Huano Sakura vs. KTT Strawberry
An in-depth look at the Huano Sakura and the KTT Strawberry switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, both the Huano Sakura and the KTT Strawberry stand out as appealing options for users who prefer linear switches. The Huano Sakura is celebrated for its feather-light touch and medium acoustics, making it an excellent choice for those who engage in extensive typing sessions and seek minimal finger fatigue. In contrast, the KTT Strawberry offers a visually striking appearance with its attractive pink and clear housings, and is particularly loved for its silky smooth actuation and comfortable feel, ensuring a reliable typing experience. While the Sakura is best suited for users who value lightness and sound moderation, the Strawberry focuses on a frictionless performance and an aesthetically pleasing design. 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
35g
Actuation force
43g
Bottom-out force
45g
Bottom-out force
62g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Total travel
3.60 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
POK
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
23mm single-stage spring
Spring
Gold-plated
Housing materials
The Huano Sakura and the KTT Strawberry switches exhibit distinct characteristics in their housing materials, leading to different auditory and tactile experiences. The Sakura's POK top housing is renowned for its smoothness with a slightly higher coefficient of friction (0.04) compared to LY (0.03), and is exceptionally durable, offering impressive wear and shock resistance. These attributes contribute to a 'clacky' sound profile when typing, enhancing both the tactile and auditory feedback. In contrast, the KTT Strawberry features polycarbonate for its top housing, which provides a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile due to its stiffer nature. These differing materials lead to different auditory experiences when the switch is actuated and released, with POK favoring a deeper sound and polycarbonate yielding a more resonant tone.
In terms of bottom housing materials, the Sakura uses nylon, recognized for its relatively softer nature that absorbs sound, producing a fuller and deeper auditory profile. This contrasts sharply with the Strawberry's polycarbonate bottom housing, which, like its top counterpart, produces crisper and higher-pitched sounds. The difference between these housing materials not only affects the sound profile but also the tactile feedback. When pressed, the softer nylon of the Sakura allows for a more muted response compared to the snappy feedback from the stiffer polycarbonate utilized in the Strawberry, thus creating a unique typing experience for each switch.
Overall, while the Huano Sakura and KTT Strawberry switches utilize differing materials for their top and bottom housings, the combined effects on sound and feel produce switches tailored for distinct user preferences. If they happened to feature similar materials, one would expect to achieve comparable feedback and sound profiles due to the harmonization of acoustic properties across the switch. Therefore, understanding the impact of each housing material helps users choose their switches based on desired auditory and tactile experiences, ultimately highlighting the personal nature of mechanical keyboard customization.
Weight
The Huano Sakura linear switch and the KTT Strawberry linear switch present differing characteristics in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Sakura features a lighter actuation force of 35 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, making it easier on the fingers and ideal for extended typing or gaming sessions. In contrast, the KTT Strawberry has a heavier actuation force of 43 grams and a bottom out force of 62 grams, providing a more substantial typing experience for those who prefer a stronger push feel. This differentiation means that users seeking a lighter touch might gravitate towards the Sakura, while those desiring a heftier resistance will likely prefer the Strawberry. Overall, while both switches serve their purpose within the linear switch category, they cater to distinct preferences in typing feel and user comfort.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Huano Sakura linear switch and the KTT Strawberry linear switch, the difference is quite clear. The Huano Sakura has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, whereas the KTT Strawberry measures 4 mm. This makes the Sakura the shorter option, providing a more responsive feel that may appeal to gamers or those who prefer quicker key presses. In contrast, the longer travel distance of the Strawberry at 4 mm caters to users who appreciate a more pronounced depth in their keystrokes, offering a more deliberate typing experience. Ultimately, if you choose the Sakura, you'll enjoy faster response times, while the Strawberry may feel more satisfying for those who favor a fuller press.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Huano Sakura has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Sakura for $3.29.
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
When it comes to sound, the Huano Sakura switch delivers medium acoustics, making it a suitable choice for users who prefer a more balanced auditory experience during typing without overwhelming noise. This sound profile can be beneficial for prolonged use, as it strikes a nice compromise that won't fatigue the ears. In contrast, the KTT Strawberry switch features a low-pitched tone, which lends itself to a bass-heavy and mellow auditory feedback. This difference in sound may cater to different preferences; while the Sakura focuses on a balanced sound, the Strawberry provides a richer, deeper tone, creating a unique acoustic environment that can complement your typing experience.
In terms of feel, the Sakura switch offers a feather-light touch, designed to result in minimal resistance while typing. This can make for a pleasant and fatigue-free typing experience, especially during extended sessions. Meanwhile, the KTT Strawberry switch emphasizes frictionless, silky, buttery, and polished sensations. These descriptors indicate that users can expect an exceptionally smooth and effortless experience with minimal tactile resistance, enhancing the overall responsiveness of keystrokes. The Strawberry switch essentially builds on the lightness of the Sakura switch by providing an even more refined and fluid typing motion, which can be a significant advantage for those who prioritize comfort and speed.
Considering both switches, the Huano Sakura provides a medium acoustic experience paired with a feather-light touch, making it ideal for extended typing sessions without overwhelming sound. In comparison, the KTT Strawberry switch boasts a low-pitched sound profile complemented by an array of smooth tactile descriptors that enhance the feel of each keystroke, catering to users who highly value a buttery and frictionless typing experience. Ultimately, users choosing between these two switches can expect unique strengths; selecting either will yield satisfying results, whether it’s through the Sakura's balanced sound and light action or the Strawberry's smoothness and rich auditory feedback. Your final choice will depend on your personal preferences around sound and feel.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between the Huano Sakura linear switch and the KTT Strawberry linear switch ultimately depends on your personal typing preferences and usage scenarios. If you prefer a lighter feel and engage in extensive typing sessions, the Sakura’s 45-gram bottoming force and its feather-light touch make it an excellent choice for prolonged comfort. Its medium acoustics can also contribute to a more pleasant auditory experience, especially in quieter environments. On the other hand, if you seek a more robust and tactile typing experience, the Strawberry’s 62-gram bottoming force is better suited for precise keystrokes with enhanced feedback. Its frictionless, silky, and buttery feel ensures an exceptionally smooth typing experience, making it ideal for gaming or tasks requiring fast, reliable key presses. In essence, if you prioritize lightness and acoustics for typing tasks, go with the Sakura; if you value a smoother, more polished feel and a stronger actuation force, opt for the Strawberry. Your choice should ultimately align with how you intend to use your keyboard, as each switch provides a unique feel and performance characteristic that can significantly enhance your typing experience.
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