Outemu Ocean vs. KTT Strawberry
An in-depth look at the Outemu Ocean and the KTT Strawberry switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to comparing the Outemu Ocean tactile switch and the KTT Strawberry linear switch, one immediately notices their distinctive characteristics. The Ocean, known for its unique features, falls under the tactile switch category, offering a satisfying bump when pressed. On the other hand, the Strawberry stands out for its smooth actuation, comfortable feel, and reliable performance within the linear switch realm. While the Ocean provides tactile feedback for tactile switch enthusiasts, the Strawberry entices users with its low-pitched, frictionless, silky, buttery, and polished attributes. 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
55g
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
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Gold-plated
Housing materials
Both the Outemu Ocean and the KTT Strawberry utilize polycarbonate for their top housing, resulting in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The stiffer nature of polycarbonate contributes to a clear and resonant sound, making it ideal for switches with RGB lighting. However, despite both switches having a polycarbonate top housing, the Outemu Ocean features a nylon bottom housing, which produces a deeper and fuller sound profile due to the softer nature of nylon. In contrast, the KTT Strawberry utilizes a polycarbonate bottom housing, which also contributes to a sharper and crisper sound profile similar to its top housing material.
The use of different bottom housing materials in the Outemu Ocean and KTT Strawberry results in varying sound and feel characteristics when typing on the switches. The nylon bottom housing of the Outemu Ocean absorbs more sound, creating a duller and rounder sound profile that can be felt when bottoming out a key. Conversely, the polycarbonate bottom housing of the KTT Strawberry offers a sharper, high-pitched sound profile that affects the overall typing experience. While the top housing material plays a significant role in the sound when releasing a key, the bottom housing material has more impact on the bottom-out sound and feel, highlighting the importance of both housing materials in achieving the desired typing experience.
In summary, both the Outemu Ocean and KTT Strawberry make use of polycarbonate in their top housing, creating similar sharp and crisp sound profiles. However, the difference in bottom housing materials, with the Ocean utilizing nylon and the Strawberry using polycarbonate, results in distinct sound and feel characteristics when typing. The Ocean's nylon bottom housing offers a deeper and fuller sound, while the Strawberry's polycarbonate bottom housing contributes to a sharper sound. Understanding how each housing material affects the overall typing experience is crucial in choosing the switch that best suits individual preferences.
Weight
When comparing the Outemu Ocean tactile switch and the KTT Strawberry linear switch, it is clear that the Ocean requires a higher actuation force of 55 grams compared to the Strawberry's lighter 43 grams. The bottom out force of the Ocean is unknown, while the Strawberry has a bottom out force of 62 grams. This means that while the Ocean may require more force to initiate a keystroke, the Strawberry will provide a firmer and more substantial typing experience overall. For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the Strawberry may be the better choice, as it allows for longer periods of typing without fatigue. However, for those who enjoy a stronger push feel, the Ocean's heavier actuation force may be more suitable. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will come down to personal preference and typing style.
Travel distance
Both the Outemu Ocean tactile switch and the KTT Strawberry linear switch have a travel distance of 4 mm, making them equal in this aspect. The travel distance of a switch is crucial as it determines the amount of physical feedback and keypress depth experienced by the user. In this case, users can expect a consistent typing experience with both switches in terms of travel distance. Whether you choose the Ocean or the Strawberry, you can feel confident that you will get similar results in terms of keypress depth and tactile feedback.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
For 10 switches, the Outemu Ocean 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 Ocean tactile switch has a reputation for being quiet and unobtrusive, perfect for those who prefer a more subtle typing experience. On the other hand, the KTT Strawberry linear switch is known for its low-pitched sound profile, offering a deeper and more mellow tone compared to other switches. Keep in mind that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard's construction and keycaps used.
In terms of feel, the Ocean switch is said to provide a unique tactile feedback that some users appreciate for its responsiveness. Comparatively, the KTT Strawberry switch is praised for its frictionless, silky, buttery, and polished feel, offering an exceptionally smooth typing experience with minimal resistance. This smoother feel can enhance typing speed and reduce finger fatigue during long typing sessions.
Considering all the available information, it is clear that the Outemu Ocean tactile switch and the KTT Strawberry linear switch offer distinct characteristics in terms of sound and feel. While the Ocean switch may appeal to those looking for a quiet typing experience with tactile feedback, the Strawberry switch stands out for its smooth actuation and comfortable feel. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches depends on your personal preferences for sound, feel, and typing experience. However, if you prefer a smoother feel, both switches are known for their exceptional smoothness, ensuring you'll get similar results in that aspect.
Conclusion
Ultimately, when choosing between the Outemu Ocean tactile switch and the KTT Strawberry linear switch, your decision should be based on your personal preferences and typing style. If you prefer a switch with a lighter bottom out force and are looking for a unique typing experience, the Ocean may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium bottom out force and prioritize smooth actuation, comfort, and reliability in your typing experience, the Strawberry switch may be more suitable for you. Consider the sound and feel characteristics of each switch as well as your own preferences to determine which one aligns best with your typing needs. Happy typing!
Mentioned in this article
