TTC Silent Bluish White (V2) vs. KTT Strawberry
An in-depth look at the TTC Silent Bluish White (V2) 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 to mind are the TTC Silent Bluish White and the KTT Strawberry. The Silent Bluish White switch is a tactile switch that offers a satisfying level of resistance when pressed, providing users with a precise and comfortable typing experience. What sets these switches apart is their quiet nature; they are designed to be as silent as possible, making them a great choice for office or shared living space use. On the other hand, the Strawberry switch is a linear switch that is loved for its smooth actuation, comfortable feel, and reliable performance. With attractive pink and clear housings, the Strawberry switches not only offer a visually appealing option but also provide a frictionless and silky 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
42g
Actuation force
43g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
62g
Pre-travel
2.00 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
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
When comparing the housing materials of the TTC Silent Bluish White and the KTT Strawberry, both switches utilize polycarbonate for their top housing. This material enhances the sound profile of both switches, creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate allows for compatibility with RGB lighting, making it an excellent choice for those seeking visually appealing setups. Therefore, the Silent Bluish White and the Strawberry will yield similar results in terms of sound and light transmission due to their shared use of polycarbonate in the top housing.
However, the bottom housing differs between the two switches. The Silent Bluish White features a nylon bottom housing, while the Strawberry utilizes polycarbonate. Nylon is known for producing a deeper and fuller sound profile. This is because nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound when typing on the switch. On the other hand, the polycarbonate bottom housing on the Strawberry contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. The stiffness of polycarbonate enhances the resonance and clarity of the switch's sound profile. Thus, the choice of bottom housing material in the Silent Bluish White and the Strawberry leads to different typing experiences in terms of sound.
To fully understand the impact of the two housing materials, it's important to note that the qualities brought by each housing material are split between the top and bottom of the switch. The bottom housing has a more significant influence on the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing down on the switch, while the top housing plays a larger role in the sound when releasing the key. Therefore, the differing bottom housing materials in the Silent Bluish White and the Strawberry result in distinct typing experiences, with the nylon bottom housing providing a deeper and fuller sound upon key press, while the polycarbonate bottom housing enhances the crispness and clarity of the sound when releasing the key.
Weight
When comparing the TTC Silent Bluish White tactile switch and the KTT Strawberry linear switch, there are noticeable differences in their actuation forces and bottom out forces. The Silent Bluish White has a slightly lighter actuation force of 42 grams compared to the Strawberry's 43 grams. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Silent Bluish White requires 50 grams while the Strawberry requires a heavier force of 62 grams.
For those who prefer a lighter touch, the Silent Bluish White switch would be the better option as it requires less force to trigger a keystroke. This can be advantageous for individuals who type for extended periods or engage in long gaming sessions, as it reduces fatigue on the fingers. On the other hand, the Strawberry switch offers a more substantial and pronounced typing experience with its heavier bottom out force. Those who enjoy a stronger push feel when typing may find the Strawberry switch more satisfying.
It is worth mentioning that although the actuation force and bottom out force differ between the two switches, they both can provide similar results. The slight variation in actuation force should not have a significant impact on the overall typing experience. Additionally, while the Strawberry switch may be heavier in terms of bottom out force, it does not necessarily make it harder to press down; it simply offers a more distinct feel when fully pressed.
In conclusion, the Silent Bluish White tactile switch is lighter in both actuation and bottom out forces compared to the KTT Strawberry linear switch. However, for individuals seeking a stronger and more substantial typing experience, the Strawberry switch's heavier bottom out force may be more suitable. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on personal preferences and the desired typing experience.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the TTC Silent Bluish White tactile switch and the KTT Strawberry linear switch, it is clear that the Strawberry has a longer travel distance of 4 mm, while the Silent Bluish White has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm. This means that when pressing down on a key with the Strawberry switch, you will feel a slightly greater distance of travel compared to the Silent Bluish White switch.
