KTT Strawberry vs. HMX Swift
An in-depth look at the KTT Strawberry and the HMX Swift switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the KTT Strawberry and the HMX Swift mechanical keyboard switches, it's clear that they each offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences. The KTT Strawberry, with its smooth actuation and comfortable feel, is a popular choice for those who enjoy a low-pitched and frictionless typing experience. On the other hand, the HMX Swift stands out with its deeper sound profile and silky smoothness, appealing to individuals who prefer a clacky and easy-to-press switch. While the Strawberry is praised for its buttery and polished feel, the Swift boasts a feathery and bouncy sensation. 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
42g
Bottom-out force
62g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.90 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
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated
Spring
22mm extended spring
Housing materials
The key difference between the housing materials of the KTT Strawberry and the HMX Swift lies in the material used for their top and bottom housings. The Strawberry utilizes polycarbonate for both its top and bottom housings, resulting in a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile. On the other hand, the Swift employs nylon for both its top and bottom housings, creating a deeper and fuller sound. The choice of material for the housing greatly affects the overall sound produced by the switch, with polycarbonate offering a clear and resonant sound while nylon absorbs more sound, leading to a duller and rounder sound.
In terms of aesthetics, the use of polycarbonate in the Strawberry's top housing allows for translucency, making it ideal for showcasing RGB lighting effects. In contrast, the Swift's nylon top housing does not have this feature but focuses on providing a deeper sound profile. The difference in sound quality between the two housing materials can greatly impact the overall typing experience for users. While the Strawberry's polycarbonate bottom housing contributes to its sharp and crisp sound profile, the Swift's nylon bottom housing enhances its deeper and fuller sound, highlighting the importance of both top and bottom housing materials in creating a unique typing experience.
Ultimately, the choice between the KTT Strawberry and the HMX Swift will depend on personal preference for sound profile and aesthetics. While both switches may offer similar results in terms of housing material, the differences in sound quality and feel between polycarbonate and nylon housings can greatly influence user experience. Whether you prefer a sharper, higher-pitched sound or a deeper, fuller sound, understanding the impact of housing materials on switch performance is key to making an informed decision when selecting a mechanical keyboard switch.
Weight
The KTT Strawberry linear switch has a slightly higher actuation force of 43 grams compared to the HMX Swift linear switch with an actuation force of 42 grams. Both switches have a similar bottom out force, with the Strawberry requiring 62 grams and the Swift needing 50 grams. The Strawberry is considered to have a medium actuation and bottom out force, while the Swift is on the lighter side. For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the Swift would be the better option, allowing for longer typing sessions without fatigue. On the other hand, the Strawberry's slightly heavier actuation and bottom out force may appeal to those who prefer a more substantial typing feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will come down to personal preference in terms of weight and typing experience.
Travel distance
The KTT Strawberry linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the HMX Swift linear switch has a travel distance of 3.9 mm. This makes the Swift slightly shorter in travel distance compared to the Strawberry. Both switches fall within the range of traditional travel distances, with the Strawberry being slightly on the longer side. Gamers may prefer the Swift for its faster response time due to the shorter travel distance, while others may opt for the Strawberry for a more substantial key press feel. In general, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for travel distance and desired key press experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The HMX Swift has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Swift for $2.99.
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 KTT Strawberry linear switch offers a low-pitched tone that is more bass-heavy and mellow compared to higher-pitched switches. On the other hand, the HMX Swift linear switch provides a clacky sound profile that is sharp, snappy, and percussive. Depending on your preference for sound, the Strawberry may be more appealing for those seeking a softer auditory experience, while the Swift is better suited for individuals who enjoy a crisper and brighter sound signature.
When it comes to feel, the KTT Strawberry switch is known for its frictionless, silky, buttery, and polished typing experience. These qualities contribute to a smooth and effortless keystroke, minimizing resistance and enhancing overall typing comfort. On the other hand, the HMX Swift switch offers an easy-to-press, feathery, bouncy, and creamy typing feel. This means the Swift switch requires minimal force to activate, reduces finger fatigue, provides a spring-like feedback, and offers a smooth and buttery typing experience. Whether you prefer a more fluid and polished typing sensation or a light and bouncy feel, both switches provide unique tactile experiences.
In conclusion, the KTT Strawberry linear switch and the HMX Swift linear switch offer distinctive qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the Strawberry switch provides a low-pitched sound and a frictionless, silky feel, the Swift switch delivers a clacky sound and an easy-to-press, feathery feel. Both switches cater to different preferences, with the Strawberry focusing on a smoother auditory experience and the Swift emphasizing a lighter and more responsive tactile feel. Ultimately, your choice between the two switches will depend on your personal preferences for sound and typing sensation.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the KTT Strawberry linear switch and the HMX Swift linear switch, consider your preferences in terms of actuation force, sound profile, and typing feel. If you prefer a slightly heavier actuation force of 62 grams and a smoother, more frictionless typing experience, the Strawberry switch may be the better choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter actuation force of 50 grams and a deeper, more clacky sound profile with an easy-to-press and feathery feel, the Swift switch might be more suitable for your typing style. Ultimately, both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences, so choosing between them depends on what qualities you prioritize in your mechanical keyboard experience.
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