Outemu Crystal vs. Jerrzi Orange
An in-depth look at the Outemu Crystal and the Jerrzi Orange switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, the Outemu Crystal and Jerrzi Orange both offer unique characteristics to enhance your typing experience. The Outemu Crystal is a linear switch known for its elastic feel and medium-light weight, providing a smooth and consistent typing experience with a neutral sound profile. On the other hand, the Jerrzi Orange stands out for its clacky linear design, offering a lightweight feel and crisp, audible feedback with each keystroke. While the Crystal offers a polished and high-pitched typing experience, the Orange provides a feathery and easy-to-press sensation. Ultimately, the decision between these switches will depend on personal preference and typing style. 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
37g
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
3.70 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The Outemu Crystal and the Jerrzi Orange both feature a polycarbonate top housing, which results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to the stiffness of polycarbonate, which enhances the clarity and resonance of the sound produced by the switches. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches that incorporate RGB lighting, as the light can shine through the housing for a visually appealing effect. However, while both switches share the same top housing material, the Jerrzi Orange stands out with its nylon bottom housing, which contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to the Crystal's polycarbonate bottom housing.
Despite sharing a polycarbonate top housing that produces a similar sound profile, the Outemu Crystal and the Jerrzi Orange differ in their bottom housing materials. The Crystal features a polycarbonate bottom housing, continuing the trend of a sharper and crisper sound produced by the switch. On the other hand, the Jerrzi Orange's nylon bottom housing creates a deeper and fuller sound, thanks to its softer plastic composition that absorbs more sound. This contrast in bottom housing materials showcases how different materials can impact the overall sound profile and typing experience of a switch.
In terms of functionality, the top and bottom housing materials play a significant role in determining the sound and feel of a switch. The differences between the polycarbonate and nylon bottom housings of the Outemu Crystal and the Jerrzi Orange, respectively, demonstrate how each material contributes to the overall typing experience. The impact of the housing materials is felt differently depending on whether you are pressing down on a key or releasing it, with the bottom housing influencing the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing affects the sound when the key is released. Ultimately, the choice between the two housing materials can significantly impact the overall typing experience and sound profile of a switch.
Weight
When comparing the Outemu Crystal linear switch and the Jerrzi Orange linear switch, it is evident that there are differences in actuation and bottom out forces. The Crystal switch has an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 55 grams, making it a medium-light switch. In contrast, the Orange switch has a lighter actuation force of 37 grams, but the bottom out force is unknown. The difference in actuation force between the two switches means that the Crystal switch will require slightly more force to register a keystroke compared to the Orange switch. However, both switches are relatively lightweight, making them suitable for those who prefer a lighter typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preference for actuation force and the level of bottoming out resistance desired.
Travel distance
The Outemu Crystal linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Jerrzi Orange linear switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.7 mm. This means that the Crystal switch has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Orange switch. The 4.0 mm travel distance of the Crystal switch provides a traditional key press feel, while the 3.7 mm travel distance of the Orange switch offers a slightly shallower key press. Gamers may prefer the Orange switch for its faster response time due to the shorter travel distance, while those who prefer a more substantial key press may opt for the Crystal switch. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for key press depth and responsiveness.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Jerrzi Orange has an MSRP of $2.79 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Orange for $2.30.
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 chirpy and high-pitched acoustic signature, setting it apart from other switches with a more neutral sound profile. On the other hand, the Jerrzi Orange linear switch offers a clacky and bright sound, providing a crisp and percussive feedback with each keystroke. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will come down to personal preference in terms of the sound profile they prefer for their typing experience.
In terms of feel, the Outemu Crystal switch is characterized by its polished and refined finish, resulting in a smooth and sleek typing experience. On the other hand, the Jerrzi Orange switch offers a feathery and easy-to-press feel, making it comfortable for extended typing sessions and reducing finger fatigue. Both switches provide a unique tactile experience that can cater to different preferences, whether you prefer a smoother typing experience with the Crystal switch or a lighter and more responsive feel with the Orange switch.
Overall, when comparing the Outemu Crystal linear switch and the Jerrzi Orange linear switch, it is important to consider factors such as sound profile and typing feel to determine which switch would best suit your preferences. While the Crystal switch offers a more neutral sound profile and a polished typing experience, the Orange switch provides a lively and clacky sound with a feathery and easy-to-press feel. Ultimately, both switches will deliver a satisfying typing experience, and choosing between them will depend on your personal preferences for sound and feel.
Conclusion
To wrap up, when considering whether to choose the Outemu Crystal linear switch or the Jerrzi Orange linear switch, it all comes down to personal preference and typing style. If you prefer a medium-light weight switch with a neutral sound profile and a slightly elastic feel, the Crystal switch may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you enjoy a clacky and lightweight switch with a crisp and audible feedback, the Orange switch might be more up your alley. Ultimately, both switches offer unique typing experiences, so it's important to consider what qualities are most important to you when making your decision.
Mentioned in this article
