Cherry MX Brown vs. KTT Strawberry
An in-depth look at the Cherry MX Brown and the KTT Strawberry switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options to consider are the Cherry MX Brown and the KTT Strawberry. The Cherry MX Brown switch is known for its subtlety, offering a light typing experience with gentle tactility and subdued audio feedback. It is categorized as textured, bassy, and low-pitched. On the other hand, the KTT Strawberry switch stands out with its attractive pink and clear housings. Loved for their smooth actuation, comfortable feel, and reliable performance, these switches are categorized as low-pitched, frictionless, silky, buttery, and polished. Each switch has its own distinctive features, making them suitable for different preferences and 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
45g
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
Nylon
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 housing materials of the Cherry MX Brown and the KTT Strawberry switches offer distinct sound profiles and characteristics. The MX Brown utilizes a nylon top housing, which results in a deeper and fuller sound profile. Its relatively softer plastic absorbs more sound, creating a duller and rounder sound. In comparison, the Strawberry switch features a polycarbonate top housing, which produces a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. Polycarbonate's stiffness contributes to a more clear and resonant sound profile. Additionally, if RGB lighting is a factor, the polycarbonate top housing of the Strawberry switch is particularly useful due to its translucency.
Similarly, the housing materials of the bottom portions of the Cherry MX Brown and KTT Strawberry switches differ. The MX Brown integrates a nylon bottom housing, leading to a deeper and fuller sound when typing. Its softer plastic absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound profile. In contrast, the polycarbonate bottom housing of the Strawberry switch creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. The stiffness of polycarbonate contributes to a more clear and resonant sound quality. Furthermore, if users prioritize aesthetic appeal and RGB lighting, the transparency of the polycarbonate bottom housing offers an advantage.
When comparing the top and bottom housing materials of these switches, it is important to note that their qualities are divided between the two portions. The bottom housing influences the bottom-out sound and feel when a key is pressed, while the top housing impacts the sound when a key is released. Thus, users will experience different aspects of the sound profile of these switches based on which housing material is used in each section.
In conclusion, the Cherry MX Brown and KTT Strawberry switches have contrasting housing materials that offer distinct sound profiles and characteristics. While the MX Brown's nylon housing creates a deeper and fuller sound, the Strawberry switch's polycarbonate housing produces a sharper and crisper sound. Aesthetically, the polycarbonate housing is advantageous for RGB lighting due to its translucency. Users should consider their preference for sound profiles and lighting effects when choosing between these switches.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Cherry MX Brown tactile switch and the KTT Strawberry linear switch, some distinct differences can be observed. The MX Brown has an actuation force of 45 grams, while the Strawberry requires a slightly lighter force of 43 grams to trigger a keystroke. Both switches fall into the medium-light category in terms of actuation force.
Moving on to the bottom out force, the MX Brown necessitates 55 grams of force to fully press down, whereas the Strawberry requires a slightly heavier force of 62 grams. This places the MX Brown in the medium-light range for bottom out force, whereas the Strawberry can be considered as having a medium force requirement.
Considering the weight aspect, individuals who prefer a lighter typing experience for extended periods may find the MX Brown more suitable. This would be ideal for those who frequently use their keyboards for work or indulge in long gaming sessions. On the other hand, individuals seeking a more substantial and stronger push feel for typing may prefer the Strawberry switch, as its heavier bottom out force can provide a more satisfying tactile experience.
In summary, the MX Brown tactile switch and the KTT Strawberry linear switch differ slightly in their actuation and bottom out forces. The MX Brown is lighter in both aspects, whereas the Strawberry requires slightly more force. However, both switches offer a similar level of medium actuation force, providing a tactile typing experience.
Travel distance
The Cherry MX Brown 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, you will feel the switch travel a distance of 4 mm from the top to the bottom. Therefore, both switches provide a similar level of tactile feedback and typing experience in terms of travel distance.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
For 10 switches, the Cherry MX Brown comes in at $4.00, whereas the KTT Strawberry comes in at $4.91.
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 Cherry MX Brown switch is known for its subtle and gentle tactility, providing a relatively light typing experience. It offers a subdued audio feedback with a low-pitched and bassy sound profile. The switch has a textured feel, meaning it has noticeable friction when pressed. Some users prefer this slight texture, while others may prefer a smoother typing experience.
On the other hand, the KTT Strawberry switch is loved for its smooth actuation, comfortable feel, and reliable performance. It has a low-pitched sound, similar to the MX Brown, which gives a bass-heavy and mellow tone. The Strawberry switch is described as frictionless, silky, buttery, and polished. It offers an exceptionally smooth and effortless typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel.
In conclusion, the Cherry MX Brown and KTT Strawberry switches have differences in their perceived sound and feel. The MX Brown switch offers subtle tactility, a lower frequency range sound, and a textured feel. On the other hand, the Strawberry switch provides smooth actuation, a bass-heavy sound, and a frictionless and polished feel. Both switches have their own appeal and it ultimately comes down to personal preference. If you prefer a light typing experience with gentle tactility, the MX Brown switch is a good choice. If you prefer a smooth and frictionless typing experience, the Strawberry switch would be a suitable option. However, please note that the sound and feel of the switches can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a keyboard switch with a subtle typing experience, gentle tactility, and subdued audio feedback, the Cherry MX Brown tactile switch would be the ideal choice for you. With a bottom out force of 55 grams, these switches offer a medium-light typing experience. The MX Browns are best known for their comfortable feel and reliable performance. Additionally, in terms of sound, they have a low-pitched and bassy tone.
On the other hand, if you prefer a smooth and effortless typing experience with minimal resistance or friction when pressing the keys, the KTT Strawberry linear switch would be a great option. These switches have a bottom out force of 62 grams, providing a medium typing experience. The Strawberries are loved for their attractive design, smooth actuation, and overall comfortable feel. In terms of sound, they also have a low-pitched and mellow tone.
Ultimately, the choice between the Cherry MX Brown tactile switch and the KTT Strawberry linear switch will depend on your personal preferences. If you prioritize subtlety and gentle tactility with a bassy sound profile, go for the MX Browns. If you value a smooth and frictionless typing experience with a mellow sound, the Strawberries are the way to go. Consider your typing style, desired sound profile, and overall feel to make the best decision for your mechanical keyboard. In the end, both switches offer their own unique advantages, so choose the one that aligns with your preferences and typing needs.
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