KTT Strawberry vs. Durock White Lotus
An in-depth look at the KTT Strawberry and the Durock White Lotus switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, there are many factors to consider. Two popular options to compare and contrast are the KTT Strawberry, a linear switch, and the Durock White Lotus, a tactile switch. The Strawberry is renowned for its smooth actuation, comfortable feel, and reliable performance, making it an excellent choice for those seeking a frictionless typing experience. On the other hand, the White Lotus offers a delicate tactility that strikes the perfect balance, ensuring a pleasurable typing experience for extended periods without overwhelming the user. Additionally, the White Lotus features a removable light column, allowing for vibrant and luminous RGB lighting effects, which adds an extra aesthetic flair to your keyboard setup. However, let's delve deeper beyond these generalities to help you make the best decision based on your specific preferences and typing needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
43g
Actuation force
46g
Bottom-out force
62g
Bottom-out force
56g
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
Modified PC & UPE Blend
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated
Spring
Gold-plated long spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the KTT Strawberry and the Durock White Lotus differ when it comes to the top housings. The Strawberry features a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to polycarbonate being a relatively stiffer plastic, resulting in a clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucent nature of polycarbonate makes it ideal for RGB lighting. In contrast, the White Lotus utilizes a modified PC & UPE Blend top housing, which provides a unique and premium feel. While specific sound characteristics are not mentioned, it is evident that the material offers a different tactile experience compared to the Strawberry's polycarbonate top housing.
Moving on to the bottom housings, both switches share the use of polycarbonate in their housing construction. This material brings about similar benefits to both switches, including a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is because polycarbonate is a relatively stiffer plastic, allowing for a clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate is advantageous for those looking to incorporate RGB lighting into their setup. However, the White Lotus distinguishes itself with a nylon bottom housing. Nylon is known for eliciting a deeper and fuller sound profile due to being a softer plastic that absorbs more sound. As a result, the White Lotus may offer a more rounded and duller sound compared to the Strawberry's polycarbonate bottom housing.
In summary, the top housings of the KTT Strawberry and the Durock White Lotus differ in material composition, with the Strawberry featuring polycarbonate and the White Lotus utilizing a modified PC & UPE Blend. The Strawberry's polycarbonate top housing produces a sharp and crisp sound profile, while the White Lotus's material provides a unique and premium feel. On the other hand, both switches share a polycarbonate bottom housing, resulting in similar benefits such as clear and resonant sound with the potential for RGB lighting. However, the White Lotus stands out with its nylon bottom housing, which may offer a deeper and fuller sound compared to the Strawberry's polycarbonate bottom housing.
Weight
When comparing the actuation and bottom out forces of the KTT Strawberry linear switch and the Durock White Lotus tactile switch, we can observe some similarities and differences. In terms of actuation force, the Strawberry requires 43 grams of force, while the White Lotus requires slightly more at 46 grams. Both switches fall within the medium range, providing a balanced typing experience for users.
However, when it comes to bottom-out force, we see a noticeable distinction. The Strawberry switch has a bottom out force of 62 grams, making it slightly heavier than its actuation force. On the other hand, the White Lotus offers a lighter bottom out force of 56 grams, creating a more gentle typing experience.
Considering weight as a factor, those who prefer a lighter feel may opt for the White Lotus switch, as its actuation and bottom-out forces are both lower than that of the Strawberry switch. This lighter weight can be beneficial for prolonged typing sessions or extended gaming sessions, as it reduces finger fatigue.
On the contrary, individuals seeking a more substantial typing experience may find the Strawberry switch more suitable. With its higher bottom out force, users can enjoy a stronger push feel when pressing the keys, offering a sense of satisfaction and precision.
Ultimately, the choice between the KTT Strawberry linear switch and the Durock White Lotus tactile switch depends on individual preferences. By considering the actuation and bottom out forces, users can select the switch that aligns with their desired typing sensation, whether that be a lighter, longer-lasting typing experience or a heavier and more substantial one.
Travel distance
The KTT Strawberry linear switch and the Durock White Lotus tactile switch both have a travel distance of 4 mm, making them equal in this aspect. This means that when you press down on a key using either of these switches, you will experience the same distance of travel. As a result, whether you choose the KTT Strawberry or the Durock White Lotus, you can expect similar results and a consistent typing experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Durock White Lotus has an MSRP of $5.60 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the White Lotus for $4.57.
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 linear switch and the Durock White Lotus tactile switch are described as low-pitched. This means that they both produce a more bass-heavy and mellow tone compared to higher-pitched switches. It's important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard and keycaps used. Therefore, depending on your choice of board and keycaps, you can expect similar low-pitched sound results from both switches.
When it comes to feel, the KTT Strawberry linear switch is described as frictionless, silky, buttery, and polished. These qualities indicate that the Strawberry switch offers an extremely smooth and effortless typing experience, with minimal resistance or friction when pressing the keys. It provides a fluid and seamless typing sensation due to the smooth and refined finish of the switch. On the other hand, the Durock White Lotus tactile switch is described as easy-to-press, mild, and subtle. These qualities suggest that the White Lotus switch offers a gentle resistance during key presses, requiring minimal force to activate. It provides a low-impact and responsive typing feel, reducing finger fatigue during extended typing sessions. The White Lotus switch also maintains a light typing feel with a gentle resistance and a subtle sound signature. Overall, both switches offer a smooth and comfortable typing experience, but with slightly different characteristics.
Taking all the available information into consideration, the KTT Strawberry linear switch and the Durock White Lotus tactile switch have their own unique qualities. The Strawberry switch is known for its smooth actuation, comfortable feel, and reliable performance, while the White Lotus switch is designed with the discerning typist in mind, offering a delicate tactility and vibrant RGB lighting effects. In terms of sound, both switches are low-pitched and provide a bass-heavy and mellow tone. In terms of feel, the Strawberry switch offers a frictionless, silky, buttery, and polished typing experience, while the White Lotus switch offers an easy-to-press, mild, and subtle typing feel. While they may have some differences, both switches are suited for work and extended typing sessions. Depending on your personal preferences and typing style, you can achieve similar results with either switch.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a smooth and reliable linear switch with a comfortable feel, the KTT Strawberry switch would be a great choice. With a bottom out force of 62 grams, it offers a medium level of actuation force. The Strawberry switch is known for its attractive pink and clear housings, providing a visually appealing option for your keyboard setup. In terms of sound, it is low-pitched, offering a bass-heavy and mellow tone. As for the feel, the Strawberry switch is described as frictionless, silky, buttery, and polished, providing an exceptionally smooth and effortless typing experience.
On the other hand, if you prefer a light tactile switch designed for typing and work purposes, the Durock White Lotus switch would be the ideal option. With a bottom out force of 56 grams, it has a medium-light actuation force. The White Lotus switch stands out with its delicate tactility, providing the perfect balance between feedback and smoothness. It also features a removable light column, allowing for vibrant RGB lighting effects. The sound profile of the White Lotus switch is low-pitched and neutral, making it suitable for various environments. In terms of feel, it is described as easy-to-press, mild, and subtle, offering a responsive and low-impact typing experience.
Ultimately, the choice between the KTT Strawberry and Durock White Lotus switches depends on your personal preferences. If you prioritize smoothness, reliability, and a linear switch, the Strawberry switch would be a great option. Conversely, if you prefer a light tactile switch with a delicate tactility and customizable lighting effects, the White Lotus switch would be a better fit. Consider your typing preferences and requirements to make the decision that best suits your needs.
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