Kailh Plum vs. KTT Strawberry
An in-depth look at the Kailh Plum 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 Kailh Plum, a tactile switch, and the KTT Strawberry, a linear switch. The Plum stands out for its unique feel, as it is both hefty and tactile without featuring a pronounced bump like many other switches. Its sound profile is neutral and enjoyable, making it a favorite among users. On the other hand, the Strawberry switch is loved for its smooth actuation, comfortable feel, and reliable performance. With an attractive pink and clear housing, it adds a visually appealing element to any keyboard. Categorized as low-pitched, frictionless, silky, buttery, and polished, it offers a satisfying typing experience. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can best decide on the ideal switch for your typing preferences.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
N/A
Actuation force
43g
Bottom-out force
70g
Bottom-out force
62g
Pre-travel
1.70 mm
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Total travel
3.60 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
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Gold-plated
Housing materials
The Kailh Plum and the KTT Strawberry both utilize polycarbonate as the material for their top housing. This choice contributes to a similar sound profile for both switches, creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. The polycarbonate material is known for its stiffness, allowing for a more clear and resonant sound profile. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate in the top housing is beneficial for those who plan to use RGB lighting in their keyboards, as it allows for better light diffusion. Therefore, users can expect similar sound and lighting effects from both the Plum and Strawberry switches.
Where the two switches differ is in their choice of bottom housing material. The Plum switch utilizes nylon in its bottom housing, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon, known for its softer nature, absorbs more sound and creates a duller and rounder sound. On the other hand, the Strawberry switch opts for a polycarbonate bottom housing, maintaining the sharper and crisper sound profile that polycarbonate offers. The bottom housing has a greater impact on the bottom-out sound and feel of the switch, so users can expect a more distinct typing experience with the Plum switch due to its nylon bottom housing.
Overall, while the top housing materials of the Kailh Plum and KTT Strawberry are the same, creating similar sound profiles and lighting effects, the difference lies in the bottom housing materials. The Plum switch with its nylon bottom housing offers a deeper, fuller sound, while the Strawberry switch with its polycarbonate bottom housing maintains the sharper and crisper sound profile. Depending on the user's preference for sound and feel, they can choose between the two switches accordingly.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Kailh Plum tactile switch and the KTT Strawberry linear switch, there are noticeable differences. The Plum switch has an actuation force of unavailable grams, while the Strawberry switch requires 43 grams of force to trigger a keystroke. This suggests that the Strawberry switch has a lighter actuation force compared to the Plum switch. Moving on to the bottom out force, the Plum switch requires 70 grams to fully bottom out, which is considered medium-heavy. In comparison, the Strawberry switch has a bottom out force of 62 grams, which is slightly lighter but also falls within the medium range.
Considering the importance of weight, individuals who prefer a lighter typing experience may find the Strawberry switch more suitable as it requires less force to trigger a keystroke. This can be beneficial for prolonged typing sessions or intense gaming sessions. On the other hand, those who prefer a stronger push feel for a more substantial typing experience might lean towards the Plum switch with its heavier actuation force. Both switches provide a medium level of bottom out force, although the Plum switch is slightly heavier in this regard. Ultimately, depending on personal preference and desired typing experience, individuals can choose between the lighter actuation force of the Strawberry switch or the heavier actuation force and bottom out force of the Plum switch.
Travel distance
The Kailh Plum tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the KTT Strawberry linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. In terms of travel distance, the Strawberry switch is slightly longer than the Plum switch. The Plum switch falls within the range of shorter travel distances, which are becoming increasingly popular, especially among gamers who prioritize faster response times. On the other hand, the Strawberry switch offers a slightly deeper travel distance, which may be preferred by individuals who enjoy a more substantial feel when pressing down on a key. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on personal preference and the desired level of responsiveness.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
For 10 switches, the Kailh Plum comes in at $6.25, 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
When it comes to sound, the Kailh Plum tactile switch has a neutral profile, meaning it has a moderate actuation force requirement and a moderate sound profile. This makes the switch suitable for most intents and purposes, whether you are a beginner or advanced user, and whether you are using it at home or in a work environment. On the other hand, the KTT Strawberry linear switch is described as having a low-pitched sound. This means that the Strawberry switch has a more bass-heavy and mellow tone compared to higher-pitched switches. However, it is important to note that the sound of a switch is also influenced by other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.
In terms of feel, the Plum tactile switch provides a mild typing experience. This switch offers a more gentle typing experience compared to switches with more pronounced characteristics. It falls in the safe middle-ground zone, making it approachable and comfortable for most users. Additionally, the Plum switch is described as a stepped switch, which means it has two stages of tactility. This offers a more mild tactile feedback experience, where you can feel some pre-travel and/or post-travel. On the other hand, the KTT Strawberry linear switch is known for its frictionless, silky, buttery, and polished feel. This means that the Strawberry switch offers an extremely smooth and effortless typing experience, with minimal resistance or friction when pressing the keys. It is designed to enhance the overall smoothness of the typing feel and provide a seamless and uniform typing sensation.
Taking all the available information into account, the Kailh Plum tactile switch and the KTT Strawberry linear switch offer different subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Plum switch has a neutral sound profile and provides a mild and stepped typing experience. On the other hand, the Strawberry switch has a low-pitched sound profile and offers a frictionless, silky, buttery, and polished typing experience. If you prefer a moderate sound profile and a mild typing experience with some tactility, the Plum switch would be a suitable choice. If you prefer a low-pitched sound profile and an extremely smooth and effortless typing experience, the Strawberry switch would be a great option. Keep in mind that the ultimate typing experience is also influenced by other factors such as keyboard board, keycaps, and personal preferences. Overall, both switches offer unique qualities and can deliver satisfying results based on individual preferences.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you're looking for a tactile switch with a medium-heavy bottom out force and a unique feel, the Kailh Plum switch is a great choice. These switches offer a moderate actuation force requirement and a neutral sound profile, suitable for both beginner and advanced users, whether you're using them at home or work. The Plum switch provides a mild typing experience with a stepped feel, offering a gentle typing experience and a middle-ground zone for sound and feel.
On the other hand, if you prefer a linear switch with a medium bottom out force, the KTT Strawberry switch is a fantastic option. These switches have an attractive pink and clear housing and are loved for their smooth actuation, comfortable feel, and reliable performance. The Strawberry switch features a low-pitched sound profile, offering a more bass-heavy and mellow tone compared to higher-pitched switches. It provides a frictionless, silky, buttery, and polished typing experience, with an exceptionally smooth and effortless feel and minimized resistance or friction when pressing the keys.
Ultimately, the choice between the Kailh Plum tactile switch and the KTT Strawberry linear switch comes down to your personal preference for tactile or linear switches, as well as your desired typing experience and sound profile. Both switches have their own unique qualities and strengths, ensuring a satisfying typing experience for different users and preferences.
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