Outemu Silent Grey vs. KTT Strawberry
An in-depth look at the Outemu Silent Grey and the KTT Strawberry switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Outemu Silent Grey and the KTT Strawberry are two popular options with distinct characteristics. The Outemu Silent Grey is a tactile switch that offers a quiet typing experience with a pronounced bump and smooth keystroke, making it great for those who enjoy satisfying and silent typing sessions. On the other hand, the KTT Strawberry is a linear switch known for its smooth actuation, comfortable feel, and reliable performance, thanks to its low-pitched, frictionless, silky, buttery, and polished characteristics. Both switches have their unique strengths and qualities that cater to different preferences and needs. 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
65g
Bottom-out force
62g
Pre-travel
1.60 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 Silent Grey and the KTT Strawberry, it is evident that both switches utilize polycarbonate for their top housing. Polycarbonate is known for creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to its stiffness. This results in a clear and resonant sound when typing on switches with polycarbonate top housings. Additionally, both switches benefit aesthetically from the translucency of polycarbonate, especially when RGB lighting is used. This similarity in top housing material suggests that users can expect a similar auditory and visual experience from both the Outemu Silent Grey and the KTT Strawberry switches.
However, the bottom housing materials of the two switches differ, with the Silent Grey featuring a nylon bottom housing while the Strawberry opts for a polycarbonate bottom housing. Nylon is known for creating a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer nature, absorbing more sound than harder plastics. On the other hand, polycarbonate in the bottom housing of the Strawberry contributes to a sharper and crisper sound profile, similar to its effect in the top housing. This distinction in bottom housing material suggests that users may experience a slightly different tactile and auditory feedback when pressing down on keys between the two switches.
When considering the impact of housing materials on switch performance, it is important to note that the bottom housing primarily influences the bottom-out sound and feel when typing, while the top housing has a greater impact on the sound when releasing a key. Therefore, the combination of polycarbonate and nylon in the Outemu Silent Grey vs. polycarbonate in both top and bottom housing of the KTT Strawberry may result in a nuanced typing experience for users, with variations in sound profiles and tactile feedback depending on which part of the switch is being engaged.
Weight
In comparing the Outemu Silent Grey tactile switch and the KTT Strawberry linear switch, we can see that the actuation force of the Silent Grey is heavier at 50 grams compared to the Strawberry's 43 grams. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Silent Grey also requires a heavier force at 65 grams, while the Strawberry is slightly lighter at 62 grams. This means that the Silent Grey switch provides a more substantial typing experience with both a higher actuation and bottom out force, whereas the Strawberry switch offers a lighter touch. Both switches fall within the medium-heavy category, with the Silent Grey leaning towards the heavier end and the Strawberry being slightly lighter. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches would depend on personal preference for typing experience, with lighter switches better suited for longer typing sessions and heavier switches preferred for those looking for a more tactile typing feel.
Travel distance
Both the Outemu Silent Grey tactile switch and the KTT Strawberry linear switch have the same travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when you press down on a key equipped with either of these switches, you will experience a consistent level of key travel. The uniformity in travel distance between the two switches allows for a similar typing experience in terms of how far you have to press the keys. This can result in a consistent and comfortable typing experience for users who enjoy switches with a 4 mm travel distance. In conclusion, the travel distance of both the Outemu Silent Grey and KTT Strawberry switches is equal, making them equally suitable for users who prefer a 4 mm key travel distance.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
For 10 switches, the Outemu Silent Grey 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
Overall, the Outemu Silent Grey tactile switch excels in providing a quiet and highly tactile typing experience with its pronounced bump and smooth keystroke, making it ideal for those who enjoy satisfying and silent switches. On the other hand, the KTT Strawberry linear switch is favored for its smooth actuation, comfortable feel, and reliable performance. When it comes to sound, the Silent Grey offers a quiet typing experience, while the Strawberry produces a low-pitched sound with a more bass-heavy and mellow tone. In terms of feel, the Silent Grey's characteristics are unknown, while the Strawberry switch is described as frictionless, silky, buttery, and polished, providing an exceptionally smooth and effortless typing experience. Ultimately, both switches cater to different preferences, with the Silent Grey focusing on tactility and silence, while the Strawberry prioritizes smoothness and comfort. Depending on your personal preference, you can expect a satisfying typing experience from both switches, albeit with different subjective qualities.
Conclusion
In conclusion, if you are looking for a mechanical keyboard switch that offers a quiet and highly tactile typing experience with a medium-heavy bottom out force, then the Outemu Silent Grey switch would be a great choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a smooth actuation, comfortable feel, and reliable performance with a medium bottom out force, then the KTT Strawberry switch would be more suitable for your preferences. Ultimately, your decision should be based on whether you prioritize a silent and tactile typing experience or a smooth and comfortable feel when choosing between these two switches. Happy typing!
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