Outemu Brown vs. KTT Strawberry
An in-depth look at the Outemu Brown and the KTT Strawberry switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options are the Outemu Brown, a tactile switch, and the KTT Strawberry, a linear switch. The Outemu Brown switch is best known for its tactile feedback, providing a slight bump to let you know when a keypress has been registered. On the other hand, the KTT Strawberry switch is known for its smooth actuation and comfortable feel, making typing feel effortless. The Brown switch is categorized as a tactile switch, while the Strawberry switch falls under the linear category. Each switch has its own unique characteristics that cater to different preferences. 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
53g
Actuation force
43g
Bottom-out force
65g
Bottom-out force
62g
Pre-travel
1.20 mm
Pre-travel
1.90 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
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Gold-plated
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Outemu Brown and the KTT Strawberry switches, it is clear that both switches utilize polycarbonate in their top housing. This material choice results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile for both switches. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches that plan to incorporate RGB lighting. Therefore, both switches offer similar sound profiles and aesthetic benefits due to their shared use of polycarbonate in the top housing.
However, where the switches differ is in their choice of bottom housing material. The Outemu Brown switch utilizes nylon for its bottom housing, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing. Nylon is softer and absorbs more sound than harder plastics, creating a duller and rounder sound. On the other hand, the KTT Strawberry switch utilizes polycarbonate for both the top and bottom housing, maintaining a sharper and more resonant sound profile throughout. This difference in bottom housing material leads to a variation in sound and feel when pressing down on the switches.
Overall, the choice of housing materials in mechanical switches plays a significant role in determining the sound and feel of typing on a keyboard. While both the Outemu Brown and KTT Strawberry switches utilize polycarbonate in the top housing for a similar sound profile, the difference in bottom housing materials results in distinct typing experiences. Whether seeking a sharper, crisper sound with polycarbonate throughout or a deeper, fuller sound with nylon in the bottom housing, mechanical keyboard enthusiasts have different options to explore based on their preferences.
Weight
The Outemu Brown tactile switch and the KTT Strawberry linear switch differ in their actuation force and bottom out force. The Brown has a higher actuation force of 53 grams compared to the Strawberry's lighter 43 grams. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Brown requires 65 grams while the Strawberry needs 62 grams, making them fairly similar in this aspect. The Brown switch provides a more substantial typing experience with its heavier forces, appealing to those who prefer a stronger push feel. On the other hand, the lighter actuation force of the Strawberry switch makes it ideal for longer typing sessions or extended gaming periods. Both switches offer a different typing experience based on their actuation and bottom out forces, catering to individuals with varying preferences. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on whether a lighter or heavier typing feel is preferred.
Travel distance
The Outemu Brown tactile switch and KTT Strawberry linear switch both have a travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when you press down on a key using either of these switches, you will feel the key travel a total of 4 mm from the top to the bottom. The travel distance of both switches is equal, so you can expect similar results in terms of the tactile feedback and keypress experience. Overall, the travel distance of both switches is the same, making them suitable options for those looking for a consistent typing or gaming experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
For 10 switches, the Outemu Brown comes in at $3.10, whereas the KTT Strawberry comes in at $4.91.
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 Outemu Brown tactile switch is known for a moderate sound profile, which can vary depending on the overall setup of your keyboard. On the other hand, the KTT Strawberry linear switch is identified by its low-pitched sound, offering a bass-heavy and mellow tone that can be quite pleasing to the ear. Both switches can provide a satisfying typing experience in terms of sound, though the Strawberry may offer a slightly quieter and more soothing typing sound overall.
In the realm of feel, the Outemu Brown tactile switch offers a tactile bump that provides feedback to the user during key presses, creating a tactile typing experience. As for the KTT Strawberry linear switch, it is recognized for its frictionless, silky, buttery, and polished feel. This means that the Strawberry switch offers an incredibly smooth and effortless typing experience, with minimal resistance and a refined finish that enhances the overall typing feel. While the Brown switch focuses on tactile feedback, the Strawberry switch prioritizes a smooth and fluid typing sensation.
Overall, while the Outemu Brown tactile switch may offer a satisfying tactile feedback during typing, the KTT Strawberry linear switch stands out for its smooth and frictionless typing experience. If you prefer a switch with a tactile bump and moderate sound profile, the Brown switch may be the better choice. However, if you prioritize a silky smooth typing feel and a low-pitched sound, the Strawberry switch could be more to your liking. Ultimately, both switches have their own unique qualities that can cater to different preferences, ensuring that you'll get a pleasantly tactile or smooth typing experience with either option.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the Outemu Brown tactile switch and the KTT Strawberry linear switch, consider the factors that are important to you. If you prefer a medium-heavy bottom out force and a more traditional typing experience without any additional features, the Brown switch may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you value a smoother and more frictionless typing experience, with a slightly lighter bottom out force, the KTT Strawberry switch might be more suitable. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preferences and the type of typing experience you are looking for.
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