Outemu Crystal vs. KTT Lightning
An in-depth look at the Outemu Crystal and the KTT Lightning switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, two popular options to consider are the Outemu Crystal and the KTT Lightning. Each switch offers a unique typing experience and has its own set of qualities that cater to different preferences. The Crystal switch is best known for its fairly elastic feel and medium-light weight, providing a distinct linear typing experience. Additionally, it produces a neutral sound profile, making it suitable for those who prefer a quieter typing experience. On the other hand, the Lightning switch is renowned for its speed, making it a perfect choice for competitive gamers where milliseconds can determine victory or defeat. Typing on the Lightning switch offers a slick feel accompanied by a clacky sound profile. 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
50g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.00 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
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Outemu Crystal and the KTT Lightning share many similarities. Both switches utilize polycarbonate for their top housings, resulting in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. Polycarbonate, being a relatively stiffer plastic, enhances clarity and resonance in the sound produced. Additionally, the transparent nature of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches that incorporate RGB lighting, adding an aesthetically pleasing element to the overall design.
However, when it comes to the bottom housings, the Crystal and Lightning take different approaches. The Crystal continues to utilize polycarbonate for its bottom housing, which complements the characteristics of the top housing, contributing to a consistent sound profile throughout the keystroke. On the other hand, the Lightning incorporates nylon for its bottom housing, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon, being a softer plastic, absorbs more sound, leading to a duller and rounder sound upon bottoming out the key.
It is important to note that the qualities brought by the housing materials of the Crystal and Lightning are divided between the top and bottom of the switch. The bottom housing has a more significant impact on the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing predominantly influences the sound when releasing a key. Thus, while the Crystal and Lightning may differ in their housing materials, their overall performance can yield similar results depending on the individual's preference for sound profile and typing experience.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Outemu Crystal linear switch and the KTT Lightning linear switch, there are notable differences to consider. The Outemu Crystal has an actuation force of 45 grams, slightly heavier than the Lightning's 43 grams. Both switches have a bottom out force, with the Crystal requiring 55 grams and the Lightning requiring 50 grams. This means that the Crystal switch provides a slightly stronger push feel when typing, while the Lightning switch offers a lighter touch. For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the Lightning switch would be a suitable option, allowing for longer periods of comfortable typing. On the other hand, individuals who prefer a more substantial typing experience may opt for the Crystal switch with its slightly heavier forces. Overall, the actuation and bottom out forces of these switches offer varying levels of tactile feedback and typing experiences.
Travel distance
In terms of travel distance, the Outemu Crystal linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the KTT Lightning linear switch has a travel distance of 3 mm. The Crystal's travel distance of 4.0mm is considered to be the more traditional option, providing a deeper key press feel. On the other hand, the Lightning's travel distance of 3.0mm is shallower, offering a quicker and more responsive key press experience. Gamers, in particular, tend to prefer shorter travel distances as it allows for faster response times. However, for those who desire a more substantial Key press depth, the Crystal switch with its longer travel distance would be a better choice. Overall, the decision between the two switches ultimately depends on personal preference and whether one values a faster response time or a deeper key press feel.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
For 10 switches, the Outemu Crystal comes in at $3.40, whereas the KTT Lightning comes in at $3.41.
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
In terms of sound, the Outemu Crystal linear switch is described as having a neutral sound profile. These switches do not produce any distinctive acoustic characteristics like chirping or high-pitched tones. On the other hand, the KTT Lightning linear switch is known for its clacky sound profile. These switches produce a sharp and snappy sound when pressed, giving a crisp and bright acoustic experience. Both switches share the quality of being high-pitched, resulting in a sharp and crisp sound. However, the Crystal switch focuses more on a neutral sound, while the Lightning switch offers a clacky tone.
When it comes to feel, the Outemu Crystal switch is known for its fairly elastic type feel combined with a medium-light weight. This combination creates a unique and linear typing experience. Additionally, the Crystal switch is described as polished, indicating a smooth and refined finish. This leads to reduced friction and smooth key travel. In contrast, the KTT Lightning switch offers a subtle feel with a slight resistance that maintains a light typing experience. Similarly, the Lightning switch is also described as polished, providing a sleek typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel. Both switches share the polished feel, but the Crystal switch offers a more elastic type of feel, while the Lightning switch provides a subtle resistance.
Overall, the Outemu Crystal linear switch and the KTT Lightning linear switch offer distinct subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Crystal switch offers a neutral sound profile with a fairly elastic and medium-light weight feel. On the other hand, the Lightning switch provides a clacky sound profile with a subtle resistance feel. These switches cater to different preferences and typing experiences. However, it is important to note that the sound and feel of the switches can also be influenced by other factors such as the choice of keyboard and keycaps. Therefore, it is recommended to consider these factors in order to achieve the desired sound and feel.
Conclusion
In closing, when choosing between the Outemu Crystal linear switch and the KTT Lightning linear switch, it's important to consider your specific needs and preferences. If you prioritize a medium-light weight and a unique, linear typing experience, the Crystal switch would be a suitable choice for you. These switches offer a fairly elastic feel and a neutral sound profile when typing. On the other hand, if you require "speed" switches that can make a difference in milliseconds, the Lightning switch would be more fitting. The Lightning switches provide a slick type feel and a clacky sound profile. When it comes to sound, the Crystal switches have a chirpy, high-pitched profile, while the Lightning switches have a clacky, high-pitched, and chirpy profile. As for feel, the Crystal switches are known for their polished smoothness, resulting in a sleek typing experience. The Lightning switches, on the other hand, offer a subtle resistance and a polished finish. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches depends on your preferences for weight, typing experience, sound, and feel.
Mentioned in this article
