KTT Strawberry vs. Bsun Taichi
An in-depth look at the KTT Strawberry and the Bsun Taichi switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, enthusiasts often find themselves torn between options that offer distinct characteristics tailored to different typing experiences. The KTT Strawberry switch stands out for its smooth actuation and comfortable feel, making it an excellent choice for those who prioritize a frictionless and buttery typing experience. Its attractive pink and clear housings add an aesthetic appeal, while its low-pitched sound profile provides a subtle auditory feedback. On the other hand, the Bsun Taichi switch captivates with its enchanting high-pitched bottom-out sound, thanks to its long-pole stem and extended springs that promise unbeatable smoothness and stability. While the Strawberry switch excels in providing a silky touch with a polished finish, the Taichi is designed for those who crave a more resonant auditory experience alongside its performance. Both switches offer unique advantages, catering to different preferences, thereby creating a compelling case for each. 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
40g
Bottom-out force
62g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
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
21mm single-staged spring
Housing materials
When examining the KTT Strawberry and the Bsun Taichi switches, a clear similarity emerges in their top housing, as both utilize polycarbonate. This shared materiality notably affects the acoustic properties of both switches, leading to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The stiffness of polycarbonate contributes to its resonant qualities, allowing for a clearer sound when keys are pressed and released. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for ambient lighting effects, particularly RGB, enhancing the aesthetic experience of the switches. Thus, users of both the Strawberry and Taichi can expect similar auditory experiences stemming from the polycarbonate top housing, showcasing the material's effectiveness in producing bright and distinct sounds.
In contrast, the bottom housing materials for the Strawberry and Taichi switches diverge significantly, which contributes to their overall sound profiles in different ways. The Strawberry employs a polycarbonate bottom housing, mirroring the top material and resulting in a cohesive sound experience characterized by a clear resonance. The lack of variation between the top and bottom means that the switch maintains a consistent auditory quality throughout its operation, especially when bottoming out. Conversely, the Taichi features a nylon bottom housing, which alters the switch's characteristics. Nylon, being a softer material, absorbs sound more effectively, leading to a deeper and fuller sound profile that contrasts sharply with the high-pitched clarity of the Taichi's polycarbonate top. This combination results in an interesting interplay, wherein the top and bottom housings influence the overall auditory output differently.
The interplay of the housing materials further elucidates the experiences of users in terms of sound and feel. While both switches will produce a bright auditory response when keys are pressed, the Strawberry will deliver a consistent crispness from top to bottom, creating a uniform typing experience. The Bsun Taichi, however, will evoke a nuanced dynamic due to its mixed materials—delivering a rounder, fuller base sound while retaining brightness from its polycarbonate top. This separation of sound qualities, with the bottom housing influencing the bottom-out sound and feel, allows for distinct auditory preferences for different users. Ultimately, both switches offer unique characteristics shaped by their combination of polycarbonate and nylon, providing players and typists with tailored experiences based on their material compositions.
Weight
When comparing the KTT Strawberry linear switch and the Bsun Taichi linear switch, there are notable differences in their actuation forces, while the bottom out force of the Taichi remains unknown. The Strawberry switch features an actuation force of 43 grams, categorizing it as a medium-force switch, whereas the Taichi has a slightly lighter actuation force of 40 grams. This difference means that the Taichi offers a marginally easier press, which could be beneficial for extended typing sessions or gaming, appealing to those who prefer a lighter switch. However, the Strawberry’s bottom out force of 62 grams provides a more substantial feedback for users who favor a heavier push and a pronounced typing experience, contrasting with the Taichi’s undefined bottom out force, which leaves its overall tactile feedback uncertain. Consequently, if the Taichi’s bottom out force were known, we could identify if it aligns more closely with the Strawberry’s heavier feel or if it presents a different experience altogether. Overall, the KTT Strawberry is the heavier option in terms of both actuation and bottom out forces, while the Bsun Taichi is positioned as the lighter actuation choice, offering potentially differing outcomes based on user preferences.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the KTT Strawberry and the Bsun Taichi linear switches, the KTT Strawberry features a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Bsun Taichi has a shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm. This difference of 0.4 mm can affect the feel and responsiveness of each switch. The Strawberry's longer 4 mm travel distance aligns with more traditional switch designs, providing a satisfying depth that some users may prefer for a more hearty typing experience. In contrast, the Taichi's 3.6 mm travel distance is better suited for those seeking quicker response times, commonly favored by gamers who benefit from the decreased actuation distance for rapid key presses. Ultimately, if you prefer a more responsive feel, the shorter travel of the Taichi may be ideal; however, if you enjoy a deeper keystroke, the Strawberry could be the better choice.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Bsun Taichi has an MSRP of $2.75 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Taichi for $2.25.
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 presents a low-pitched profile that delivers a mellow, bass-heavy tone when bottoming out, which can be pleasing to users who favor a more subdued auditory feedback while typing. On the other hand, the Bsun Taichi linear switch is known for its enchanting high-pitched bottom-out sound, characterized by an elevated tone that adds a unique auditory signature to each keystroke. While the sound qualities are distinctly different—one leaning towards a deeper resonate note and the other presenting a brighter tone—it’s important to remember that the final auditory experience can vary significantly based on the keyboard build, materials, and keycap selection.
When it comes to feel, the KTT Strawberry switch excels with its frictionless, silky, buttery, and polished characteristics. Users can expect an incredibly smooth and effortless typing sensation, with minimal resistance throughout the keypress. This refined typing experience is enhanced by the switch's construction and potential factory lubing, resulting in a consistently fluid movement. In contrast, the tactile feel of the Bsun Taichi switch is not detailed in available information, leaving a gap in understanding how it might compare in terms of smoothness, resistance, or overall typing experience.
Conclusively, while the KTT Strawberry linear switch is defined by its smooth feel and low-pitched sound, the Bsun Taichi switch offers a contrasting high-pitched auditory experience. The Strawberry clearly stands out with its frictionless and polished keystrokes, ensuring a premium typing sensation. Without specific details on the feel of the Taichi, it’s challenging to directly compare the two; however, typists seeking a smooth, satisfying keystroke will likely appreciate the strengths of the Strawberry switch. Ultimately, personal preference plays a critical role in selecting between these two switches, whether leaning towards the velvety experience of the Strawberry or the bright acoustics of the Taichi.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between KTT Strawberry and Bsun Taichi linear switches ultimately depends on your personal preferences and what you're looking for in your typing experience. If you favor a switch that offers a medium actuation force with a delightful low-pitched sound, smooth and frictionless travel, then the KTT Strawberry is an excellent choice. Its silky and buttery feel is ideal for long typing sessions and can enhance productivity, making it a great fit for office work or extensive writing projects. Conversely, if you’re intrigued by distinctive auditory feedback and seek unparalleled smoothness from a switch, the Bsun Taichi could be more appealing, especially if you appreciate a unique bottom-out sound that stands out. However, considering that the Taichi's bottom-out force is unknown, it might require more personal testing to ensure it aligns with your preferences. In summary, if you prioritize a comfortable and refined typing sensation, opt for the KTT Strawberry, but if sound and an innovative design catch your interest, the Bsun Taichi could be worth a try.