TTC Flaming Pink vs. KTT Strawberry
An in-depth look at the TTC Flaming Pink and the KTT Strawberry switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When selecting a mechanical keyboard switch, the TTC Flaming Pink and the KTT Strawberry both stand out as appealing linear options, each offering distinct attributes that cater to different user preferences. The TTC Flaming Pink switches are celebrated for their smoothness and responsiveness, providing a satisfying bottom-out sound that enhances the overall typing experience, making them suitable for both gaming sessions and everyday tasks. Their sound profile strikes a balance, being bright without being overly loud, which can be an important consideration for those in shared spaces. On the other hand, the KTT Strawberry switches, with their eye-catching pink and clear housings, deliver exceptional smooth actuation and a comfortable feel, making them a reliable choice for long typing endeavors. Described with characteristics such as 'silky' and 'buttery,' they promise an enjoyable tactile experience that many users seek for both casual and intensive use. With both switches providing unique benefits, picking between the two could hinge on factors like sound preference and aesthetic appeal. 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
43g
Actuation force
43g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
62g
Pre-travel
1.60 mm
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Total travel
3.60 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
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
24mm single-staged spring
Spring
Gold-plated
Housing materials
The TTC Flaming Pink and the KTT Strawberry switches both utilize polycarbonate for their top housings, leading to a notably similar sound profile characterized by sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper tones. This is attributed to the rigidity of polycarbonate, which allows for a more resonant sound when the switch is pressed. The aesthetic qualities also align; both switches benefit from clear polycarbonate in their top housings, making them ideal for RGB lighting setups. Given these similarities, users can expect the sound produced upon releasing the key to possess a similarly bright and clear quality, enhancing the overall typing experience for those who favor a more pronounced auditory feedback.
In contrast, the bottom housing materials differ significantly between the two switches. The TTC Flaming Pink switch employs a nylon bottom housing, known for its capacity to absorb sound waves and produce a deeper, fuller sound profile. This results in a more rounded and muted acoustic experience when compared to the brighter profile of the Flaming Pink's top housing. Conversely, the KTT Strawberry switches use a polycarbonate bottom housing, which, like its top housing, emphasizes clarity and crispness. This creates a juxtaposition within the KTT Strawberry, as both top and bottom share similar material properties that lead to a more cohesive, high-pitched sound profile.
The overall typing experience will therefore reflect the distinct sound qualities of their respective materials. For the Flaming Pink, the softer nylon bottom housing will add a deeper, more resonant layer of sound, enriching the acoustic experience when bottoming out. Meanwhile, the KTT Strawberry, with both housings made of polycarbonate, will produce a sound that is crisp and consistent throughout the switch's entire operation. Thus, while both switches share similarities in their top housing, they offer different auditory experiences due to the variance in bottom housing materials, leading to unique but equally engaging tactile and auditory results.
Weight
When comparing the TTC Flaming Pink linear switch and the KTT Strawberry linear switch, there are notable differences in their bottom out forces, despite both featuring the same actuation force of 43 grams. The Flaming Pink switch has a bottom out force of 50 grams, which classifies it as light, while the Strawberry switch has a heavier bottom out force of 62 grams, categorizing it as medium. This means that while both switches require the same amount of force to register a keystroke, the Strawberry provides a more substantial feel when fully pressed down, appealing to users who prefer a firmer typing experience. In contrast, the Flaming Pink is lighter overall, making it a more suitable option for those who favor a less resistant touch, which can be beneficial for extended typing sessions or gaming marathons. Ultimately, users may choose the Flaming Pink for its ease of use and comfort or the Strawberry for a more robust tactile feedback.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the TTC Flaming Pink linear switch and the KTT Strawberry linear switch, we see a distinct difference. The Flaming Pink measures 3.6 mm, while the Strawberry has a slightly longer travel distance of 4 mm. This means that the Flaming Pink offers a shorter, more responsive feel, making it an appealing option for gamers who favor rapid key presses and quicker response times. On the other hand, the KTT Strawberry, with its greater travel distance, provides a more pronounced depth that some users may prefer for a more tactile typing experience. Thus, if you prioritize responsiveness and speed, the Flaming Pink would be the better choice, while those who enjoy a heartier key press might gravitate towards the Strawberry. Overall, the Flaming Pink is the shorter switch, whereas the Strawberry is the longer option.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The TTC Flaming Pink has an MSRP of $4.29 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Flaming Pink for $4.00.
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
When comparing the sound profiles of the TTC Flaming Pink and KTT Strawberry switches, the Flaming Pink is known for its satisfying bottom-out sound that falls into a bright yet controlled spectrum. This sound is neither overwhelming nor too soft, contributing to a premium typing experience in both gaming and everyday tasks. On the other hand, the KTT Strawberry switches present a low-pitched sound profile that resembles a bass-heavy and mellow tone. While the Flaming Pink offers a more vibrant auditory characteristic, the Strawberry's sound is likely to feel more subdued and soft, catering to those who prefer a quieter typing atmosphere. However, it's important to note that the overall sound perception will also depend on the choice of keyboard and keycaps used.
In terms of feel, the Flaming Pink switches aim to provide a smooth and responsive typing experience, ideal for users who seek precision and feedback during their key presses. While specific descriptors for the Flaming Pink's tactile sensation aren't listed, it can be inferred that they offer a good balance of smoothness. Conversely, the KTT Strawberry switches are celebrated for their frictionless, silky, buttery, and polished characteristics, leading to an exceptionally smooth typing experience. This level of smoothness minimizes any sense of resistance, making typing almost effortless and enjoyable. The differences here are significant, with the Flaming Pink leaning towards responsiveness and the Strawberry embodying a more luxurious, fluid feel.
In conclusion, both the TTC Flaming Pink and KTT Strawberry switches cater to different preferences in the mechanical keyboard community. The Flaming Pink's bright sound and responsive touch make it suitable for various typing scenarios, while the Strawberry's low-pitched sound and luxurious feel appeal to those desiring a quieter, ultra-smooth experience. Ultimately, while both switches have unique attributes, those who appreciate a refined typing sensation might gravitate towards the KTT Strawberry, whereas those looking for a balance of responsiveness and pleasant sound will likely enjoy the TTC Flaming Pink.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the TTC Flaming Pink and KTT Strawberry linear switches ultimately depends on your preferences for feel, sound, and typing experience. If you prefer a lighter touch and enjoy a smooth, responsive typing sensation, the Flaming Pink switches might be your ideal choice. They offer a soft 50g bottom-out force that makes them great for prolonged typing or gaming sessions, all while providing a satisfying auditory feedback that is pleasant without being overly loud. On the other hand, if you lean towards a more substantial key feel and appreciate a medium actuation force of 62g, the KTT Strawberry switches could be more to your liking. Their frictionless, silky, and buttery characteristics make for a seamless typing experience that is particularly rewarding for those who prefer a slightly firmer key press. Overall, consider what aspects matter most to you in your typing experience—whether it’s the light and smooth engagement of the Flaming Pink or the comfortable yet robust feel of the Strawberry—to make the best choice for your mechanical keyboard setup.
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