TTC Ice vs. KTT Strawberry
An in-depth look at the TTC Ice and the KTT Strawberry switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the choice can often feel overwhelming, especially between two popular linear options like the TTC Ice and the KTT Strawberry. The TTC Ice switch stands out with its stunning crystal-clear design, delivering a smooth and responsive typing experience along with a satisfying bottom-out sound, making it an ideal choice for both gamers and everyday users seeking a premium feel. On the other hand, the KTT Strawberry, featuring an attractive pink and clear housing, is adored for its silky, buttery actuation and reliable performance, ensuring a comfortable experience with each keystroke. Both switches have their unique charm—while the Ice offers a visually striking aesthetic and a satisfying acoustic profile, the Strawberry is celebrated for its refined smoothness and appealing tactile sensations. However, let’s dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your typing style and preferences.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
43g
Bottom-out force
60g
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
Box
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
24mm single-stage spring
Spring
Gold-plated
Housing materials
The TTC Ice and KTT Strawberry switches both feature polycarbonate housing for both their top and bottom components, leading to a similar sound profile characterized by a sharper, higher-pitched tone. Polycarbonate’s stiffer structure allows for greater resonance and clarity in sound, which can significantly enhance the user experience when typing. As both switches utilize this material, they are likely to produce a consistent, crisp auditory feedback that many users prefer, especially those aiming to customize their keyboard with RGB lighting. The translucency of polycarbonate makes it an ideal choice for showcasing lighting effects, which further emphasizes its aesthetic advantages for users looking for a visually appealing keyboard experience.
While both switches benefit from the same polycarbonate materials in their construction, the impact of each housing's design on the sound and feel of the actuation differs depending on the interaction with the user's fingers. The bottom housing influences the bottom-out sound and tactile feedback, making it integral in shaping the feel of the switch. Conversely, the top housing contributes to the sound produced when a key is released, which may affect the overall auditory feedback the user receives. Since both the Ice and Strawberry employ polycarbonate for both housings, the qualities associated with the material are equally distributed, leading to a uniformly crisp sound in both pressing and releasing scenarios.
In conclusion, the TTC Ice and KTT Strawberry switches showcase similar benefits derived from their identical use of polycarbonate materials. Users can expect a sharp auditory feedback from each switch, thanks to the properties of polycarbonate that enhance resonance and clarity. Given their consistent material choice, users can anticipate a comparable experience when engaging with either switch, whether in terms of sound or feel. Thus, keyboard enthusiasts who appreciate polycarbonate's benefits can confidently choose either option, knowing that they will achieve similar results in performance and aesthetics.
Weight
When comparing the TTC Ice linear switch and the KTT Strawberry linear switch, both exhibit similar characteristics in terms of actuation and bottom out forces, although there are slight differences. The TTC Ice has an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams, while the KTT Strawberry is slightly lighter with an actuation force of 43 grams but has a higher bottom out force of 62 grams. This indicates that the Ice switch requires a bit more force to register a keystroke, making it marginally heavier overall. In contrast, the Strawberry, while easier to actuate, demands a bit more pressure at the bottom. For users who prefer lighter switches for extended typing or gaming sessions, the KTT Strawberry would be the better choice, while those seeking a slightly more substantial feel might lean towards the TTC Ice. Ultimately, while both switches are considered medium in weight, the Strawberry is the lighter option, providing a more delicate touch at the actuation point.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the TTC Ice linear switch and the KTT Strawberry linear switch, a notable difference emerges. The TTC Ice switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, making it the shorter option, while the KTT Strawberry has a travel distance of 4 mm, positioning it as the longer choice. This difference indicates that the Ice switch provides a more responsive experience, appealing to those who prefer quick actuation, such as gamers. On the other hand, the Strawberry switch, with its longer travel distance, may be more suited for users who appreciate a deeper, more tactile press that feels less abrupt. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on individual preferences regarding responsiveness and switch depth.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The TTC Ice has an MSRP of $7.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Ice for $5.99.
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
The TTC Ice linear switch is characterized by a satisfying bottom-out sound that enhances the overall typing experience, although specific details on its acoustic profile aren't provided. In contrast, the KTT Strawberry switch is known for its low-pitched sound, which tends to deliver a more bass-heavy and mellow tone. This can create a pleasing auditory experience that feels less sharp than higher-pitched switches. It's important to remember that the resulting sound can vary based on the keyboard build and keycap choices, so while you may find the Ice's sound appealing, the Strawberry offers a distinctively deeper tone.
When it comes to feel, the TTC Ice switch is celebrated for its smooth and responsive actuation. However, specific descriptors for the Ice's tactile experience aren't mentioned, making direct comparisons challenging. On the other hand, the KTT Strawberry switches shine in this category, offering a frictionless and silky typing experience that minimizes resistance. Their buttery and polished characteristics ensure that each keystroke is not only smooth but also incredibly fluid, providing a premium feel that is hard to rival. If the Ice switch delivers a similarly smooth action, you can expect a competitive typing experience; however, the detailed properties of the Ice would be critical to fully understand this.
In summary, while both the TTC Ice and KTT Strawberry linear switches aim to enhance the typing experience with their smoothness and responsiveness, they differ notably in their sound profiles. The Ice offers a satisfying experience, likely resonating well during use, while the Strawberry brings a mellow tone that may be preferred for those who enjoy low-pitched sounds. The feeling of the switches further sets them apart, with the Strawberry's descriptors emphasizing an exceptionally smooth typing action. If you seek a balance of both aesthetics and performance, these switches present compelling options worthy of consideration, albeit with different auditory experiences and tactile nuances.
Conclusion
To conclude, when choosing between the TTC Ice linear switch and the KTT Strawberry linear switch, your decision should be guided by your preferences in sound, feel, and aesthetics. If you value a typing experience that combines smoothness with a satisfying audible feedback, the TTC Ice switch, with its medium 60-gram bottom-out force, can be an excellent choice for both gaming and daily use. Its premium design and responsive action make it a solid option for those who appreciate clarity and a visually striking keyboard layout. On the other hand, if you're looking for a switch that offers an ultra-smooth and frictionless typing experience with a low-pitched sound profile, the KTT Strawberry switch is worth considering. With a slightly heavier 62-gram bottom-out force, it provides a distinct typing sensation characterized by its buttery feel and polished mechanism, perfect for users who prioritize comfort and an effortless keypress. Ultimately, consider what aspects matter most to you—whether it’s visual appeal, sound, or typing feel—to make the best choice for your mechanical keyboard needs.
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