Outemu Silent Ocean vs. KTT Strawberry
An in-depth look at the Outemu Silent Ocean and the KTT Strawberry switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Outemu Silent Ocean and the KTT Strawberry stand out as top contenders in the linear switch category. The Silent Ocean is best known for its smooth actuation and quiet operation, making it ideal for those who prefer a stealthy typing experience. On the other hand, the Strawberry is beloved for its low-pitched sound, frictionless feel, buttery actuation, and polished performance. With its attractive pink and clear housings, the Strawberry not only offers a comfortable typing experience but also adds a pop of color to your keyboard setup. 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
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
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
When comparing the housing materials of the Outemu Silent Ocean and the KTT Strawberry, it is evident that they both feature polycarbonate top housings. The use of polycarbonate in both switches creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to its relatively stiffer nature, resulting in a clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate is ideal for RGB lighting in both switches. However, the Silent Ocean differs in its nylon bottom housing, which elicits a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to the Strawberry's polycarbonate bottom housing. The softer nature of nylon absorbs more sound, creating a duller and rounder sound, contrasting with the sharper sound quality of polycarbonate.
With different bottom housing materials in the Silent Ocean and Strawberry, the impact on sound and feel varies between the two switches. The Silent Ocean's nylon bottom housing contributes to the bottom-out sound and feel, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile. On the other hand, the Strawberry's polycarbonate bottom housing maintains a sharper and crisper sound profile, in line with its top housing material. When pressing down on the switches, users will feel the qualities of the bottom housing, influencing the overall typing experience. As a result, the combination of different housing materials in each switch offers a unique sound profile and tactile feedback for users to enjoy.
Overall, while both the Outemu Silent Ocean and the KTT Strawberry share polycarbonate top housings, their differing bottom housing materials result in distinct sound profiles. The Silent Ocean's use of nylon for the bottom housing creates a deeper and fuller sound, while the Strawberry's polycarbonate bottom housing maintains a sharper and crisper sound. The impact of the bottom housing is felt when typing on the switches, influencing the overall typing experience and sound feedback. Despite these differences, both switches excel in offering a unique typing experience with their combination of housing materials.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Outemu Silent Ocean linear switch and the KTT Strawberry linear switch, it can be seen that the Silent Ocean has a slightly higher actuation force of 45 grams compared to the Strawberry's 43 grams. However, when it comes to the bottom out force, the Silent Ocean requires 65 grams, while the Strawberry only needs 62 grams. This makes the Strawberry the lighter option in terms of bottom out force. Both switches fall within the medium range of actuation and bottom out forces, providing a balance between a light typing experience and a more substantial push feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on the individual's preference for a slightly heavier actuation force with the Silent Ocean, or a slightly lighter bottom out force with the Strawberry.
Travel distance
Both the Outemu Silent Ocean linear switch and the KTT Strawberry linear switch have a travel distance of 4 mm, making them equal in this aspect. This means that when pressing down on a key with either switch, you will experience the same amount of travel distance. The 4 mm travel distance allows for a satisfying key press without requiring excessive force. Overall, both switches offer a smooth and consistent typing experience with their equal travel distances.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
For 10 switches, the Outemu Silent 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 Silent Ocean linear switch is known for being silent, providing a quiet typing experience that is ideal for those who prefer a noiseless environment. On the other hand, the KTT Strawberry linear switch is described as having a low-pitched sound, offering a pleasant bass-heavy and mellow tone during typing. Both switches offer different sound profiles, with the Silent Ocean catering to users looking for a silent switch while the Strawberry appeals to those who enjoy a softer, more melodic typing sound.
In terms of feel, the Outemu Silent Ocean linear switch does not have any specific descriptors mentioned, leaving the typing experience up to personal interpretation. On the other hand, the KTT Strawberry switch is known for its frictionless, silky, buttery, and polished feel. This means that the Strawberry switch offers an extremely smooth and effortless typing experience, with minimal resistance and a polished finish for a sleek typing sensation. This makes the Strawberry switch a popular choice among users who prioritize a smooth and refined typing feel.
Overall, the Outemu Silent Ocean and KTT Strawberry linear switches offer different characteristics in terms of sound and feel. While the Silent Ocean provides a silent typing experience, the Strawberry switch delivers a low-pitched sound along with a smooth and polished typing feel. Depending on individual preferences for sound and typing experience, choosing between these two switches will ultimately come down to personal preference. With the available information, it is clear that users can expect distinct qualities from each switch, ensuring that they will achieve their desired typing experience with either option.
Conclusion
In closing, when considering whether to choose the Outemu Silent Ocean linear switch or the KTT Strawberry linear switch, it ultimately comes down to your personal preferences and priorities. If you prioritize a slightly heavier switch with no specific standout features but still offers a solid typing experience, the Silent Ocean may be the right choice for you. However, if you are looking for a switch with a lower bottom out force, a smooth and frictionless typing experience, and a unique aesthetic appeal with the delectable Strawberry housings, then the KTT Strawberry switch may be more up your alley. Consider factors such as bottom out force, sound profile, and typing feel to make the best decision for your mechanical keyboard setup.
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