KTT Strawberry vs. HMX Sunset Gleam

Overview

When it comes to selecting a mechanical keyboard switch, the choice between the KTT Strawberry and the HMX Sunset Gleam can significantly influence your typing experience. The KTT Strawberry, with its charming pink and clear housing, is favored for its smooth actuation and comfortable feel, which is characterized by low-pitched and frictionless keypresses that offer a silky and buttery encounter. Many users appreciate the polished performance of the Strawberry for both typing and gaming, making it a versatile choice. On the other hand, the HMX Sunset Gleam, also known as the Duck Duck switch, boasts a unique blend of materials that delivers a subtle top-out and a satisfying clack, thanks to the excellent factory lube that HMX is renowned for. This switch combines tactile enjoyment with a pleasing auditory feedback, catering to those who appreciate a bit of sound in their keystrokes. Both switches have their distinct advantages, appealing to different typing 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

KTT Strawberry Linear

HMX Sunset Gleam Linear

$4.91 per 10

$3.50

$2.99 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

When comparing the housing materials of the KTT Strawberry and the HMX Sunset Gleam, it is evident that both switches utilize polycarbonate for their top housing, resulting in similar sound characteristics. The use of polycarbonate, a stiffer plastic, yields a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile, which enhances auditory feedback during typing. This intrinsic quality leads to a clear and resonant sound whether the switch is in a pressed or released state. Furthermore, the translucent nature of polycarbonate allows RGB lighting to shine through effectively, making both switches visually appealing in illuminated setups. In this regard, users seeking a vibrant RGB experience and a pronounced auditory experience will find similarities in the top housing between the two models.

Contrasting the bottom housings of these switches reveals a fundamental difference in sound characteristics. The KTT Strawberry features a polycarbonate bottom housing, which like its top counterpart, contributes to the high-pitched and crisp sound profile. Conversely, the HMX Sunset Gleam utilizes nylon for its bottom housing, resulting in a softer, deeper, and fuller sound profile. This difference arises because nylon is a relatively softer plastic that absorbs more sound, thus creating a duller and rounder auditory experience during key presses. As such, while the top housings of both switches create a similar soundscape, the bottom housings dictate distinct auditory experiences, imparting varied tactile responses upon bottoming out.

The divergence in bottom housing materials also influences the overall typing experience. For the KTT Strawberry, both top and bottom housing compositions work together to maintain a consistent sharpness in sound, providing a cohesive feel. Meanwhile, the HMX Sunset Gleam's combination of a polycarbonate top and nylon bottom creates a unique balance where the crispness of the top is contrasted by the fullness of the bottom. Thus, while both switches offer compatibility in terms of RGB lighting and achieve a clear sound profile from the top housing, the tactile feedback and acoustic nuances brought by their differing bottom materials ultimately define the unique characteristics of each switch, enabling users to choose based on personal preference for sound and feel during use.

Weight

When comparing the KTT Strawberry linear switch and the HMX Sunset Gleam linear switch, a notable difference exists in both the actuation and bottom out forces. The Strawberry switch has an actuation force of 43 grams and a bottom out force of 62 grams, categorizing it as a medium-weight option. In contrast, the Sunset Gleam features a lighter actuation force of 42 grams and a bottom out force of only 48 grams. This difference suggests that the Sunset Gleam may facilitate longer typing sessions and gaming marathons due to its lighter feel, making it appealing for users who prefer a more delicate touch. On the other hand, the heavier bottom out force of the Strawberry switch may provide a more substantial typing experience for those who favor a firmer push. Therefore, while both switches have similar actuation forces, the Sunset Gleam is clearly the lighter switch in terms of both actuation and bottom out forces.

Travel distance

The KTT Strawberry linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the HMX Sunset Gleam linear switch features a shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm. This difference indicates that the Strawberry switch is designed for a more substantial keystroke experience, providing a deeper feel that some users might prefer for its tactile feedback. On the other hand, the Sunset Gleam, with its shorter travel distance, caters to those who favor speed and responsiveness, making it an attractive option for gamers looking for quick key presses. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on personal preference: if you enjoy a more traditional depth in your keystrokes, the KTT Strawberry is the optimal choice, while the HMX Sunset Gleam would be better suited for those who prioritize a quicker response with less travel distance.

Price comparison

Typing experience

In terms of sound, the KTT Strawberry switch is characterized by a low-pitched tone, providing a warm, bass-heavy sound that creates a mellow auditory experience during typing. This can make for a more pleasant typing environment, particularly in quieter settings where the low frequency is less intrusive. Conversely, details about the sound profile of the HMX Sunset Gleam switch remain unknown. However, it's worth noting that the sound produced by any switch can be influenced by the choice of keyboard and keycaps, so the overall auditory experience can vary widely based on individual setups.

When it comes to feel, the KTT Strawberry excels with descriptors such as frictionless, silky, buttery, and polished. This combination indicates an exceptionally smooth typing experience with minimal resistance, allowing users to type effortlessly. The refined finish and smooth travel of the switch create a seamlessly satisfying tactile experience. On the other hand, the HMX Sunset Gleam switch lacks detailed descriptions regarding its tactile characteristics, leaving its feel largely unspecified. Users transitioning between these switches may find that while the Strawberry offers a superior typing sensation, the Sunset Gleam could potentially match it, depending on its own inherent qualities.

In conclusion, while the KTT Strawberry switch provides a distinctly low-pitched sound profile complemented by an incredibly smooth feel, the HMX Sunset Gleam's sound and feel remain less defined. The Strawberry’s qualities ensure a refined and enjoyable typing experience, making it a popular choice among enthusiasts. In contrast, the Sunset Gleam's success will depend on its ultimate performance characteristics, which are yet to be fully articulated. Thus, if sound and feel are paramount, the Strawberry stands out as a clear winner, while the Sunset Gleam may still hold potential that warrants further exploration once additional information becomes available.

Conclusion

To conclude, the choice between the KTT Strawberry linear switch and the HMX Sunset Gleam linear switch ultimately depends on your typing preferences and the type of experience you're seeking. If you prefer a medium bottom-out force with a more robust feel, the Strawberry is an excellent choice. Its smooth, frictionless, and buttery action, combined with a low-pitched sound profile, makes it ideal for both gaming and typing, especially if you enjoy a more tactile feedback while typing. On the other hand, if you lean towards a lighter touch with a 48-gram bottom-out force, the Sunset Gleam could be more appealing. Its engineered blend of materials offers a subtle top-out and a satisfying clack, making it excellent for those who appreciate a quick and responsive feel. With the added benefit of factory lube ensuring a smooth keystroke, it can be particularly suited for prolonged typing sessions where comfort is paramount. By weighing the characteristics of each switch against your specific needs, you can better determine which one will enhance your mechanical keyboard experience.

Mentioned in this article

KTT Strawberry Linear

$4.91 per 10

Learn more

HMX Sunset Gleam Linear

$3.50

$2.99 per 10

Learn more