TTC Bluish White vs. Outemu Crystal
An in-depth look at the TTC Bluish White and the Outemu Crystal switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
We are pleased to offer a comparison between the TTC Bluish White and the Outemu Crystal, two popular mechanical keyboard switches. The Bluish White is a tactile switch, known for its satisfyingly poppy typing experience. When typing on these switches, users can expect a snappy sound profile. On the other hand, the Crystal is a linear switch with a fairly elastic feel and medium-light weight, providing a unique typing experience. Typing on the Crystal switches offers a neutral sound profile. While these general pointers give an overview of each switch, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the ideal switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
42g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
55g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Partial box
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
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
Comparing the housing materials of the TTC Bluish White and the Outemu Crystal, both switches feature a polycarbonate top housing. This material choice results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to polycarbonate's stiffness. Additionally, the translucent nature of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches that plan to utilize RGB lighting. Therefore, both switches will offer a similar sound experience and aesthetic appeal when it comes to the top housing.
However, when it comes to the bottom housing, the Bluish White utilizes a nylon material while the Crystal uses polycarbonate as well. The nylon bottom housing of the Bluish White provides a deeper and fuller sound profile. This is because nylon, being a softer plastic, absorbs more sound compared to harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. On the other hand, the polycarbonate bottom housing of the Crystal would contribute to its overall sharper and crisper sound profile, similar to its characteristics in the top housing.
It is worth noting that the qualities brought by the different housing materials are split between the top and bottom of the switch. The bottom housing primarily affects the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing down on the switch, while the top housing has a greater influence on the sound when releasing a key. Therefore, while the top housings of both switches offer similar qualities, the difference in bottom housings may result in variations in the overall typing experience and sound output.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the TTC Bluish White tactile switch and the Outemu Crystal linear switch, it is clear that both switches have relatively light forces. The Bluish White has an actuation force of 42 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, while the Crystal has an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 55 grams. Although the differences in force are minimal, the Bluish White offers a slightly lighter feel than the Crystal.
For those who prefer a lighter typing experience for longer periods of time, the Bluish White would be the ideal choice. Its lighter actuation and bottom out forces allow for quick and effortless keystrokes, making it suitable for tasks that require extended periods of typing, such as work or gaming sessions. On the other hand, the Crystal provides a slightly heavier feel, which may appeal to individuals seeking a more substantial typing experience. The additional force required for actuation and bottoming out can give a satisfying tactile response, making it ideal for those who prefer a stronger push feel.
However, it is worth mentioning that despite the differences in force, both switches fall within the same general range and offer similar results. The slight variation in actuation force and bottom out force between the two switches may not be noticeable for many users, especially those who are not particularly sensitive to force differences. Ultimately, the decision between the TTC Bluish White tactile switch and the Outemu Crystal linear switch will depend on individual preferences and typing style.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the TTC Bluish White tactile switch is 3.5mm, while the Outemu Crystal linear switch has a travel distance of 4mm. In terms of travel distance, the Outemu Crystal has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the TTC Bluish White switch. A travel distance of 4mm is considered more traditional, while 3.5mm is on the shorter side. Gamers often prefer shorter travel distances for faster response times, making the TTC Bluish White tactile switch a favorable option for them. The shorter travel distance allows for quicker pressing and rebounding of the keys. On the other hand, for those who prefer a more substantial depth and feel, the Outemu Crystal linear switch with its longer travel distance may be the preferred choice. The longer travel distance provides a greater sense of key depression, providing a satisfying feeling for those who enjoy a more deliberate keystroke. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on personal preference and the desired typing or gaming experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The TTC Bluish White has an MSRP of $6.60 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Bluish White for $4.63.
The Outemu Crystal comes in at $3.40 per 10 switches.
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 TTC Bluish White tactile switch offers a low-pitched profile. This means that when pressed, these switches produce a more bass-heavy and mellow tone compared to higher-pitched switches. On the other hand, the Outemu Crystal linear switch is described as having a chirpy sound profile. This unique acoustic signature gives these switches a little squeak, setting them apart from other switches. Additionally, the Crystal switch has a high-pitched sound when pressed, producing a sharp and crisp sound. It's important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard and keycaps used.
In terms of feel, the TTC Bluish White tactile switch offers a variety of qualities. These switches are described as buttery, providing a smooth and fluid keystroke experience. They offer a seamless, effortless, and uniform typing sensation. Additionally, they are considered mild, offering a more gentle typing experience compared to switches with more pronounced characteristics. The Bluish White switches fall in a safe, middle-ground zone that most users will find approachable. They also have a subtle resistance, providing a light typing feel without being too feather-light. The sound signature of the Bluish White switches is described as not resonant, making them suitable for shared spaces. Moreover, these switches are polished, which means they have a smooth and refined finish, resulting in a sleek typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel.
On the other hand, the Outemu Crystal linear switch is also polished, providing a smooth and refined finish that ensures a sleek typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel. Unfortunately, there is no further information available regarding the feel of the Crystal switch beyond its polished characteristics.
In conclusion, while the TTC Bluish White tactile switches have a low-pitched sound profile and offer a variety of qualities in terms of feel, including being buttery, mild, stepped, subtle, and polished, the Outemu Crystal linear switch only has information on its polished finish. Therefore, if you are looking for a similar low-pitched sound profile and a polished feel, you may get similar results with the Outemu Crystal switch. However, for a more comprehensive understanding of the Crystal switch's feel, additional information is needed.
Conclusion
To sum up, the choice between the TTC Bluish White tactile switch and the Outemu Crystal linear switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences and typing needs. If you desire a satisfyingly poppy typing experience with a snappy sound profile, the Bluish White switch is the way to go. This switch offers a light bottom out force of 50 grams, making it ideal for those who prefer a lighter touch. On the other hand, if you're looking for a unique, linear typing experience with a fairly elastic feel, the Crystal switch is a great option. With a medium-light bottom out force of 55 grams, it provides a smooth typing sensation without the tactile feedback of the Bluish White switch. Additionally, if you appreciate a neutral sound profile and a polished finish that ensures reduced friction and smooth key travel, both the Bluish White and Crystal switches offer this feature. Ultimately, the decision between these switches comes down to your preferred sound profile, desired level of feedback, and typing preferences.
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