Huano Acacia vs. KTT Strawberry
An in-depth look at the Huano Acacia and the KTT Strawberry switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When exploring the realm of mechanical keyboard switches, the Huano Acacia and KTT Strawberry stand out as two attractive options for enthusiasts seeking linear switches. The Acacia is celebrated for its medium-light weight, generous factory lubrication, and minimal stem wobble, ensuring a satisfying and smooth typing experience right out of the box. Its design aims to deliver a balance of responsiveness and comfort, making it a great choice for both typists and gamers looking for a reliable and pleasant feel with every keystroke. In contrast, the KTT Strawberry entices users with its visually appealing pink and clear housings and is cherished for its silky, frictionless actuation that delivers buttery smooth key presses. Known for its polished performance, the Strawberry caters to those who prioritize a luxurious typing experience with minimal resistance. While both switches offer unique advantages, your ultimate choice will depend on your personal preferences in tactile feedback and aesthetics. 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
43g
Bottom-out force
55g
Bottom-out force
62g
Pre-travel
2.00 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
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm single-staged spring
Spring
Gold-plated
Housing materials
The Huano Acacia and KTT Strawberry switches share one commonality in their design: both utilize polycarbonate for the top housing. This material choice ensures that both switches exhibit a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The stiffer nature of polycarbonate contributes to the clarity and resonance of the emitted sound, making it particularly advantageous for RGB lighting applications. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate enhances aesthetic appeal, allowing light to pass through and create a visually striking effect under RGB illumination. In this aspect, the two switches are aligned, promising a similar auditory experience when it comes to the sound produced from the top housing.
However, the bottom housing materials of the Huano Acacia and KTT Strawberry diverge significantly. The Acacia features a nylon bottom housing, which is characterized by its softer plastic properties. This results in a deeper, fuller sound profile as nylon absorbs more sound, creating a rounder and more mellow acoustic experience. In contrast, the KTT Strawberry employs a polycarbonate bottom housing, mirroring the sound characteristics of its top housing. The use of polycarbonate in the bottom housing contributes to a sharper and crisper sound, akin to the acoustics found in the Strawberry's top housing. This fundamental difference in materials alters the overall sound and feel of each switch when bottomed out, contributing to a distinctive typing experience.
When evaluating the overall auditory and tactile experience of both switch types, it becomes apparent that the properties of the bottom housing play a crucial role in defining their characteristics. With the nylon bottom of the Acacia significantly dampening sound, users will perceive a more muted and rounded bottom-out experience. In contrast, the KTT Strawberry's dual polycarbonate construction—top and bottom—will create a unified sound profile, resulting in a sharper and more resonant bottom-out. Despite sharing the same material for the top housings, the differing bottom housings lead to contrasting aural experiences, showcasing the importance of material selection in crafting the desired typing sensations.
Weight
When comparing the Huano Acacia linear switch and the KTT Strawberry linear switch, we find notable differences in both actuation force and bottom out force. The Acacia requires an actuation force of 45 grams to register a keystroke, while the Strawberry is slightly lighter at 43 grams. This makes the Strawberry a more suitable option for those who prefer a lighter feel, enhancing comfort during extended typing or gaming sessions. In terms of bottom out force, the Acacia has a force of 55 grams, compared to the heavier 62 grams of the Strawberry. Consequently, the Acacia offers a medium-light typing experience overall, while the Strawberry provides a more substantial push feel, appealing to users who favor a heavier switch. Thus, while both switches deliver different tactile experiences, they cater to distinct preferences based on actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the Huano Acacia linear switch measures 3.5 mm, while the KTT Strawberry linear switch has a slightly longer travel distance of 4 mm. This difference of 0.5 mm makes the Acacia the shorter travel option, which may appeal to gamers seeking quicker response times, as it allows for more rapid key presses. In contrast, the Strawberry, with its longer 4 mm travel distance, provides a more substantial feel that some users might prefer for a more pronounced typing experience. Ultimately, if you prioritize responsiveness, the Acacia would be the better choice, while those who appreciate a deeper key press might gravitate toward the Strawberry.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
For 10 switches, the Huano Acacia comes in at $3.39, whereas the KTT Strawberry comes in at $4.91.
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 Huano Acacia linear switch has not been specifically characterized, which leaves room for interpretation based on the individual keyboard setup. However, it is worth noting that sound quality can vary significantly depending on factors like the keyboard's materials and the keycaps used. In contrast, the KTT Strawberry switch is described as producing a low-pitched sound, which typically means a more bass-heavy and mellow tone. This characteristic can appeal to those who prefer a quieter and less jarring auditory experience while typing, making it a more subdued choice compared to higher-pitched alternatives.
In terms of feel, the Acacia switch offers a medium-light weight and generous factory lubrication, contributing to an overall pleasant typing experience. The switch minimizes stem wobble, enhancing stability during typing. On the other hand, the KTT Strawberry switch is celebrated for its frictionless, silky, buttery, and polished qualities. This smooth actuation minimizes resistance, allowing for a fluid travel experience that can feel effortless and enjoyable. The differences in feel suggest that while the Acacia provides a strong foundation for a great typing experience, the KTT Strawberry takes it a step further with its exceptionally refined tactile sensations.
Given the available information, both the Huano Acacia and KTT Strawberry switches offer unique attributes that cater to different preferences. While the Acacia provides a solid typing experience with its balanced characteristics, the Strawberry excels with its extraordinarily smooth and refined touch. Those looking for a straightforward experience may gravitate toward the Acacia, while enthusiasts seeking a superior tactile experience might prefer the KTT Strawberry for its array of silky attributes. Ultimately, choosing between the two will depend on whether you prioritize a reliable, pleasant typing sensation or a more luxurious, frictionless experience.
Conclusion
To conclude, when deciding between the Huano Acacia linear switch and the KTT Strawberry linear switch, your choice should be guided by your personal preferences and intended use. If you prefer a lighter actuation with 55 grams of bottom-out force, the Acacia is an excellent choice, particularly if you value a typing experience that requires less effort and comes generously factory-lubricated. This makes it ideal for long typing sessions or for those who seek a more effortless experience. On the other hand, if you appreciate a slightly firmer feel at 62 grams and desire a switch that delivers smoothness and reliability, the KTT Strawberry is the way to go. Its low-pitched sound and frictionless, silky, buttery, and polished feel contribute to a luxurious typing experience that many users find satisfying. Therefore, consider your typing style, sound preferences, and how much resistance you enjoy when making your decision. Your ideal switch choice will ultimately enhance your overall mechanical keyboard experience.
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