Outemu Spring Breeze vs. KTT Strawberry
An in-depth look at the Outemu Spring Breeze and the KTT Strawberry switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options to consider are the Outemu Spring Breeze and the KTT Strawberry. The Spring Breeze is a clicky switch, known for its satisfying click sound and tactile feedback. On the other hand, the KTT Strawberry is a linear switch, loved for its smooth actuation and comfortable feel. If you prefer a switch that provides auditory feedback and a tactile typing experience, the Spring Breeze might be the way to go. However, if you prioritize a smooth and frictionless typing experience, the KTT Strawberry could be the better choice. 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
40g
Actuation force
43g
Bottom-out force
55g
Bottom-out force
62g
Pre-travel
1.50 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
Nylon
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 Spring Breeze and the KTT Strawberry, we see a stark contrast in the materials used. The Spring Breeze utilizes a softer nylon material for both the top and bottom housings, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing. This softer plastic absorbs more sound, leading to a duller and rounder sound. On the other hand, the KTT Strawberry opts for a stiffer polycarbonate material for both housings, creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The difference in material stiffness contributes to the distinct sound profiles of each switch, with the Spring Breeze offering a more muted typing experience compared to the Strawberry's clear and resonant sound.
While the top housing of both switches plays a significant role in the sound profile, the materials used in the bottom housing also affect the overall typing experience. The nylon bottom housing of the Spring Breeze contributes to the deeper sound profile observed in this switch, emphasizing a duller and rounder sound when bottoming out keys. In contrast, the polycarbonate bottom housing of the KTT Strawberry enhances the sharp, higher-pitched sound profile of this switch, resulting in a more clear and resonant typing sound. The split between top and bottom housing materials showcases how different plastics can impact the sound and feel of a switch, providing users with a diverse range of typing experiences.
Ultimately, the choice between the Outemu Spring Breeze and the KTT Strawberry will come down to personal preference regarding sound and typing feel. While the Spring Breeze offers a softer and fuller sound profile due to its nylon housing, the KTT Strawberry provides a crisper and sharper typing experience with its polycarbonate housing. Both switches have their own unique qualities and benefits, with the top housing material playing a significant role in the overall sound profile, especially when using RGB lighting. Whether you prefer a deeper and rounder sound or a clear and resonant typing experience, both switches offer distinct characteristics that cater to different typing preferences.
Weight
Comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Outemu Spring Breeze clicky switch and the KTT Strawberry linear switch reveals some key differences. The Spring Breeze has a lighter actuation force of 40 grams compared to the Strawberry's 43 grams, making it easier to trigger keystrokes. However, the bottom out force of the Spring Breeze at 55 grams is lighter than the Strawberry's 62 grams, providing a softer typing experience overall. While both switches fall within the medium-light to medium range, the Spring Breeze offers a slightly lighter typing experience overall. When considering weight, those looking for longer typing sessions may prefer the lighter actuation force of the Spring Breeze, while those seeking a more substantial typing feel may lean towards the heavier bottom out force of the Strawberry. Ultimately, choosing between the two switches depends on personal preference and typing style.
Travel distance
Both the Outemu Spring Breeze clicky switch and the KTT Strawberry linear switch have a travel distance of 4 mm, making them equal in this aspect. When comparing them, users can expect to experience a similar key feel and actuation point as they press down on the keys. This means that whether you choose the Spring Breeze or the Strawberry switch, you can expect to get comparable results in terms of travel distance and overall typing experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
For 10 switches, the Outemu Spring Breeze 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 Spring Breeze clicky switch does not have a specific sound description available, while the KTT Strawberry linear switch is known for its low-pitched sound profile. Low-pitched switches like the KTT Strawberry typically provide a more bass-heavy and mellow tone compared to higher-pitched 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.
Moving on to the feel, the Outemu Spring Breeze switch does not have a specific feel description provided, but the KTT Strawberry linear switch is praised for its frictionless, silky, buttery, and polished feel. These qualities contribute to a smooth and effortless typing experience, minimizing resistance and providing a fluid key travel. The overall typing sensation with the KTT Strawberry switch is described as enjoyable and comfortable.
In conclusion, while the subjective qualities of the Outemu Spring Breeze clicky switch are not explicitly outlined, the KTT Strawberry linear switch is favored for its smooth actuation, comfortable feel, and reliable performance. If you are seeking a switch with a low-pitched sound profile and a frictionless, silky, buttery, and polished feel, the KTT Strawberry linear switch would be a great choice. However, if you are interested in the Outemu Spring Breeze switch, you may expect similar results in sound and feel to other clicky switches in the market. Ultimately, both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences and typing styles.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Outemu Spring Breeze clicky switch and the KTT Strawberry linear switch, consider your preferences for bottom out force, sound, and feel. If you prefer a lighter bottom out force and a clicky typing experience, the Spring Breeze may be the better choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a slightly heavier bottom out force with a smooth, frictionless, and buttery typing feel, the KTT Strawberry switch may be more appealing. Ultimately, the decision comes down to personal preference and what attributes you prioritize in your keyboard typing experience. So, choose wisely based on what matters most to you in a mechanical keyboard switch.
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