Traditionally, a travel distance of 4.0 mm is considered the standard, while 3.0 mm is considered more shallow. However, with the rise of gaming, shorter travel distances have become popular among gamers due to their faster response times. If you prioritize responsiveness in your typing or gaming experience, the Silent Bluish White switch with its shorter 3.5 mm travel distance would be a suitable choice. On the other hand, if you prefer a more substantial feel and depth when pressing down on the keys, the Strawberry switch's longer 4 mm travel distance may be more to your liking. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches comes down to personal preference and the specific typing or gaming experience you are seeking.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The TTC Silent Bluish White (V2) has an MSRP of $6.60 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Silent Bluish White (V2) for $4.63.
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 TTC Silent Bluish White switch is described as muted, producing a softer and quieter sound compared to regular mechanical switches. This makes them ideal for those who prefer a more discreet typing experience, particularly in office or shared living spaces. On the other hand, the KTT Strawberry switch is described as low-pitched, providing a mellower and bass-heavy tone than higher-pitched switches. It should be noted that the sound of a switch can also depend on other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps chosen. However, both switches offer a quieter typing experience overall.
In terms of feel, the TTC Silent Bluish White switch is described as buttery, mild, stepped, subtle, and polished. These switches offer a smooth and fluid keystroke experience, with seamless and effortless typing sensation. They have a gentle resistance and a mild tactile feel, which makes them approachable to most users. Additionally, they have a polished finish that reduces friction and provides a sleek and refined typing experience. On the other hand, the KTT Strawberry switch is described as frictionless, silky, buttery, and polished. These switches also provide an exceptionally smooth typing experience with minimal resistance when pressing and releasing keys. They enhance the overall smoothness of the typing feel and offer reduced friction and smooth key travel.
Overall, both the TTC Silent Bluish White and KTT Strawberry switches offer subjective qualities that contribute to an enjoyable typing experience. While the Silent Bluish White has a medium tactile feel and is designed to be as quiet as possible, the Strawberry provides a smooth and frictionless typing experience. Both switches have a polished finish that enhances their smoothness. However, it's important to consider personal preferences and factors such as the choice of keyboard board and keycaps, as they can influence the sound and feel of the switches. Ultimately, if you are looking for a quiet and precise typing experience, the TTC Silent Bluish White switch would be an excellent choice. If you prefer a smoother and almost frictionless typing experience, the KTT Strawberry switch would be a great option.
Conclusion
In conclusion, if you prioritize a quiet typing experience and appreciate a medium level of tactility, the TTC Silent Bluish White tactile switch would be an excellent choice for you. With a bottom out force of 50 grams, these switches offer a precise and comfortable typing experience. They are specifically designed to be as quiet as possible, making them perfect for office or shared living space use. Furthermore, the Silent Bluish Whites are described as having a muted sound, which minimizes the noise typically associated with mechanical keyboards. In terms of feel, these switches are described as buttery, mild, stepped, subtle, and polished, ensuring a smooth and refined typing experience.
On the other hand, if you prefer a smooth and effortless typing experience with a slightly heavier bottom out force, the KTT Strawberry linear switch would be a great option for you. With a bottom out force of 62 grams, these switches provide a comfortable feel and reliable performance. They are loved for their smooth actuation and are described as having a low-pitched sound, which offers a more bass-heavy and mellow tone. In terms of feel, the Strawberry switches are described as frictionless, silky, buttery, and polished, ensuring an exceptionally smooth and refined typing experience.
Ultimately, the decision between the TTC Silent Bluish White tactile switch and the KTT Strawberry linear switch depends on your personal preferences. If you prioritize a quiet typing experience with medium tactility, go for the Silent Bluish Whites. On the other hand, if you value a smooth and effortless typing experience with a slightly heavier feel, the Strawberries are the way to go. Consider your priorities and choose the switch that best aligns with your needs. Happy typing!