TTC Gold Brown Pro vs. KTT Strawberry
An in-depth look at the TTC Gold Brown Pro and the KTT Strawberry switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, the TTC Gold Brown Pro and the KTT Strawberry offer distinctive options to cater to different preferences. The Gold Brown Pro is a tactile switch designed for those who appreciate a subtle and nuanced feedback while typing. With its gentle tactile bump and quiet sound profile, it allows for an immersive typing experience without being distracting. On the other hand, the KTT Strawberry is a linear switch known for its smooth actuation, comfortable feel, and reliable performance. It boasts a low-pitched sound and frictionless operation, making it a popular choice for those who prefer a buttery smooth typing experience. 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
N/A
Bottom-out force
62g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
NPI
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
18mm spring
Spring
Gold-plated
Housing materials
Overall, the TTC Gold Brown Pro and the KTT Strawberry both feature polycarbonate top housings, which create a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to polycarbonate's stiffness, resulting in a more clear and resonant sound. Aesthetically, polycarbonate is ideal for switches with RGB lighting due to its translucency. However, the Gold Brown Pro features a nylon bottom housing, eliciting a deeper and fuller sound profile due to nylon's softer nature that absorbs more sound. In contrast, the Strawberry utilizes a polycarbonate bottom housing, maintaining a sharper and crisper sound profile compared to nylon.
Despite both switches having polycarbonate top housings, the difference lies in their bottom housings - nylon for the Gold Brown Pro and polycarbonate for the Strawberry. This variation impacts the overall sound and feel of the switches. While the bottom housing affects the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing down on a key, the top housing influences the sound when releasing a key. The choice between nylon and polycarbonate bottom housings can significantly alter the typing experience, with nylon providing a deeper sound and polycarbonate offering a crisper sound.
In conclusion, the housing materials of the TTC Gold Brown Pro and the KTT Strawberry play a crucial role in determining the sound profile and typing experience of each switch. The polycarbonate top housings of both switches contribute to a sharp, high-pitched, and clear sound, particularly suitable for switches with RGB lighting. However, the choice of bottom housing material sets the Gold Brown Pro and Strawberry apart, with nylon offering a deeper sound and polycarbonate maintaining a sharper tone. Ultimately, the decision between these switches will depend on personal preference for sound and feel during typing.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the TTC Gold Brown Pro tactile switch and the KTT Strawberry linear switch, there are noticeable differences. The Gold Brown Pro has a slightly higher actuation force of 45 grams compared to the Strawberry's 43 grams. However, the bottom out force of the Strawberry is significantly heavier at 62 grams, while the Gold Brown Pro's bottom out force is unavailable. In terms of weight, the Strawberry switch is heavier overall, providing a more substantial typing experience for those who prefer a stronger push feel. On the other hand, the Gold Brown Pro may be more suitable for users who prefer a lighter actuation force for extended typing or gaming sessions. Both switches offer unique advantages depending on individual preferences, with the Gold Brown Pro offering a lighter feel and the Strawberry providing a heavier touch for typing.
Travel distance
The TTC Gold Brown Pro tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.8 mm, which is slightly shorter than the 4 mm travel distance of the KTT Strawberry linear switch. In terms of travel distance, the Gold Brown Pro is the shorter option while the Strawberry is the longer option. While both switches fall within the range of traditional travel distances, the slight difference may be noticeable to some users. Gamers looking for faster response times may prefer the shorter travel distance of the Gold Brown Pro, while those seeking a more substantial keypress may opt for the longer travel distance of the Strawberry. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for key travel depth.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The TTC Gold Brown Pro has an MSRP of $6.11 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Gold Brown Pro for $2.90.
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 Gold Brown Pro tactile switch is known for its thocky and low-pitched sound profile, creating a satisfying deep "thud" or soft "knock" with each press. This switch also falls into the neutral category, making it suitable for a wide range of users and environments. On the other hand, the KTT Strawberry linear switch offers a low-pitched sound that is bass-heavy and mellow. Both switches provide a pleasant auditory experience, with the Gold Brown Pro offering a slightly richer and deeper sound due to its tactile nature.
When it comes to feel, the TTC Gold Brown Pro tactile switch is described as polished, silky, mild, subtle, and stepped, providing a smooth and refined typing experience with a gentle resistance and minimal friction. This switch offers a comfortable and approachable typing feel for users who prefer a more subdued tactile response. Conversely, the KTT Strawberry linear switch is characterized as frictionless, silky, buttery, and polished, offering an extremely smooth and effortless typing experience with minimal resistance and a fluid key travel. Both switches excel in providing a comfortable and smooth typing experience, with the Gold Brown Pro focusing more on subtle tactile feedback while the Strawberry emphasizes frictionless key presses.
Overall, the TTC Gold Brown Pro tactile switch and the KTT Strawberry linear switch offer distinct but equally satisfying experiences for users. The Gold Brown Pro provides a subtle and nuanced tactile feedback with a thocky sound, perfect for those who value a refined typing experience with minimal distraction. On the other hand, the Strawberry offers a smooth and buttery typing feel with a low-pitched sound, ideal for users who prefer a frictionless and effortless keystroke. Depending on your preference for tactile feedback and sound profile, both switches will deliver high-quality performance and comfort during extended typing sessions.
Conclusion
To sum up, when considering whether to choose the TTC Gold Brown Pro tactile switch or the KTT Strawberry linear switch, it all comes down to your personal preferences and typing style. If you prefer a subtle tactile bump with a quiet sound profile for a more immersive typing experience, then the Gold Brown Pro would be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prioritize smooth actuation, comfortable feel, and reliability in a switch with a low-pitched sound profile, then the KTT Strawberry linear switch would be more suitable for your needs. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches will depend on whether you value nuanced tactility or smooth actuation in your mechanical keyboard typing experience.
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