TTC Silent Red vs. KTT Strawberry
An in-depth look at the TTC Silent Red and the KTT Strawberry switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
If you're looking for a mechanical keyboard switch that provides a smooth and seamless typing experience without all the noise, you have two excellent options: the TTC Silent Red and the KTT Strawberry. The Silent Red switch is renowned for its muted sound profile, making it a perfect choice for office or shared living space use. Additionally, it offers a smooth and consistent feel from top to bottom, along with a padded bottom-out feel for maximum comfort. On the other hand, the Strawberry switch, with its attractive pink and clear housings, is loved for its smooth actuation, comfortable feel, and reliable performance. Both switches share qualities such as a buttery and polished feel, but they also have their distinctions. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can best decide on the perfect switch for your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
43g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Bottom-out force
62g
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Total travel
3.70 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Gold-plated
Housing materials
The TTC Silent Red and KTT Strawberry switches share similarities in their use of polycarbonate for the top housing. This material choice creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile, making it suitable for those who prefer a clear and resonant typing experience. Additionally, the translucent nature of polycarbonate allows for RGB lighting to shine through, enhancing the aesthetics of the keyboard. Therefore, both switches offer similar results when it comes to the sound and visual aspects associated with their polycarbonate top housing.
However, where the two switches differ is in their choice of material for the bottom housing. The Silent Red utilizes nylon, a classic switch housing material, which contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon is known for its ability to absorb more sound due to its relatively softer plastic composition. This creates a duller and rounder sound upon bottoming-out the keys. In contrast, the Strawberry opts for a polycarbonate bottom housing. This choice maintains the sharper and crisper sound profile associated with polycarbonate, resulting in a more defined and resonant sound when typing.
The impact of the top and bottom housing materials is noticeable when pressing down and releasing a key. The qualities brought by the bottom housing, such as the depth and fullness of sound, influence the overall bottom-out sound and feel. On the other hand, the top housing material has a more significant impact on the sound produced when letting go of a key. Therefore, through the different materials used for the top and bottom housing, the Silent Red and Strawberry switches offer varying experiences in terms of both sound and tactile feedback during typing.
Weight
When comparing the TTC Silent Red linear switch and the KTT Strawberry linear switch, their actuation and bottom out forces have slight differences. The Silent Red requires an actuation force of 45 grams, while the Strawberry has a slightly lighter actuation force of 43 grams. In terms of bottom out force, the Silent Red is heavier at 63.5 grams compared to the Strawberry's 62 grams. Both switches fall within the medium range, but the Silent Red provides a slightly stronger push feel.
Considering weight, some individuals may prefer a lighter switch like the Strawberry, as it allows for longer typing sessions without fatigue. This could be beneficial for those who use their keyboard for work or engage in extended gaming sessions. On the other hand, individuals who enjoy a more substantial typing experience may lean towards the Silent Red, which requires a heavier force for bottoming out.
Overall, although the actuation and bottom out forces differ slightly between the TTC Silent Red and KTT Strawberry switches, they both provide a satisfying medium feel. The Silent Red offers a slightly heavier experience, while the Strawberry is slightly lighter. Therefore, depending on personal preference and typing habits, individuals can choose the switch that aligns better with their desired typing experience.
Travel distance
In comparing the travel distance of the TTC Silent Red linear switch and the KTT Strawberry linear switch, there is a noticeable difference. The Silent Red has a travel distance of 3.7 mm, while the Strawberry has a travel distance of 4 mm. Although both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, with the Silent Red being slightly shorter, the distinction may still be important to consider. Gamers, in particular, often prefer shorter travel distances for faster response times. Hence, those seeking a highly responsive typing or gaming experience may opt for the Silent Red. On the other hand, for individuals who prefer a more substantial and deeper feel when pressing down on a key, the Strawberry's longer travel distance may be more suitable. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on personal preference and the desired typing or gaming experience. However, it is important to note that both options provide relatively shorter travel distances, making them suitable for those looking for more efficient and responsive typing or gaming experiences.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The TTC Silent Red has an MSRP of $5.28 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Silent Red for $4.38.
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
The TTC Silent Red linear switch is best known for its muted sound profile, making it a great choice for office or shared living spaces. It produces a softer and quieter sound compared to regular or clacky switches, minimizing the noise typically associated with mechanical keyboards. On the other hand, the KTT Strawberry linear switch is described as having a low-pitched sound. This means it has a more bass-heavy and mellow tone compared to higher-pitched switches. The sound produced by both switches is subjective and can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.
In terms of feel, the TTC Silent Red switch is often described as buttery, mild, and polished. A buttery switch provides a smooth and fluid keystroke experience, resulting in a seamless and effortless typing sensation. The switch also offers a mild typing experience, standing in a safe middle-ground zone that most people find approachable. Additionally, it has a polished finish, ensuring reduced friction and smooth key travel. Similarly, the KTT Strawberry switch is described as frictionless, silky, buttery, and polished. It offers an extremely smooth and effortless typing experience, minimizing resistance or friction when pressing the keys. Like the Silent Red, it enhances the overall smoothness of the typing feel and provides a sleek typing experience due to a polished finish.
Considering the available information, both the TTC Silent Red and KTT Strawberry switches offer smooth and seamless typing experiences. They provide a comfortable feel and smooth key travel due to their polished finishes. The Silent Red switch is known for its muted sound and consistent feel, making it ideal for quiet environments. The Strawberry switch, on the other hand, has a low-pitched sound and provides a reliable performance. While each switch has its unique characteristics, both deliver high-quality typing experiences. If you enjoy the smoothness and comfort of one switch, you can expect similar results with the other. Ultimately, the choice between the TTC Silent Red and KTT Strawberry switches will depend on personal preference and the specific requirements of the user.
Conclusion
To conclude, if you're looking for a switch that delivers a smooth and seamless typing experience without all the noise, the TTC Silent Red linear switch would be the perfect choice for you. With a bottom out force of 63.5 grams, it provides a medium-heavy feel that is comfortable for most users. The Silent Red switch has a muted sound profile, making it ideal for office or shared living spaces where noise may be a concern. Additionally, it offers a smooth and consistent feel from top to bottom, with a padded bottom-out feel for maximum comfort.
On the other hand, if you prefer a switch with an attractive design and reliable performance, the KTT Strawberry linear switch would be a great option for you. With a bottom out force of 62 grams, it provides a medium feel that is suitable for most typists. The Strawberry switch is known for its smooth actuation and comfortable feel, enhancing the overall typing experience. It also has a low-pitched sound profile, offering a more bass-heavy and mellow tone compared to higher-pitched switches.
In summary, the TTC Silent Red linear switch is best suited for those who prioritize a quiet typing experience and maximum comfort, while the KTT Strawberry linear switch is ideal for those who value smooth actuation, attractive design, and reliable performance. Whether you choose the Silent Red or Strawberry switch, you can expect a high-quality mechanical keyboard switch that enhances your overall typing experience.
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