KTT Pine vs. KTT Semi Mute
An in-depth look at the KTT Pine and the KTT Semi Mute switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two options stand out: the KTT Pine and the KTT Semi Mute. The Pine switch is renowned for its medium-heavy weight and buttery smooth feel, designed to provide an effortless typing experience. With a polished, factory-lubed finish, these switches minimize friction for impeccable key travel. On the other hand, the Semi Mute switch, despite its name, operates completely silently, making it ideal for those who prioritize a noise-free environment, especially during late-night typing sessions. Featuring advanced dampening technology and a linear actuation, the Semi Mute offers a comfortable and gratifying typing experience. Both switches have their unique qualities and advantages. However, let's dive deeper beyond these generalities, so you can best decide on the switch that perfectly suits your preferences.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
43g
Bottom-out force
58g
Bottom-out force
58g
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Pre-travel
1.60 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
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
15mm spring
Housing materials
The KTT Pine and the KTT Semi Mute both utilize polycarbonate as their housing material for both the top and bottom parts of the switch. This material choice contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The stiffer nature of polycarbonate enhances the clarity and resonance of the sound produced by the switch. Additionally, both switches feature a clear housing, making polycarbonate an aesthetically pleasing option for those who wish to showcase RGB lighting.
Despite the similarities in their housing materials, the Pine and the Semi Mute have slight differences in their sound profiles. Since the top and bottom housings each have a distinct impact on the overall sound and feel of the switch, these differences can be attributed to the unique qualities of their respective components. When pressing down on a switch, the Pine's bottom housing may contribute more to the bottom-out sound and feel, while the Semi Mute's bottom housing might offer a slightly different experience. Similarly, the top housing of the Pine and the Semi Mute will have a varying impact on the sound that is produced when releasing a key.
While the Pine and the Semi Mute share many similarities due to their common use of polycarbonate in both the top and bottom housings, it is important to note that the specific design and construction of these switches may result in slight variations in their overall performance. However, in terms of sound profile and aesthetic considerations for RGB lighting, both switches are likely to deliver similar results due to their shared use of polycarbonate in the housing material.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the KTT Pine linear switch and the KTT Semi Mute linear switch, there are some similarities and differences to consider. In terms of actuation force, the Pine requires a slightly higher force of 45 grams compared to the Semi Mute's 43 grams. Both switches have a medium actuation force, making them suitable for those who prefer a balance between ease of typing and tactile feedback.
However, when it comes to bottom out force, both switches have the same force requirement of 58 grams. This means that regardless of which switch you choose, you will experience a similar level of resistance when pressing the keys all the way down.
Considering the weight aspect, it is worth noting that the Pine switch, with its slightly higher actuation force, may provide a slightly heavier typing experience for those who prefer a stronger push feel. On the other hand, the Semi Mute switch's slightly lower actuation force may make it feel slightly lighter, which can be beneficial for longer typing sessions or extended gaming sessions where fatigue may become a factor.
In summary, while there are slight differences in actuation force between the KTT Pine and KTT Semi Mute switches, their bottom out forces are the same. Whether one prefers a slightly heavier or lighter typing experience, both switches offer a medium actuation force, providing a balance between ease of typing and tactile feedback.
Travel distance
Both the KTT Pine linear switch and the KTT Semi Mute linear switch have the same travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when you press down on a key equipped with either switch, you will experience the same distance of travel. Consequently, you can expect similar results in terms of tactile feedback and keypress response between the two switches.
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 Semi Mute has an MSRP of $3.97 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Semi Mute for $3.55.
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 produce a deeper and richer sound profile, resembling the depth and richness associated with bass tones. On the other hand, the KTT Semi Mute linear switch is described as muted and neutral. These switches are designed to minimize noise and provide a softer and quieter typing experience. The sound produced by the Semi Mute switches is more moderate in pitch and volume, making them suitable for most environments.
In terms of feel, both the KTT Pine and Semi Mute switches offer a buttery typing experience. They provide a smooth and fluid keystroke, resulting in a seamless, effortless, and uniform typing sensation. The Pine switch is further described as creamy, implying a silky sensation when typing. The Semi Mute switch, on the other hand, offers a milder typing experience. It is gentler compared to switches with more pronounced characteristics, making it approachable and comfortable for most users.
Overall, if you prefer a typing experience with a deeper and richer sound profile, the KTT Pine linear switch would be a suitable choice. It offers a buttery and creamy feel, providing a smooth and effortless typing experience. On the other hand, if you value a noise-free environment and desire a softer and quieter typing experience, especially during late-night sessions, the KTT Semi Mute linear switch would be the ideal option. It offers a muted sound and a milder feel, ensuring undisturbed typing. Both switches excel in their respective qualities, ensuring that you can find the desired experience based on your preferences.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a mechanical keyboard switch with a medium actuation force of 58 grams and a smooth typing experience, both the KTT Pine and Semi Mute switches would be suitable options for you.
The KTT Pine switches are best known for their translucent, forest green appearance and buttery smooth feel. They provide an effortless typing experience due to their polished, factory-lubed finish that minimizes friction for smooth key travel. The Pine switches produce a bassy and low-pitched sound, adding a deeper and richer sound profile to your typing.
On the other hand, the KTT Semi Mute switches are perfect for those who value a noise-free environment, especially during late-night sessions. Despite their completely silent operation, these switches offer a comfortable and gratifying typing feel. They feature a linear actuation and advanced dampening technology, ensuring an undisturbed and enjoyable typing experience. The Semi Mute switches produce a muted and neutral sound, minimizing the noise typically associated with mechanical keyboards.
When it comes to feel, both the Pine and Semi Mute switches provide a buttery and seamless typing sensation. The Pine switches are described as buttery and creamy, offering a smooth and fluid keystroke experience. Similarly, the Semi Mute switches have a buttery and mild feel, providing a gentle and approachable typing experience for most users.
In conclusion, whether you prioritize sound or noise reduction, or if you simply want a smooth typing experience, both the KTT Pine and Semi Mute switches have their unique features to cater to your needs. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on your personal preferences and requirements.
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