KTT Purple Click vs. KTT Strawberry
An in-depth look at the KTT Purple Click and the KTT Strawberry switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, there are a plethora of options to choose from, each with their own unique characteristics and advantages. Two popular switches that offer distinct experiences are the KTT Purple Click and the KTT Strawberry. On one hand, the Purple Click switch is best known for its satisfying and high-pitched click, providing a tactile experience that strikes a perfect balance between light keystrokes and pronounced tactility. It is categorized as 'Crunchy', 'Invigorating', 'Resonant', and 'Stepped'. On the other hand, the Strawberry switch, with its attractive pink and clear housings, offers a smooth actuation, comfortable feel, and reliable performance. Categorized as 'Low-pitched', 'Frictionless', 'Silky', 'Buttery', and 'Polished', it provides a buttery-smooth typing experience without any disruptive click. 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
40g
Actuation force
43g
Bottom-out force
55g
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
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
18mm spring
Spring
Gold-plated
Housing materials
The KTT Purple Click and the KTT Strawberry both share the use of polycarbonate in their top housings. This material choice provides both switches with a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. Additionally, the transparent nature of polycarbonate allows for the use of RGB lighting, making it aesthetically pleasing for those who want to customize their keyboard's appearance. With these similarities in mind, users can expect similar results in terms of sound and lighting when using either switch.
However, when it comes to the bottom housing, the two switches differ. The Purple Click features a nylon bottom housing, while the Strawberry uses polycarbonate. Typing on switches with a nylon bottom housing produces a deeper and fuller sound profile. The softer nature of nylon allows it to absorb more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound compared to harder plastics. On the other hand, the polycarbonate bottom housing of the Strawberry contributes to a sharper and more resonant sound profile. The relatively stiffer nature of polycarbonate enhances the clarity of the sound produced.
In terms of user experience, the qualities brought by the bottom housing of each switch become more prominent during use. Pressing down on the switch will create a noticeable impact and sound influenced by the bottom housing material. Conversely, when releasing a key, the top housing's impact on the sound becomes more apparent. Therefore, users can expect distinct sensations and auditory cues based on the combination of top and bottom housing materials in each switch.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the KTT Purple Click clicky switch and the KTT Strawberry linear switch, there are some notable differences. The Purple Click has a lighter actuation force of 40 grams and a bottom out force of 55 grams, which falls into the medium-light range. In contrast, the Strawberry switch has a slightly heavier actuation force of 43 grams and a bottom out force of 62 grams, categorized as medium.
Considering weight as an important factor, those who prioritize lighter switches may prefer the Purple Click as it allows for longer typing periods, making it suitable for work or extended gaming sessions. However, for those seeking a more substantial typing experience, the Strawberry switch provides a stronger push feel due to its slightly heavier forces.
It is worth noting that while the two switches differ in their actuation and bottom out forces, they both fall within the medium range, ensuring that users can expect similar results in terms of overall resistance during typing.
Travel distance
The travel distance of a switch is the distance it travels from the top to the bottom, which is the distance you feel when you press down on a key. In the case of the KTT Purple Click clicky switch, it has a travel distance of 4 mm. Similarly, the KTT Strawberry linear switch also has a travel distance of 4 mm. This means that both switches provide the same tactile experience when typing or gaming. Whether you opt for the Purple Click or the Strawberry switch, you can expect a consistent travel distance and a satisfying key press.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The KTT Purple Click has an MSRP of $3.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Purple Click for $2.55.
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, the Purple Click switch is best known for its crunchy and resonant characteristics. The high-pitched click produced by these switches is often compared to the sound of stepping on piles of crisp and crunchy autumn leaves. The resonant nature of the switch contributes to a clean and sharp sound profile, creating an immersive auditory experience. On the other hand, the Strawberry switch is described as low-pitched, offering a more bass-heavy and mellow tone compared to higher-pitched switches. It is important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps chosen.
When it comes to feel, the Purple Click switch is often described as invigorating and stepped. The pronounced feedback, moderate to firm actuation force, and snappy and reactive feel of these switches create an immersive typing sensation. The stepped characteristic refers to a tactile switch that provides a mild two-stage feel, with some pre-travel and/or post-travel sensations. On the other hand, the Strawberry switch is associated with a frictionless, silky, buttery, and polished feel. These switches offer an extremely smooth and effortless typing experience by minimizing any sense of resistance or friction when pressing the keys. The overall smoothness of the typing feel and reduced friction contribute to the silky and buttery sensation of the switch, creating a polished and sleek typing experience.
In conclusion, the KTT Purple Click clicky switch and the KTT Strawberry linear switch offer distinct subjective qualities. The Purple Click is known for its high-pitched and satisfying click sound, along with its light keystrokes and pronounced yet balanced tactility. It provides an invigorating typing experience with a stepped feel. On the other hand, the Strawberry switch offers a low-pitched sound profile with smooth actuation, comfortable feel, and reliable performance. Its frictionless, silky, buttery, and polished feel enhances the overall smoothness of the typing experience. Depending on personal preferences, one can choose between the immersive sound and invigorating feel of the Purple Click or the mellow sound and smooth feel of the Strawberry switch. Both switches provide unique qualities that cater to different typing preferences.
Conclusion
To sum up, the KTT Purple Click clicky switch is a great choice if you enjoy a satisfying high-pitched click and prefer a light yet tactile keystroke. It offers a perfect equilibrium between lightness and pronounced tactility. The sound profile of the Purple Click is described as crunchy and resonant, resembling the crisp and sharp sound of stepping on autumn leaves. In terms of feel, the Purple Click provides an invigorating and stepped experience, with moderate to firm actuation force and a snappy and reactive feel.
On the other hand, the KTT Strawberry linear switch is the ideal option if you prefer a smooth and comfortable typing experience. With its attractive pink and clear housings, the Strawberry switch offers smooth actuation and reliable performance. The sound profile of the Strawberry switch is low-pitched, providing a more bass-heavy and mellow tone. In terms of feel, the Strawberry switch offers a frictionless, silky, and buttery sensation, with minimal resistance or friction when pressing the keys. Its polished finish ensures reduced friction and smooth key travel.
Ultimately, the choice between the KTT Purple Click and KTT Strawberry switches comes down to personal preference. If you value a satisfying audible feedback and a light yet tactile keystroke, the Purple Click is the way to go. However, if you prioritize a smooth and effortless typing experience, the Strawberry switch is the perfect fit. As a final point, both switches offer unique characteristics that can enhance your overall typing experience, so it's important to consider your preferences before making a decision.
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