KTT Rose vs. KTT Strawberry
An in-depth look at the KTT Rose 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 KTT Rose and the KTT Strawberry, both of which are linear switches. The Rose switch is best known for its beautiful aesthetics, but it offers more than just visual appeal. With the use of progressive springs, it provides a unique and substantial typing experience that is not too heavy. When typing on these switches, one can almost hear the bassy raindrops. Categorized as 'Low-pitched', 'Neutral', 'Mild', and 'Polished', the Rose switch offers a balanced and pleasing typing experience. On the other hand, the Strawberry switch is loved for its delectable appearance, featuring attractive pink and clear housings. Beyond its aesthetics, it boasts a smooth actuation, comfortable feel, and reliable performance. Characterized as 'Low-pitched', 'Frictionless', 'Silky', 'Buttery', and 'Polished', the Strawberry switch delivers a satisfying and buttery typing experience. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your preferences and needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
N/A
Actuation force
43g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Bottom-out force
62g
Pre-travel
2.00 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
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Progressive spring
Spring
Gold-plated
Housing materials
The housing materials of the KTT Rose and the KTT Strawberry are quite similar, as both switches feature a polycarbonate top housing. This choice of material creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile in both switches. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate allows for the effective use of RGB lighting, adding to the aesthetic appeal of the switches. Therefore, if you are looking for a switch with a clear housing for RGB lighting purposes and a distinct sound profile, both the Rose and the Strawberry would yield similar results.
However, when it comes to the bottom housing, the Rose features a nylon material while the Strawberry utilizes a polycarbonate bottom housing. The nylon bottom housing in the Rose provides a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing. This is due to nylon being a relatively softer plastic that absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. On the other hand, the polycarbonate bottom housing in the Strawberry contributes to its overall sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This can be attributed to polycarbonate's stiffness, which creates a clearer and resonant sound.
When using either the Rose or the Strawberry switch, you will experience the qualities of both the top and bottom housing materials. The impact on the sound and feel when pressing down on a key will predominantly be influenced by the bottom housing. This means that the Rose, with its nylon bottom housing, will offer a deeper and fuller bottom-out sound and feel. Conversely, the Strawberry, with its polycarbonate bottom housing, will provide a sharper and crisper bottom-out sound and feel. On the other hand, the sound produced when you let go of a key will be more affected by the qualities of the top housing material, in this case, both switches featuring polycarbonate top housing.
In summary, while the KTT Rose and KTT Strawberry employ different materials for their bottom housings, they both utilize polycarbonate for the top housing. This creates a similar effect in terms of a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. However, the choice between the two switches depends on whether you prefer a deeper and fuller sound with the Rose's nylon bottom housing or a clearer and resonant sound with the Strawberry's polycarbonate bottom housing.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the KTT Rose linear switch and the KTT Strawberry linear switch, there are some notable differences. The actuation force of the Rose switch is currently unknown, while the actuation force of the Strawberry switch is 43 grams. This means that the Strawberry switch requires a lighter force to trigger a keystroke compared to the Rose switch. However, when it comes to the bottom out force, the Rose switch has a slightly heavier force of 63.5 grams, whereas the Strawberry switch has a bottom out force of 62 grams. This means that when pressing the keys all the way down, the Rose switch offers a slightly more substantial typing experience.
Considering weight as an important factor, individuals who prefer a lighter typing experience may opt for the Strawberry switch due to its lower actuation force. This lighter actuation force allows for longer periods of typing without fatigue, making it ideal for office use or extended gaming sessions. On the other hand, those who prefer a stronger push feel and a more substantial typing experience may lean towards the Rose switch with its heavier bottom out force. This heavier force provides a more satisfying tactile feedback while typing and is preferred by individuals who enjoy a noticeable resistance when pressing the keys.
In cases where the actuation force of the Rose switch becomes available and is similar to that of the Strawberry switch, individuals can expect similar results in terms of actuation force. However, it is important to note that the Rose switch will still provide a slightly heavier bottom out force, offering a slightly different typing experience. Overall, the choice between the KTT Rose linear switch and the KTT Strawberry linear switch ultimately depends on individual preferences for typing feel and experience.
Travel distance
The KTT Rose linear switch and the KTT Strawberry linear switch both have a travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when you press down on a key, you will feel the same distance being traveled by both switches. Consequently, the results of the travel distance will be similar for both switches. There is no difference in the length of travel between the two switches as they share the same 4 mm travel distance.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
For 10 switches, the KTT Rose comes in at $3.01, 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
The KTT Rose linear switch offers a low-pitched sound profile that is characterized by bass-heavy and mellow tones. This creates a pleasing auditory experience while typing. Similarly, the KTT Strawberry linear switch also provides a low-pitched sound profile, resulting in the same bass-heavy and mellow tones. Therefore, users can expect similar sound characteristics from both switches.
When it comes to the feel of the switches, the KTT Rose switch offers a mild typing experience that is gentle and approachable for most users. It falls within a safe middle-ground zone, providing a comfortable feel. Additionally, the Rose switch is described as polished, meaning it has a smooth and refined finish resulting in a sleek typing experience with reduced friction.
On the other hand, the KTT Strawberry switch is described as frictionless, offering an extremely smooth and effortless typing experience with no sense of resistance or friction. It is also referred to as silky and buttery, providing an exceptionally smooth and fluid keystroke. Similar to the Rose switch, the Strawberry switch is also described as polished, ensuring reduced friction and smooth key travel.
Considering all the available information, both the KTT Rose and KTT Strawberry switches offer pleasing sound profiles, with a low-pitched and bass-heavy tone. While the Rose switch provides a gentle and polished typing experience, the Strawberry switch offers an even smoother and frictionless feel. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on personal preferences in terms of sound and feel, with the understanding that both switches offer high-quality performance.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the KTT Rose linear switch and the KTT Strawberry linear switch, it ultimately comes down to your personal preference and typing style. If you appreciate a medium-heavy bottom out force and a substantial yet not heavy typing experience, the Rose switch is an excellent choice. The progressive springs used in the Rose switch provide a unique feel and sound, resembling bassy raindrops when typing. On the other hand, if you prefer a switch with a medium bottom out force and prioritize smooth actuation, comfortable feel, and reliable performance, the Strawberry switch is the way to go. With its attractive pink and clear housings, the Strawberry switch offers a smooth and frictionless typing experience, with qualities like a silky and buttery feel. Both switches have a low-pitched sound profile, adding to the overall satisfaction of typing on them. Ultimately, consider your desired typing experience and sound preferences when making your decision between the KTT Rose and KTT Strawberry linear switches.
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