KTT Pine vs. HMX Swift
An in-depth look at the KTT Pine and the HMX Swift switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the KTT Pine and HMX Swift both offer unique characteristics worth exploring. The KTT Pine, a linear switch, is praised for its medium-heavy feel, buttery smooth typing experience, and low-pitched sound profile. On the other hand, the HMX Swift, also a linear switch, stands out with its deep sound profile, silky smoothness, and light 42g actuation force. While the Pine is described as 'bassy' and 'creamy', the Swift is noted for being 'clacky' and 'feathery'. Each switch has its own strengths and appeal, making them suitable for different preferences and typing styles. 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
45g
Actuation force
42g
Bottom-out force
58g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.90 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
Ly
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
15.5mm gold-plated spring
Spring
22mm extended spring
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the KTT Pine and the HMX Swift, it is clear that both switches utilize different materials for their top and bottom housings. The Pine features a polycarbonate top housing, which offers a sharper and crisper sound profile due to its stiffness, while the Swift utilizes a nylon top housing, providing a deeper and fuller sound profile with its softer plastic composition. This contrast in sound profiles can significantly impact the typing experience for users, with the Pine delivering a more resonant and clear sound, while the Swift offers a mellower and rounder sound.
On the other hand, when it comes to the bottom housing, both the Pine and the Swift use the same materials as their respective top housings. This means that the qualities of the polycarbonate and nylon materials are not split between the top and bottom of the switch, but rather consistent throughout the entire housing. As a result, users can expect a consistent typing experience in terms of sound and feel when pressing down on keys for both switches. This consistency can be beneficial for users who prioritize a uniform typing experience across all keys on their keyboard.
Overall, while the Pine and Swift both offer unique sound profiles based on their housing materials, they provide different experiences for users. The polycarbonate top and bottom housing of the Pine create a sharper and crisper sound, while the nylon top and bottom housing of the Swift deliver a deeper and fuller sound. Whether one prefers a more resonant and clear sound or a mellower and rounder sound will ultimately depend on individual preferences and typing style. In any case, both switches offer quality housing materials that cater to a variety of user preferences.
Weight
The KTT Pine linear switch has a slightly heavier actuation force of 45 grams compared to the HMX Swift linear switch with a lighter actuation force of 42 grams. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Pine requires 58 grams while the Swift only needs 50 grams. This means that the Swift switch is lighter overall, making it more suitable for extended typing sessions or gaming where a lighter touch is preferred. On the other hand, the Pine switch provides a more substantial typing experience with its heavier actuation and bottom out forces. Both switches offer a different typing feel, allowing users to choose based on their preference for a lighter or heavier typing experience.
Travel distance
In comparing the travel distance of the KTT Pine linear switch and the HMX Swift linear switch, the Pine has a travel distance of 4 mm while the Swift has a travel distance of 3.9 mm. The Pine offers a slightly longer travel distance, which may appeal to those who prefer a deeper key press feel. On the other hand, the Swift provides a slightly shorter travel distance, making it ideal for gamers seeking quicker response times. Both switches fall within the range of standard travel distances, with the Pine being slightly longer. Ultimately, the choice between the two would depend on personal preference for key press depth and responsiveness.
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 HMX Swift has an MSRP of $3.55 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Swift for $3.45.
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 Pine linear switch offers a bassy and low-pitched sound profile, providing a deeper and richer typing experience. On the other hand, the HMX Swift linear switch is described as having a clacky sound, which produces a sharp and snappy tone during key presses. Depending on your personal preference, the Pine switch may be more appealing for those who enjoy a bass-heavy sound, while the Swift switch may be preferred by those who prefer a crisper and brighter key press sound.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the KTT Pine linear switch is known for its buttery and creamy typing experience, offering smooth and effortless key presses that glide with ease. This provides a seamless and uniform typing sensation, making it comfortable for extended typing sessions. On the other hand, the HMX Swift linear switch is described as easy-to-press, feathery, bouncy, and creamy, providing a light actuation force that reduces finger fatigue and offers a responsive and low-impact typing feel. Both switches aim to enhance the typing experience by providing a comfortable and enjoyable feel while typing.
Overall, the KTT Pine linear switch and the HMX Swift linear switch offer different sound profiles and typing feels to cater to various preferences. The Pine switch provides a bassy and low-pitched sound with a buttery and creamy typing experience, while the Swift switch offers a clacky sound with an easy-to-press, feathery, bouncy, and creamy feel. Depending on whether you prefer a deeper, smoother typing experience or a crisper, lighter key press feel, both switches can provide a satisfying typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will come down to personal preference and the desired typing sound and feel.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the KTT Pine linear switch and the HMX Swift linear switch, you should consider your preference for typing feel and sound profile. If you enjoy a medium-heavy switch with a buttery and creamy typing experience, along with a bassy and low-pitched sound profile, the KTT Pine may be the better choice for you. However, if you prefer a light and easy-to-press switch with a silky smooth feel and a clacky sound profile, the HMX Swift could be the ideal option. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches depends on your personal typing preferences and what features you prioritize in a mechanical keyboard switch.
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