Outemu Blue vs. KTT Wine Red
An in-depth look at the Outemu Blue and the KTT Wine Red switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the choice between the Outemu Blue, a clicky switch, and the KTT Wine Red, a linear switch, can greatly impact your typing experience. The Blue switch is best known for its tactile feedback and audible click, making it a popular choice for those who enjoy the satisfying sound of typing. On the other hand, the Wine Red switch is praised for its smooth and linear feel, providing a quieter typing experience with a more subtle sound profile. While the Blue switch offers a more pronounced tactile response, the Wine Red switch is favored for its comfortable typing experience and minimal noise. 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
50g
Actuation force
44g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
55g
Pre-travel
2.20 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
No
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
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Progressive spring
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Outemu Blue and the KTT Wine Red switches, it is clear that both switches use polycarbonate for their top housing. This material choice results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile for both switches. Additionally, due to the translucent nature of polycarbonate, it is ideal for switches that incorporate RGB lighting. However, the Outemu Blue differs in its use of nylon for the bottom housing, which produces a deeper and fuller sound profile. On the other hand, the KTT Wine Red utilizes polycarbonate for both the top and bottom housing, emphasizing a consistent sharp and clear sound profile throughout the keystroke.
While both the Outemu Blue and KTT Wine Red switches use polycarbonate for the top housing, the differences lie in the materials used for the bottom housing. The nylon bottom housing of the Outemu Blue creates a deeper and fuller sound profile, as nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound. This results in a duller and rounder sound compared to the sharper and clearer sound produced by the polycarbonate bottom housing of the KTT Wine Red. Despite these differences, both switches offer unique sound profiles based on their respective housing materials, catering to different preferences for keystroke feel and sound.
In terms of practical usage, the difference in top and bottom housing materials can be felt in the overall sound and feel of typing on the switches. The bottom housing material has a more significant impact on the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing down on a key, while the top housing material influences the sound when releasing the key. This split enables users to experience a combination of qualities from both housing materials, creating a dynamic and diverse typing experience. Whether preferring a deeper sound profile with nylon or a sharper sound profile with polycarbonate, both the Outemu Blue and KTT Wine Red switches offer unique characteristics that cater to individual preferences.
Weight
When comparing the Outemu Blue clicky switch to the KTT Wine Red linear switch, there are notable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Blue switch has a higher actuation force of 50 grams compared to the Wine Red switch's 44 grams, making the Blue switch slightly heavier to press down. On the other hand, the Blue switch does not provide information on its bottom out force, whereas the Wine Red switch has a bottom out force of 55 grams, which is considered medium-light. This means that while the Wine Red switch may have a lighter actuation force, it requires more force to bottom out compared to the Blue switch. Overall, those who prefer a lighter typing experience may opt for the Wine Red switch, while those who enjoy a more substantial push feel may lean towards the Blue switch. Regardless of the differences in force, users can still achieve similar typing results depending on their personal preferences and typing style.
Travel distance
Both the Outemu Blue clicky switch and the KTT Wine Red linear switch have the same travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when pressing down on a key with either switch, you will experience the same distance traveled from the top to the bottom. This similarity in travel distance ensures that you will get similar results in terms of the tactile feedback and typing experience between the two switches. Therefore, in terms of travel distance, there is no difference between the Outemu Blue clicky switch and the KTT Wine Red linear switch.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
For 10 switches, the Outemu Blue comes in at $3.10, whereas the KTT Wine Red comes in at $2.71.
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 Outemu Blue clicky switch is known for its sharp and clicky sound profile, offering a satisfying auditory feedback with each key press. On the other hand, the KTT Wine Red linear switch is best described as having a bassy and low-pitched sound profile. While the Blue switch provides a crisp and sharp click, the Wine Red switch offers a deeper and richer sound that resonates with each keystroke. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for sound profile during typing.
When it comes to feel, the Outemu Blue switch is known for providing a tactile and clicky typing experience, with a noticeable tactile bump and audible click with each key press. In contrast, the KTT Wine Red switch is described as offering a pillowy light type feel. This means that the Wine Red switch may provide a smoother and softer typing experience compared to the more tactile and clicky feel of the Blue switch. Whether you prefer a more tactile typing experience or a smoother feel will ultimately determine which switch is better suited for your typing needs.
Overall, when deciding between the Outemu Blue clicky switch and the KTT Wine Red linear switch, it's important to consider your preferences for sound and feel during typing. The Blue switch offers a sharp and clicky sound with a tactile typing experience, while the Wine Red switch provides a deeper and richer sound profile with a smoother typing feel. Ultimately, the best switch for you will depend on whether you prefer a more tactile and clicky typing experience or a smoother and softer feel. It's recommended to try out both switches if possible to determine which one suits your typing style the best. Remember, the choice of keyboard, keycaps, and personal preference will also play a role in the overall typing experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the Outemu Blue clicky switch and the KTT Wine Red linear switch, it ultimately comes down to your preferred typing experience. If you enjoy a clicky and tactile typing experience with a satisfying sound profile, then the Outemu Blue switch would be a great choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a smooth and linear typing feel with a lighter actuation force, the KTT Wine Red switch may be more suited to your preference. Consider your typing style, noise tolerance, and overall typing experience when deciding between these two switches. Ultimately, the choice between the Outemu Blue and KTT Wine Red switches will depend on what feels most comfortable and enjoyable to you as a typist.
Mentioned in this article
