Cherry MX Purple RGB vs. KTT Strawberry
An in-depth look at the Cherry MX Purple RGB and the KTT Strawberry switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the decision often boils down to personal preference regarding feel and feedback, and two popular options that exemplify this diversity are the Cherry MX Purple RGB and the KTT Strawberry. The Cherry MX Purple is a tactile switch, providing users with a refined experience characterized by a short, medium-strength bump that enhances typing accuracy and offers satisfying feedback with each keypress. Developed in collaboration with keyboard enthusiast Glarses, this switch is designed for those who appreciate a noticeable tactile response while typing. On the other hand, the KTT Strawberry is a linear switch, celebrated for its smooth actuation and buttery feel, resulting in a frictionless experience that many gamers and typists find appealing. Its attractive pink and clear housings also add a touch of aesthetic charm to any keyboard setup. Ultimately, while the Cherry MX Purple RGB caters to those who enjoy tactile feedback, the KTT Strawberry is perfect for users who prioritize a sleek and uninterrupted keystroke. 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
N/A
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
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 Cherry MX Purple RGB and KTT Strawberry switches exhibit fundamental differences in their housing materials, which profoundly influence their acoustic profiles and user experience. The MX Purple RGB utilizes nylon for both its top and bottom housings, a material known for its softer characteristics. This leads to a deeper and fuller sound profile that absorbs sound better than harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder experience. In contrast, the KTT Strawberry switches are crafted from polycarbonate for both the top and bottom housings, which are renowned for their rigidity. This rigidity translates into a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound that resonates more clearly compared to the softer nylon, embodying a more pronounced acoustic signature.
When examining the implications of these material choices, the performance and aesthetic qualities of each switch can be further contrasted. The translucent polycarbonate of the KTT Strawberry serves a dual purpose: it enhances the sound clarity and functionality of RGB lighting, as a clear housing is particularly effective in showcasing illuminated effects. In this case, the design complements both performance and visual aesthetics, making it especially appealing for gamers and typists who enjoy customizable lighting options. Conversely, the MX Purple RGB, while not as visually striking with its opaque nylon, provides a more muted sound profile that may appeal to users seeking an audio experience that is less aggressive.
Ultimately, the sound and feel produced during key presses are shaped by both the top and bottom housing materials in each switch. While the KTT Strawberry delivers a more resonant experience with its polycarbonate housing, the MX Purple RGB offers a softer, rounder feel, making it particularly well-suited for users preferring less auditory feedback. If one desires to achieve a more subdued acoustic profile similar to the MX Purple RGB's nylon characteristics, they would do well to explore switches that have a nylon component, as the qualities of each material will directly influence the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing down on the switches. Conversely, for crisp and sharp auditory feedback, the KTT Strawberry's polycarbonate composition proves to be the superior choice.
Weight
When comparing the Cherry MX Purple RGB tactile switch and the KTT Strawberry linear switch, we see some distinct differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Cherry MX Purple RGB requires an actuation force of 45 grams, while the KTT Strawberry has a slightly lighter actuation force at 43 grams. This difference means that the KTT Strawberry may provide a more effortless typing experience, making it more suitable for extended typing sessions. However, the bottom out force for the Cherry MX Purple RGB is not available, whereas the KTT Strawberry has a bottom out force of 62 grams, which is considered medium. This results in the KTT Strawberry being the heavier switch overall, as it requires more force to press down completely compared to the other switch. For users who prefer a lighter switch for long durations, the KTT Strawberry may be more comfortable, while those who enjoy a heftier push feel may find merit in the heavier characteristics of the KTT Strawberry's bottom out force.
Travel distance
Both the Cherry MX Purple RGB tactile switch and the KTT Strawberry linear switch feature the same travel distance of 4 mm. This equivalence means that users can expect similar results in terms of key press depth and tactile feedback when using either switch. As both switches have an identical travel distance, they will provide a comparable typing experience, making them suitable for those who enjoy a consistent feel across different key switches.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Cherry MX Purple RGB has an MSRP of $6.19 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the MX Purple RGB for $5.79.
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 sound profile of the Cherry MX Purple RGB switch is not explicitly detailed, making it difficult to draw direct comparisons in this category. However, the KTT Strawberry switch is characterized by a low-pitched sound that delivers a more bass-heavy and mellow tone, likely creating a warmer acoustic environment during typing. This quality can lead to a more subdued auditory experience, particularly appealing in settings where quieter operation is preferred.
When analyzing the feel of each switch, the Cherry MX Purple RGB offers a refined tactile experience with a medium-strength bump, designed to provide feedback during actuation. In contrast, the KTT Strawberry excels in providing a frictionless, silky, and buttery feel, which results in an exceptionally smooth typing experience. The KTT's polished nature further enhances this fluidity, making it feel almost effortless to type. This stark difference means that those who prefer tactile feedback may find the MX Purple more satisfying, while those seeking a continuous and smooth action will favor the Strawberry.
In summary, the Cherry MX Purple RGB and KTT Strawberry switches cater to different preferences in both sound and feel. While the MX Purple RGB leans toward a tactile experience, the Strawberry switch emphasizes smoothness and ease of use, producing a different typing sensation. Ultimately, your choice will depend on your personal preferences for tactile feedback versus smoothness, as these qualities will greatly influence your overall typing experience.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between the Cherry MX Purple RGB tactile switch and the KTT Strawberry linear switch comes down to your personal preferences and typing style. If you appreciate a tactile feedback that provides a refined experience with a short, yet noticeable bump, the Cherry MX Purple RGB may be the ideal switch for you. Its unique design, created in collaboration with keyboard enthusiasts, aims to enhance your tactile typing experience, making it well-suited for both typing and gaming where feedback is crucial. However, if you favor smoothness and effortless key presses, the KTT Strawberry is likely a better match. Known for its frictionless and silky actuation, this switch ensures a comfortable and seamless typing experience, perfect for extended typing sessions or for users who want to enjoy the buttery feel of smooth keystrokes without the tactile interruption. In terms of sound, while the MX Purple RGB provides a distinct tactile noise that some users enjoy, the KTT Strawberry offers a low-pitched, mellow tone that may be less distracting, especially in shared environments. Ultimately, consider what aspects are most important to you—tactility and feedback versus smoothness and quiet operation—when making your decision.
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