KTT Strawberry vs. Durock T1
An in-depth look at the KTT Strawberry and the Durock T1 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 Durock T1. The Strawberry is a linear switch, known for its smooth actuation, comfortable feel, and reliable performance. With its attractive pink and clear housings, it offers a frictionless and silky typing experience. On the other hand, the T1 is a tactile switch that provides a medium bump when pressed down, reminiscent of rain falling on a window. It offers a comfortable typing experience with low-pitched sound, making it an appealing choice for many. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can best decide on the most suitable switch for your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
43g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
62g
Bottom-out force
67g
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated
Spring
Gold-plated
Housing materials
The KTT Strawberry and the Durock T1 both use polycarbonate for their top housing, resulting in similar characteristics in terms of sound profile and aesthetics. The use of polycarbonate in the top housing of both switches creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to the stiffness of polycarbonate, which allows for a more clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches that plan to use RGB lighting, as it allows for the light to shine through and enhance the visual appeal.
However, when it comes to the bottom housing material, the KTT Strawberry and the Durock T1 differ. The Strawberry utilizes polycarbonate for its bottom housing, while the T1 utilizes nylon. The polycarbonate bottom housing of the Strawberry continues to contribute to the sharper and crisper sound profile associated with polycarbonate. On the other hand, the nylon bottom housing of the T1 elicits a deeper and fuller sound profile. This is because nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. The choice of bottom housing material can greatly impact the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing down on the switch.
Overall, while the top housing materials of the KTT Strawberry and the Durock T1 are the same and offer similar qualities, the difference lies in the bottom housing material. The use of polycarbonate in both switches' top housing creates a clear, resonant, and visually appealing sound profile. However, the Strawberry's polycarbonate bottom housing contributes to the overall sharpness of the sound, while the T1's nylon bottom housing adds depth and fullness. Considering the impact of the housing materials, users can expect a distinct experience when pressing down and releasing keys on these switches.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the KTT Strawberry linear switch and the Durock T1 tactile switch, there are some notable similarities and differences. The Strawberry has an actuation force of 43 grams and a bottom out force of 62 grams, which falls within the medium range. On the other hand, the T1's actuation force is unavailable, but its bottom out force is 67 grams, making it slightly heavier than the Strawberry.
Weight is an important factor to consider when choosing a switch, as it can greatly impact typing comfort and endurance. For those who prefer a lighter feel, the Strawberry switch with its medium actuation and bottom out forces may be a suitable choice. Its lighter weight allows for longer typing sessions, making it ideal for work or extended gaming sessions.
However, for individuals who desire a more substantial typing experience, the T1 switch may be a better fit. While the actuation force is unknown, the T1's bottom out force of 67 grams provides a stronger push feel when pressing down on the keys. This can result in a more satisfying typing experience for those who prefer a heavier switch.
In summary, the actuation and bottom out forces of the KTT Strawberry and Durock T1 switches differ slightly in terms of weight. The Strawberry offers a lighter feel with medium forces, while the T1 provides a heavier tactile experience with a medium-heavy bottom out force. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on an individual's preference for typing feel and desired level of key resistance.
Travel distance
The KTT Strawberry linear switch and the Durock T1 tactile switch both have a travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when you press down on a key using either of these switches, you will feel the same distance traveled from the top to the bottom. Therefore, in terms of travel distance, both the Strawberry and the T1 provide similar results. The travel distance of 4 mm ensures a satisfying tactile feedback and a smooth typing experience for users of both switches.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Durock T1 has an MSRP of $5.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the T1 for $4.90.
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, both the KTT Strawberry and the Durock T1 switches are described as low-pitched. This means that they both feature a more bass-heavy and mellow tone compared to higher-pitched switches. However, it's important to note that the sound of a switch is also influenced by other factors such as the choice of keyboard and keycaps. So, while both switches have a similar low-pitched sound profile, the overall sound experience may vary depending on the setup.
When it comes to the feel, the KTT Strawberry is described with various descriptors such as frictionless, silky, buttery, and polished. These descriptions indicate that the Strawberry switch offers an extremely smooth and effortless typing experience with minimal resistance or friction. It provides a fluid and polished keystroke due to either the materials used or factory lubing. On the other hand, the Durock T1 switch is described as stepped, accented, and polished. This means that the T1 offers a mild tactile feedback with noticeable pre-travel and/or post-travel, providing a balanced amount of tactility. Similar to the Strawberry, the T1 also features a smooth and refined finish for reduced friction and smooth key travel.
Taking all the available information into account, both the KTT Strawberry and the Durock T1 switches offer their own unique qualities. In terms of sound, they are both low-pitched switches, providing a bass-heavy and mellow tone. However, the overall sound experience can vary depending on the keyboard and keycaps used. When it comes to feel, the Strawberry switch focuses on providing a frictionless, silky, buttery, and polished typing experience with smooth and effortless keystrokes. On the other hand, the T1 switch offers a stepped and accented tactile feedback with a smooth and polished finish. Both switches aim to provide a comfortable typing experience, but the choice between them ultimately depends on personal preference and typing style.
Conclusion
To summarize, the KTT Strawberry linear switch would be a great choice for you if you are looking for a medium bottom out force and enjoy a smooth actuation, comfortable feel, and reliable performance. These switches have an attractive pink and clear housing and provide a frictionless, silky, buttery, and polished typing experience. The Strawberry switches also have a low-pitched sound profile, which offers a more bass-heavy and mellow tone.
On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-heavy bottom out force and enjoy a tactile typing experience, the Durock T1 switches would be a better fit for you. These switches have a comfortable medium bump when pressing down and produce a sound reminiscent of rain falling on a window. The T1 switches offer a stepped or accented tactile feel, providing a prominent amount of tactility without overwhelming or subtle sensations. Similar to the Strawberry switches, the T1 switches also offer a polished typing experience due to reduced friction and smooth key travel.
Ultimately, the choice between the KTT Strawberry linear switch and the Durock T1 tactile switch comes down to your personal preferences. Consider the actuation force, typing experience, and sound profile that align with your needs and desires. Whichever switch you choose, both the Strawberry and T1 switches are excellent options that will enhance your mechanical keyboard experience.
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