TTC Brother vs. KTT Strawberry
An in-depth look at the TTC Brother and the KTT Strawberry switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, the TTC Brother clicky switch and the KTT Strawberry linear switch offer distinct experiences to consider. The Brother stands out as a top favorite in the market with its lightweight nature, breezy actuation, and satisfyingly crunchy sound signature that delights clicky switch enthusiasts. On the other hand, the Strawberry is loved for its smooth actuation, comfortable feel, and reliable performance, with its attractive pink and clear housings adding a touch of style. While the Brother offers a tactile experience with a distinct tactile bump, the Strawberry provides a frictionless and buttery keystroke. 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
37g
Actuation force
43g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
62g
Pre-travel
2.20 mm
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
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
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
17.5mm spring
Spring
Gold-plated
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the TTC Brother and the KTT Strawberry, it is clear that both switches use polycarbonate for their top housing. This material provides a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to its stiffness and relatively clear nature. As a result, both switches are likely to offer similar sound characteristics and visual aesthetics when it comes to the top housing. However, the key differentiator lies in the bottom housing material used. The Brother utilizes nylon for its bottom housing, which results in a deeper and fuller sound profile, whereas the Strawberry sticks to polycarbonate for consistency in sound quality. This decision impacts the overall typing experience, as the bottom-out feel and sound will be influenced by the bottom housing material.
When considering the housing materials of the TTC Brother and the KTT Strawberry, the choice between nylon and polycarbonate for the bottom housing plays a significant role in the overall sound profile of the switches. Nylon's softer nature absorbs more sound, creating a duller and rounder sound, while polycarbonate's stiffness leads to a clearer and more resonant sound. This difference means that typing on the Brother switch may offer a more muffled and muted typing experience compared to the Strawberry's crisper and sharper sound. However, both switches maintain consistency in their top housing material, ensuring that the visual appeal and potential for RGB lighting remain a common feature between the two.
Overall, the housing materials of the TTC Brother and the KTT Strawberry showcase the nuances in sound quality and typing experience that come with the choice of different plastics. While both switches utilize polycarbonate for their top housing, it is the variation in bottom housing material that sets them apart in terms of sound profile. The use of nylon in the Brother switch provides a different sound experience compared to the polycarbonate used in the Strawberry, with nylon offering a deeper and fuller sound, while polycarbonate delivers a sharper and crisper sound. Ultimately, the choice between these two housing materials will affect the overall typing experience and sound characteristics of each switch.
Weight
In comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the TTC Brother clicky switch and the KTT Strawberry linear switch, it is evident that the Brother is lighter in terms of actuation force at 37 grams, compared to the Strawberry's 43 grams. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Strawberry is heavier at 62 grams, whereas the Brother's bottom out force is unknown. This means that the Brother switch may require a lighter touch to register a keystroke, while the Strawberry switch provides a more substantial typing experience with a heavier push required. Those who prefer a lighter touch for longer typing or gaming sessions may lean towards the Brother switch, while users seeking a more substantial typing feel may opt for the Strawberry switch. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The TTC Brother clicky switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the KTT Strawberry linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. In this case, the Brother switch has a shorter travel distance compared to the Strawberry switch. The 3.5 mm travel distance of the Brother switch may appeal to those seeking faster response times, such as gamers, due to its shorter distance traveled when pressing down on a key. On the other hand, the 4 mm travel distance of the Strawberry switch may be preferred by individuals who enjoy a more substantial depth when pressing keys. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference regarding travel distance and desired key feel.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The TTC Brother has an MSRP of $5.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Brother for $3.30.
The KTT Strawberry comes in at $4.91 per 10 switches.
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 Brother clicky switch is best described as having a crunchy sound signature, reminiscent of stepping on piles of crisp autumn leaves. This distinctive sound is beloved by enthusiasts of clicky switches, offering clear, crisp precision with each keystroke. On the other hand, the KTT Strawberry linear switch is known for its low-pitched tone, providing a more bass-heavy and mellow sound compared to higher-pitched switches. Both switches offer unique auditory experiences that cater to different preferences, ensuring that users can find the sound profile that best suits their typing style.
When it comes to feel, the TTC Brother clicky switch is characterized by its easy-to-press nature, offering gentle resistance during key presses with an actuation force of just 37g. This light touch enhances typing efficiency and comfort, reducing finger fatigue during prolonged typing sessions. The tactile bump in the Brother switch provides a satisfying feedback that strikes a perfect balance between tactile response and smooth keystrokes. In contrast, the KTT Strawberry linear switch is known for its frictionless, silky, buttery, and polished feel. These descriptors indicate an exceptionally smooth typing experience with minimal resistance and a refined finish, providing users with a luxurious and effortless keystroke sensation. Both switches offer unique tactile feedback that caters to different preferences, ensuring a satisfying typing experience for users.
In conclusion, the TTC Brother clicky switch and the KTT Strawberry linear switch offer distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the Brother switch boasts a crunchy sound signature and easy-to-press tactile feedback, the Strawberry switch provides a low-pitched sound profile and a frictionless, silky feel. Depending on individual preferences for sound and typing experience, users can choose between these two switches to find the one that best suits their needs. Ultimately, both switches offer high-quality performance and key feel, ensuring a delightful typing experience for newcomers and experienced enthusiasts alike.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a switch that offers a lightweight actuation and satisfyingly crunchy sound, the TTC Brother clicky switch is the way to go. It provides a tactile bump that strikes the perfect balance between feedback and smoothness, making it a top choice for clicky switch enthusiasts. On the other hand, if you prefer a switch with a medium bottom out force and a smooth, frictionless typing experience, the KTT Strawberry linear switch is the perfect option for you. With its silky, buttery feel and polished finish, the Strawberry switch offers a comfortable typing experience with minimal resistance. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches comes down to your preference for actuation force and typing feel.
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