Outemu Crystal Brown vs. Outemu Silent White
An in-depth look at the Outemu Crystal Brown and the Outemu Silent White switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Outemu Crystal Brown and Outemu Silent White are two popular choices with distinct characteristics. The Crystal Brown is a tactile switch, providing a satisfying bump when the key actuates, while the Silent White is a linear switch, offering a smooth and quiet typing experience. The Crystal Brown may be preferred by those who enjoy the precise feedback of a tactile switch, while the Silent White could be chosen by those who prefer a quieter typing experience. 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
45g
Bottom-out force
55g
Bottom-out force
60g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.60 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.30 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
Nylon
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
Both the Outemu Crystal Brown and Outemu Silent White switches feature the same polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to polycarbonate being a stiffer plastic, leading to a more clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches designed for use with RGB lighting. However, while the top housing is the same for both switches, the Crystal Brown features a nylon bottom housing, which elicits a deeper and fuller sound profile, while the Silent White also utilizes a nylon bottom housing for a similar effect.
Despite their similarities in top housing material, the Outemu Crystal Brown and Outemu Silent White switches differ in their bottom housing material. Both switches use nylon for the bottom housing, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile due to the softer nature of nylon compared to harder plastics. This absorption of sound by the nylon creates a duller and rounder sound when typing on switches with this bottom housing material. The split between the top and bottom housing qualities means that the bottom housing has more impact on the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing influences the sound when releasing a key.
In conclusion, while the Outemu Crystal Brown and Outemu Silent White switches share a polycarbonate top housing for a sharp, crisp sound profile ideal for RGB lighting, they differ in their bottom housing material. Both switches utilize nylon for the bottom housing, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile. The split between top and bottom housing qualities means that each material impacts the sound and feel of the switches differently, with the top housing having more influence on the sound when releasing a key and the bottom housing affecting the bottom-out sound and feel.
Weight
In comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Outemu Crystal Brown tactile switch and the Outemu Silent White linear switch, we see that both switches have the same actuation force of 45 grams. However, the Crystal Brown has a bottom out force of 55 grams, making it slightly lighter than the Silent White, which has a bottom out force of 60 grams. This means that although the initial force needed to register a keystroke is the same for both switches, the Crystal Brown will require less force when fully pressing the key compared to the Silent White. This difference in bottom out force may result in a slightly different typing experience, with the Crystal Brown feeling slightly lighter while the Silent White feels a bit more substantial. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for typing feel, with some users preferring the lighter actuation and bottom out force of the Crystal Brown, while others may opt for the heavier force of the Silent White for a more pronounced typing experience.
Travel distance
The Outemu Crystal Brown tactile switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, making it the longer of the two switches. On the other hand, the Outemu Silent White linear switch has a travel distance of 3.3 mm, making it the shorter option. Both switches fall within the range of traditional travel distances, with the Crystal Brown offering a slightly deeper press compared to the Silent White. Gamers may prefer the shorter travel distance of the Silent White for quicker response times, while those who prefer a more pronounced key press may opt for the Crystal Brown. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preference for travel distance and key feel.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
In this case, both switches are $3.10. As such, price can't serve as a tiebreaker when choosing between the Crystal Brown and Silent White.
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 Crystal Brown tactile switch is known for its satisfying clicky sound, reminiscent of typewriters, while the Outemu Silent White linear switch offers a quiet typing experience, perfect for noise-sensitive environments. Keep in mind that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by the keyboard's construction and the keycaps used.
In regard to feel, the Outemu Crystal Brown switch provides a tactile bump during actuation, giving typists a noticeable feedback with each key press. On the other hand, the Outemu Silent White switch offers a smooth and consistent linear feel, without any tactile bump or audible feedback. Both switches offer a unique typing experience, catering to different preferences.
Overall, when considering the sound and feel of the Outemu Crystal Brown and Outemu Silent White switches, it ultimately boils down to personal preference. If you enjoy a clicky sound and tactile feedback, the Crystal Brown may be the better choice. However, if you prefer a silent typing experience with a smooth linear feel, then the Silent White switch might be more suited to your needs. Both switches are solid choices for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts, offering distinct qualities that cater to different typing styles. Ultimately, trying out both switches in person will give you the best understanding of which one suits your preferences.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the Outemu Crystal Brown tactile switch and the Outemu Silent White linear switch, consider the factors of bottom out force, sound, and feel. If you prefer a slightly lighter typing experience, the Crystal Brown with a bottom out force of 55 grams may be the better choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a more consistent and smoother keystroke, the Silent White with a bottom out force of 60 grams might be the way to go. Additionally, if you prioritize a quieter typing experience, the Silent White is the ideal option due to its silent operation. However, if you enjoy a bit of tactile feedback, the Crystal Brown may be more your style. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches will come down to your personal typing preferences and needs.
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