KTT Cream Yellow vs. Outemu Crystal
An in-depth look at the KTT Cream Yellow and the Outemu Crystal switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options that offer distinct typing experiences are the KTT Cream Yellow and the Outemu Crystal. The Cream Yellow is renowned for its distinctive clacky sound, thanks to its shortened bottom-out distance and long-pole stem that provides resonant audio feedback. Additionally, the lengthened spring in the Cream Yellow creates a uniquely bouncy typing feel. On the other hand, the Crystal offers a different typing experience with a fairly elastic feel and a medium-light weight. This combination results in a linear typing experience that is both smooth and enjoyable. Furthermore, the Crystal switches produce a neutral sound profile when typing. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your preferences.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
50g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
58g
Bottom-out force
55g
Pre-travel
1.90 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
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
18mm spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The KTT Cream Yellow and the Outemu Crystal both have polycarbonate top housings. This means that they will have similar characteristics when it comes to sound production. Polycarbonate is known for creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is because polycarbonate is a stiffer plastic, allowing for a more clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches that plan to use RGB lighting. Therefore, both the Cream Yellow and the Crystal will provide a similar sound profile and aesthetic when it comes to the top housing of the switch.
Where the Cream Yellow and the Outemu Crystal differ is in their bottom housings. The Cream Yellow utilizes a nylon bottom housing, while the Crystal utilizes a polycarbonate bottom housing. Nylon is a classic switch housing material known for producing a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon is softer and 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 will contribute to the overall sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile that polycarbonate is known for. This means that when pressing down on the Cream Yellow switch, you will experience a deeper and fuller sound and feel, while the Crystal switch will have a more resonant and clear sound.
In summary, the KTT Cream Yellow and the Outemu Crystal have similar polycarbonate top housings that provide a sharp, high-pitched, and crisp sound profile. They differ in their bottom housings, with the Cream Yellow using nylon for a deeper and fuller sound, and the Crystal using polycarbonate for a more resonant and clear sound. The aspects of sound produced by each housing material will be split between the top and bottom of the switch, with the bottom housing influencing the bottom-out sound and feel, and the top housing impacting the sound when releasing a key.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the KTT Cream Yellow linear switch and the Outemu Crystal linear switch, there are some noticeable differences. The Cream Yellow switch has a slightly higher actuation force of 50 grams compared to the Crystal's 45 grams, making it a bit heavier in terms of initial key response. However, both switches fall within the medium range of actuation force.
In terms of bottom out force, the Cream Yellow switch requires 58 grams of force, while the Crystal switch requires 55 grams. This indicates that the Cream Yellow switch has a slightly heavier bottom out force, providing a more substantial typing experience for those who prefer a stronger push feel. On the other hand, the Crystal switch has a slightly lighter bottom out force, which may be appealing to individuals who prefer a lighter typing experience for extended periods of use.
Overall, both switches offer similar results as they fall within the same range of actuation and bottom out forces. However, the Cream Yellow switch tends to be slightly heavier in both categories, offering a slightly firmer and more substantial typing experience. Conversely, the Crystal switch provides a slightly lighter touch, making it more suitable for longer typing sessions or gaming marathons. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on individual preference and the desired typing experience.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the KTT Cream Yellow linear switch and the Outemu Crystal linear switch, it can be observed that the Cream Yellow has a shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Crystal has a longer travel distance of 4 mm. This means that the Cream Yellow offers a more shallow travel distance compared to the Crystal. In general, a travel distance of 4.0 mm is considered the most traditional, while 3.0 mm is the most shallow. However, with the increasing demand for faster response times, shorter travel distances have become prevalent, especially among gamers. If you prioritize responsiveness, the Cream Yellow with its shorter travel distance may be the preferable choice. On the other hand, some individuals may find short travel distances to feel too abrupt and may prefer a switch with a longer travel distance, like the Crystal, for a more substantial feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on personal preferences in terms of both typing experience and desired response time.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The KTT Cream Yellow has an MSRP of $2.75 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Cream Yellow for $2.55.
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
The Cream Yellow switch is known for its distinctively clacky sound, which can be described as sharp, snappy, crisp, bright, and percussive. It achieves this sound through its shortened bottom-out distance and long-pole stem, which provides resonant audio feedback. Additionally, the lengthened spring of the Cream Yellow contributes to a uniquely bouncy typing feel, giving the keys a lively sensation with rebound when pressed.
On the other hand, the Crystal switch offers a different typing experience in terms of sound. It has a neutral sound profile, meaning it does not have any distinctive characteristics that stand out. However, it is described as chirpy, with a slight squeak to its sound, setting it apart from other switches. Furthermore, the Crystal switch produces a high-pitched and crisp sound when pressed, which can be appealing to those who prefer a sharper and more vibrant sound profile.
In terms of feel, the Cream Yellow switch provides a bouncy sensation. This means that the keys have a spring-like or elastic feedback, giving them a lively feel with rebound when pressed. This bouncy feeling is achieved through the switch's design and construction.
On the other hand, the Crystal switch is described as polished, indicating a smooth and refined finish. This results in a sleek typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel. The polished feel of the Crystal switch can be attributed to the materials used in its construction or the application of factory lubing.
Overall, the Cream Yellow and Crystal switches offer different subjective qualities. The Cream Yellow provides a clacky sound and a bouncy typing feel, while the Crystal offers a chirpy sound and a polished typing experience. If you prefer a sharper and more vibrant sound with a bouncy typing feel, the Cream Yellow switch is a suitable choice. On the other hand, if you prefer a neutral sound profile with a polished and smooth typing experience, the Crystal switch would be the better option. However, it is important to note that the sound and feel of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the choice of keyboard board and keycaps. By considering these factors, you can achieve similar results with either switch based on your preferences.
Conclusion
In closing, if you're looking for a distinctively clacky sound and a uniquely bouncy typing feel, the KTT Cream Yellow linear switch would be a great choice for you. With a bottom out force of 58 grams, it offers a medium typing experience. The Cream Yellow switch's shortened bottom-out distance and long-pole stem provide resonant audio feedback, giving you that crisp, bright, and percussive clacky sound. Additionally, its lengthened spring contributes to a bouncy and lively feel when typing.
On the other hand, if you prefer a more elastic type feel and a medium-light weight, the Outemu Crystal linear switch would be the way to go. With a bottom out force of 55 grams, the Crystal switch offers a unique, linear typing experience. It has a fairly elastic feel and provides a sleek typing experience with its polished finish. This switch delivers a neutral sound profile, combining a chirpy acoustic signature with a high-pitched sound when pressed.
Ultimately, the decision between the KTT Cream Yellow and the Outemu Crystal switches depends on your personal preferences. If you prioritize a distinctive clacky sound and a bouncy typing feel, the Cream Yellow switch would be your best bet. However, if you prefer an elastic feel and a polished typing experience, the Crystal switch would suit you better. Take into consideration the sound profile and key feel that align with your typing preferences. Happy typing!
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