Keygeek Keylin vs. KTT Strawberry
An in-depth look at the Keygeek Keylin and the KTT Strawberry switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to selecting the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, the Keygeek Keylin and the KTT Strawberry represent two appealing choices in the realm of linear switches. The Keylin, crafted using new molds from Keygeek, is lauded for its premium typing experience characterized by rich acoustics and exceptional smoothness, making it an excellent option for those who value both sound and feel in their typing sessions. On the other hand, the KTT Strawberry stands out not only for its visually appealing pink and clear housings but also for its silky and buttery actuation, promising a comfortable typing experience that many users appreciate. While both switches cater to enthusiasts looking for a seamless linear experience, the Keylin prioritizes acoustics and finish, while the Strawberry focuses on a frictionless, polished feel. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the ideal switch for your typing needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
38g
Actuation force
43g
Bottom-out force
48g
Bottom-out force
62g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
UPE
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Nylon
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
21mm single-stage spring
Spring
Gold-plated
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Keygeek Keylin and the KTT Strawberry, the differences in sound profiles created by their respective materials are quite pronounced. The Keylin employs nylon for both its top and bottom housings, a material known for its softer properties which lead to a deeper and fuller typing experience. This is partly due to nylon's ability to absorb sound, creating a more muted auditory feedback that many typists find satisfying. In contrast, the KTT Strawberry features polycarbonate for its housings, which is a stiffer plastic that produces a higher-pitched and crisper sound profile. This difference becomes particularly noticeable when considering user experience—those who prefer a more subdued and rounded sound may gravitate toward the Keylin, while those seeking clarity and resonance may prefer the Strawberry.
Furthermore, the aesthetic elements of the two switch housings also reflect their respective material choices. The Keylin's nylon housing typically presents a more opaque finish, while the Strawberries' polycarbonate housing lends itself to a translucent appearance. This transparency in polycarbonate not only enhances visual appeal, especially under RGB lighting, but also amplifies the clarity of the sound produced. As a result, if a user’s preferences lean towards a vibrant and illuminated keyboard setup, the KTT Strawberry's polycarbonate top housing is distinctly advantageous. Conversely, the Keylin’s opaque nylon maintains a more classic aesthetic, catering to users who value functionality over flair.
Finally, it is important to note the impact of different housing materials on the overall typing experience. The Keylin's nylon creates a consistently deeper sound profile due to the same material being used for both the top and bottom housings. In contrast, the KTT Strawberry’s polycarbonate materials across both housings divide the sonic responsibilities. The bottom housing’s impact on the bottom-out sound is characterized by a sharper, clearer profile, while the top housing aids in crisper key release sounds. Although the distinct materials yield different sound characteristics, players can achieve a well-rounded typing experience by selecting a switch that aligns with their auditory preferences while integrating the visual appeal of RGB lighting. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches comes down to individual user preference in terms of both sound and aesthetic.
Weight
When comparing the Keygeek Keylin linear switch to the KTT Strawberry linear switch, there are noticeable differences in both actuation and bottom out forces. The Keylin offers a lighter actuation force of 38 grams and a bottom out force of 48 grams, making it well-suited for users who prefer a softer touch and extended typing sessions. This can be particularly advantageous for those using their keyboards for long hours at work or during marathon gaming sessions. In contrast, the KTT Strawberry features a medium actuation force of 43 grams and a heavier bottom out force of 62 grams, which caters to individuals seeking a more substantial feel with each keystroke. Therefore, while the Keylin is lighter and may promote fatigue-free typing, the Strawberry's heavier forces provide a firmer feedback that some typists and gamers might prefer.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Keygeek Keylin linear switch and the KTT Strawberry linear switch, a distinct difference emerges: the Keylin features a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Strawberry measures 4 mm. This makes the Keylin the shorter option, catering to those who prefer more responsive keystrokes, particularly favored by gamers looking for quicker response times. Conversely, the Strawberry, with its longer travel distance, offers a more substantial feel during keypresses, appealing to users who enjoy a deeper and more tactile typing experience. Therefore, depending on personal preference for either response time or typing depth, one may choose the Keylin for its shorter and snappier feel or the Strawberry for its more pronounced travel depth.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Keygeek Keylin has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Keylin for $3.29.
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 Keygeek Keylin and KTT Strawberry linear switches, the Keylin is highlighted for its rich acoustics, which suggest a pleasant auditory experience, likely enhancing its appeal during long typing sessions. In contrast, the Strawberry switch is characterized by a low-pitched sound, offering a bass-heavy and mellow tone that tends to absorb some of the higher frequency clacks typical of many other switches. This low-pitched announcement combined with Keylin's rich acoustics indicates that both switches can provide a satisfying auditory feedback, though they may achieve this in different tonal ranges depending on the keyboard setup and keycap choices.
As for the feel, the Keylin's qualities are not specified, but the KTT Strawberry is celebrated for its frictionless actuation, silky smooth transitions, and buttery keystroke experience. The combination of these attributes offers an effortless and fluid typing sensation that minimizes resistance, leading to a refined and enjoyable interaction with the keyboard. If the Keylin switch manages to deliver a premium typing experience as advertised, it is likely designed to provide a similar level of smoothness, though specific tactile sensations may vary.
In summary, both the Keygeek Keylin and KTT Strawberry linear switches promise to deliver enjoyable and high-quality typing experiences, albeit through subtly different characteristics. The Keylin is noted for its rich acoustics while the Strawberry stands out with its low-pitched sound profile and exceptionally smooth feel. If you are looking for a satisfying typing experience, both switches may serve well, offering rich auditory feedback and smooth actuation that can enhance your mechanical keyboard journey.
Conclusion
To conclude, when deciding between the Keygeek Keylin linear switch and the KTT Strawberry linear switch, it ultimately comes down to your personal preferences in typing feel and the characteristics you're seeking in a mechanical keyboard. If you prefer a lighter switch that provides a premium typing experience with smooth actuation and satisfying acoustics, the Keylin is an excellent choice. Its lower actuation force of 48 grams allows for quick and effortless keystrokes, making it ideal for fast typists or gamers who need instant responsiveness. On the other hand, if you value a more substantial feel and are drawn to the comfort and reliability of a medium force switch, the KTT Strawberry is worth considering. Its bottom-out force of 62 grams delivers a bit more resistance, which can enhance your typing rhythm and provide a tactile feedback that many users enjoy. Additionally, its frictionless and silky characteristics make for an incredibly smooth typing experience, appealing to those who appreciate a seamless keystroke. Therefore, evaluate your priorities—be it lighter and premium experience from the Keylin or the robust, reliable performance of the Strawberry—to make the best choice for your keyboard setup.
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