Outemu Crystal vs. TTC Gold Red Pro
An in-depth look at the Outemu Crystal and the TTC Gold Red Pro switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the Outemu Crystal and TTC Gold Red Pro are two options that stand out for their unique characteristics. The Crystal switch offers a linear typing experience with a fairly elastic feel and medium-light weight, providing a distinct sensation while typing. On the other hand, the Gold Red Pro switch is praised for its versatility, offering a seamless typing experience with its easy press and neutral sound profile. Both switches have their own strengths and appeals, making them suitable for various settings and preferences. 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
43g
Bottom-out force
55g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.80 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
18.5mm spring
Housing materials
The Outemu Crystal and the TTC Gold Red Pro both feature polycarbonate top housings, offering users a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to the relatively stiff nature of polycarbonate. This results in a clear and resonant sound, making it ideal for those who prioritize sound quality in their typing experience. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate allows for RGB lighting to shine through, adding a visually appealing element to the switches. The similarities in top housing material between the two switches indicate that users can expect similar audio and visual benefits from both options.
However, where the two switches differ is in their bottom housing materials. The Outemu Crystal utilizes polycarbonate in its bottom housing, offering a consistent sound profile throughout the switch when pressed. On the other hand, the TTC Gold Red Pro features a nylon bottom housing, which absorbs more sound than polycarbonate, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing. This means that users looking for a switch with a more rounded and muffled sound may prefer the Gold Red Pro's nylon bottom housing over the Crystal's polycarbonate bottom housing.
Ultimately, the choice between the Outemu Crystal and the TTC Gold Red Pro comes down to personal preference in sound profile. While both switches share the benefits of a polycarbonate top housing, the Crystal provides a consistent sound profile with polycarbonate in both top and bottom housings, ideal for those seeking a clear and resonant typing experience. In contrast, the Gold Red Pro's combination of a polycarbonate top housing and a nylon bottom housing offers a deeper and fuller sound profile, making it a suitable option for users looking for a more muted and rounded typing sound.
Weight
In comparing the Outemu Crystal linear switch and the TTC Gold Red Pro linear switch, it is clear that there are differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Crystal has a slightly higher actuation force of 45 grams compared to the Gold Red Pro's 43 grams, making it slightly lighter to press. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Crystal has a higher force of 55 grams, whereas the Gold Red Pro's bottom out force is unknown. This means that the Crystal may provide a slightly more substantial typing experience due to the higher bottom out force. Overall, those who prefer a lighter typing experience may lean towards the Gold Red Pro, while those who prefer a bit more resistance may opt for the Outemu Crystal. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and typing style.
Travel distance
The Outemu Crystal linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the TTC Gold Red Pro linear switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.8 mm. The Crystal switch offers a more traditional travel distance, providing a standard keypress feel. On the other hand, the Gold Red Pro switch offers a slightly shorter travel distance, making it a preferred choice for gamers looking for faster response times. Both switches offer a balance between depth and responsiveness, but the Gold Red Pro switch may feel more abrupt to some users compared to the Crystal switch. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for travel distance and keypress feel.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The TTC Gold Red 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 Red 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 characterized by a chirpy and high-pitched profile, providing a unique and distinct auditory experience. On the other hand, the TTC Gold Red Pro linear switch offers a thocky, low-pitched, and neutral sound signature, catering to a wider range of preferences and environments. If you prefer a sharper and more distinctive sound, the Crystal may be the choice for you, while the Gold Red Pro offers a deep, rich, and satisfying typing sound that is more versatile.
In terms of feel, both the Crystal and Gold Red Pro switches are described as polished, providing a smooth and refined typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel. Additionally, the Gold Red Pro switch is further described as silky, mild, and subtle, offering an exceptionally smooth typing feel with gentle resistance and a light typing touch. The Crystal, on the other hand, maintains a middle-ground feel with its elastic type and medium-light weight, providing a unique linear typing experience. Ultimately, both switches offer comfortable and enjoyable typing experiences, with the Gold Red Pro leaning towards a softer and more subtle feel compared to the Crystal.
In conclusion, the Outemu Crystal linear switch and the TTC Gold Red Pro linear switch offer distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the Crystal provides a chirpy and high-pitched sound with an elastic feel, the Gold Red Pro offers a thocky, low-pitched sound with a silky and mild typing experience. Depending on your preferences for sound and feel, both switches can provide a satisfying typing experience, ensuring that whether you choose the Crystal or the Gold Red Pro, you will get reliable and comfortable results.
Conclusion
To sum up, when considering whether to choose the Outemu Crystal linear switch or the TTC Gold Red Pro linear switch, it ultimately comes down to your personal preferences and typing needs. If you prefer a switch with a medium-light bottom out force of 55 grams and a unique, linear typing experience with a neutral sound profile, then the Outemu Crystal switch would be a great choice for you. On the other hand, if you value versatility in a switch with no specified bottom out force, seamless typing experience, and a neutral sound signature suitable for various environments, then the TTC Gold Red Pro switch would be more fitting for your needs. Both switches have their strengths in terms of sound and feel, so it's important to consider what qualities are most important to you when making your decision. Overall, trust your instincts and go with the switch that aligns best with your typing preferences.
Mentioned in this article
