Outemu Crystal Brown vs. KTT Strawberry
An in-depth look at the Outemu Crystal Brown and the KTT Strawberry switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the Outemu Crystal Brown and the KTT Strawberry offer unique features that cater to different preferences. The Crystal Brown is recognized for being a tactile switch, providing satisfying bump feedback upon actuation. On the other hand, the KTT Strawberry stands out as a linear switch, offering a smooth and consistent keystroke without any tactile bump. The Crystal Brown is categorized as a tactile switch, while the Strawberry is described as low-pitched, frictionless, silky, buttery, and polished. Both switches have their own strengths and appeal to different users based on their typing preferences. If you enjoy tactile feedback while typing, the Crystal Brown may be the ideal choice for you. However, if you prefer a smooth and linear feel, the KTT Strawberry might be more suitable. Let’s dive deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
43g
Bottom-out force
55g
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
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
The Outemu Crystal Brown and the KTT Strawberry both feature polycarbonate top housings, which result in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. Polycarbonate is known for being a stiffer plastic, leading to a more clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the use of polycarbonate allows for RGB lighting to shine through, enhancing the overall aesthetic of the switch. However, the Crystal Brown's nylon bottom housing provides a deeper and fuller sound profile, as nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, creating a duller and rounder sound. In contrast, the Strawberry's polycarbonate bottom housing maintains the sharp and clear sound profile of the top housing, resulting in a consistent sound experience throughout the switch.
While both switches use polycarbonate for their top housing, the Crystal Brown and the KTT Strawberry differ in their choice of bottom housing material. The Crystal Brown's nylon bottom housing offers a different typing experience with a deeper and fuller sound, while the Strawberry's polycarbonate bottom housing maintains the sharp and crisp sound profile of the top housing. This contrast in bottom housing material contributes to a varied typing feel and sound between the two switches. Additionally, the impact of the bottom housing material can be felt more prominently during bottom-out, while the top housing material plays a larger role in the sound when releasing a key.
In conclusion, the choice of housing materials in switches like the Outemu Crystal Brown and the KTT Strawberry can greatly impact the sound and feel of typing. While both switches utilize polycarbonate for their top housing, the difference in bottom housing material results in distinct sound profiles. The Crystal Brown's nylon bottom housing creates a deeper and fuller sound, while the Strawberry's polycarbonate bottom housing maintains a sharp and clear sound. Understanding the nuances of housing materials can help keyboard enthusiasts customize their typing experience to suit their preferences.
Weight
The Outemu Crystal Brown tactile switch and the KTT Strawberry linear switch both offer a different typing experience in terms of actuation force and bottom out force. The Crystal Brown has a slightly lighter actuation force at 45 grams compared to the Strawberry's 43 grams. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Crystal Brown requires 55 grams while the Strawberry needs 62 grams, making the Crystal Brown the lighter option overall. For those who prefer a lighter typing experience for extended periods of typing or gaming, the Crystal Brown might be the better choice. On the other hand, the Strawberry offers a slightly heavier typing experience, which some may find more satisfying for a more substantial feel while typing. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for actuation and bottom out force preferences.
Travel distance
Both the Outemu Crystal Brown tactile switch and the KTT Strawberry linear switch have a travel distance of 4 mm, making them equal in this aspect. When comparing and contrasting their travel distances, it can be noted that both switches offer a consistent typing experience in terms of how far the key travels when pressed. This means that users can expect similar results in terms of key travel and actuation point regardless of which switch they choose. The similarity in travel distance between the Crystal Brown and Strawberry switches makes them equally suitable for those who prefer a key switch with a standard 4 mm travel distance.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
For 10 switches, the Outemu Crystal 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
In terms of sound, the Outemu Crystal Brown tactile switch does not have a specific characteristic that it is best known for. On the other hand, the KTT Strawberry linear switch is best known for its low-pitched sound profile. Low-pitched switches like the Strawberry typically provide a more bass-heavy and mellow tone compared to higher-pitched switches. However, it's important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard's construction and the keycaps being used.
When it comes to feel, the Outemu Crystal Brown tactile switch does not have a specific characteristic mentioned. In contrast, the KTT Strawberry linear switch is described as offering a frictionless, silky, buttery, and polished typing experience. These attributes indicate that the Strawberry switch provides an extremely smooth and effortless typing experience, with minimal resistance or friction when pressing the keys. The switch's fluid travel and refined finish contribute to a sleek and seamless typing sensation.
Overall, when comparing the Outemu Crystal Brown tactile switch and the KTT Strawberry linear switch, it is clear that they offer distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Crystal Brown may offer a different typing experience compared to the Strawberry due to the lack of specific attributes mentioned. However, if both switches are installed on a similar keyboard setup, the user may still achieve similar levels of satisfaction in terms of sound and feel, as both switches are designed to provide reliable performance and comfort during typing. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches would depend on the individual's preference for a specific sound profile and typing feel.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Outemu Crystal Brown tactile switch and the KTT Strawberry linear switch, you should consider your preference for bottom out force, sound profile, and feel. If you prefer a lighter bottom out force, the Crystal Brown's 55 grams may be more appealing to you compared to the Strawberry's 62 grams. Additionally, if you value a tactile bump and feedback, the Crystal Brown would be a better choice. On the other hand, if you prioritize a smooth and frictionless typing experience with a satisfyingly low-pitched sound, the KTT Strawberry switch would be the ideal option for you. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal typing preferences and what characteristics matter most to you in a mechanical keyboard switch.
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