KTT Mallo vs. KTT Strawberry
An in-depth look at the KTT Mallo and the KTT Strawberry switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the KTT Mallo and KTT Strawberry stand out as popular choices with their unique characteristics. The KTT Mallo switch is praised for its subtle tactility and medium-light typing feel, offering a balanced experience for typists who appreciate gentle feedback. On the other hand, the KTT Strawberry switch boasts a smooth actuation, comfortable feel, and reliable performance, making it a favorite among users. While the Mallo offers a neutral sound signature and a subdued typing experience, the Strawberry presents a low-pitched and frictionless feel with a buttery and polished touch. Ultimately, choosing between these switches comes down to personal preference and specific typing needs. 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
N/A
Actuation force
43g
Bottom-out force
55g
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
No
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
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Gold-plated
Housing materials
The KTT Mallo and the KTT Strawberry both utilize polycarbonate for their top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to polycarbonate being a relatively stiffer plastic that leads to a more clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it especially useful for switches that plan to incorporate RGB lighting. However, the Mallo differs from the Strawberry in its use of nylon for the bottom housing, which results in a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon, being a softer plastic, absorbs more sound than harder plastics, creating a duller and rounder sound when typing on switches.
In terms of aesthetics, both switches feature clear polycarbonate top housings, which are more likely to be polycarbonate if the switch is clear. This allows the RGB lighting to shine through and creates a visually appealing design for users. However, the choice of housing material for the bottom housing impacts the overall sound profile and feel of the switch when typing. The Mallo's nylon bottom housing contributes to a deeper and fuller sound, while the Strawberry's polycarbonate bottom housing aligns with its sharper and crisper sound profile. These differences in bottom housing material can affect the typing experience and the overall sound of the switch.
While the KTT Mallo and the KTT Strawberry both offer polycarbonate top housings for a sharp and clear sound profile, their differing bottom housing materials result in distinct sound characteristics when typing. The split between the bottom and top housing qualities means that the bottom housing impacts the bottom-out sound and feel of the switch, while the top housing affects the sound when releasing a key. This highlights the importance of housing material choices in creating a unique typing experience for users, as the combination of materials can greatly influence sound and feel. Ultimately, the decision between nylon and polycarbonate bottom housings will depend on individual preference for sound profile and typing experience.
Weight
In comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the KTT Mallo tactile switch and the KTT Strawberry linear switch, it is evident that there are notable differences between the two. The Mallo switch has an actuation force of None grams, making it extremely light when compared to the Strawberry switch, which has an actuation force of 43 grams. On the other hand, when it comes to the bottom out force, the Mallo switch requires 55 grams of force, which is lighter than the 62 grams needed for the Strawberry switch. This makes the Mallo switch a medium-light option, while the Strawberry switch falls into the medium category. Lighter switches like the Mallo are favored for extended typing sessions or gaming marathons, while heavier switches like the Strawberry provide a more substantial typing experience for those who prefer a stronger push feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for typing feel and tactile feedback desired.
Travel distance
The KTT Mallo tactile switch and the KTT Strawberry linear switch both have a travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when you press down on a key with either of these switches, you will experience the same distance of travel from the top to the bottom. Both switches provide a consistent tactile feedback and smooth keystroke experience, making them suitable options for typing and gaming enthusiasts alike. Overall, the travel distance of the Mallo and Strawberry switches are equal, ensuring similar results in terms of key feel and response.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The KTT Mallo has an MSRP of $5.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Mallo for $4.40.
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 it comes to sound, the KTT Mallo switch offers a neutral and subdued sound profile that strikes a balance between being noticeable without being distracting. This makes it a versatile option for various typing environments, whether at home or in the office. On the other hand, the KTT Strawberry switch is characterized by a low-pitched sound that provides a mellow and bass-heavy tone, which can be pleasing to those who prefer a quieter typing experience. Keep in mind that the sound of the switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard and keycaps being used.
In terms of feel, the KTT Mallo switch provides a feathery and mild typing experience, making it comfortable for extended typing sessions without causing finger fatigue. The subtle tactile feedback of the switch offers a gentle resistance that maintains a light and approachable feel. In contrast, the KTT Strawberry switch offers a frictionless and silky smooth typing experience, minimizing any sense of resistance and providing a buttery and polished keystroke sensation. This makes it a preferred choice for those who value a smooth and effortless typing feel.
In conclusion, the KTT Mallo and Strawberry switches each offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Mallo switch provides a balanced and subtle typing experience with a neutral sound profile, while the Strawberry switch offers a low-pitched sound with a smooth and frictionless feel. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on individual preference for sound and feel, as both switches are designed to provide a comfortable and enjoyable typing experience. Keep in mind that experimenting with different switches on your keyboard can help you find the perfect match for your typing style.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a switch that offers a balanced typing experience with a gentle tactility and a medium-light feel, then the KTT Mallo tactile switch would be an excellent choice for you. The Mallo's neutral sound signature and subtle tactile feedback make it versatile for various typing environments. On the other hand, if you prefer a smooth and low-pitched switch that provides a frictionless and buttery typing experience, then the KTT Strawberry linear switch would be more suited to your preferences. Ultimately, the decision between the Mallo and Strawberry switches will come down to your personal typing style and preference for either tactility or smoothness in your mechanical keyboard.
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