Kailh Sage vs. KTT Strawberry
An in-depth look at the Kailh Sage and the KTT Strawberry switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options that often come up in discussions are the Kailh Sage and the KTT Strawberry. The Kailh Sage is a clicky switch that offers a distinct clicky typing experience. Its weight is on the heavier side, providing a satisfyingly sharp clickiness. On the other hand, the KTT Strawberry is a linear switch that stands out with its attractive pink and clear housings. It is loved for its smooth actuation, comfortable feel, and reliable performance. The Strawberry switch is categorized as low-pitched, frictionless, silky, buttery, and polished. Both switches have their unique qualities and appeal to different 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
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 Sage and the KTT Strawberry both feature polycarbonate top housing, which results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This material choice is known for its stiffness, allowing for a clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the transparency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches that incorporate RGB lighting, adding a visual appeal to the typing experience. Therefore, users can expect similar sound and lighting effects from both switches due to their shared polycarbonate top housing.
However, when it comes to the bottom housing, there is a notable difference between the two switches. The Sage utilizes a nylon bottom housing, which contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon, being a softer plastic, absorbs more sound and promotes a duller and rounder sound when typing. In contrast, the Strawberry employs a polycarbonate bottom housing, aligning with its top housing material. This results in a sharper and crisper sound profile, complementing the characteristics of the polycarbonate top housing. Hence, the bottom-out sound and feel of the keys will differ between the two switches due to the variation in their bottom housing materials.
In terms of overall user experience, the impact of the top and bottom housing materials varies. When pressing down on a switch, the qualities of the bottom housing become more prominent, influencing the bottom-out sound and feel. The different bottom housing materials in the Sage and Strawberry contribute to distinct tactile feedback and typing sensations. On the other hand, the top housing material influences the sound produced when releasing a key. Therefore, while both switches may have similar sound characteristics due to their shared polycarbonate top housing, the variations in their bottom housing materials will result in contrasting bottom-out sound and feel experiences.
Weight
When comparing and contrasting the actuation force and bottom out force of the Kailh Sage clicky switch and the KTT Strawberry linear switch, we can observe some distinct differences. The actuation force of the Sage is currently unknown, while the Strawberry requires a lighter force of 43 grams to trigger a keystroke. Both switches have a medium bottom out force, with the Sage requiring 70 grams and the Strawberry requiring 62 grams. For those seeking a lighter typing experience, the Strawberry would be the preferable choice, as its actuation force is lighter than the Sage. On the other hand, individuals desiring a more substantial typing feel may opt for the Sage, as it likely has a heavier actuation force. However, due to the unavailability of the specific actuation force of the Sage, it is difficult to make a direct comparison between the two switches. Overall, considering weight is important as it determines the typing experience, with lighter switches being ideal for extended typing sessions and heavier switches providing a more satisfying push feel.
Travel distance
The Kailh Sage clicky switch and the KTT Strawberry linear switch have different travel distances, with the Sage having a shorter distance of 3.6 mm and the Strawberry having a longer distance of 4 mm. The Sage falls on the shorter end of the spectrum, making it preferred by gamers who value faster response times. With its shallower travel distance, the Sage allows for quicker keystrokes, which can be beneficial in competitive gaming. On the other hand, the Strawberry's longer travel distance provides a more substantial depth to each keystroke, which some individuals may find more comfortable and satisfying. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and the desired typing or gaming experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
For 10 switches, the Kailh Sage 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
The Kailh Sage clicky switch is best known for its distinct clicky typing experience, offering a refreshing sharpness and heaviness in terms of sound. These switches give off a crunchy sound, reminiscent of stepping on piles of crisp and crunchy autumn leaves. On the other hand, the KTT Strawberry linear switch is loved for its smooth actuation and comfortable feel, producing a low-pitched sound with 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 Kailh Sage switch offers an invigorating and sharp tactile experience. With pronounced feedback and a moderate to firm actuation force, these switches create an immersive typing sensation. The strong and crisp tactile bump is distinct and can be felt with each keypress. On the other hand, the KTT Strawberry switch provides a frictionless, silky, buttery, and polished typing experience. These switches offer an exceptionally smooth and effortless typing feel, minimizing resistance and friction when pressing the keys. The fluid travel and refined finish result in a sleek and refined typing experience.
Based on the available information, the Kailh Sage clicky switch and KTT Strawberry linear switch offer different subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Sage switch provides a heavy and sharp clickiness with a crunchy sound, while the Strawberry switch offers a low-pitched tone with a smooth and frictionless feel. If you are looking for a switch with a distinct clicky sound and an invigorating and sharp tactile feel, the Sage switch would be a suitable choice. On the other hand, if you prefer a switch with a mellow and bass-heavy sound, along with a smooth and effortless typing experience, the Strawberry switch would be an ideal option. It is important to consider personal preferences and individual typing style when selecting a switch, as each person may have a different preference for sound and feel.
Conclusion
In conclusion, if you are someone who enjoys a heavy clicky typing experience with a pronounced feedback, the Kailh Sage switch would be a great choice for you. With a bottom out force of 70 grams, this switch offers a refreshing sharp clickiness that can create an immersive typing sensation. The Sage switch is best known for its crunchy sound, resembling the stepping on piles of crisp autumn leaves.
On the other hand, if you prefer a smooth and effortless typing experience with a comfortable feel, the KTT Strawberry switch would be more suitable. With a bottom out force of 62 grams, the Strawberry switch offers a frictionless and silky typing feel. It is loved for its low-pitched sound, which gives a more bass-heavy and mellow tone.
Ultimately, the choice between these two switches depends on your personal preferences. If you prioritize a heavy clicky experience and enjoy the sound of crisp autumn leaves, go for the Kailh Sage switch. If you value smoothness and a comfortable typing feel with a low-pitched sound, opt for the KTT Strawberry switch. Both switches offer their own unique characteristics, allowing you to customize your typing experience to your liking.
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