Outemu Crystal vs. TTC Gold Silver
An in-depth look at the Outemu Crystal and the TTC Gold Silver switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing between the Outemu Crystal linear switch and the TTC Gold Silver linear switch for your mechanical keyboard, there are several key factors to consider. The Outemu Crystal offers a unique typing experience with its elastic feel and medium-light weight, providing a smooth and linear keystroke response. On the other hand, the TTC Gold Silver stands out for its rapid responsiveness, shortened travel distance, and solid bottom-out feel, making each keystroke feel decisive and satisfying. While the Crystal offers a neutral sound profile, the Gold Silver provides a resonant and harmonious sound signature. Both switches have their own strengths and characteristics that cater to different preferences and typing styles. 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
1.40 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 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
The housing materials of the Outemu Crystal and TTC Gold Silver switches both utilize polycarbonate for the top housing, leading to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to polycarbonate's stiff nature, creating clear and resonant sound properties. Aesthetically, the translucent nature of polycarbonate is ideal for RGB lighting setups. However, the bottom housing of the Crystal switch continues with polycarbonate, while the Gold Silver uses nylon. This results in the Crystal maintaining a sharper sound profile throughout, while the Gold Silver's nylon bottom housing produces a deeper and fuller sound with a duller and rounder tone.
In terms of tactile and auditory feedback, the differing bottom housing materials of the Outemu Crystal and TTC Gold Silver switches play a significant role. The Crystal's polycarbonate bottom housing maintains the switch's sharp and crisp sound profile, while the Gold Silver's nylon bottom housing elicits a deeper and fuller sound. When typing on switches with nylon bottom housings, the softer plastic absorbs more sound, creating a duller and rounder sound profile. This difference in housing material impacts the overall feel and sound of each keystroke, providing users with distinct tactile experiences based on whether they choose the Crystal or Gold Silver switches.
Ultimately, the choice between the Outemu Crystal and TTC Gold Silver switches comes down to personal preference in sound and feel. Both switches feature top housings made of polycarbonate, delivering a sharp and high-pitched sound profile ideal for RGB lighting setups. However, the Crystal maintains this sound profile throughout with its polycarbonate bottom housing, while the Gold Silver introduces a deeper and fuller sound with its nylon bottom housing. Whether you prefer a sharper and crisper typing experience or a deeper and fuller sound, both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences in mechanical keyboard switches.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Outemu Crystal linear switch and the TTC Gold Silver linear switch, it is evident that both switches have the same actuation force of 45 grams. However, the Crystal switch has a bottom out force of 55 grams, while the Gold Silver switch does not have a specified bottom out force. This makes the Crystal switch slightly heavier overall in terms of typing pressure required. For those who prefer a lighter touch, the Gold Silver switch may be more suitable due to the lack of a specified bottom out force. However, for users who appreciate a more substantial typing experience with a bit more resistance, the Outemu Crystal switch would be the preferred choice. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches may come down to personal preference and typing style.
Travel distance
The Outemu Crystal linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the TTC Gold Silver linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm. This means that the Crystal switch has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Gold Silver switch. For those who prefer a more traditional travel distance, the Crystal switch may be the preferred choice. However, for individuals who prioritize faster response times, the Gold Silver switch with its shorter travel distance may be more suitable. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and how one values travel distance in their typing experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The TTC Gold Silver 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 Silver 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 provides a unique and somewhat chirpy sound profile, setting it apart from other switches. On the other hand, the TTC Gold Silver linear switch offers a deep and satisfying thocky sound that is rich and bass-heavy. Depending on your preference, the Crystal switch may appeal to those looking for a more high-pitched and crisp sound, while the Gold Silver switch caters to those who enjoy a low-pitched, thocky tone.
In terms of feel, both the Crystal and Gold Silver switches offer a polished finish, providing a smooth and refined typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel. Additionally, the Gold Silver switch is described as silky, offering an exceptionally smooth typing experience with minimal resistance when pressing and releasing keys. The Crystal switch, on the other hand, is known for its elastic feel and medium-light weight, providing a unique linear typing experience. Both switches offer a comfortable and approachable typing feel, suitable for a wide range of users.
In conclusion, the Outemu Crystal linear switch and the TTC Gold Silver linear switch each offer their own distinct sound and feel qualities. While the Crystal switch provides a chirpy sound and an elastic feel, the Gold Silver switch offers a thocky sound and silky smooth typing experience. Both switches are polished for a refined feel, making them suitable for various typing preferences. Ultimately, choosing between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for sound, feel, and typing experience.
Conclusion
In closing, when considering whether to choose the Outemu Crystal linear switch or the TTC Gold Silver linear switch, you should assess your priorities for typing experience. If you value a smooth and medium-light typing feel with a neutral sound profile, the Outemu Crystal switch may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you prioritize rapid responsiveness, a decisive bottom-out with a thocky and low-pitched sound profile, and a combination of smoothness and fluidity in keystrokes, then the TTC Gold Silver switch would be more suitable for your needs. Ultimately, your decision should be based on what aspects of the typing experience are most important to you, whether it be feel, sound, or a combination of both.
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