Outemu Crystal vs. TTC Gold Brown Pro
An in-depth look at the Outemu Crystal and the TTC Gold Brown Pro switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Outemu Crystal and the TTC Gold Brown Pro offer distinct typing experiences for different preferences. The Crystal provides a smooth and linear typing experience with a medium-light weight, accompanied by a neutral sound profile. On the other hand, the Gold Brown Pro offers a subtle tactile bump for those who prefer nuanced feedback and a subdued sound profile to minimize distractions. While the Crystal delivers an elastic feel, the Gold Brown Pro focuses on creating a background presence with every keystroke. 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
45g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
55g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
NPI
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
18mm spring
Housing materials
Both the Outemu Crystal and TTC Gold Brown Pro utilize polycarbonate top housings, which result in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The stiffness of polycarbonate contributes to a more resonate sound, making it ideal for those who enjoy a clear and distinct typing experience. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate allows for RGB lighting to shine through, enhancing the overall aesthetics of the switch.
However, where these two switches differ is in their bottom housing material. While the Crystal retains the sharpness of polycarbonate in its bottom housing, the Gold Brown Pro opts for a nylon bottom housing. This choice results in a deeper and fuller sound profile, as nylon is known for absorbing more sound compared to harder plastics. This can provide a more muffled and rounded typing experience, ideal for those who prefer a softer and quieter sound when typing.
In conclusion, the choice of housing materials for switches plays a significant role in determining the overall sound and feel of typing. While both the Outemu Crystal and TTC Gold Brown Pro share the benefits of polycarbonate top housings, their differing bottom housing materials provide unique typing experiences. Whether you prefer a sharper, more resonant sound or a deeper, fuller sound, understanding the impact of housing materials can help you choose a switch that best suits your preferences.
Weight
The Outemu Crystal linear switch and the TTC Gold Brown Pro tactile switch both have the same actuation force of 45 grams, making them equally sensitive to keystrokes. However, the Outemu Crystal has a slightly heavier bottom out force of 55 grams compared to the unknown bottom out force of the Gold Brown Pro. This means that while both switches may feel similar when typing due to their equal actuation forces, the Outemu Crystal may provide a slightly more substantial typing experience for those who prefer a bit more resistance. Overall, the Outemu Crystal is the lighter of the two switches in terms of bottom out force, making it ideal for prolonged typing sessions or gaming, while the Gold Brown Pro may appeal to those who enjoy a lighter touch.
Travel distance
The Outemu Crystal linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the TTC Gold Brown Pro tactile switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.8 mm. Both switches fall within the standard range of travel distances, with the Crystal providing a slightly deeper press compared to the Gold Brown Pro. Gamers may prefer the shorter travel distance of the Gold Brown Pro for faster response times, while those who enjoy a more substantial key press may opt for the Outemu Crystal. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for travel distance and the feel of the key press.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The TTC Gold Brown Pro has an MSRP of $6.11 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Gold Brown Pro for $2.90.
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 Outemu Crystal linear switch is known for its chirpy and high-pitched characteristics, making it stand out with a unique acoustic signature. On the other hand, the TTC Gold Brown Pro tactile switch offers a thocky and low-pitched sound profile, providing a deep and satisfying tone with a mellow quality. Both switches offer different auditory experiences, with the Crystal being more distinct and the Gold Brown Pro being more subtle and understated.
In terms of feel, both the Outemu Crystal and TTC Gold Brown Pro switches are described as polished, offering a smooth and refined typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel. Additionally, the Gold Brown Pro switch is also described as silky, providing an exceptionally smooth typing feel with minimal resistance when pressing and releasing keys. Both switches aim to provide a comfortable and approachable typing experience, with the Crystal having a medium-light weight and the Gold Brown Pro offering a gentle tactile bump for nuanced feedback.
Overall, the Outemu Crystal linear switch and the TTC Gold Brown Pro tactile switch cater to different preferences in terms of sound and feel. While the Crystal offers a unique linear typing experience with a chirpy sound profile, the Gold Brown Pro provides a subtle tactility with a thocky and low-pitched sound signature. Depending on whether you prefer a more distinct typing experience or a more understated one, both switches can offer a satisfying typing experience with their polished and smooth key feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for sound and tactile feedback.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Outemu Crystal linear switch and the TTC Gold Brown Pro tactile switch, it really comes down to your preference and typing style. If you enjoy a unique, linear typing experience with a medium-light bottom out force and a neutral sound profile, the Crystal switch would be a great choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a subtle, nuanced tactile feedback with a gentle tactile bump and subdued sound profile, the Gold Brown Pro switch is the way to go. Ultimately, it all comes down to personal preference and what type of typing experience you are looking for. As you explore the world of mechanical keyboard switches, keep in mind the characteristics that best suit your typing style for a more enjoyable experience.
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