TTC Silent Brown vs. KTT Strawberry
An in-depth look at the TTC Silent Brown and the KTT Strawberry switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
The TTC Silent Brown and KTT Strawberry are two mechanical keyboard switches with distinct characteristics. The Silent Brown, known for its comfortable typing experience, offers a light-medium level of resistance and a satisfying rounded tactile bump. Additionally, these switches stand out for their muted sound profile, providing a quieter typing experience. On the other hand, the Strawberry switches are beloved for their smooth actuation, comfortable feel, and reliable performance. With attractive pink and clear housings, they offer a visually appealing option. These linear switches are categorized as low-pitched, frictionless, silky, buttery, and polished. While these general points give a glimpse into the qualities of each switch, it is important to delve deeper to identify the best fit for individual preferences and needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
43g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Bottom-out force
62g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Total travel
3.80 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
The TTC Silent Brown and the KTT Strawberry both utilize polycarbonate in their top housings, which results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The translucency of the polycarbonate allows for the use of RGB lighting, making it visually appealing. However, while both switches share this feature, it is important to note that the Silent Brown uses nylon in its bottom housing, while the Strawberry utilizes polycarbonate in its bottom housing.
The use of nylon in the bottom housing of the Silent Brown creates a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing. This is because nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. In contrast, the Strawberry's polycarbonate bottom housing contributes to the overall sharp, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile of the switch. The harder nature of polycarbonate enhances resonance and clarity. Additionally, the clear housing is more likely to be polycarbonate, adding a visually pleasing element.
When using either switch, the qualities of the bottom and top housing materials will influence different aspects of the typing experience. The bottom housing will have a more significant impact on the bottom-out sound and feel when the key is pressed down, due to the properties of nylon or polycarbonate. On the other hand, the top housing will primarily affect the sound when the key is released, creating a distinct auditory experience. Despite these differences, both switches excel in delivering a distinct and satisfying sound profile.
Weight
When comparing the TTC Silent Brown tactile switch and the KTT Strawberry linear switch, there are a few notable differences in terms of their actuation force and bottom out force. The Silent Brown has a slightly higher actuation force of 45 grams compared to the Strawberry's 43 grams. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Silent Brown requires 63.5 grams whereas the Strawberry requires 62 grams. Both switches fall within the medium force range, with the Silent Brown being slightly heavier than the Strawberry.
The actuation force determines the amount of force needed to trigger a keystroke, and in this case, the Silent Brown requires a slightly heavier press than the Strawberry. This means that users who prefer a more substantial typing experience may lean towards the Silent Brown. On the other hand, the Strawberry offers a lighter actuation force, making it more suitable for individuals who value a lighter touch, allowing for longer typing sessions without fatigue.
When it comes to bottoming out, which measures the force required to press all the way down, both switches are relatively similar. The Silent Brown has a bottom out force of 63.5 grams, while the Strawberry requires 62 grams. This means that users can expect a similar tactile experience when bottoming out on both switches.
Ultimately, when considering the weight of a switch, it is important to determine personal preferences and specific use cases. Those seeking a lighter typing experience may opt for the Strawberry switch, as it provides a slightly lighter actuation force. On the other hand, individuals who prefer a stronger push feel may find the Silent Brown switch more suitable, as it requires a slightly higher force for actuation.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the TTC Silent Brown tactile switch is 3.8mm, while the KTT Strawberry linear switch has a travel distance of 4mm. Both switches offer a relatively short travel distance compared to the traditional 4.0mm standard. This shorter travel distance is preferred by gamers who seek faster response times. Therefore, if responsiveness is a priority for you, the Silent Brown with its slightly shorter travel distance may be the better choice. On the other hand, some individuals find short travel distances to be too abrupt and prefer a more substantial feel when typing. For those who value a deeper keypress, the KTT Strawberry with its 4mm travel distance would be a suitable option. Despite the slight difference in travel distance, both switches provide similar results and offer a convenient typing experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The TTC Silent Brown 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 Brown for $5.00.
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
In terms of sound, the TTC Silent Brown tactile switches are known for their muted sound profile. These switches produce a softer and quieter sound compared to regular or clacky switches, minimizing the noise typically associated with mechanical keyboards. On the other hand, the KTT Strawberry linear switches are described as having a low-pitched sound. These switches feature a more bass-heavy and mellow tone compared to higher-pitched switches. It is important to note that the sound of the switches can also be influenced by factors such as the chosen keyboard board and keycaps used.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the TTC Silent Brown tactile switches are described as providing a buttery, mild, and polished typing experience. The term "buttery" implies a smooth and fluid keystroke experience, offering a seamless and effortless typing sensation. Additionally, these switches fall into the mild category, providing a more gentle typing experience compared to switches with more pronounced characteristics. Lastly, the polished nature of the Silent Brown switches indicates a smooth and refined finish, resulting in reduced friction and smooth key travel.
Similarly, the KTT Strawberry linear switches offer a range of desirable tactile qualities. These switches are described as frictionless, silky, buttery, and polished. The frictionless characteristic ensures an extremely smooth and effortless typing experience, minimizing any sense of resistance or friction when pressing the keys. The silky feel contributes to an exceptionally smooth typing experience, enhancing the overall smoothness of keystrokes. Furthermore, the buttery and polished nature of the Strawberry switches provides a seamless and uniform typing sensation, with reduced friction and smooth key travel.
To conclude, the TTC Silent Brown tactile switches and KTT Strawberry linear switches have their unique subjective qualities. While the Silent Brown switches offer a muted sound profile, a buttery, mild, and polished typing experience, the Strawberry switches provide a low-pitched sound, a frictionless and silky typing experience, and also exhibit a buttery and polished sensation. Therefore, for sound, the Silent Brown will provide a softer and quieter experience, while the Strawberry will have a more bass-heavy and mellow tone. In terms of feel, both switches offer smooth and effortless keystrokes, reduced friction, and a polished finish. Despite their differences, both switches aim to provide a comfortable and satisfying typing experience. Depending on personal preferences, users can select between the Silent Brown for a quieter option and the Strawberry for a slightly different sound profile. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on personal preferences and the desired typing experience.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the TTC Silent Brown tactile switch and the KTT Strawberry linear switch, there are a few key factors to consider.
If you prioritize a comfortable typing experience with a light-medium level of resistance and a satisfying rounded tactile bump, the Silent Brown may be the better choice for you. Additionally, if you prefer a muted sound profile that minimizes the noise typically associated with mechanical keyboards, the Silent Brown is a great option.
On the other hand, if you value smooth actuation, comfortable feel, and reliable performance, the Strawberry may be the switch for you. With its attractive pink and clear housings, the Strawberry offers a visually appealing and sleek typing experience. Furthermore, if a low-pitched switch with a more bass-heavy and mellow tone appeals to you, the Strawberry is a solid choice.
Ultimately, both the Silent Brown and the Strawberry have their unique strengths and advantages. You should choose based on your personal preferences and priorities, whether it be a rounded tactile bump or smooth actuation. Consider factors such as the bottom out force, sound description, and feel descriptors, taking into account what you value most in a keyboard switch. Happy typing!
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