Outemu Cold Plum vs. KTT Strawberry
An in-depth look at the Outemu Cold Plum and the KTT Strawberry switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Outemu Cold Plum and KTT Strawberry mechanical keyboard switches, it's clear that both offer unique and appealing features for enthusiasts seeking a satisfying typing experience. The Cold Plum stands out for its thocky sound profile and fully nylon construction, providing a smooth keystroke and distinct typing feel. On the other hand, the KTT Strawberry is loved for its smooth actuation, comfortable feel, and reliable performance, with its attractive pink and clear housings adding to its appeal. While the Cold Plum offers a unique sound profile, the Strawberry boasts a comfortable and smooth typing experience. 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
60g
Actuation force
43g
Bottom-out force
70g
Bottom-out force
62g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Total travel
3.30 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
Nylon
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Nylon
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 Cold Plum and the KTT Strawberry, we can see that they both have distinct characteristics that affect the sound profile of the switches. The Cold Plum's nylon top and bottom housing create a deeper and fuller sound due to the softer nature of nylon, absorbing more sound and resulting in a duller and rounder sound. On the other hand, the Strawberry's polycarbonate top and bottom housing produce a sharper and crisper sound profile, as polycarbonate is a stiffer plastic that leads to a more clear and resonant sound. It is interesting to note that while both switches have different housing materials, they each aim to enhance the typing experience in their own unique way.
Despite the differences in housing materials between the Cold Plum and Strawberry switches, they ultimately aim to provide users with an enhanced typing experience. The nylon housing of the Cold Plum offers a deeper and fuller sound profile, while the polycarbonate housing of the Strawberry creates a sharper and crisper sound. The choice between the two depends on personal preference for sound and feel while typing, as well as aesthetic considerations such as the use of RGB lighting in a switch. Ultimately, both switches offer distinct characteristics that cater to different preferences among mechanical keyboard enthusiasts.
Overall, the contrasting housing materials of the Outemu Cold Plum and KTT Strawberry highlight the variety of options available to keyboard enthusiasts. The softer nature of nylon in the Cold Plum provides a different typing experience compared to the stiffer polycarbonate housing of the Strawberry. Whether one prefers a deeper and rounder sound or a sharper and crisper sound, both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences. In the end, the housing materials play a significant role in determining the overall sound profile and feel of the switches, providing users with a diverse range of options to choose from.
Weight
In comparing the Outemu Cold Plum linear switch and the KTT Strawberry linear switch, we can see a difference in weight. The Cold Plum has a heavier actuation force of 60 grams and a bottom out force of 70 grams, whereas the Strawberry has a lighter actuation force of 43 grams and a bottom out force of 62 grams. This makes the Cold Plum the heavier of the two switches. The actuation force is crucial for determining the force required to trigger a keystroke, while the bottom out force measures the pressure needed to press the key all the way down. Those who prefer a lighter touch may opt for the Strawberry switch for extended typing or gaming sessions, while those seeking a more substantial typing experience may lean towards the Cold Plum switch. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on individual preferences for actuation and bottom out force.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the Outemu Cold Plum linear switch is 3.3 mm, while the KTT Strawberry linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. In this case, the Cold Plum has a shorter travel distance compared to the Strawberry. The traditional travel distance is 4.0 mm, making the Strawberry more aligned with that standard. Gamers who prioritize faster response times may prefer the Cold Plum due to its shorter travel distance. On the other hand, those who enjoy a more substantial key press may lean towards the Strawberry with its longer travel distance. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches comes down to personal preference in terms of key press depth and responsiveness.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
For 10 switches, the Outemu Cold Plum 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 Cold Plum switch offers a distinct thocky sound profile due to its fully nylon construction, providing a satisfying typing experience for enthusiasts. On the other hand, the KTT Strawberry switch is known for its low-pitched sound, offering a more bass-heavy and mellow tone compared to higher-pitched switches. Both switches provide unique sound profiles that can enhance the overall typing experience, with the Cold Plum offering a thocky sound and the Strawberry offering a low-pitched tone.
In terms of feel, the Outemu Cold Plum switch is praised for its smooth keystrokes, providing a satisfying typing experience for users. Unfortunately, the available information does not provide specific descriptors for the feel of the KTT Strawberry switch. However, based on the description of a frictionless, silky, buttery, and polished feel, it can be inferred that the Strawberry switch offers a smooth and effortless typing experience without resistance or friction, enhancing the overall feel of typing.
In conclusion, both the Outemu Cold Plum and KTT Strawberry switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences among keyboard enthusiasts. While the Cold Plum provides a thocky sound profile and smooth keystrokes, the Strawberry switch offers a low-pitched sound and a smooth, frictionless typing experience. Depending on personal preference for sound and feel, either switch could provide a satisfying typing experience for newcomers looking to explore different mechanical keyboard switches. Ultimately, both switches offer qualities that can enhance the overall typing experience, providing a unique and enjoyable typing feel for users.
Conclusion
In conclusion, when deciding between the Outemu Cold Plum linear switch and the KTT Strawberry linear switch, consider your preferences for typing feel and sound. If you enjoy a thocky sound profile and medium-heavy bottom out force, the Cold Plum may be the better choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a smoother actuation, lower bottom out force, and a low-pitched sound profile, the Strawberry switch might be more suited to your tastes. Ultimately, both switches offer unique characteristics that can enhance your typing experience, so choose based on what features are most important to you.
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