TTC Gold Brown vs. KTT Strawberry
An in-depth look at the TTC Gold Brown and the KTT Strawberry switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboards, the choice of switch can make all the difference in your typing experience. Two popular options to consider are the TTC Gold Brown, a tactile switch, and the KTT Strawberry, a linear switch. The Gold Brown is best known for its balanced nature, providing a satisfying bump and moderate weightiness. With a softer sound profile compared to most switches, it offers a relatively silent typing experience. On the other hand, the Strawberry stands out with its attractive pink and clear housings, offering smooth actuation, comfortable feel, and reliable performance. Its low-pitched sound and frictionless feel make typing a breeze. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can best decide on the perfect switch for your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
55g
Actuation force
43g
Bottom-out force
63g
Bottom-out force
62g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Total travel
4.00 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
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Gold-plated
Housing materials
Both the TTC Gold Brown and the KTT Strawberry feature polycarbonate as their top housing material. This material contributes to producing a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile for both switches. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate allows for an enhanced aesthetic when using RGB lighting. Therefore, users can expect similar results in terms of sound and visual effects when comparing these two switches.
Where the TTC Gold Brown differentiates itself is in its nylon bottom housing. This classic switch housing material creates a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing. Nylon, being a softer plastic, absorbs more sound compared to harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. On the other hand, the KTT Strawberry utilizes a polycarbonate bottom housing, similar to its top housing. This ensures a consistent sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile throughout the switch. However, the impact on the bottom-out sound and feel may be slightly different due to the variation in bottom housing material.
When using a switch with different top and bottom housings, such as the Gold Brown, the qualities brought by each housing material will be distributed accordingly. The bottom housing will have a greater impact on the sound and feel when pressing down on the switch, contributing to the bottom-out sound. Conversely, the top housing will be more influential on the sound produced when releasing a key. This means that the tactile experience and resulting sound will be affected differently at various stages of keystrokes compared to switches with the same housing materials for both top and bottom.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the TTC Gold Brown tactile switch and the KTT Strawberry linear switch, there are a few notable differences. The Gold Brown tactile switch has a slightly higher actuation force of 55 grams compared to the Strawberry's 43 grams, making it slightly heavier in this aspect. However, both switches have a similar bottom out force, with the Gold Brown requiring 63 grams and the Strawberry requiring 62 grams. This means that while the actuation force of the switches may differ, the typing experience when fully pressing down on the keys will be quite similar.
Considering weight is important when choosing switches as it directly affects typing comfort and endurance. For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the Strawberry linear switch with its lower actuation force might be a better choice. This allows for longer typing sessions without inducing excessive fatigue. On the other hand, individuals who prefer a more substantial push feel and want a stronger tactile feedback might opt for the Gold Brown tactile switch with its higher actuation force.
In conclusion, the actuation force and bottom out force of the TTC Gold Brown tactile switch and the KTT Strawberry linear switch show some differences. The Gold Brown has a higher actuation force but similar bottom out force compared to the Strawberry. Ultimately, the choice between them depends on personal preference and the desired typing experience.
Travel distance
Both the TTC Gold Brown tactile switch and the KTT Strawberry linear switch have a travel distance of 4mm. This means that when you press down on a key with either switch, you will feel the same distance being traveled from the top to the bottom. Therefore, both switches will provide similar results in terms of travel distance.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The TTC Gold Brown has an MSRP of $5.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Gold Brown for $3.28.
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 switch offers a balanced profile that is generally much softer than most switches without being completely silent. This means that it provides a satisfying typing experience without being too loud or too quiet. On the other hand, the KTT Strawberry switch is described as having a low-pitched sound profile, which features a more bass-heavy and mellow tone compared to higher-pitched switches. This can create a soothing and pleasant typing sound. However, it is important to note that the sound of a switch is also influenced by other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps being used.
When it comes to the feel of the switches, the TTC Gold Brown switch is described as mild, buttery, accented, and polished. This means that it offers a gentle typing experience with a smooth and fluid keystroke. The switch provides a seamless and effortless typing sensation, thanks to its reduced friction and smooth key travel. Similarly, the KTT Strawberry switch is described as frictionless, silky, buttery, and polished. This indicates that it also offers a remarkably smooth and effortless typing experience, minimizing any sense of resistance or friction when pressing the keys. The switch enhances the overall smoothness of the typing feel and provides a sleek typing experience.
In conclusion, the TTC Gold Brown and KTT Strawberry switches have different qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Gold Brown switch offers a balanced sound profile that is softer than most switches, and a gentle typing experience with a slight bump and moderate weightiness. On the other hand, the Strawberry switch provides a low-pitched sound profile and an exceptionally smooth typing experience. Both switches offer a buttery and polished feel, ensuring a smooth and refined typing experience with reduced friction. While the Gold Brown switch has a mild and accented feel, the Strawberry switch is described as frictionless and silky. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and the desired typing experience. However, it is important to consider other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps being used, as they can also influence the overall sound and feel.
Conclusion
In closing, if you are looking for a balanced switch with a moderate weight and a slight satisfying bump, the TTC Gold Brown tactile switch is a great choice. It offers a rounded, softer sound profile and a mild, buttery feel that is approachable to most users. On the other hand, if you prefer a switch with smooth actuation, comfortable feel, and reliable performance, the KTT Strawberry linear switch is the way to go. It has a low-pitched sound profile and provides a frictionless, silky, and buttery typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches comes down to personal preference and the specific qualities that you value most in a mechanical keyboard switch.
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