Outemu Crystal Brown vs. Outemu Silver
An in-depth look at the Outemu Crystal Brown and the Outemu Silver switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options to consider are the Outemu Crystal Brown, a tactile switch, and the Outemu Silver, a linear switch. The Crystal Brown switch is best known for its tactile bump, providing users with a satisfying feedback and response while typing. On the other hand, the Silver switch is known for its smooth and consistent keystrokes, making it ideal for fast-paced typing or gaming. While the Crystal Brown switch may be preferred for its tactile feel, the Silver switch offers a smoother 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
65g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.60 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
Nylon
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Outemu Crystal Brown and Outemu Silver switches both highlight the use of polycarbonate for the top housing. Polycarbonate is known for creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to its stiffness. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches designed for RGB lighting. While both switches share this feature, the difference in their bottom housing materials sets them apart.
The Crystal Brown and Silver switches diverge in their choice of bottom housing material, with the Crystal Brown utilizing nylon. Typing on switches with nylon bottom housing produces a deeper and fuller sound profile, as nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound. This results in a duller and rounder sound compared to the sharper profile created by polycarbonate. In contrast, the Silver switch also incorporates a nylon bottom housing, providing a similar typing experience to the Crystal Brown in terms of sound and feel.
Although the top housing material plays a significant role in determining the sound profile of a switch, the bottom housing's impact on the bottom-out sound and feel should not be overlooked. The qualities each housing material brings to the switch are distributed between the top and bottom, with the bottom housing contributing to the overall typing experience. While the top housing primarily affects the sound when releasing a key, the bottom housing influences the sound and feel when pressing down on a key. Despite differences in their bottom housing materials, both the Crystal Brown and Silver switches offer unique sound profiles that cater to varying preferences.
Weight
The Outemu Crystal Brown tactile switch and the Outemu Silver linear switch both have a similar actuation force of 45 grams, making them equal in terms of initial keypress sensitivity. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Crystal Brown requires 55 grams, while the Silver requires 65 grams, making the Crystal Brown the lighter option between the two. The Crystal Brown provides a slightly lighter typing experience, which may be preferred for longer typing sessions or gaming. In contrast, the Silver switch offers a heavier bottom out force, providing a more substantial and tactile typing feedback. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on the user's preference for lighter or heavier keystrokes.
Travel distance
Both the Outemu Crystal Brown tactile switch and the Outemu Silver linear switch have the same travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when pressing down on a key with either of these switches, you will feel the same distance traveled from the top to the bottom. This similarity in travel distance ensures that you will get consistent results in terms of key feel and actuation regardless of which switch you choose. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will come down to personal preference regarding tactile feedback versus linear action, rather than the travel distance.
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 Silver.
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 having a more satisfying "thock" sound compared to the Outemu Silver linear switch, which tends to have a quieter and softer sound. The Crystal Brown's tactile bump creates a more pronounced sound upon actuation, providing a more tactile typing experience for users. On the other hand, the Silver switch offers a smoother and more consistent keystroke sound due to its linear design, which can be appealing for those who prefer a quieter typing experience. However, it is important to note that the sound produced by a switch can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard housing and keycap material.
In terms of feel, the Outemu Crystal Brown switch is praised for its tactile feedback, providing users with a distinct bump when the key is actuated. This tactile feedback can help improve typing accuracy and make typing more enjoyable for those who prefer a more tactile experience. On the other hand, the Outemu Silver switch features a linear design, offering a smooth and consistent keystroke without any tactile bump. This can appeal to users who prefer a more straightforward and linear typing experience without any additional resistance or feedback. Both switches are well-constructed and offer their own unique feel, catering to the preferences of different users.
Overall, the Outemu Crystal Brown tactile switch and the Outemu Silver linear switch offer distinct sound and feel characteristics that cater to different preferences in mechanical keyboard switches. The Crystal Brown provides a tactile typing experience with a more pronounced sound, ideal for those who enjoy the tactile feedback and audible confirmation of keystrokes. On the other hand, the Silver switch offers a quieter and smoother typing experience with its linear design, appealing to users who prefer a more consistent and straightforward feel. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on individual preferences for sound and feel in mechanical keyboards.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Outemu Crystal Brown tactile switch and the Outemu Silver linear switch, there are a few key factors to consider. If you prefer a lighter typing experience with a bottom out force of 55 grams, the Crystal Brown would be a great choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a slightly heavier feel with a bottom out force of 65 grams, the Silver switch might be more suitable. Additionally, if you enjoy a tactile feedback while typing, the Crystal Brown offers a tactile bump, while the Silver switch provides a smooth linear feel. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preference for typing experience and switch characteristics.
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