Outemu Crystal vs. TTC Flame Red

Overview

When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options that often come up in comparisons are the Outemu Crystal and the TTC Flame Red. Both switches fall under the linear category, offering a smooth keystroke experience without any tactile feedback. In terms of feel, the Crystal switches are known for their unique elasticity and medium-light weight, providing a distinct typing experience. They also offer a neutral sound profile, making them suitable for those who prefer a quieter typing experience. On the other hand, the Flame Red switches boast a captivating visual element with their dazzling light diffuser, making them an excellent choice for enthusiasts who value aesthetics and have a backlit, RGB keyboard. Typing on the Flame Red switches can be described as weighty and smooth, producing a satisfying clacky sound. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can better decide on the ideal switch for your needs.

By the numbers

Outemu Crystal Linear

TTC Flame Red Linear

$3.40 per 10

$7.29

$4.38 per 10

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Housing materials

The housing materials of the Outemu Crystal and the TTC Flame Red switches have distinct characteristics that result in different sound profiles and typing experiences. The Crystal features a polycarbonate top and bottom housing, which creates a sharper and crisper sound profile. The relatively stiffer polycarbonate plastic resonates more clearly, producing a higher-pitched sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches intended for use with RGB lighting. On the other hand, the Flame Red utilizes a nylon top and bottom housing, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile. The softer nylon plastic absorbs more sound, leading to a duller and rounder sound.

When it comes to the sound profile, the Crystal's polycarbonate top and bottom housing offer a sharper and crisper sound, whereas the Flame Red's nylon housing provides a deeper and fuller sound. The choice between the two will depend on personal preference, with the Crystal offering a more distinct and high-pitched sound while the Flame Red delivers a more mellow and resonant tone. For those who prioritize clarity and sharpness, the Crystal's polycarbonate housing is the way to go. Meanwhile, if a deeper and fuller sound is desired, the Flame Red's nylon housing will be the preferred option.

In terms of typing experience, the bottom housing material has a greater impact on the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing affects the sound when releasing a key. This means that the choice of housing material for the top and bottom of the switch will influence different aspects of the typing experience. Therefore, if you prioritize the feeling and sound when bottoming out keys, the bottom housing material becomes more crucial. Conversely, if the sound upon key release is of utmost importance, the top housing material will play a significant role. Regardless of which housing material is used, both the Outemu Crystal and the TTC Flame Red switches will offer similar results in terms of providing a satisfying typing experience with their respective sound profiles.

Weight

When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Outemu Crystal linear switch and the TTC Flame Red linear switch, it is evident that both switches have a similar actuation force. Both require 45 grams of force to trigger a keystroke, providing a light and responsive typing experience for users. However, when it comes to the bottom out force, there is a slight difference between the two switches. The Crystal switch has a bottom out force of 55 grams, slightly heavier than its actuation force, while the Flame Red switch has a slightly lighter bottom out force of 54 grams. This means that typing on the Crystal switch might feel a bit more substantial and require a slightly stronger push compared to the Flame Red switch. Nonetheless, both switches fall into the medium-light category in terms of bottom out force. Ultimately, individuals who prefer a lighter typing experience for longer periods of time may opt for either switch, as they both offer a similar actuation force. However, for those who prefer a bit more resistance and a stronger push feel, the Outemu Crystal switch might be the preferred choice, with its slightly heavier bottom out force.

Travel distance

Both the Outemu Crystal linear switch and the TTC Flame Red linear switch have a travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when you press down on a key, you will feel the switch travel a distance of 4 mm from the top to the bottom. Therefore, both switches offer a similar experience in terms of travel distance.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound, the Outemu Crystal linear switch has a unique acoustic signature that sets it apart from other switches. It is described as chirpy, with a little squeak to them. This chirpy sound adds a distinct character to the typing experience. Additionally, the Crystal has a high-pitched sound profile, producing sharp and crisp sounds when pressed. This creates a refreshing change from the more rich and bassy sound profiles of certain keyboard switches. On the other hand, the TTC Flame Red linear switch is known for its neutral sound profile. It offers a moderate sound that is suitable for most intents and purposes, whether you are a beginner or advanced user, or if you plan to use these switches at home or work. It is neither too loud nor too soft, falling into a middle-ground zone. It is worth noting that the sound of a switch is also influenced by other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.

In terms of feel, the Outemu Crystal linear switch provides a unique typing experience. These switches have a fairly elastic type feel and a medium-light weight, combining to create a linear typing experience that stands out from other switches. The Crystal is also described as polished, which means it has a smooth and refined finish. This results in a sleek typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel. On the other hand, the TTC Flame Red linear switch offers a mild typing experience. It provides a more gentle feel compared to switches with more pronounced characteristics. The Flame Red switch also boasts a polished finish, ensuring smooth and refined key travel with reduced friction. This makes the typing experience approachable to most users, as its qualities fall within a safe, middle-ground zone.

In conclusion, the Outemu Crystal linear switch and the TTC Flame Red linear switch offer different subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Crystal switch has a chirpy and high-pitched sound profile, providing a unique acoustic signature. Its feel is characterized by a fairly elastic type feel and medium-light weight, leading to a distinct linear typing experience. On the other hand, the Flame Red switch offers a neutral sound profile that is suitable for various purposes. It also has a mild feel that is approachable to most users, thanks to its polished finish and reduced friction. If you are looking for a unique, elastic typing experience with a chirpy sound, the Crystal switch would be a great choice. If you prefer a more neutral sound profile and a gentle typing experience, the Flame Red switch is a solid option.

Conclusion

To sum up, when choosing between the Outemu Crystal linear switch and the TTC Flame Red linear switch, there are a few factors to consider. The Crystal switch offers a unique, linear typing experience with a medium-light weight and a neutral sound profile. It has a slightly chirpy and high-pitched sound when pressed, which may appeal to those who prefer a distinct acoustic signature. Additionally, the Crystal switch has a polished finish, resulting in reduced friction and smooth key travel. On the other hand, the Flame Red switch is best known for its dazzling light diffuser, making it the perfect choice for those who prioritize visual appeal in a backlit, RGB keyboard. It provides a weighty smoothness and a clacky sound profile when typing. The Flame Red switch also falls into the neutral sound category, making it suitable for various intents and purposes. In terms of feel, both switches have a polished finish, providing a sleek typing experience. However, the Crystal switch has a more pronounced feel, while the Flame Red switch offers a more gentle and approachable typing experience. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches depends on your preferences and priorities, whether it be the unique typing experience and sound of the Crystal switch or the visual appeal and clacky feel of the Flame Red switch.

Mentioned in this article

Outemu Crystal Linear

$3.40 per 10

Learn more

TTC Flame Red Linear

$7.29

$4.38 per 10

Learn more