KTT Orange vs. KTT Pine
An in-depth look at the KTT Orange and the KTT Pine switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options that offer a delightful typing experience are the KTT Orange and the KTT Pine. The KTT Orange Switches are known for their bouncy feel, featuring a long spring that adds a lively touch to your keystrokes. With a polycarbonate milky top housing, long pole POM stem, and a vibrant orange nylon bottom housing, these switches provide a slick and frictionless typing experience. Additionally, their low-pitched sound profile ensures a pleasant auditory experience. On the other hand, we have the KTT Pine Linear Switches, which boast a translucent, forest green design. These switches are medium-heavy, offering a buttery smooth typing experience that feels effortless. With their polished and factory-lubed finish, the Pine switches minimize friction, ensuring each keystroke glides seamlessly. Their low-pitched sound profile further enhances the overall typing experience. However, let's delve deeper beyond these generalities to help you decide which switch aligns best with your preferences.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
46g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
53g
Bottom-out force
58g
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Total travel
3.50 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
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm gold-plated spring
Spring
15.5mm gold-plated spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the KTT Orange and the KTT Pine are both made of polycarbonate, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is because polycarbonate is a relatively stiffer plastic, resulting in a more clear and resonant sound. The use of polycarbonate also allows for translucency, making it ideal for switches with RGB lighting. Both the top and bottom housings of both switches share these characteristics, ensuring a consistent sound and feel throughout.
While the top and bottom housings of the Orange and Pine have the same material, the qualities of each housing material will be split between the bottom and top of the switch. When pressing down on either switch, the bottom housing will have a greater impact on the bottom-out sound and feel. This means that the stiffer polycarbonate bottom housing will contribute to a satisfying tactile response and a distinct sound when the key is fully pressed. Conversely, when letting go of a key, the top housing will have more influence on the sound produced. The use of polycarbonate in the top housing ensures a crisp and clear sound when the key is released.
Overall, the housing materials of the KTT Orange and the KTT Pine are identical, as both feature polycarbonate top and bottom housings. This ensures a consistent sound and feel across the switches, creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The choice of polycarbonate for both housings also allows for the use of RGB lighting, enhancing the aesthetic appeal of the switches. Whether pressing down or letting go of a key, the qualities of the polycarbonate material in the respective housing provide a satisfying tactile response, distinct sound, and seamless performance.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the KTT Orange linear switch and the KTT Pine linear switch, there are a few notable differences. The actuation force of the Orange switch is slightly lighter at 46 grams, while the Pine switch requires a force of 45 grams to trigger a keystroke. Both switches fall within the medium-light range, providing a relatively smooth and effortless typing experience.
However, when it comes to the bottom out force, the Pine switch is slightly heavier at 58 grams, compared to the Orange switch's 53 grams. This means that the Pine switch provides a more substantial push feel when typing, which some individuals may prefer for a more pronounced and satisfying typing experience.
Considering the weight of the switches, those who prefer a lighter switch may opt for the Orange switch, as it allows for longer typing sessions without causing fatigue. This could be particularly beneficial for individuals who use their keyboards extensively for work purposes or engage in long gaming sessions. Alternatively, individuals who prefer a stronger push feel and a more substantial typing experience may gravitate towards the Pine switch with its slightly heavier bottom out force.
In summary, while both the KTT Orange and Pine linear switches offer similar actuation forces in the medium-light range, the Pine switch provides a slightly heavier bottom out force, catering to those who prefer a more substantial typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches comes down to personal preference and the specific requirements of the user.
Travel distance
The KTT Orange linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the KTT Pine linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. In terms of travel distance, the KTT Pine switch is slightly longer than the KTT Orange switch. A travel distance of 4 mm is considered to be the most traditional, while a travel distance of 3.5 mm is on the shorter side. Gamers often prefer shorter travel distances as it allows for faster response times. If you are looking for a switch that provides a more responsive feel, the KTT Orange switch would be a good choice. On the other hand, some individuals find short travel distances to be too abrupt, and if you prefer a switch that offers a greater sense of depth, the KTT Pine switch with its 4 mm travel distance would be a better option. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on personal preference and the desired typing or gaming experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The KTT Orange has an MSRP of $5.55 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Orange for $4.15.
