KTT Cream Yellow vs. Outemu Crystal Brown
An in-depth look at the KTT Cream Yellow and the Outemu Crystal Brown switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the KTT Cream Yellow and the Outemu Crystal Brown mechanical keyboard switches, one can immediately notice the key differences in their design and functionality. The Cream Yellow switch, categorized as 'Bouncy' and 'Clacky', is a linear switch that is praised for its distinctively clacky sound and bouncy typing feel due to its shortened bottom-out distance and lengthened spring. On the other hand, the Crystal Brown switch, categorized as having no specific traits, is a tactile switch that offers a different typing experience with its tactile bump and feedback. While the Cream Yellow may appeal to those looking for a more unique and resonant typing experience, the Crystal Brown may be preferred by those who enjoy a tactile bump while typing. 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
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
Nylon
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
18mm spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
Both the KTT Cream Yellow and the Outemu Crystal Brown feature polycarbonate top housings, which create a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to the relatively stiffer nature of polycarbonate. The translucency of polycarbonate is especially useful for switches intended for use with RGB lighting, providing a visually appealing aesthetic. On the other hand, the Cream Yellow and Crystal Brown both utilize nylon for their bottom housings, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon's softer nature absorbs more sound than harder plastics, contributing to a duller and rounder sound when typing on these switches.
Despite sharing similar housing materials, the Cream Yellow and Crystal Brown switches still offer distinct characteristics based on how the materials are utilized. With different top and bottom housings, the qualities brought by polycarbonate and nylon are split between the top and bottom of the switch. The bottom housing has a greater impact on the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing down on the switch, while the top housing influences the sound when releasing a key. This division of housing materials allows for a more nuanced typing experience, with each component contributing its unique sound profile to the overall switch performance.
In terms of sound and feel, users can expect a similar experience from both the KTT Cream Yellow and the Outemu Crystal Brown due to their shared use of polycarbonate in the top housing. The sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile created by polycarbonate will be consistent across both switches, providing a clear and resonant typing experience. While the bottom housings differ in material with nylon, both switches offer a deeper and fuller sound profile thanks to the soft and sound-absorbing nature of nylon. Overall, whether choosing the Cream Yellow or Crystal Brown, users can expect a satisfying typing experience with distinct characteristics based on the materials used in the switch housings.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the KTT Cream Yellow linear switch and the Outemu Crystal Brown tactile switch, it is clear that the Crystal Brown is the lighter of the two options. The Cream Yellow has an actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 58 grams, making it slightly heavier than the Crystal Brown, which has an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 55 grams. Both switches fall within the medium to medium-light range, offering a comfortable typing experience. Those who prefer a lighter touch may lean towards the Crystal Brown, while those who enjoy a bit more resistance may opt for the Cream Yellow. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on personal preference and typing style.
Travel distance
The KTT Cream Yellow linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, making it shorter than the Outemu Crystal Brown tactile switch, which has a travel distance of 4 mm. The Cream Yellow offers a slightly faster response time due to its shorter travel distance, making it a popular choice among gamers. On the other hand, the Crystal Brown provides a deeper and more tactile experience with its longer travel distance, which some users may prefer for a more satisfying typing experience. Both switches have their own advantages based on personal preferences, so it ultimately comes down to whether you prefer a shorter or longer travel distance for your typing or gaming needs.
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 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
Overall, the KTT Cream Yellow linear switch excels in delivering a distinctively clacky sound with a bouncy typing feel, making it a popular choice among mechanical keyboard enthusiasts who prefer a more tactile and responsive typing experience. On the other hand, the Outemu Crystal Brown tactile switch lacks specific information on sound and feel, but based on its tactile nature, it may provide a more pronounced feedback when typing. Both switches have their own unique characteristics and it ultimately comes down to personal preference when deciding between the two. If you enjoy a clacky and bouncy typing experience, the Cream Yellow switch would be a great option, while the Crystal Brown switch may offer a more tactile typing feel. It's important to consider other factors such as keycaps and keyboard build when determining the overall sound and feel of a switch on your mechanical keyboard setup.
Conclusion
In closing, when considering whether to choose the KTT Cream Yellow linear switch or the Outemu Crystal Brown tactile switch, it ultimately comes down to your personal preferences and typing style. If you enjoy a distinctively clacky sound and a bouncy typing feel, the Cream Yellow may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-light bottom out force and a tactile feedback without a specific sound profile, the Crystal Brown might be more suitable. Consider the sound and feel descriptions of each switch, as well as the different bottom out forces, to make an informed decision on which switch will enhance your typing experience the most. Ultimately, both switches have their unique characteristics and strengths, so choose the one that aligns best with your preferences.
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