TTC Flame Red vs. KTT Strawberry

Overview

When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options are the TTC Flame Red and the KTT Strawberry, both of which are linear switches. The Flame Red stands out with its stunning light diffuser, making it the perfect choice for those who prioritize aesthetics in their backlit, RGB keyboards. Typing on Flame Reds offers a weighty smoothness and a satisfying clacky sound profile. On the other hand, the Strawberry switches are known for their attractive pink and clear housings, providing a visually pleasing addition to any keyboard. The Strawberries are loved for their smooth actuation, comfortable feel, and reliable performance. While these general characteristics may give you a good idea of what to expect from each switch, let's now delve deeper into their specific qualities to help you make the best decision for your needs.

By the numbers

TTC Flame Red Linear

KTT Strawberry Linear

$7.29

$4.38 per 10

$4.91 per 10

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Housing materials

The housing materials of the TTC Flame Red and the KTT Strawberry switches differ in terms of their composition and the resulting sound profiles. The Flame Red utilizes nylon for both its top and bottom housings. Nylon is known for its softer texture, which absorbs more sound than harder plastics, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile. On the other hand, the Strawberry switches feature polycarbonate for both the top and bottom housings. Polycarbonate is a stiffer plastic, producing a sharper and crisper sound profile. Additionally, the transparency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for housing switches with RGB lighting, enhancing the visual appeal.

While the top and bottom housings of the Flame Red and Strawberry switches differ, they both share the characteristic of using their respective materials to enhance their sound profiles. The nylon bottom housing of the Flame Red contributes to a duller and rounder sound when the switch is fully pressed, while the polycarbonate bottom housing of the Strawberry adds a clearer and more resonant sound when bottoming out the keys. Similarly, the nylon top housing of the Flame Red creates a deeper and richer sound when the key is released, whereas the polycarbonate top housing of the Strawberry imparts a higher-pitched and crisper sound when keys are released.

When it comes to the tactile experience, the qualities of the bottom housing play a significant role. The switch's bottom-out sound and feel are influenced more by the bottom housing material. Therefore, using a Flame Red switch with its nylon bottom housing would provide a different tactile experience compared to the Strawberry's polycarbonate bottom housing. Conversely, the top housing material influences the sound when keys are released. Thus, using either switch would result in a distinct sound upon releasing keys, depending on whether it features a nylon or polycarbonate top housing.

In conclusion, while the TTC Flame Red and the KTT Strawberry differ in their housing materials, both switches utilize these materials to enhance their sound profiles. The nylon and polycarbonate housings offer distinct auditory experiences, with nylon producing a deeper and fuller sound and polycarbonate delivering a sharper and crisper sound. The choice between the two switches depends on personal preferences for sound and aesthetic factors, such as RGB lighting compatibility. Ultimately, the top and bottom housing materials contribute to different aspects of the switch's sound, providing a unique tactile and auditory experience for users.

Weight

When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the TTC Flame Red linear switch and the KTT Strawberry linear switch, there are some noticeable differences. The Flame Red has a slightly higher actuation force of 45 grams compared to the Strawberry's 43 grams. However, when it comes to bottoming out, the Flame Red is lighter with a force of 54 grams compared to the Strawberry's 62 grams. This means that typing on the Flame Red switch will require a slightly lighter touch to activate a keystroke, while still providing a medium-light bottom out feel. On the other hand, the Strawberry switch offers a slightly stronger push feel during activation, providing a medium bottom out experience.

For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the Flame Red switch would be a suitable choice, as it allows for longer periods of comfortable typing, making it ideal for work or extended gaming sessions. On the contrary, individuals who enjoy a more substantial and tactile typing experience may opt for the Strawberry switch with its heavier actuation force, providing them with a stronger push feel while typing.

While there are differences in the actuation and bottom out forces between these two switches, it is important to note that both fall within the medium to medium-light range, ensuring that users will experience a satisfying typing experience regardless of their preference. Whether one chooses the Flame Red or Strawberry switch, they can expect similar results in terms of weight and force requirements, ensuring a comfortable and enjoyable typing or gaming experience.

Travel distance

Both the TTC Flame Red linear switch and the KTT Strawberry linear switch have the same travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when you press down on a key, you will feel the same distance being traveled by both switches. Therefore, the results will be similar regardless of which switch you choose. Neither one is shorter or longer compared to the other since they have the same travel distance.

Price comparison

Typing experience

In terms of sound, the Flame Red switch is a neutral switch, which means it has a moderate actuation force requirement and a moderate sound profile. This makes it suitable for most intents and purposes, whether you are a beginner or advanced, and whether you plan to use the switch at home or work. On the other hand, the Strawberry switch is described as low-pitched, which means it features a more bass-heavy and mellow tone compared to higher-pitched switches. However, it's important to note that the sound of a switch is also dependent on other factors such as your choice of board and keycaps.

When it comes to feel, the Flame Red switch offers a mild typing experience with a weighty smoothness. It falls within a safe, middle-ground zone, making it approachable to most users. Additionally, it is described as polished, which means it has a smooth and refined finish resulting in a sleek typing experience. This reduced friction and smooth key travel contribute to a pleasant typing sensation. On the other hand, the Strawberry switch offers a frictionless and silky typing experience, minimizing any sense of resistance or friction when pressing the keys. It is also described as buttery, indicating a smooth and fluid keystroke experience. Like the Flame Red, the Strawberry switch is also described as polished, ensuring reduced friction and smooth key travel.

Overall, both the TTC Flame Red and KTT Strawberry switches offer desirable qualities. The Flame Red is visually appealing with its dazzling light diffuser, making it the ideal choice for those who prefer backlit, RGB keyboards. It provides a weighty smoothness and clacky sound profile, creating a satisfying typing experience. On the other hand, the Strawberry switch is loved for its smooth actuation, comfortable feel, and reliable performance. It offers a low-pitched sound profile and a frictionless, silky, and buttery typing experience. Both switches fall within the realm of moderate actuation force requirements and have a polished finish for smooth key travel. This means that if you enjoy the qualities of either switch, you can expect similar results in terms of feel and sound when using them.

Conclusion

In closing, if you are looking for a visually stunning and backlit keyboard, the TTC Flame Red linear switch would be the ideal choice for you. With its impressive light diffuser, this switch will enhance the aesthetics of your keyboard, especially if you have RGB backlighting. Additionally, the Flame Red offers a weighty smoothness and a clacky sound profile, providing a unique typing experience. On the other hand, if you prioritize smooth actuation, comfort, and reliable performance, the KTT Strawberry linear switch is the one for you. Its attractive pink and clear housings add a touch of elegance to your keyboard. Furthermore, the Strawberry offers a low-pitched sound profile and a variety of descriptors such as frictionless, silky, buttery, and polished, all contributing to an exceptionally smooth and effortless typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the TTC Flame Red and KTT Strawberry will depend on your specific preferences and priorities regarding visuals, sound, and feel.

Mentioned in this article

TTC Flame Red Linear

$7.29

$4.38 per 10

Learn more

KTT Strawberry Linear

$4.91 per 10

Learn more