HMX Canglan V2 vs. Outemu Crystal Brown
An in-depth look at the HMX Canglan V2 and the Outemu Crystal Brown switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the HMX Canglan V2 and the Outemu Crystal Brown offer strikingly different experiences tailored to distinct preferences. The Canglan V2, a linear switch, is celebrated for its thocky sound and smooth actuation, making it ideal for gamers and typists who favor a seamless keypress without tactile interruptions. With its thoughtfully engineered materials and advanced molding techniques, it ensures a satisfying auditory and tactile experience. In contrast, the Outemu Crystal Brown is a tactile switch that provides a discernible bump during actuation, giving users a physical cue that enhances typing accuracy and feedback, which many find essential for both typing and gaming. Choosing between these two switches hinges on individual preferences: those seeking a quiet, smooth feel may gravitate towards the Canglan V2, while those who appreciate tactile feedback will likely prefer the Crystal Brown. 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
42g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
48g
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
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
T2
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Nylon
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
20mm single-stage spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the HMX Canglan V2 and the Outemu Crystal Brown, notable differences arise in their top housings. The Canglan V2 utilizes nylon for its top housing, which is known for its softer, more absorbent qualities, yielding a deeper and fuller sound profile. The nylon material effectively dampens vibrations, leading to a rounder audio experience during typing. In contrast, the Outemu Crystal Brown features a polycarbonate top housing, which presents a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile. The stiffer nature of polycarbonate enhances clarity, resulting in a more resonant acoustic output that is particularly pronounced when the key is released. This divergence in materials directly affects the auditory experience a user has while typing, with nylon lending itself to a warmer tone compared to the crispness of polycarbonate.
Both switches, however, share a commonalities in their bottom housings, as both the Canglan V2 and the Crystal Brown employ nylon for this component. This similarity in bottom housing material results in a consistently deeper and fuller sound profile when the keys are bottomed out, regardless of the differences in the top housing. The nylon bottom housing absorbs sound effectively, producing a duller and rounder bottom-out sound that contributes to overall typing satisfaction. Therefore, even though the top housings introduce different auditory characteristics, the nylon material used in the bottom of both switches ensures that a rich and rounded sound experience is maintained during typing.
In conclusion, while the HMX Canglan V2 and the Outemu Crystal Brown showcase distinct acoustic signatures due to their differing top housing materials—nylon versus polycarbonate—their shared nylon bottom housing unifies the typing experience in terms of feel and sound profile. Users can expect a unique interaction between the clear, crisp sound of the Crystal Brown's polycarbonate top during key release and the warm, rounded sound produced by both switches' nylon bottoms when bottomed out. This duality not only illustrates how material choices can significantly influence a switch's performance but also emphasizes how combining different materials in a single switch can yield a more nuanced typing experience overall.
Weight
When comparing the HMX Canglan V2 linear switch to the Outemu Crystal Brown tactile switch, notable differences in actuation and bottom out forces emerge. The Canglan V2 features an actuation force of 42 grams and a bottom out force of 48 grams, categorizing it as light. In contrast, the Crystal Brown has a slightly heavier actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 55 grams, classifying it as medium-light. This means the Canglan V2 is ideal for users who prefer a lighter touch, allowing for prolonged typing or gaming sessions without fatigue. On the other hand, the heavier forces of the Crystal Brown may appeal to those looking for a more substantial, tactile typing experience. Ultimately, your choice between the two switches will depend on your personal preference for light versus medium-light resistance levels, with the Canglan V2 being the lighter option and the Crystal Brown being the heavier one.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the HMX Canglan V2 linear switch and the Outemu Crystal Brown tactile switch, it becomes clear that the Canglan V2 offers a shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Crystal Brown features a longer travel distance of 4 mm. This difference means that the Canglan V2 may provide a quicker key response, appealing to gamers who favor rapid actions, whereas the Crystal Brown's longer travel can deliver a more substantial feel, which may be preferred by typists looking for a more tactile experience. Therefore, if you're after responsiveness, the Canglan V2 is the better choice, while those who appreciate a depthier keystroke might find the Crystal Brown more satisfying.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The HMX Canglan V2 has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Canglan V2 for $2.99.
The Outemu Crystal Brown comes in at $3.10 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
In terms of sound, the HMX Canglan V2 linear switch stands out with its impressively deep and thocky audio signature that many enthusiasts find pleasing. This satisfying sound resonates well with users, making each keystroke enjoyable. Conversely, the Outemu Crystal Brown's sound characteristics are less defined as specific auditory qualities have not been highlighted. Typically, tactile switches do produce a more pronounced noise due to their tactile bump, but without concrete details, it’s difficult to compare their acoustic profiles directly.
When considering feel, the Canglan V2 is noted for its smooth and light action, providing an effortless typing experience that many users appreciate. This smoothness enhances the overall enjoyment of usage, allowing for swift and fluid key presses. On the other hand, the Outemu Crystal Brown is a tactile switch, which usually means it offers a noticeable bump at actuation, giving users tactile feedback; however, the precise feel of this switch hasn't been elaborated upon, leaving its nuanced tactile experience somewhat ambiguous.
Ultimately, both the HMX Canglan V2 and Outemu Crystal Brown switches cater to different preferences within the keyboard enthusiast community. The Canglan V2 excels in providing a rich auditory experience alongside a smooth typing feel, appealing particularly to those seeking a linear switch with a satisfying sound. In contrast, while the Crystal Brown aims to deliver a tactile experience, its sound and feel characteristics are not fully defined and may vary based on user choice and setup. If you're seeking a switch with a deep sound and smooth action, the Canglan V2 stands out distinctly. Conversely, if you're leaning towards tactile feedback, the Crystal Brown might intrigue, although its specific attributes remain less clarified.
Conclusion
To conclude, when deciding between the HMX Canglan V2 linear switch and the Outemu Crystal Brown tactile switch, your intended use and personal preferences play a pivotal role. If you are looking for a smooth, light typing experience that emphasizes speed and fluidity, the Canglan V2 is an excellent choice. With its lower bottom out force of 48 grams and a satisfying thocky sound profile, it appeals particularly to gamers and typists who appreciate a linear feel and want less resistance in their keystrokes. On the other hand, if you prefer a tactile feedback with some resistance for better typing accuracy and a more engaged feel, the Outemu Crystal Brown with its 55 grams bottom out force would suit you well. This switch is ideal for typists who enjoy a slight bump to indicate actuation without the pronounced click of a full clicky switch. Ultimately, your choice should reflect whether you value a lightweight, smooth linear experience or a balanced tactile feedback, ensuring that your keyboard setup aligns with your specific typing style and preferences.
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