KTT Pine vs. KTT Strawberry
An in-depth look at the KTT Pine and the KTT Strawberry switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
Introducing the KTT Pine and the KTT Strawberry, two mechanical keyboard switches that offer unique features for an enhanced typing experience. The Pine switch is renowned for its translucent, forest green appearance and is categorized as 'Bassy', 'Buttery', 'Creamy', and 'Low-pitched'. It boasts a medium-heavy weight and a buttery smooth feel, resulting in effortless typing. Additionally, its factory-lubed finish minimizes friction, ensuring smooth key travel. On the other hand, the Strawberry switch captures attention with its attractive pink and clear housings. It falls into the categories of 'Low-pitched', 'Frictionless', 'Silky', 'Buttery', and 'Polished', offering a smooth actuation, comfortable feel, and reliable performance. Both switches have their own appeal, providing excellent options for keyboard enthusiasts. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the ideal switch for your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
43g
Bottom-out force
58g
Bottom-out force
62g
Pre-travel
1.90 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
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
15.5mm gold-plated spring
Spring
Gold-plated
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the KTT Pine and the KTT Strawberry, it is evident that both switches utilize polycarbonate for their top and bottom housings. This choice of material contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile for both switches. The relatively stiffer nature of polycarbonate enhances the clarity and resonance of the sound produced by the switches. Additionally, the translucent property of polycarbonate makes it ideal for incorporating RGB lighting, providing an aesthetically pleasing experience. Therefore, in terms of housing materials, the Pine and Strawberry offer similar results, ensuring a consistent sound and visual experience for users.
However, it should be noted that if the top and bottom housings differ for a particular switch, the characteristics brought about by each housing material will be divided between the top and bottom. The bottom housing will have a more significant impact on the bottom-out sound and feel when a key is pressed down, while the top housing will influence the sound produced when the key is released. This distinction emphasizes the importance of considering the entire construction of the switch, including the materials used in both the top and bottom housings, to achieve the desired typing experience.
Overall, whether it is the KTT Pine or the KTT Strawberry, the inclusion of polycarbonate in their housing materials ensures a crisp and resonant sound profile. The use of this relatively stiffer plastic contributes to enhanced clarity, making it an excellent choice for those seeking an enjoyable typing experience. Additionally, the compatibility with RGB lighting adds a visually appealing element. Hence, while there may be variations in the specific design and construction of the switches, the common use of polycarbonate guarantees a certain level of performance in terms of sound and aesthetics.
Weight
When comparing the KTT Pine linear switch and the KTT Strawberry linear switch, there are some similarities and differences in their actuation force and bottom out force. Both switches fall into the medium category in terms of actuation force, with the Pine having a force of 45 grams and the Strawberry slightly lighter at 43 grams. This means that both switches require a similar level of force to trigger a keystroke. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Pine requires a force of 58 grams, while the Strawberry is slightly heavier at 62 grams.
For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, where they can effortlessly glide over the keys for extended periods of time, the Pine switch would be the better option. Its lighter actuation force provides a smoother tactile response, making it suitable for work or extended gaming sessions. On the other hand, for individuals who prefer a more substantial typing experience, with a stronger push feel, the Strawberry switch would be a better fit. Its slightly heavier bottom out force gives a satisfying tactile feedback, providing a more pronounced typing experience.
In summary, while both the KTT Pine and Strawberry linear switches have similar actuation forces, the Pine is lighter in terms of bottom out force while the Strawberry is slightly heavier. The choice will ultimately depend on personal preference and the desired typing experience.
Travel distance
The travel distance of a switch is a crucial factor to consider when choosing a keyboard. While both the KTT Pine linear switch and the KTT Strawberry linear switch have a travel distance of 4 mm, their similarities end there. Despite having the same travel distance, these switches differ in their tactile experience and overall feel. The KTT Pine switch is known for its smooth and linear travel, providing a consistent keystroke with each press. On the other hand, the KTT Strawberry switch offers a slightly more tactile experience with a subtle bump or click as the key is pressed. Both switches offer a satisfying typing experience, but the KTT Pine switch appeals to those who prefer a smoother feel, while the KTT Strawberry switch caters to users who prefer a bit more feedback. Even though they have the same travel distance, the differing tactile experiences make them distinct options for different preferences.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The KTT Pine has an MSRP of $4.60 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Pine 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
When comparing the sound qualities of the KTT Pine and the KTT Strawberry linear switches, both switches have a low-pitched sound profile. The Pine switch has the additional characteristic of being bassy, offering a deeper and richer sound during key presses. This is due to its lower frequency range, resembling the depth and richness associated with bass tones. However, it is important to note that the sound of a switch is also influenced by other factors such as the keyboard and keycaps being used. Therefore, while the Pine switch may provide a bassier sound, the Strawberry switch can still offer a similar low-pitched experience.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the Pine switch is known for being buttery and creamy in terms of typing experience. These descriptors imply a smooth and seamless keystroke sensation, with a fluid and effortless travel. The Strawberry switch, on the other hand, is described as frictionless, silky, buttery, and polished. These qualities indicate that the Strawberry switch also offers a smooth and fluid typing experience, with minimal resistance or friction when pressing the keys. The use of lubricant at the factory and the overall refined finish contribute to the smoothness of the Strawberry switch. While the Pine switch may have a creamier feel, the Strawberry switch can provide a similar silky and polished typing sensation.
Taking all the available information into consideration, the KTT Pine and the KTT Strawberry linear switches share some subjective qualities. Both switches offer a smooth and effortless typing experience, with the Pine switch leaning towards a buttery and creamy feel, while the Strawberry switch provides a more frictionless and silky sensation. In terms of sound, both switches have a low-pitched profile, with the Pine switch offering a bassier sound. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches comes down to personal preference, as they both provide enjoyable typing experiences with their unique characteristics.
Conclusion
In closing, to decide between the KTT Pine linear switch and the KTT Strawberry linear switch, consider your preferred bottom out force, sound, and feel. If you prefer a slightly lighter switch, the Pine with a bottom out force of 58 grams may be the right choice for you. It is best known for its medium-heavy feel, smooth key travel, and effortless typing experience. The Pine also offers a bassy and low-pitched sound profile, adding a deeper and richer tone to your typing. In terms of feel, it is described as buttery and creamy, providing a seamless and uniform typing sensation. On the other hand, if you prefer a slightly heavier switch, the Strawberry with a bottom out force of 62 grams is worth considering. It is best known for its attractive pink and clear housings, smooth actuation, comfortable feel, and reliable performance. The Strawberry offers a low-pitched sound profile, providing a more mellow and bass-heavy tone. In terms of feel, it is described as frictionless, silky, buttery, and polished, offering an exceptionally smooth and effortless typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the Pine and the Strawberry comes down to personal preference and the specific typing experience you desire.
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