KTT Strawberry vs. Everglide Sunset Yellow
An in-depth look at the KTT Strawberry and the Everglide Sunset Yellow switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options to consider are the KTT Strawberry and the Everglide Sunset Yellow. The Strawberry switch is best known for its smooth actuation, comfortable feel, and reliable performance, with an attractive pink and clear housing. On the other hand, the Sunset Yellow switch offers a captivating sound profile reminiscent of mahjong tiles colliding, with a rich, bassy, and decadent sound. Its medium weight makes it suitable for a wide range of users. Both switches share some similarities, such as being frictionless and polished, but have their unique features as well. The Strawberry switch is low-pitched and silky, while the Sunset Yellow switch is creamy and thocky. 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
43g
Actuation force
43g
Bottom-out force
62g
Bottom-out force
51g
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.20 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
Ly
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated
Spring
Single-staged lengthened 20mm spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the KTT Strawberry and the Everglide Sunset Yellow switches have distinct characteristics that contribute to their overall sound profile and aesthetics. The Strawberry features a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. Additionally, polycarbonate's translucency allows for vibrant RGB lighting effects. In contrast, the Sunset Yellow's POM top housing produces a deeper and more muted sound.
Similarly, the Strawberry's polycarbonate bottom housing contributes to its sharp, high-pitched sound profile. The stiffness of polycarbonate enhances the clarity and resonance of the switch's sound. Moreover, its clear appearance indicates the likelihood of being polycarbonate. Conversely, the Sunset Yellow's POM bottom housing offers a distinct sound experience, characterized by a pleasing and unique deep tone.
It is important to note that if a switch has different top and bottom housings, the qualities of each material will be divided between the two parts. When pressing down on the switch, the bottom housing material will have a greater impact on the bottom-out sound and feel. Conversely, the top housing material will influence the sound when releasing a key. Therefore, the choice of housing material for both top and bottom components has a significant impact on the overall sound and tactile experience of the switch.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the KTT Strawberry linear switch and the Everglide Sunset Yellow linear switch, it becomes apparent that both have the same actuation force of 43 grams. This means that the force required to initiate a keystroke is identical for both switches, ensuring a consistent typing experience. However, the bottom out force differs between the two switches. The KTT Strawberry has a bottom out force of 62 grams, which provides a moderate resistance when pressing down fully. On the other hand, the Everglide Sunset Yellow has a lower bottom out force of 51 grams, making it slightly lighter and resulting in a softer landing when fully pressing the keys. These variances in bottom out force cater to different preferences. If someone prefers a keyboard with a heavier and more substantial typing experience, they may opt for the KTT Strawberry. Conversely, individuals who prefer a lighter switch, allowing for longer typing sessions, may lean towards the Everglide Sunset Yellow. In either case, the actuation force remains the same, ensuring that the keystroke initiation is consistent and reliable for both switches.
Travel distance
The travel distances of the KTT Strawberry linear switch and the Everglide Sunset Yellow linear switch are noticeably different. The KTT Strawberry has a travel distance of 4 mm, making it more traditional and providing a deeper key press feeling. On the other hand, the Everglide Sunset Yellow has a shorter travel distance of 3.2 mm, making it shallower and potentially more suitable for gamers who prioritize faster response times. The 4.0mm travel distance of the KTT Strawberry gives a more satisfying depth to the keystroke, while the 3.2mm travel distance of the Everglide Sunset Yellow lends itself to a quicker and more responsive typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on personal preference - those who prefer a deeper feel may opt for the KTT Strawberry, while those seeking a quicker response may prefer the Everglide Sunset Yellow.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
For 10 switches, the KTT Strawberry comes in at $4.91, whereas the Everglide Sunset Yellow comes in at $3.09.
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 KTT Strawberry is known for its low-pitched tone. This means that the switches produce a more bass-heavy and mellow sound compared to higher-pitched switches. On the other hand, the Everglide Sunset Yellow offers a captivating sound profile reminiscent of mahjong tiles colliding. These switches have a rich, bassy, and decadent sound with a lower frequency range, resembling the depth and richness associated with bass tones. Additionally, the Sunset Yellow switches are described as thocky, meaning they produce a deep, rich, and satisfying sound when pressed, similar to a deep "thud" or a soft "knock." It's important to note that the actual sound of a switch is also affected by factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.
In terms of feel, the KTT Strawberry is known for its frictionless, silky, buttery, and polished characteristics. These terms all indicate that the typing experience with the Strawberry switches is exceptionally smooth, effortless, and uniform. The switch offers fluid travel with minimal resistance or friction when pressing and releasing keys. Similarly, the Everglide Sunset Yellow switches provide a creamy, frictionless, and polished typing experience. They offer a smooth and buttery sensation, similar to gliding your fingers effortlessly across the keys. Like the Strawberry switches, the Sunset Yellow switches also have reduced friction and smooth key travel due to materials used and/or factory lubing.
Considering all the available information, both the KTT Strawberry and Everglide Sunset Yellow switches offer desirable qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the sound of the Strawberry switches is low-pitched, the Sunset Yellow switches provide a rich, bassy, and thocky sound. In terms of feel, both switches offer a frictionless and polished experience, with the Sunset Yellow switches additionally described as creamy. This means that the overall typing experience with these switches is smooth, effortless, and uniform. It's important to keep in mind that personal preferences and the setup of the keyboard, including the board and keycaps, can impact the subjective experiences with these switches. However, based on the provided information, users can expect similar results in terms of sound and feel from both the KTT Strawberry and Everglide Sunset Yellow switches.
Conclusion
To sum up, when making a decision between the KTT Strawberry linear switch and the Everglide Sunset Yellow linear switch, consider your preference for bottom out force, sound, and feel. If you prefer a medium bottom out force, both switches are suitable, but the KTT Strawberry has a slightly higher bottom out force of 62 grams compared to the Everglide Sunset Yellow's 51 grams.
In terms of sound, the KTT Strawberry is described as low-pitched, offering a bass-heavy and mellow tone. On the other hand, the Everglide Sunset Yellow is described as bassy and thocky, providing a deep, rich, and satisfying sound during key presses. Consider whether you prefer a lower frequency sound or a deeper, more satisfying tone.
When it comes to feel, both switches offer a frictionless and polished experience, ensuring smooth and effortless typing. However, the KTT Strawberry is also described as silky and buttery, providing a seamless and uniform typing sensation. The Everglide Sunset Yellow, on the other hand, is described as creamy, offering a smooth and buttery typing experience.
Ultimately, the choice between the KTT Strawberry and the Everglide Sunset Yellow depends on your personal preferences. If you prioritize a slightly higher bottom out force, a low-pitched sound, and a silky and buttery feel, the KTT Strawberry may be your ideal choice. However, if you prefer a lower bottom out force, a bassy and thocky sound, and a creamy feel, the Everglide Sunset Yellow could be the switch for you. Consider your typing style and preferences before making your decision.
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