KTT Strawberry vs. Everglide Tourmaline Blue
An in-depth look at the KTT Strawberry and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, two options that stand out are the KTT Strawberry and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue. The KTT Strawberry is highly praised for its smooth actuation and comfortable feel, making it a popular choice among users. With its attractive pink and clear housings, these delectable Strawberries not only look appealing but also deliver reliable performance. On the other hand, the Everglide Tourmaline Blue offers a unique typing experience, immersing you in a satisfying thocky sound profile. With a lengthened single-stage spring, these switches provide a bouncy feel with each keystroke. The Tourmaline Blues strike a balance with their standard spring weight, ensuring an enjoyable and accessible experience for a wide range of users. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can best decide on the perfect switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
43g
Actuation force
59g
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
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated
Spring
Gold-plated
Housing materials
The KTT Strawberry and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue both use polycarbonate for their top and bottom housings. This choice of material results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile for both switches. The translucency of polycarbonate also makes it an excellent choice for switches with RGB lighting, as it allows the light to pass through and create vibrant colors. Therefore, both switches will provide similar sound characteristics and aesthetics due to their shared use of polycarbonate in the top and bottom housings.
However, despite their similarities, it's important to note that the different housing materials of the top and bottom can affect the overall performance of a switch. In the case where the top and bottom housings differ, the qualities brought by each material are divided between the two parts. When pressing down on the switch, the bottom housing's qualities have a stronger impact on the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing contributes more significantly to the sound when releasing a key. Therefore, if the KTT Strawberry or the Everglide Tourmaline Blue were to have different housing materials for the top and bottom, their performance and user experience would likely differ.
Overall, both the KTT Strawberry and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue benefit from the use of polycarbonate in their top and bottom housings. This material choice provides a clearer and more resonant sound profile, creating a sharper and higher-pitched sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate enhances the visual appeal of the switches, especially when paired with RGB lighting. While potential differences in the top and bottom housings could affect certain aspects of the switch's performance, both switches share these positive characteristics due to their common use of polycarbonate.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the KTT Strawberry linear switch and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue linear switch, there are noticeable differences. The actuation force of the Strawberry switch is 43 grams, while the Tourmaline Blue requires a slightly higher actuation force of 59 grams. In terms of bottom out force, the Strawberry switch has a force of 62 grams, whereas the Tourmaline Blue has a slightly heavier force of 67 grams. Both switches fall under the medium category when it comes to actuation force, but the Tourmaline Blue can be considered medium-heavy in terms of bottom out force.
Weight plays a significant role in the typing experience, as it can determine how long one can comfortably type without fatigue. Those who prefer a lighter feel may opt for the Strawberry switch since it has a lower actuation and bottom out force. This lighter option would be ideal for individuals who frequently use their keyboards for extended periods, such as in a work setting or during long gaming sessions. On the other hand, those who desire a stronger push and a more substantial typing experience might prefer the Tourmaline Blue switch, which has a higher actuation and bottom out force. This heavier option provides a more deliberate and satisfying keystroke.
Overall, the differences in actuation force and bottom out force between the KTT Strawberry and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue give users the ability to choose a switch that caters to their individual preferences. Whether leaning towards a lighter or heavier force, both switches provide a medium-level actuation force for a comfortable typing experience.
Travel distance
Both the KTT Strawberry linear switch and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue linear switch have a travel distance of 4 mm, making them equal in this aspect. When using either switch, you can expect a similar tactile experience, as they both require the same amount of force to press down and have the same distance of travel. Whether you choose the Strawberry or the Tourmaline Blue switch, you can be confident that your keystrokes will register with a consistent and satisfying feel.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Everglide Tourmaline Blue has an MSRP of $6.86 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Tourmaline Blue for $3.89.
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 is known for its low-pitched tone. This means that it produces a more bass-heavy and mellower sound compared to higher-pitched switches. On the other hand, the Everglide Tourmaline Blue linear switch has a neutral sound profile. This means that it has a moderate sound profile without any extreme characteristics. It strikes a balance that makes it suitable for most users, whether they are beginners or advanced. However, it is important to note that the sound of a switch also depends on other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.
In terms of feel, the KTT Strawberry switch has been described using several different descriptors. It is referred to as frictionless, silky, buttery, and polished. These terms all indicate that the Strawberry switch offers an exceptionally smooth typing experience with minimal resistance or friction when pressing the keys. It provides a fluid and polished key travel. Similarly, the Everglide Tourmaline Blue switch is also described as buttery in terms of feel. This means that it offers a smooth and fluid keystroke experience, providing a seamless and effortless typing sensation. It is also easy-to-press, offering gentle resistance during key presses and requiring minimal force to activate. This enhances the typing experience by reducing finger fatigue during extended typing sessions. Overall, the Tourmaline Blue switch offers a low-impact and responsive typing feel. Both switches provide a smooth and comfortable typing experience, with the Tourmaline Blue having a slightly lighter actuation force.
Based on the available information, the KTT Strawberry and Everglide Tourmaline Blue linear switches offer different qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Strawberry switch is known for its low-pitched sound and frictionless, silky, buttery, and polished feel. On the other hand, the Tourmaline Blue switch has a neutral sound profile and a buttery, easy-to-press, and mild feel. While they have their own unique characteristics, both switches provide a smooth and enjoyable typing experience. Depending on personal preference, either switch can be a great choice. It's important to consider factors such as the sound profile, typing feel, and actuation force when selecting a switch that suits your needs.
Conclusion
In closing, if you are looking for a smooth and reliable typing experience with a medium bottom out force, the KTT Strawberry linear switch is the way to go. These switches are best known for their smooth actuation and comfortable feel. They offer a frictionless and silky typing experience, minimizing any sense of resistance or friction when pressing the keys. The Strawberry has a low-pitched sound profile, which creates a more bass-heavy and mellow tone. Overall, these switches provide a seamless and fluid typing sensation.
On the other hand, if you prefer a deeper and thocky sound profile along with a medium-heavy bottom out force, the Everglide Tourmaline Blue linear switch is a great choice. These switches offer a bouncy feel with each keystroke, thanks to their lengthened single-stage spring. The Tourmaline Blue strikes a balance with their standard spring weight, making them enjoyable and accessible to a wide range of users. They have a buttery and easy-to-press feel, providing a smooth and fluid typing experience. With a neutral sound profile, these switches are suitable for both beginners and advanced users, whether it be for home or work.
Ultimately, the choice between the KTT Strawberry linear switch and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue linear switch depends on your preferences for bottom out force, sound profile, and typing feel. Consider the smoothness and reliability of the Strawberry, as well as its low-pitched sound and frictionless/silky typing experience. Meanwhile, the Tourmaline Blue offers a bouncy feel, thocky sound, and a buttery/easy-to-press typing experience. Evaluate your preferences and desired typing experience to make the best decision for your mechanical keyboard.
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