Outemu Silver vs. KTT Strawberry
An in-depth look at the Outemu Silver 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 Silver and KTT Strawberry are both popular options to consider. The Silver switch is best known for its straightforward design, while the Strawberry switch is loved for its smooth actuation, comfortable feel, and reliable performance due to its attractive pink and clear housings. The Silver is categorized as linear, whereas the Strawberry falls under low-pitched, frictionless, silky, buttery, and polished. Depending on your preferences, you may lean towards the Silver for its simplicity or the Strawberry for its unique design and tactile feedback. However, let's delve 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
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 Silver and the KTT Strawberry, it is clear that both switches utilize polycarbonate for their top housing. This choice results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile for both switches. The translucency of polycarbonate also makes it an ideal material for switches planned to be used with RGB lighting. However, while the Silver also features a nylon bottom housing for a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer nature, the Strawberry uses polycarbonate for both top and bottom housings. This means that the Strawberry maintains a consistent sound profile throughout the switch.
The use of different housing materials in the Outemu Silver and the KTT Strawberry leads to distinct typing experiences. With the Silver's nylon bottom housing creating a deeper sound, typing on this switch may feel more substantial compared to the Strawberry's crisper sound profile from the polycarbonate top and bottom housing. Additionally, the impact of the bottom housing material on the bottom-out sound and feel is more pronounced in the Silver, while the Strawberry offers a consistent sound profile with its polycarbonate housing throughout the keystroke.
Overall, the choice between the Outemu Silver and the KTT Strawberry housing materials may come down to personal preference in typing experience. Both switches offer unique sound profiles due to their housing materials, with the Silver providing a deeper and fuller sound through its combination of nylon and polycarbonate, while the Strawberry maintains a sharp and crisp sound with consistent polycarbonate housing. Whether one prefers a more substantial typing feel or a consistent sound profile, both switches provide quality options for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts.
Weight
When comparing the Outemu Silver linear switch to the KTT Strawberry linear switch, it is clear that the Silver has a slightly heavier actuation force of 45 grams compared to the Strawberry's 43 grams. This means that the Silver switch requires a slightly firmer press to register a key. In terms of bottom out force, the Silver also outweighs the Strawberry with 65 grams compared to 62 grams. This indicates that the Silver switch provides a more substantial typing experience with a heavier feel when fully pressed. For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the Strawberry switch may be more suitable due to its slightly lighter actuation and bottom out forces. Both switches fall into the medium category in terms of force, so users can expect similar results in terms of typing performance despite the slight differences in force requirements. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will come down to personal preference and whether a lighter or heavier typing experience is desired.
Travel distance
Both the Outemu Silver linear switch and the KTT Strawberry linear switch have the same travel distance of 4mm. This means that when you press down on a key using either switch, you will experience the same distance traveled from the top to the bottom. This similarity ensures that regardless of which switch you choose to use, you will get similar results in terms of the travel distance felt when typing. Therefore, there is no significant difference in travel distance between the Outemu Silver linear switch and the KTT Strawberry linear switch.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
For 10 switches, the Outemu Silver 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 Silver linear switch does not have a specific reputation for sound, while the KTT Strawberry linear switch is known for its low-pitched tone. Low-pitched switches like the Strawberry typically offer a more bass-heavy and mellow sound compared to higher-pitched switches. It is important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard's construction and the type of keycaps used.
When it comes to feel, the Outemu Silver linear switch does not have a specific description of its tactile experience. In contrast, the KTT Strawberry linear switch is praised for its frictionless, silky, buttery, and polished feel. These qualities indicate that the Strawberry switch provides an incredibly smooth and effortless typing experience, with minimal resistance and a polished finish for a sleek typing sensation. The combination of these characteristics creates a typing experience that is both comfortable and reliable for users.
Overall, while the subjective qualities of the Outemu Silver and KTT Strawberry linear switches differ in terms of sound and feel, both switches offer a unique typing experience. If one prefers a switch with no specific sound characteristics and is looking for an unknown feel, the Outemu Silver may be a suitable choice. On the other hand, for those seeking a switch with a low-pitched sound profile and a frictionless, silky, buttery, and polished feel, the KTT Strawberry would be an excellent option. Ultimately, both switches have their strengths and can provide a satisfying typing experience based on individual preferences.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Outemu Silver linear switch and the KTT Strawberry linear switch, consider the following guidelines. Choose the Silver switch if you prefer a slightly heavier bottom out force and are looking for a switch with no specific standout features. On the other hand, opt for the KTT Strawberry switch if you prefer a lighter bottom out force and prioritize a smooth, frictionless, silky, and buttery typing experience. Additionally, if you enjoy a low-pitched sound profile with a more bass-heavy and mellow tone, the Strawberry switch would be the better choice for you. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preferences in terms of typing feel and sound profile.
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