Outemu Cream Blue vs. KTT Strawberry
An in-depth look at the Outemu Cream Blue and the KTT Strawberry switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options to consider are the Outemu Cream Blue, a clicky switch, and the KTT Strawberry, a linear switch. The Cream Blue is best known for its clicky tactile feedback, making each keystroke satisfyingly audible and tactile. On the other hand, the Strawberry is loved for its smooth actuation, comfortable feel, and reliable performance. The Cream Blue is categorized as a clicky switch, providing a satisfying auditory and tactile experience, while the Strawberry falls under the category of a linear switch, known for its low-pitched, frictionless, silky, buttery, and polished feel. Each switch has its own unique characteristics that appeal to different preferences and typing styles. 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
43g
Bottom-out force
65g
Bottom-out force
62g
Pre-travel
2.20 mm
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Nylon
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Gold-plated
Housing materials
The Outemu Cream Blue and the KTT Strawberry both offer unique characteristics based on their housing materials. The Cream Blue features a nylon top housing, which creates a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer plastic that absorbs more sound. In contrast, the Strawberry's polycarbonate top housing produces a sharper and crisper sound profile with its stiffer plastic. While the Cream Blue offers a duller and rounder sound, the Strawberry provides a more clear and resonant sound, especially when combined with RGB lighting due to its translucency.
Moving on to the bottom housing, both the Cream Blue and the Strawberry maintain their distinctive qualities. The Cream Blue's nylon bottom housing contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile, while the Strawberry's polycarbonate bottom housing enhances the sharpness and crispness of the switch's sound. The impact on the bottom-out sound and feel of the switch is more influenced by the bottom housing, whereas the top housing plays a significant role in the sound when releasing a key.
In essence, the choice between the Outemu Cream Blue and the KTT Strawberry housing materials ultimately comes down to personal preference. While the Cream Blue offers a deeper and fuller sound with its nylon housing, the Strawberry provides a sharper and crisper sound profile with its polycarbonate housing. Both switches deliver unique auditory experiences based on the characteristics of their housing materials, showcasing the importance of considering not just the switch type but also the materials used in its construction. Ultimately, whether you prefer a duller and rounder sound or a sharper and clearer one will determine which switch is the best fit for your typing or gaming needs.
Weight
In comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Outemu Cream Blue clicky switch and the KTT Strawberry linear switch, it is evident that the Cream Blue is the heavier option. The Cream Blue has an actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 65 grams, making it a medium-heavy switch. On the other hand, the Strawberry is the lighter option with an actuation force of 43 grams and a bottom out force of 62 grams, categorizing it as a medium switch. Both switches provide a satisfying typing experience, but the Cream Blue offers a more substantial push feel, while the Strawberry allows for lighter typing, ideal for longer typing sessions or gaming. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on the user's preference for actuation and bottom out force.
Travel distance
Both the Outemu Cream Blue clicky switch and the KTT Strawberry linear switch have a travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when pressing down on a key with either of these switches, you will feel the switch travel 4 mm from the top to the bottom. As a result, the travel distance for both switches is the same, providing a similar tactile feedback and typing experience. Overall, whether you choose the Outemu Cream Blue clicky switch or the KTT Strawberry linear switch, you can expect to get consistent results in terms of travel distance and keypress feel.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
For 10 switches, the Outemu Cream Blue 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 Cream Blue switch is known for None, while the KTT Strawberry linear switch is described as having a low-pitched sound profile. Low-pitched switches like the Strawberry typically offer a deeper and more mellow tone compared to higher-pitched switches. However, it's important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard's construction and the type of keycaps used.
Moving on to feel, the Cream Blue switch lacks a specific descriptor for its tactile feel, whereas the KTT Strawberry switch is known for its frictionless, silky, buttery, and polished feel. A frictionless switch like the Strawberry offers a smooth and effortless typing experience with minimal resistance, while a silky switch enhances the overall smoothness of typing. The buttery sensation implies a fluid keystroke experience, and a polished switch provides a refined and sleek typing feel due to either the materials used or factory lubing. These qualities collectively contribute to a comfortable and enjoyable typing experience with the Strawberry switch.
In conclusion, while the Cream Blue and KTT Strawberry switches offer different experiences in terms of sound and feel, it is important to consider individual preferences when choosing a switch. If you prefer a tactile and clicky experience with a potentially unique sound profile, the Cream Blue may be the way to go. On the other hand, if you value a smooth and frictionless typing experience with a low-pitched sound, the KTT Strawberry switch would be a better choice. Each switch has its own strengths, so it ultimately comes down to personal preference and typing style to determine which switch is the best fit for you.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the Outemu Cream Blue clicky switch and the KTT Strawberry linear switch, consider the following guidelines. If you prefer a medium-heavy bottom out force and a clicky typing experience, the Cream Blue may be the choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a slightly lighter bottom out force and a smooth linear typing experience with a low-pitched sound, the Strawberry switch could be more suited to your preference. Ultimately, the decision comes down to personal preference in terms of typing feel, sound, and bottom out force. Both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different typing preferences, so choose the one that aligns best with your typing style and needs.
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