KTT Orange vs. KTT Strawberry
An in-depth look at the KTT Orange and the KTT Strawberry switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, two popular options are the KTT Orange and the KTT Strawberry. The KTT Orange switch is known for its bouncy type feel, thanks to a 22mm long spring. It features a polycarbonate milky top housing, long pole POM stem, and a vivid orange nylon bottom housing, resulting in a slick and frictionless typing experience with a low-pitched sound profile. The excellent factory-lubing ensures refined and fluid key travel, minimizing friction and maximizing smoothness. On the other hand, the KTT Strawberry switch is beloved for its smooth actuation, comfortable feel, and reliable performance. With attractive pink and clear housings, this switch offers a low-pitched sound and a frictionless and silky typing experience. It is often described as buttery and polished. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
46g
Actuation force
43g
Bottom-out force
53g
Bottom-out force
62g
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Total travel
3.50 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
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm gold-plated spring
Spring
Gold-plated
Housing materials
The housing materials of the KTT Orange and KTT Strawberry keyboards, particularly the polycarbonate top and bottom housings, share several similarities. Both keyboards utilize polycarbonate in their housing constructions, resulting in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This can be attributed to the relatively stiffer nature of polycarbonate, which enhances clarity and resonance in sound production. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches that incorporate RGB lighting, as it allows for the passage of light and enhances the visual aesthetics of the keyboard. Therefore, the top and bottom housings of both keyboards showcase these common qualities associated with polycarbonate.
However, if the top and bottom housings of a switch differ, the overall impact and characteristics of the housing materials will be divided between the two parts. When pressing down a key, the qualities of the bottom housing become more prominent, influencing the bottom-out sound and feel experienced by the user. Conversely, the top housing plays a more significant role in determining the sound produced when releasing a key. Essentially, the distribution of the housing materials affects the tactile and auditory feedback provided by the switch, leading to differences in user experience.
Overall, while the housing materials share essential characteristics like sound profile and suitability for RGB lighting, any divergence between the top and bottom housings will affect the resulting effects of these materials. Both the KTT Orange and KTT Strawberry keyboards take advantage of polycarbonate's attributes to deliver enhanced and satisfying user experiences. By understanding the division of qualities between the top and bottom housing, users can better appreciate the nuanced differences in sound and feel when interacting with each keyboard.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the KTT Orange linear switch and the KTT Strawberry linear switch, there are some notable similarities and differences. In terms of actuation force, the Orange switch requires 46 grams of force, while the Strawberry switch requires 43 grams. Although the difference is relatively small, it indicates that the Strawberry switch has a slightly lighter touch for triggering keystrokes. On the other hand, when it comes to bottom out force, the Orange switch requires 53 grams, whereas the Strawberry switch requires 62 grams. This signifies that the Strawberry switch has a heavier bottom out force compared to the Orange switch.
Considering the weight aspect, those who prefer a lighter switch may lean towards the Strawberry option as it requires less force for actuation. This lighter actuation force can be appealing for individuals who type for extended periods or engage in long gaming sessions. However, individuals who prefer a more substantial typing experience with a stronger push feel may find the Orange switch more suitable. The Orange switch's slightly heavier bottom out force can provide that desired tactile feedback and sense of solidity while typing.
In summary, while the actuation force is lighter in the KTT Strawberry linear switch, the bottom out force is heavier compared to the KTT Orange linear switch. This difference offers a choice between a lighter touch for extended typing sessions or a more solid and substantial typing experience. Regardless of which switch is chosen, both options provide a medium-level actuation and bottom out forces, ensuring similar overall results for those who prefer a balanced typing experience.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the KTT Orange linear switch is 3.5 mm, while the travel distance of the KTT Strawberry linear switch is 4 mm. Both switches have a shorter travel distance compared to the more traditional 4.0 mm travel distance. Gamers who prioritize faster response times often prefer switches with shorter travel distances. In this case, the KTT Orange would be the preferred option. On the other hand, some individuals may find shorter travel distances to feel too abrupt and prefer a switch with more depth. For those seeking a more hearty typing experience, the KTT Strawberry, with its longer travel distance, would be the better choice. Despite their differences in travel distance, both switches offer unique advantages depending on individual preferences.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The KTT Orange has an MSRP of $5.55 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Orange for $4.15.
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
In terms of sound, both the KTT Orange and KTT Strawberry switches are described as having a low-pitched sound profile. Low-pitched switches generally produce a more bass-heavy and mellow tone compared to higher-pitched switches. However, it's important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard's construction and the type of keycaps used. Therefore, purchasing either switch should result in a similar low-pitched sound, but the final sound may vary depending on other factors.
When it comes to the feel of the switches, the KTT Orange switch is described as bouncy and frictionless. Bouncy switches provide a spring-like or elastic feedback sensation, giving a lively feel and rebound when pressed. Additionally, the Orange switch offers an extremely smooth and effortless typing experience, minimizing resistance or friction when pressing the keys. This frictionless characteristic contributes to a fluid travel of the key.
On the other hand, the KTT Strawberry switch is described as frictionless, silky, buttery, and polished. These qualities highlight an exceptionally smooth typing experience, with minimal resistance or friction while pressing and releasing the keys. The Strawberry switch provides a seamless, effortless, and uniform typing sensation. The switch's polished finish, which can be due to factory lubing or the materials used, further enhances the smoothness of the typing feel, offering a sleek and refined typing experience.
In conclusion, both the KTT Orange and KTT Strawberry switches share similar subjective qualities. Their low-pitched sound profiles result in a bass-heavy and mellow tone. In terms of feel, both switches offer a frictionless experience, minimizing resistance and ensuring smooth key travel. While the Orange switch is bouncy, providing a spring-like feedback, the Strawberry switch adds additional characteristics such as silkiness, butteriness, and a polished finish. Therefore, if you prefer a smoother typing experience, the Strawberry switch may be the better choice. However, both switches will deliver excellent typing experiences, and the final decision may depend on personal preference and the desired overall aesthetic of the keyboard.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you're looking for a medium-light switch with a bouncy and frictionless feel, the KTT Orange switch is the way to go. Its 53-gram bottom out force and 22mm long spring provide a satisfyingly spring-like feedback, while the polycarbonate milky top housing and nylon bottom housing contribute to a slick and frictionless typing experience. Additionally, the low-pitched sound profile adds to the overall pleasant typing sound. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium switch with an exceptionally smooth and effortless typing experience, the KTT Strawberry switch is the better choice. With its frictionless and silky feel, as well as a touch of buttery and polished sensation, this switch guarantees a seamless and refined typing experience. Both switches offer a low-pitched sound profile, so you can enjoy a mellow and bass-heavy typing tone with either option. Ultimately, it comes down to personal preference and the specific typing experience you're looking for.
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