Bsun Olive vs. KTT Strawberry
An in-depth look at the Bsun Olive and the KTT Strawberry switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the BSUN Olive and KTT Strawberry certainly stand out for different reasons. The BSUN Olive is a tactile switch that boasts all-POM housings, delivering a resonant, deep sound that is unique to its design. With pronounced tactile feedback and a crisp bottom-out, users can expect a satisfying typing experience. On the other hand, the KTT Strawberry is a linear switch with attractive pink and clear housings known for its smooth actuation and comfortable feel. While the Olive offers an accented and sharp typing experience, the Strawberry provides a more low-pitched and buttery feel. Both switches have their own unique characteristics that cater to different preferences and typing styles. 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
65g
Bottom-out force
62g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Total travel
3.40 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
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Gold-plated
Housing materials
The Bsun Olive and the KTT Strawberry both have unique housing materials that greatly impact the sound profile of the switches. The Olive's POM top and bottom housings create a deep and relatively muted sound, while the Strawberry's polycarbonate top and bottom housings produce a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. The differences in sound profile between the two switches are mainly attributed to the properties of the housing materials used, with POM providing a more subdued sound and polycarbonate offering a clearer and resonant sound.
Although the Bsun Olive and KTT Strawberry have contrasting top and bottom housing materials, they both offer unique sound profiles that cater to different preferences. The POM top housing of the Olive creates a deeper sound while the polycarbonate top housing of the Strawberry produces a sharper tone. Similarly, the POM bottom housing of the Olive contributes to a more muted sound, while the polycarbonate bottom housing of the Strawberry adds to the clarity and resonance of the switch. Overall, both switches provide users with distinct sound experiences based on the choice of housing material used.
Ultimately, the choice between the Bsun Olive and KTT Strawberry comes down to personal preference in terms of sound profile. While the Olive's POM housing offers a pleasing and unique sound with a deeper profile, the Strawberry's polycarbonate housing creates a sharper and crisper tone. Both switches excel in providing users with a customized sound experience based on the specific properties of the housing materials used. Whether you prefer a muted and deep sound or a clear and resonant tone, both switches deliver high-quality performance tailored to individual preferences.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Bsun Olive tactile switch and the KTT Strawberry linear switch, it is evident that the Olive requires a slightly heavier touch. The Olive has an actuation force of 45 grams compared to the Strawberry's 43 grams, making the Olive slightly heavier. In terms of bottom out force, the Olive requires 65 grams, while the Strawberry only requires 62 grams. Both switches fall within the medium range in terms of force required, with the Olive leaning towards the heavier side. This means that the Olive will provide a more substantial typing experience with a stronger push feel, while the Strawberry will offer a lighter touch for longer typing sessions. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The Bsun Olive tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm, making it shorter than the KTT Strawberry linear switch with a travel distance of 4 mm. In general, a shorter travel distance is preferred by gamers for faster response times, while a longer travel distance can provide a more satisfying keypress for some users. Both switches fall within the range of traditional travel distances, with the Olive being slightly shorter. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on individual preferences for key feel and responsiveness.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Bsun Olive has an MSRP of $5.80 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Olive for $4.70.
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
Overall, the BSUN Olive tactile switch offers a unique sound profile characterized by a resonant, deep tone that enhances the typing experience. Its pronounced tactile feedback, accentuated by the long pole stem design, delivers a sharp bottom-out sensation, providing a satisfying auditory and tactile experience. On the other hand, the KTT Strawberry linear switch is praised for its smooth actuation and comfortable feel, thanks to its frictionless, silky, and buttery attributes that contribute to a polished typing experience.
When it comes to sound, the Olive switch produces a resonant and deep tone, but specific details are unknown. In comparison, the Strawberry switch is known for its low-pitched sound profile, offering a bass-heavy and mellow tone that can vary based on keyboard and keycap choices.
As for feel, the Olive switch is described as accented, invigorating, sharp, and snappy, providing a tactile typing experience with a prominent tactile bump and responsive feel. On the other hand, the Strawberry switch is known for its frictionless, silky, buttery, and polished attributes, offering an exceptionally smooth and effortless typing experience with minimized resistance and enhanced smoothness.
In conclusion, while the BSUN Olive tactile switch and the KTT Strawberry linear switch offer distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel, both switches provide a satisfying typing experience tailored to different preferences. Whether you prefer a pronounced tactile feedback with a resonant sound or a smooth, frictionless feel with a low-pitched tone, either switch will deliver reliable performance and enjoyable typing sessions. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for sound and feel in mechanical keyboard switches.
Conclusion
To sum up, you should consider choosing the BSUN Olive tactile switch when you prioritize a tactile typing experience with a pronounced feedback and a sharp bottom-out sound. The Olive switch offers an invigorating and sharp feel that provides a satisfying typing sensation. On the other hand, if you prefer a smooth and frictionless typing experience with a low-pitched sound, the KTT Strawberry linear switch would be the better choice for you. The Strawberry switch offers a buttery and polished feel that enhances the overall smoothness during typing. Ultimately, your decision between the Olive and Strawberry switches should be based on whether you prioritize tactile feedback and sharp sound or a smooth and effortless typing experience.
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