KTT Strawberry vs. HMX SU

Overview

When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, two standout options in the linear category are the KTT Strawberry and the HMX SU. The KTT Strawberry, with its attractive pink and clear housings, is highly regarded for its silky and buttery feel, providing a smooth actuation that many enthusiasts find appealing. Its low-pitched and frictionless nature enhances the overall typing experience, making it an excellent choice for those who prioritize comfort and reliability in their daily usage. On the other hand, the HMX SU offers a different auditory experience, featuring a full PA12 housing and a T5 stem that produces a subtle yet relatively deep sound profile. This can be particularly attractive for users who appreciate a slightly richer acoustic feedback while enjoying the smoothness associated with linear switches. Ultimately, while both switches cater to a preference for linear actuation, their unique characteristics can influence user satisfaction significantly. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.

By the numbers

KTT Strawberry Linear

HMX SU Linear

$4.91 per 10

$3.50

$3.29 per 10

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Housing materials

The KTT Strawberry and HMX SU switches utilize different materials for their housing, which significantly influences the sound profiles produced during typing. The KTT Strawberry features polycarbonate for both the top and bottom housings, known for its stiffness which results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This quality makes it particularly advantageous for users who enjoy a more pronounced auditory feedback from their switches. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for RGB lighting applications, enhancing the aesthetic appeal of the switch. In contrast, both top and bottom housings of the HMX SU switches are made from nylon, a material celebrated for its softer properties. This results in a deeper, fuller sound profile, creating a more subdued typing experience that can appeal to users looking for a less aggressive auditory feedback during their typing sessions.

When comparing the effects of these materials on the overall sound and feel of the switches, it becomes evident that the KTT Strawberry will produce a more distinct sound when keys are released, thanks to its polycarbonate top housing. In this case, the stiffness of the material ensures clarity in the sound as the key is pressed, allowing for a resonant auditory signal that often feels more tactile. However, the nylon housing of the HMX SU, both at the top and bottom, contributes consistently to a rounded, muffled quality that dampens the acoustic feedback, resulting in a smoother and quieter typing experience. This difference in sound character highlights the contrasting aesthetics of each switch, as users may prefer one over the other based on their individual preferences for sound and typing feedback.

In essence, while the KTT Strawberry's use of polycarbonate creates a crisp and interactive typing experience, the HMX SU’s nylon composition fosters a more subdued auditory footprint. Despite these differences, both switches can deliver satisfying results based on the user's context and intention. For someone who values clarity and aesthetic integration with RGB lighting, the KTT Strawberry would be an obvious choice. Meanwhile, those who appreciate a more muted typing experience and a deeper sound might lean towards the HMX SU. Nevertheless, if one were to combine the best properties of both styles into a single switch design, incorporating a hybrid housing could yield a blend of crispness and fullness, catering to a broader range of preferences among typists.

Weight

The KTT Strawberry linear switch and the HMX SU linear switch present a notable contrast in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Strawberry switch has an actuation force of 43 grams and a bottom out force of 62 grams, which places it in the medium range, providing a balanced typing experience. In comparison, the HMX SU switch features a slightly higher actuation force of 45 grams but a significantly lighter bottom out force of 50 grams. This difference may appeal to users looking for a lighter typing experience overall, as the HMX SU allows for easier keystroke activation while still maintaining a firmer bottom out feel. As such, the KTT Strawberry is the heavier option due to its higher bottom out force, making it potentially more suitable for users who prefer a more substantial tactile response. In contrast, the lighter actuation and bottom out forces of the HMX SU may be preferable for those looking for comfort during prolonged typing or gaming sessions. Overall, while both switches have their unique characteristics, the KTT Strawberry is better for those preferring a medium resistance, while the HMX SU caters to those who prioritize ease of use and lighter feedback.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distances of the KTT Strawberry linear switch and the HMX SU linear switch, the KTT Strawberry clearly has a longer travel distance of 4 mm, while the HMX SU measures at 3.6 mm. This difference of 0.4 mm may seem minimal, but it can significantly impact the typing experience. The longer travel distance of the KTT Strawberry switch offers a more pronounced tactile feedback, which some users prefer for a more in-depth typing experience. In contrast, the shorter travel distance of the HMX SU switch caters to those who favor quicker key presses, making it a popular choice among gamers who prioritize faster response times. Therefore, if you lean towards a heartier depth, the longer KTT Strawberry switch might be more suitable, whereas the shorter HMX SU would likely appeal to those who favor a rapid and responsive feel.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound, the KTT Strawberry linear switch features a low-pitched sound profile, delivering a bass-heavy and mellow tone that can create a pleasant auditory experience during typing. This characteristic can lend itself well to a more relaxed typing environment. On the other hand, the HMX SU linear switch is noted for its subtle, relatively deep sound profile, which may also contribute to a quieter typing experience, though further details on its sound descriptors are not available. This similarity in sound qualities suggests that both switches provide a more muted auditory feedback, ideal for users who prefer a less intrusive typing sound.

In terms of feel, the KTT Strawberry switches are celebrated for their exceptionally smooth operation. With descriptors such as frictionless, silky, buttery, and polished, these switches promise an effortless and enjoyable typing experience. The smooth travel minimizes resistance, making each keystroke fluid and satisfying. In contrast, the feel of the HMX SU linear switch is less elaborated upon, leaving its tactile characteristics somewhat unknown. However, given the prominence of smoothness in the Strawberry's description, it could be inferred that users would benefit from a similar sense of ease and fluidity if the SU possesses comparable design attributes.

In conclusion, both the KTT Strawberry and HMX SU linear switches present appealing qualities for those seeking a linear switch experience. The Strawberry offers a low-pitched, mellow sound alongside a smooth and luxurious feel, which enhances typing enjoyment. Meanwhile, while the SU’s sound quality aligns with a deeper profile, its tactile experience remains less defined. For new users looking to explore linear switches, the Strawberry provides a well-rounded option with a strong reputation, while the SU may still hold potential yet to be fully realized.

Conclusion

To conclude, the choice between the KTT Strawberry linear switch and the HMX SU linear switch ultimately hinges on your personal preferences and use cases. If you prefer a more medium force feel that provides a comforting tactile resistance as you type, then the Strawberry is an excellent option, especially if you appreciate smooth, frictionless motion and a low-pitched sound profile that’s anchored in a rich, bass-heavy tone. This switch is particularly suited for prolonged typing sessions or gaming, where its polished and silky touch can enhance overall productivity and enjoyment. On the other hand, if you favor a lighter touch with a bottom-out force of just 50 grams, the HMX SU is the way to go. It provides an effortless typing experience akin to gliding across the keys, which is ideal for fast-paced typing or gaming where quick response times are essential. Additionally, the SU's unique sound profile offers a subtle yet deep auditory experience, making it a great choice if you're looking for a switch that combines lightness with a satisfying acoustic backdrop. Ultimately, your choice should reflect both your typing style and what characteristics enhance your experience on the keyboard.

Mentioned in this article

KTT Strawberry Linear

$4.91 per 10

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HMX SU Linear

$3.50

$3.29 per 10

Learn more