TTC Gold Red Pro vs. KTT Pine
An in-depth look at the TTC Gold Red Pro and the KTT Pine switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
The TTC Gold Red Pro and KTT Pine are both linear mechanical keyboard switches that offer unique benefits to users. The Gold Red Pro is celebrated for its versatility, providing a seamless typing experience with a neutral sound signature that is suitable for various settings, whether it be gaming, office work, or leisurely typing sessions. On the other hand, the KTT Pine stands out for its medium-heavy feel and buttery smooth key travel, thanks to its factory-lubed finish that minimizes friction. While the Gold Red Pro is described as 'Polished', 'Thocky', 'Low-pitched', 'Silky', 'Mild', 'Neutral', and 'Subtle', the Pine is categorized as 'Bassy', 'Buttery', 'Creamy', and 'Low-pitched'. Both switches have their own unique qualities that cater to different preferences and needs. 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
43g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
58g
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
NPI
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
18.5mm spring
Spring
15.5mm gold-plated spring
Housing materials
The TTC Gold Red Pro and KTT Pine both feature polycarbonate top housings, which create a sharp, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to the stiffness of polycarbonate, which leads to a clear and resonant sound. In terms of aesthetics, polycarbonate is especially useful for switches with RGB lighting due to its translucency. On the other hand, the Gold Red Pro utilizes a nylon bottom housing, which elicits a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to the Pine's polycarbonate bottom housing. Nylon is known for being a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound profile.
In switches with different top and bottom housings like the Gold Red Pro and the Pine, the qualities of each housing material are split between the top and bottom of the switch. When pressing down on the switch, the qualities of the bottom housing are more prominent, influencing the bottom-out sound and feel. Conversely, the top housing has a greater impact on the sound when releasing a key. This means that the Gold Red Pro's combination of polycarbonate and nylon may offer a unique typing experience compared to the Pine's consistent use of polycarbonate throughout the housing.
Overall, both the Gold Red Pro and the Pine benefit from the qualities of polycarbonate in their top housings, resulting in a sharper and crisper sound profile. However, the choice of nylon for the Gold Red Pro's bottom housing creates a deeper and fuller sound compared to the Pine's polycarbonate bottom housing. The use of different materials in the top and bottom housings allows for a more nuanced typing experience, where the keypress and release each offer distinct sound and feel characteristics. Whether you prefer the sharper sound of the Pine or the deeper sound of the Gold Red Pro, both switches offer unique advantages based on their housing materials.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the TTC Gold Red Pro linear switch and the KTT Pine linear switch, it is evident that the Gold Red Pro is lighter in actuation force at 43 grams compared to the Pine at 45 grams. However, the bottom out force for the Pine is 58 grams, while the Gold Red Pro's bottom out force is unknown. For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the Gold Red Pro may be the better option due to its lower actuation force. On the other hand, the Pine offers a more substantial typing feel with its higher bottom out force. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preference for typing or gaming experience.
Travel distance
The TTC Gold Red Pro linear switch has a travel distance of 3.8 mm, while the KTT Pine linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. In this case, the KTT Pine switch has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Gold Red Pro switch. A smaller travel distance can result in faster response times, making it a popular choice among gamers. On the other hand, a longer travel distance can provide a more satisfying tactile feedback for some users. Both switches offer a unique experience, so it ultimately depends on personal preference whether one prefers the shorter travel distance of the Gold Red Pro or the longer travel distance of the KTT Pine.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The TTC Gold Red Pro has an MSRP of $6.11 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Gold Red Pro for $2.90.
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.
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 TTC Gold Red Pro linear switch offers a thocky and low-pitched sound profile, creating a deep and rich auditory experience that is not overwhelming. It is described as having a neutral sound signature, making it versatile and suitable for various settings. On the other hand, the KTT Pine linear switch is characterized by a bassy and low-pitched sound, providing a deeper and richer tone during key presses. Both switches offer a pleasing sound experience, with the Gold Red Pro being more neutral and the Pine having a slightly more bass-heavy profile.
Moving on to the feel, the TTC Gold Red Pro switch is praised for its polished, silky, mild, and subtle typing experience. The polished finish and factory lubing result in reduced friction and smooth key travel, enhancing the overall typing feel. The mild and subtle characteristics create a gentle resistance and a light typing feel that is approachable to most users. Conversely, the KTT Pine switch is known for its buttery and creamy typing experience, offering a smooth and effortless keystroke sensation. These switches provide a seamless and uniform typing experience that feels like gliding fingers across the keys with ease.
In conclusion, both the TTC Gold Red Pro linear switch and the KTT Pine linear switch offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Gold Red Pro excels in its versatility and adaptability, providing a neutral sound signature and a polished, silky typing experience. On the other hand, the KTT Pine stands out with its bassy sound profile and buttery, creamy feel, creating a rich auditory experience and smooth key travel. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on personal preference for sound and feel, but rest assured that both switches offer exceptional qualities for an enjoyable typing experience.
Conclusion
In summary, when considering whether to choose the TTC Gold Red Pro linear switch or the KTT Pine linear switch, it ultimately comes down to your specific preferences and needs. If you value a versatile switch that delivers a neutral sound signature and a seamless typing experience, the Gold Red Pro may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-heavy switch with a buttery smooth feel and a bassy sound profile, the KTT Pine linear switch could be the perfect fit. Consider the environments in which you'll be using the keyboard, your typing style, and the sound and feel that appeal to you the most. Ultimately, both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences, so make your decision based on what aligns best with your typing preferences.
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