Outemu Cream Pink vs. KTT Strawberry
An in-depth look at the Outemu Cream Pink and the KTT Strawberry switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Outemu Cream Pink and the KTT Strawberry are two popular linear options to consider. The Cream Pink is known for its smooth actuation, comfortable feel, and reliable performance, making it a favorite among gamers and typists alike. On the other hand, the KTT Strawberry stands out for its low-pitched sound, frictionless operation, silky feel, buttery keystrokes, and polished performance. Both switches offer a unique typing experience, but the Cream Pink focuses on simplicity and reliability while the Strawberry adds a touch of luxury with its premium feel. 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
2.00 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
In comparing the housing materials of the Outemu Cream Pink and the KTT Strawberry, we see that the Cream Pink features a nylon top and bottom housing, while the Strawberry uses a polycarbonate top and bottom housing. The Nylon top housing of the Cream Pink provides a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer plastic composition, while the polycarbonate top housing of the Strawberry creates a sharper and crisper sound profile with its stiffer plastic. Both materials offer unique sound characteristics, with nylon producing a duller and rounder sound compared to the clear and resonant sound of polycarbonate.
While the Cream Pink and the Strawberry differ in their top housing materials, they share similarities in their bottom housing compositions. Both switches utilize nylon for their bottom housing, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing. The softer nature of nylon absorbs more sound, creating a rounder sound quality that enhances the typing experience. This commonality in bottom housing material ensures that users can expect a consistent sound profile and typing feel across both switches, despite the variance in their top housing materials.
In terms of overall sound and typing experience, the choice between the Outemu Cream Pink and the KTT Strawberry ultimately comes down to personal preference. The Cream Pink's nylon housing offers a deeper and fuller sound profile, appealing to those who enjoy a softer and more rounded sound while typing. On the other hand, the Strawberry's polycarbonate housing produces a sharper and crisper sound, perfect for those who prefer a clear and resonant typing experience. Regardless of the choice, both switches are designed to enhance the typing experience with their unique housing materials, providing users with a customizable and enjoyable typing experience.
Weight
The Outemu Cream Pink linear switch has a slightly higher actuation force of 50 grams compared to the KTT Strawberry linear switch, which has an actuation force of 43 grams. However, both switches have a similar bottom out force, with the Cream Pink requiring 65 grams and the Strawberry needing 62 grams. The Cream Pink can be considered slightly heavier overall, making it more suitable for those who prefer a stronger push feel. On the other hand, the Strawberry switch is lighter, making it a better choice for those who prefer a lighter typing experience. Both switches offer a medium weight profile, which can cater to a wide range of preferences. Ultimately, the decision between the two will depend on whether a lighter or heavier keypress is preferred.
Travel distance
Both the Outemu Cream Pink linear switch and the KTT Strawberry linear switch have the same travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when pressing down on a key with either of these switches, you will experience a consistent travel distance from the top to the bottom. This similarity ensures that users can expect a similar typing experience in terms of key travel, making it a matter of personal preference rather than a significant difference in travel distance between the two switches.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
For 10 switches, the Outemu Cream Pink 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 Cream Pink linear switch does not have a specific reputation for sound qualities, while the KTT Strawberry linear switch is known for producing a low-pitched tone. Low-pitched switches typically offer a more bass-heavy and mellow sound, which can provide a satisfying auditory experience during typing sessions. It's worth noting 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 the feel, the Outemu Cream Pink linear switch does not have a defined description in terms of its tactile feel. On the other hand, the KTT Strawberry linear switch is praised for offering a frictionless, silky, buttery, and polished typing experience. These characteristics indicate that the Strawberry switch provides a smooth and effortless keystroke, minimizing resistance and enhancing overall typing comfort. Users can expect a seamless and refined typing sensation when using this switch.
In conclusion, while the Outemu Cream Pink linear switch lacks specific details on sound and feel, the KTT Strawberry linear switch is admired for its low-pitched sound and smooth, frictionless typing feel. If you are looking for a linear switch that delivers a pleasant sound with minimal friction and a silky typing experience, the KTT Strawberry could be a great option. However, for those who prefer a quieter typing experience or are unfamiliar with the subjective qualities of the Cream Pink switch, the Strawberry switch may provide a similar level of satisfaction. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on individual preferences for sound and tactile feedback.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Outemu Cream Pink linear switch and the KTT Strawberry linear switch, consider the factors that matter most to you. If you prefer a slightly heavier bottom out force and are looking for a switch with no specific standout features, the Cream Pink may be the better choice for you. On the other hand, if you prioritize a smooth actuation, comfortable typing experience, and a low-pitched sound profile, the KTT Strawberry switch with its frictionless, silky, buttery, and polished feel could be the ideal option. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preferences and the typing experience you value most.
Mentioned in this article
