Outemu Red vs. KTT Strawberry
An in-depth look at the Outemu Red 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 Red and KTT Strawberry both offer a linear typing experience, making them ideal for those who prefer consistent actuation without the tactile feedback of a clicky switch. The Outemu Red is best known for its uncompromising smoothness, while the KTT Strawberry stands out with its low-pitched, frictionless, silky, buttery, and polished feel. The Red switch is categorized as linear, whereas the Strawberry switch is categorized as low-pitched, frictionless, silky, buttery, and polished. If you value a smooth and consistent typing experience, the Red switch may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you prioritize a luxurious and comfortable feel, the KTT Strawberry switch could be the perfect fit. However, let's delve deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
46g
Actuation force
43g
Bottom-out force
62g
Bottom-out force
62g
Pre-travel
2.10 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
The housing materials of the Outemu Red and KTT Strawberry switches have some similarities but also notable differences. Both switches feature a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to the stiffness of the plastic. This makes them ideal for switches intended for use with RGB lighting, as the translucency of polycarbonate allows light to shine through effectively. However, the Red switch also includes a nylon bottom housing, which produces a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to the Strawberry's polycarbonate bottom housing. Nylon is softer and absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound when typing on the Red switch.
The choice of bottom housing material in these switches plays a significant role in the sound and feel when typing. The nylon bottom housing of the Outemu Red contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile, creating a different typing experience compared to the KTT Strawberry's polycarbonate bottom housing, which produces a sharper and crisper sound. While the top housing of both switches impacts the sound when pressing and releasing a key, the split between the two housing materials influences the overall sound profile of the switch. This highlights how different housing materials can affect the overall typing experience for users.
Overall, the housing materials of the Outemu Red and KTT Strawberry switches showcase the importance of material choice in creating unique sound profiles. The use of polycarbonate in the top housing of both switches results in a clear and resonant sound, especially when combined with RGB lighting. However, the difference in bottom housing material between the two switches leads to variations in sound depth and fullness. This highlights how the selection of housing materials can tailor the sound and feel of a switch to suit different preferences and typing styles.
Weight
When comparing the Outemu Red linear switch and the KTT Strawberry linear switch, it is evident that the actuation force and bottom out force play a significant role in determining the typing experience. The Outemu Red has a slightly higher actuation force of 46 grams compared to the KTT Strawberry's 43 grams, making it slightly lighter. However, both switches share the same bottom out force of 62 grams, providing a consistent typing experience once the key is fully pressed down. The slight difference in actuation force may result in a slightly faster response time on the KTT Strawberry, but both switches offer a medium level of force overall. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for typing feel and whether a lighter or heavier force is preferred for extended typing or gaming sessions.
Travel distance
The Outemu Red linear switch and the KTT Strawberry linear switch both have a travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when you press down on a key with either of these switches, you will feel the key travel a total of 4 mm from the top to the bottom. As a result, the travel distance of both switches is the same, so you can expect similar results in terms of key feel and feedback when using either switch. Therefore, whether you choose the Outemu Red or the KTT Strawberry linear switch, you can be assured that you will experience the same travel distance while typing.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
For 10 switches, the Outemu Red 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 Red linear switch and the KTT Strawberry linear switch offer distinct experiences. The Red switch is not particularly known for any specific sound characteristics, while the Strawberry switch is described as having a low-pitched tone. Low-pitched switches like the Strawberry typically provide a deeper and more soothing sound profile compared to higher-pitched switches. It is important to note that the overall sound produced by a switch is influenced by various factors such as the keyboard's construction and the type of keycaps used.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the Outemu Red and KTT Strawberry switches exhibit notable differences. The Red switch does not have a specific reputation for feel, whereas the Strawberry switch is lauded for its smooth actuation and comfortable typing experience. Descriptors such as "frictionless," "silky," "buttery," and "polished" are used to characterize the typing sensation offered by the Strawberry switch. These terms indicate a seamless and effortless keystroke experience with minimal resistance and a refined typing feel. The smooth and fluid travel of the Strawberry switch contributes to an overall pleasant typing experience.
In conclusion, while the Outemu Red and KTT Strawberry linear switches may differ in sound and feel, both switches can provide satisfying typing experiences depending on personal preferences. If you prefer a switch with a low-pitched sound profile and smooth actuation, the KTT Strawberry switch may be the ideal choice for you. However, if sound and feel are not your primary concerns, the Outemu Red switch can still offer reliable performance. Ultimately, the best switch for you will depend on your individual preferences for sound, feel, and overall typing experience.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Outemu Red linear switch and the KTT Strawberry linear switch, consider the following factors. If you are looking for a straightforward linear switch with a medium bottom out force, the Red might be the right choice for you. However, if you prefer a switch with a unique aesthetic, smooth actuation, and low-pitched sound, the KTT Strawberry switch could be the better option. Ultimately, it all comes down to your personal preferences and what you value most in a mechanical keyboard switch. Choose wisely based on what will enhance your typing experience the most.
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