Outemu Milk Blue vs. KTT Strawberry
An in-depth look at the Outemu Milk 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 are the Outemu Milk Blue and the KTT Strawberry. The Milk Blue switch is a clicky switch, known for its satisfying tactile feedback and auditory click when pressed. On the other hand, the Strawberry switch is a linear switch, loved for its smooth actuation and comfortable feel. The Milk Blue switch may appeal to those who enjoy a more audible typing experience, while the Strawberry switch is preferred for its quiet and smooth keystrokes. 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
N/A
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
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 Milk Blue and the KTT Strawberry, it is evident that both switches use polycarbonate for their top housing. This material choice results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile for both switches. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches that plan to incorporate RGB lighting. However, the Milk Blue differentiates itself with a nylon bottom housing, which provides a deeper and fuller sound profile due to nylon being a softer plastic that absorbs more sound. In contrast, the Strawberry maintains a polycarbonate bottom housing, aligning with the sharp and clear sound profile associated with this stiffer plastic.
The difference in bottom housing material between the Outemu Milk Blue and the KTT Strawberry greatly impacts the overall sound and feel of the switches. The nylon bottom housing of the Milk Blue contributes to a duller and rounder sound, offering a unique typing experience compared to the crisper sound produced by the polycarbonate bottom housing of the Strawberry. This emphasizes the importance of considering both top and bottom housing materials when designing switches, as each material brings distinct qualities to the typing experience. Despite both switches featuring polycarbonate top housings, the divergent bottom housings contribute to their individual sound profiles.
While the Outemu Milk Blue and the KTT Strawberry share a common polycarbonate top housing, their differing bottom housing materials highlight the significance of material choice in switch design. The combination of nylon and polycarbonate in the Milk Blue results in a deeper and fuller sound profile, contrasting with the sharper and clearer sound produced by the Strawberry’s polycarbonate bottom housing. This demonstrates how variations in housing materials can lead to distinct typing experiences, showcasing the importance of material selection in achieving desired sound characteristics in mechanical switches.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Outemu Milk Blue clicky switch and the KTT Strawberry linear switch, it is clear that the Milk Blue requires a heavier actuation force of 50 grams compared to the Strawberry's 43 grams, making the Strawberry the lighter option. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Milk Blue has a force that is unknown, while the Strawberry has a bottom out force of 62 grams, making it the heavier option. The actuation force for the Milk Blue is higher, providing a more substantial typing experience, while the Strawberry offers a lighter touch, ideal for longer typing sessions. Both switches may provide similar results if one prefers a lighter touch, but the Milk Blue is better suited for those who prefer a stronger push feel. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on individual preferences for typing feel and force requirements.
Travel distance
Both the Outemu Milk Blue clicky switch and the KTT Strawberry linear switch have the same travel distance of 4 mm, making them equal in this aspect. The travel distance is the distance the switch travels from the top to the bottom, which is the distance felt when pressing down on a key. With both switches having the same travel distance, users can expect to get similar results in terms of key press feedback and overall typing experience. In conclusion, both switches offer a consistent travel distance, ensuring a comfortable and familiar typing experience for users.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
For 10 switches, the Outemu Milk 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
In terms of sound, the Outemu Milk Blue and the KTT Strawberry switches offer different auditory experiences. The Milk Blue switch is known for its crisp and satisfying click sound, giving a tactile response with each key press. On the other hand, the Strawberry switch is characterized by a low-pitched sound that is more bass-heavy and mellow, providing a quieter typing experience compared to the clicky Milk Blue switch. It is important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard's construction and keycaps used.
In regards to feel, the Outemu Milk Blue switch and the KTT Strawberry switch provide contrasting tactile sensations. The Milk Blue switch offers a tactile and clicky feedback, with each key press accompanied by a noticeable bump and audible click. In comparison, the Strawberry switch is described as frictionless, silky, buttery, and polished, providing a smooth and effortless typing experience with minimal resistance. The Strawberry switch's linear nature allows for consistent key travel without the tactile feedback found in the Milk Blue switch.
Considering all the available information, individuals who prefer a tactile and clicky typing experience may opt for the Outemu Milk Blue switch, while those seeking a smoother and quieter typing experience may prefer the KTT Strawberry switch. Both switches have their unique qualities that cater to different preferences, and ultimately, the choice between the two would depend on personal typing preferences and the overall typing experience desired.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Outemu Milk Blue clicky switch and the KTT Strawberry linear switch, consider your preferences for bottom out force, sound, and feel. If you prefer a switch with a lighter bottom out force, the Milk Blue would be a good choice as it offers a None bottom out force. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium bottom out force, the Strawberry with its 62 grams bottom out force would be more suitable. For sound, the Milk Blue offers a distinctive clicky sound, while the Strawberry provides a low-pitched tone for a quieter typing experience. As for feel, the Milk Blue has a unique feel that is best known for None, while the Strawberry offers a frictionless, silky, buttery, and polished typing experience. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches will depend on your personal preferences for bottom out force, sound, and feel.
Mentioned in this article
