Outemu Gold vs. KTT Strawberry
An in-depth look at the Outemu Gold and the KTT Strawberry switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, the Outemu Gold and the KTT Strawberry offer unique features to cater to different preferences. The Outemu Gold switch is a clicky switch, known for its tactile feedback and audible click sound. On the other hand, the KTT Strawberry switch is a linear switch loved for its smooth actuation, comfortable feel, and reliable performance. While the Gold switch provides a satisfying clicky experience, the Strawberry switch offers a quieter and smoother 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
45g
Actuation force
43g
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
62g
Pre-travel
1.80 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 Gold and the KTT Strawberry, both switches utilize polycarbonate for their top housing, resulting in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to the stiffness of polycarbonate, which enhances the clarity and resonance of the sound produced. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches intended for use with RGB lighting, as it allows for vibrant illumination. However, while the Gold features a nylon bottom housing that attracts a deeper and fuller sound profile, the Strawberry utilizes a polycarbonate bottom housing, continuing the trend of a sharper, higher-pitched sound.
The differences in the bottom housing materials of the Outemu Gold and the KTT Strawberry lead to varying sound profiles and experiences when typing on these switches. The Gold's nylon bottom housing offers a deeper and fuller sound due to its softer nature, absorbing more sound and resulting in a duller and rounder tone. Conversely, the Strawberry's polycarbonate bottom housing maintains the sharp, higher-pitched sound characteristic of the switch's overall design. This contrast highlights how the choice of bottom housing material can significantly impact the overall feel and acoustics of a mechanical keyboard switch.
Overall, the decision to use different housing materials for the top and bottom of a switch can lead to a balanced combination of qualities that influence the typing experience. The bottom housing affects the bottom-out sound and feel of the switch when pressed, while the top housing plays a significant role in the sound produced when releasing a key. While both the Outemu Gold and the KTT Strawberry offer distinctive sound profiles and aesthetics, the use of polycarbonate in their top housings ensures a consistent sharp and crisp sound quality, with any variation in bottom housing material contributing to unique nuances in the overall typing experience.
Weight
The Outemu Gold clicky switch and the KTT Strawberry linear switch both have medium actuation and bottom out forces. The Gold has an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams, while the Strawberry has an actuation force of 43 grams and a bottom out force of 62 grams. In terms of weight, both switches fall within a similar range, making them suitable for those who prefer a balanced typing experience. The slight differences in force measurement may provide varying levels of feedback and resistance, with the Gold offering a slightly heavier typing experience compared to the Strawberry. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches would depend on individual preference for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The Outemu Gold clicky switch and the KTT Strawberry linear switch both have a travel distance of 4 mm, making them equal in this aspect. When typing or gaming on keyboards with either of these switches, users can expect a consistent distance from key press to activation. This means that both switches will provide a similar tactile feedback and typing experience. Whether you choose the Outemu Gold clicky switch or the KTT Strawberry linear switch, you can be confident that you will get a reliable and comfortable typing experience with a consistent travel distance.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
For 10 switches, the Outemu Gold 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 Gold clicky switch is known for a crisp and satisfying click with a tactile bump. On the other hand, the KTT Strawberry linear switch offers a low-pitched sound with a more bass-heavy and mellow tone. Both switches provide distinct auditory experiences, with the Outemu Gold being more clicky and tactile, while the KTT Strawberry offers a smoother and quieter typing experience.
In terms of feel, the Outemu Gold clicky switch is known for None. On the other hand, the KTT Strawberry linear switch is described as frictionless, silky, buttery, and polished, offering an exceptionally smooth and effortless typing experience. The lack of resistance or friction in the Strawberry switch enhances the overall smoothness of the typing feel, providing a comfortable and reliable performance for users seeking a linear switch.
Considering the available information, the Outemu Gold clicky switch and the KTT Strawberry linear switch offer contrasting experiences in both sound and feel. While the Gold provides a crisp clicky sound with tactile feedback, the Strawberry offers a quieter and smoother typing experience with its frictionless and polished feel. Ultimately, your choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for sound, feel, and typing style. Both switches are quality options with unique characteristics that can enhance your mechanical keyboard setup.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Outemu Gold clicky switch and the KTT Strawberry linear switch, consider the following factors. If you prefer a slightly lighter bottom out force of 60 grams and enjoy the clicky feedback without any specific standout feature, the Gold switch may be the choice for you. On the other hand, if you appreciate a slightly higher bottom out force of 62 grams, along with a smooth actuation, comfortable feel, and reliable performance, the KTT Strawberry linear switch would be more suitable. Additionally, if you prefer a low-pitched sound and a frictionless, silky, buttery, or polished typing experience, the Strawberry switch would cater to your preferences. Ultimately, whether you prioritize the force required to press the keys or the overall feel and performance, both switches offer unique qualities to enhance your typing experience.
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