KTT Strawberry vs. Jwick Taro
An in-depth look at the KTT Strawberry and the Jwick Taro switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, you may find yourself torn between the KTT Strawberry and the Jwick Taro. The Strawberry is best known for its smooth actuation, comfortable feel, and reliable performance. With its attractive pink and clear housings, this linear switch provides a low-pitched and frictionless typing experience. On the other hand, the Taro offers a cozy typing experience with its snappy medium-level of tactility and acute and crisp clacks. Its subdued color scheme and stepped design add to its appeal. While these general descriptions provide a good starting point, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the ideal switch for you.
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
3.70 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
No
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
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The KTT Strawberry and the Jwick Taro both have polycarbonate top housings. This material choice creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile for both switches. The stiffness of polycarbonate enhances the clarity and resonance of the sound produced. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate is particularly useful for those planning to use RGB lighting in their keyboards. Therefore, users can expect similar sound characteristics and visual effects from the polycarbonate top housings of both the Strawberry and the Taro.
However, when it comes to the bottom housing, the two switches differ. The Strawberry utilizes a polycarbonate bottom housing, which contributes to the overall sound profile of the switch. Similar to the top housing, the stiffness of polycarbonate enhances the clarity and resonance of the sound, resulting in a sharper and crisper bottom-out sound. On the other hand, the Taro features a nylon bottom housing. Nylon is known for creating a deeper and fuller sound profile. The relatively softer nature of nylon absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder bottom-out sound compared to the polycarbonate bottom housing of the Strawberry.
While the top housings of the KTT Strawberry and the Jwick Taro provide similar sound characteristics, the bottom housings differ in their impact on the sound and feel of the switch. The bottom housing has a more significant influence on the bottom-out sound and feel when the key is pressed down. Therefore, users can expect variations in the sound produced by these switches when they are in use. However, the top housing still plays a role in the sound when the key is released, with the crisper and higher-pitched sound profile attributed to the polycarbonate top housing. So, despite the differences in the bottom housing, some similarities in sound can still be expected between the Strawberry and the Taro due to their shared polycarbonate top housings.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the KTT Strawberry linear switch and the Jwick Taro tactile switch, there are a few notable differences. The Strawberry switch has an actuation force of 43 grams, which is the force required to trigger a keystroke, and a bottom out force of 62 grams, which measures the force required to press the key all the way down. On the other hand, the actuation force of the Taro switch is unknown, making it difficult to directly compare. However, the Taro does have a bottom out force of 67 grams, which is slightly heavier than the Strawberry switch.
Considering weight as an important factor, the Strawberry switch may appeal to those who prefer a lighter typing experience. With its relatively low actuation force of 43 grams, it allows for comfortable typing over longer periods of time, making it suitable for work or extended gaming sessions. In contrast, the Taro switch, with its heavier bottom out force of 67 grams, may be favored by individuals seeking a more substantial typing feel. This heavier force can provide a satisfying tactile feedback and may be preferred by those who enjoy a stronger push while typing.
In summary, while the actuation force of the KTT Strawberry linear switch is known and lighter, the actuation force of the Jwick Taro tactile switch remains undisclosed. However, the bottom out force of the Taro switch is heavier than that of the Strawberry switch. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on individual preferences for typing experience and desired force requirements.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the KTT Strawberry linear switch and the Jwick Taro tactile switch, it is clear that there is a slight difference in their distances. The KTT Strawberry has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Jwick Taro has a travel distance of 3.7 mm. Although the difference may seem minimal, it can have an impact on the typing experience. The KTT Strawberry with its 4 mm travel distance offers a more traditional depth, providing a satisfying keypress for those who prefer a deeper feel. On the other hand, the Jwick Taro with its 3.7 mm travel distance falls on the shallower end, appealing to gamers or individuals who prioritize faster response times. Both options offer their own advantages, with the KTT Strawberry offering a more substantial press and the Jwick Taro catering to those seeking speed and responsiveness. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on personal preference and the desired typing experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Jwick Taro has an MSRP of $5.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Taro for $4.25.
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
When it comes to sound, the KTT Strawberry linear switch offers a low-pitched tone, characterized by a bass-heavy and mellow sound. On the other hand, the Jwick Taro tactile switch provides a neutral sound profile. This means it has a moderate actuation force requirement and produces a moderate sound. Both switches offer different sound profiles, so it ultimately comes down to personal preference and the other factors that may affect the sound, such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.
In terms of feel, the KTT Strawberry linear switch is known for its frictionless and silky experience. It offers an extremely smooth and effortless typing sensation, with minimal resistance or friction when pressing the keys. The switch also has a buttery and polished feel, providing a sleek typing experience due to the materials used and/or factory lubing. On the other hand, the Jwick Taro tactile switch is described as buttery and stepped. It offers a smooth and fluid keystroke experience, similar to the Strawberry switch, but also has a mild two-stage tactile feel, where you can feel some pre-travel and/or post-travel.
In summary, the KTT Strawberry linear switch has a low-pitched sound and offers a frictionless, silky, buttery, and polished typing feel. On the other hand, the Jwick Taro tactile switch has a neutral sound and provides a buttery typing experience with a mild two-stage tactile feel. Both switches offer smoothness and a pleasant typing experience, but they have their own unique characteristics in terms of both sound and feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences and the desired typing experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a smooth actuation, comfortable feel, and reliable performance, the KTT Strawberry linear switch is a great choice. With a bottom out force of 62 grams, it offers a medium level of resistance. The Strawberry switches have attractive pink and clear housings, adding a touch of visual appeal to your keyboard. Additionally, their low-pitched sound profile provides a bass-heavy and mellow tone.
On the other hand, if you prefer a tactile typing experience with a snappy medium-level of tactility, the Jwick Taro switch is worth considering. With a bottom out force of 67 grams, it offers a slightly heavier resistance compared to the Strawberry. These switches come in a cozy subdued color scheme, adding a pleasant aesthetic touch to your keyboard. The Taro switches produce a neutral sound, suitable for various usage scenarios.
In terms of feel, both switches offer a buttery typing experience, providing a seamless and fluid keystroke sensation. However, the Strawberry switches are described as frictionless, silky, buttery, and polished, offering an exceptionally smooth and effortless typing experience. On the other hand, the Taro switches have a stepped feel, offering a mild tactility with some pre-travel and/or post-travel.
Ultimately, your choice between the KTT Strawberry linear switch and the Jwick Taro tactile switch depends on your preference for a linear or tactile typing experience, as well as your desired level of resistance. Consider the overall feel, sound, and visual appeal of the switches to make an informed decision that best suits your typing style and personal preferences.
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