue and making it comfortable for extended typing sessions. The Yanyu switch has a gentle resistance, maintaining a light typing feel, and its smooth and refined finish ensures a sleek typing experience. If you prefer a smooth and fluid typing sensation, the Pine would be a good choice. If you want a gentle typing experience with reduced finger fatigue, the Yanyu would be a suitable option.
Overall, based on the available information, the KTT Pine linear switch is best known for its medium-heavy weight, buttery smoothness, and effortless typing experience. It has a bassy and low-pitched sound profile and offers a smooth and fluid keystroke feel. The SP-Star Yanyu linear switch, on the other hand, is best suited for those looking for a delicate typing experience or typing for long periods of time. It has a crisp sound profile and offers a gentle typing feel with reduced finger fatigue. Both switches have their own unique qualities that can cater to different preferences. If you are looking for similar results, either switch will provide a smooth typing experience, but the specific sound and feel may vary.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you prefer a medium-heavy switch with a smooth and effortless typing experience, the KTT Pine linear switch is the way to go. With a bottom out force of 58 grams, it offers a balanced and satisfying feel. The Pine has a bassy and low-pitched sound profile, providing a deeper and richer sound during key presses. It is often described as buttery and creamy, offering a seamless and uniform typing sensation. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter switch for a more delicate typing experience or for extended typing sessions, the SP-Star Yanyu linear switch is the better choice. With a bottom out force of 43 grams, it reduces finger fatigue and strain, making it comfortable for long periods of typing. The Yanyu has a neutral sound profile with a thocky characteristic, producing a deep and satisfying sound when pressed. It is described as mild, feathery, subtle, and polished, providing a gentle and comfortable typing feel. Ultimately, the choice between the KTT Pine and the SP-Star Yanyu switches will depend on your personal preferences for key force, sound, and typing experience.
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