Bsun Pine vs. KTT Strawberry
An in-depth look at the Bsun Pine and the KTT Strawberry switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, the BSUN Pine and KTT Strawberry offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences. The BSUN Pine switch is a tactile switch known for its sharp tactile bump and quick bottom-out, providing a direct and no-nonsense typing experience. On the other hand, the KTT Strawberry is a linear switch admired for its smooth actuation, comfortable feel, and reliable performance. While the Pine switch offers a pronounced tactility, the Strawberry switch provides a frictionless and buttery keystroke. Both switches have their own characteristics that appeal to different users, so it ultimately comes down to personal preference. 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
65g
Bottom-out force
62g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Total travel
3.40 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
Stainless steel
Spring
Gold-plated
Housing materials
The Bsun Pine and KTT Strawberry both utilize polycarbonate top housing, which contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This material is known for its stiffness, leading to a clear and resonant sound. Aesthetically, polycarbonate is ideal for switches with RGB lighting due to its translucency. However, the Pine features a nylon bottom housing, which results in a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to the Strawberry's polycarbonate bottom housing. Nylon is softer and absorbs more sound, creating a duller and rounder sound overall.
While both switches share the same polycarbonate top housing, the different bottom housing materials of the Pine and Strawberry offer distinct typing experiences. The Pine's nylon bottom housing provides a deeper sound and feel when typing, while the Strawberry's polycarbonate bottom housing contributes to a sharper and crisper sound profile. The impact of the bottom housing is felt during bottom-out sounds and feels, while the top housing has more influence on the sound when a key is released. This split in housing materials allows for unique typing experiences with each switch.
In conclusion, the housing materials of the Bsun Pine and KTT Strawberry play a significant role in determining the sound profile and feel of the switches. While both switches benefit from polycarbonate top housing for a clear and resonant sound, the choice of bottom housing material distinguishes their typing experiences. The Pine's nylon bottom housing creates a deeper and fuller sound, contrasting with the Strawberry's sharper and crisper sound from its polycarbonate bottom housing. Overall, understanding the impact of housing materials can help users choose switches that best suit their typing preferences.
Weight
The actuation force of the Bsun Pine tactile switch is 45 grams, while the KTT Strawberry linear switch has an actuation force of 43 grams. Both switches have a relatively light actuation force, making them ideal for longer typing sessions. However, when it comes to bottoming out, the Bsun Pine requires 65 grams of force, compared to the KTT Strawberry's 62 grams. This means that the Bsun Pine has a heavier bottom out force, giving it a more substantial typing experience compared to the KTT Strawberry. Both switches offer a different typing feel due to their varying actuation and bottom out forces. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for a lighter or heavier typing experience.
Travel distance
The Bsun Pine tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm, while the KTT Strawberry linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. In this case, the Pine switch has a shorter travel distance compared to the Strawberry switch. A shorter travel distance is preferred by gamers for faster response times, while a longer travel distance may provide a more substantial and satisfying key press for some users. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances that are becoming more popular in keyboards today. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for key press depth and responsiveness.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Bsun Pine has an MSRP of $4.70 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Pine for $3.70.
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 Bsun Pine switches are known for their crisp and sharp click sound, giving a satisfying auditory feedback with each keystroke. On the other hand, the KTT Strawberry switches are described as having a low-pitched sound profile, offering a more bass-heavy and mellow tone compared to higher-pitched switches. The sound produced by both switches will vary depending on the keyboard and keycaps used, ultimately delivering a pleasant typing experience tailored to individual preferences.
When it comes to feel, the Bsun Pine switches are characterized by their invigorating and sharp tactile feedback, providing a pronounced and distinct tactile bump with each key press. The switches offer a snappy and reactive feel, creating an immersive typing sensation that many users appreciate. In contrast, the KTT Strawberry switches are known for their frictionless and silky smooth typing experience, minimizing any sense of resistance or friction when pressing the keys. The switches feel buttery and polished, offering a seamless and effortless typing sensation that enhances overall comfort and comfort.
In conclusion, both the Bsun Pine tactile switches and KTT Strawberry linear switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences in mechanical keyboard switches. The Pine switches excel in providing sharp tactile feedback and a fast, direct typing experience, while the Strawberry switches prioritize a smooth and comfortable typing feel with reliable performance. Whether you prefer a pronounced tactile bump or a frictionless typing experience, both switches deliver excellent typing dynamics that enhance your overall typing experience. Ultimately, choosing between the Bsun Pine and KTT Strawberry switches will come down to personal preference and desired typing experience.
Conclusion
In closing, if you are looking for a switch with a sharp tactile bump and quick bottom-out, the Bsun Pine tactile switch would be the ideal choice for you. Its accentuated tactility and snappy feel provide a dynamic typing experience perfect for those who prefer a more intense feedback. On the other hand, if you prefer a smoother actuation and a low-pitched sound, the KTT Strawberry linear switch would be more fitting for you. Its frictionless and silky feel offer a comfortable and effortless typing sensation that is sure to please. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches comes down to your preference for tactility and sound, so choose wisely based on your typing style and preferences.
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