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 KTT Orange switch is best described as having a low-pitched sound profile. This means that it produces a more bass-heavy and mellow tone compared to higher-pitched switches. On the other hand, the KTT Pine switch is described as being bassy and low-pitched as well. Both switches offer a deeper and richer sound profile during key presses, resembling the depth and richness associated with bass tones. It's important to note that the sound produced by a switch also depends on other factors such as the keyboard itself and the choice of keycaps. However, based on the information provided, both the Orange and Pine switches offer similar low-pitched and bassy sound profiles.
When it comes to the feel of the switches, the KTT Orange switch is known for its bouncy and frictionless qualities. The bouncy nature of the switch provides a spring-like or elastic feedback sensation, giving the keys a lively feel and providing rebound when pressed. Additionally, the frictionless nature of the switch offers an extremely smooth and effortless typing experience, minimizing any sense of resistance or friction when pressing the keys. On the other hand, the KTT Pine switch is described as buttery and creamy in terms of its feel. This implies a smooth, fluid keystroke experience, providing a seamless, effortless, and uniform typing sensation. These switches offer a silky sensation, allowing your fingers to effortlessly glide across the keys with ease. Both switches provide a smooth and enjoyable typing experience, with the Orange being bouncy and frictionless, and the Pine being buttery and creamy.
In conclusion, both the KTT Orange and KTT Pine switches offer their own unique subjective qualities. In terms of sound, they both have a low-pitched and bassy profile, providing a deeper and richer tone during key presses. When it comes to feel, the Orange switch is bouncy and frictionless, offering a spring-like feedback and smooth typing experience. On the other hand, the Pine switch is buttery and creamy, providing a seamless and effortless typing sensation with a silky feel. Ultimately, while there may be some differences, both switches result in a pleasant and enjoyable typing experience. Depending on personal preference and the desired feel, either switch can provide a satisfying typing experience for newcomers.
Conclusion
Bringing it all together, when considering the KTT Orange and KTT Pine linear switches, there are a few key factors to take into account.
In terms of bottom out force, the Orange has a slightly lighter actuation force of 53 grams, while the Pine has a slightly heavier actuation force of 58 grams. If you prefer a slightly lighter touch and an easier actuation, the Orange switch may be the better choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a slightly heavier and more substantial feel while typing, the Pine switch may be more suited to your preferences.
Moving on to sound, the Orange switch is described as having a low-pitched sound profile. This means that it produces a more bass-heavy and mellow tone during key presses. On the other hand, the Pine switch is also described as having a low-pitched sound profile, but additionally, it offers a deeper and richer sound with lower frequencies, resembling the depth and richness associated with bass tones. If you prefer a lower and mellower sound, either switch could be suitable. However, if you desire a deeper and richer sound, the Pine switch may be more to your liking.
Lastly, let's consider the feel of the switches. The Orange switch is known for its bouncy and frictionless feel. This means that the keys have a spring-like or elastic feedback sensation, providing rebound when pressed. Additionally, the Orange switch offers an extremely smooth and effortless typing experience, minimizing any sense of resistance or friction. On the other hand, the Pine switch is described as buttery and creamy. This implies a smooth and seamless typing experience, as if gliding your fingers effortlessly across the keys. Both switches offer a unique tactile experience, with the Orange switch providing a bouncy and frictionless feel, while the Pine switch offers a buttery and creamy typing sensation.
Ultimately, the decision between the KTT Orange and KTT Pine linear switches depends on your personal preferences. If you prefer a slightly lighter touch, a low-pitched sound profile, and a bouncy, frictionless feel, the Orange switch may be the better choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a slightly heavier actuation, a low-pitched sound profile with deeper frequencies, and a buttery, creamy typing experience, the Pine switch may be more suited to your preferences. Consider these factors and choose the switch that aligns best with your typing style and preferences.
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