KTT Purple Star vs. KTT Strawberry
An in-depth look at the KTT Purple Star and the KTT Strawberry switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the KTT Purple Star and KTT Strawberry mechanical keyboard switches, it becomes evident that both offer unique advantages for different types of users. The Purple Star, a linear switch, stands out for its buttery smooth typing experience due to its all-POM construction. With a very light 45g bottom-out, it is an excellent choice for light typists seeking ease and comfort. On the other hand, the Strawberry, also a linear switch, showcases smooth actuation, comfortable feel, and reliable performance with its attractive pink and clear housings. While the Purple Star is known for its mild and easy-to-press attributes, the Strawberry is praised for being low-pitched, frictionless, silky, buttery, and polished. These distinctions offer users a choice between different typing experiences based on their preferences. 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
43g
Actuation force
43g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
62g
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
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
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Gold-plated
Housing materials
The KTT Purple Star and KTT Strawberry both offer unique housing materials that contribute to the sound profile of the switch. The Purple Star features POM top and bottom housings, which create a deep and muted sound profile. On the other hand, the Strawberry utilizes polycarbonate for both the top and bottom housings, resulting in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. The differences in housing materials between the two switches lead to distinct auditory experiences for the user.
While the Purple Star and Strawberry have different top and bottom housing materials, they both prioritize creating a pleasing sound profile. The use of POM in the Purple Star's housing results in a unique and deep sound, while the polycarbonate in the Strawberry provides a clear and resonant sound. Despite these differences, both switches aim to offer an enjoyable typing experience through their respective housing materials. Whether it be the more muted sound of the Purple Star or the crisper sound of the Strawberry, users can expect a satisfying auditory feedback from both switches.
In terms of aesthetics, the housing materials of the Purple Star and Strawberry also play a role. The translucency of polycarbonate is especially useful for switches that plan to use RGB lighting, as it allows for the illumination to shine through. This is a feature exclusive to the Strawberry, as the Purple Star does not offer the same level of transparency in its POM housing. Ultimately, the choice between the Purple Star and Strawberry will come down to personal preference in sound profile and visual appeal.
Weight
The KTT Purple Star linear switch and the KTT Strawberry linear switch both have an actuation force of 43 grams, making them equally light in terms of the force required to trigger a keystroke. However, when it comes to bottoming out, the Purple Star has a bottom out force of 50 grams, while the Strawberry has a bottom out force of 62 grams, making it heavier in comparison. This means that the Purple Star switch may feel lighter and easier to type on for longer periods, which is ideal for extended typing sessions or gaming marathons. On the other hand, the heavier bottom out force of the Strawberry switch may provide a more substantial typing experience for those who prefer a stronger push feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for actuation and bottom out force.
Travel distance
The KTT Purple Star linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the KTT Strawberry linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. In this case, the Strawberry switch has a longer travel distance compared to the Purple Star switch. A 0.5 mm might not seem like a significant difference, but it can affect the typing experience. Gamers who prioritize faster response times may prefer the Purple Star switch with its shorter travel distance, while those who enjoy a more substantial keypress may lean towards the Strawberry switch. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and typing style.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
For 10 switches, the KTT Purple Star comes in at $4.88, 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
In terms of sound, both the KTT Purple Star and KTT Strawberry switches are described as having a low-pitched sound profile, which typically results in a more bass-heavy and mellow tone compared to higher-pitched switches. This means that both switches are likely to provide a pleasant and non-intrusive typing experience, with no sharp or distracting noises. However, it is important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard's construction and keycaps used.
When it comes to the feel of the switches, the Purple Star is characterized as having a mild and easy-to-press typing experience, with a light actuation force that makes typing effortless and comfortable. These switches offer a gentle typing experience that is approachable to most users, striking a balance between tactile feedback and ease of use. On the other hand, the Strawberry switches are described as frictionless, silky, buttery, and polished, providing an exceptionally smooth and fluid typing sensation. These switches minimize resistance and offer a refined and sleek typing experience that enhances overall comfort during long typing sessions.
Overall, both the KTT Purple Star and KTT Strawberry switches offer desirable qualities that cater to different preferences. While the Purple Star switches are known for their gentle and easy-to-press feel, ideal for light typists, the Strawberry switches excel in providing a smooth and frictionless typing experience. Depending on your personal typing style and preferences, you can expect similar results in terms of sound and overall typing comfort with either switch. Ultimately, both switches are designed to enhance your typing experience and provide a satisfying tactile response that meets the needs of a variety of users.
Conclusion
In summary, if you are looking for a light, easy-to-press switch with a low-pitched sound and mild feel, the KTT Purple Star linear switch would be a great choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium bottom-out force switch that offers a frictionless, silky, buttery, and polished feel with a low-pitched sound, the KTT Strawberry linear switch would be more fitting for your needs. Consider your typing preferences and the characteristics that are important to you when deciding between these two switches. Ultimately, both switches offer a unique typing experience, so choose the one that aligns best with your typing style and preferences.
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