Outemu Crystal vs. Outemu Lime
An in-depth look at the Outemu Crystal and the Outemu Lime switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options that stand out are the Outemu Crystal and the Outemu Lime switches. The Crystal switch offers a linear typing experience with a fairly elastic feel and medium-light weight, creating a unique typing sensation. Additionally, this switch provides a neutral sound profile, offering a pleasant typing experience without any annoying distractions. On the other hand, the Lime switch boasts its lightweight nature, accompanied by an approachable tactility and a silent operation. It is the ideal choice for tactile enthusiasts who desire a feathery light typing experience with just a touch of tactility. Categorized as 'Chirpy', 'High-pitched', and 'Polished', the Crystal switch exhibits its unique characteristics, while the Lime switch, categorized as 'Neutral', 'Mild', 'Muted', 'Feathery', 'Subtle', and 'Polished', brings something different to the table. However, let's delve deeper beyond these generalities, so you can make an informed decision and select the perfect switch based on your specific preferences.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
35g
Bottom-out force
55g
Bottom-out force
45g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.30 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
Nylon
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 Outemu Lime switches differ in their housing materials, with the Crystal featuring a polycarbonate top and bottom housing, while the Lime utilizes a nylon top and bottom housing. In terms of sound profile, the Crystal's polycarbonate housing creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound, thanks to its relatively stiffer plastic properties. In contrast, the Lime's nylon housing elicits a deeper and fuller sound due to its softer plastic composition, producing a duller and rounder sound. While the Crystal is visually translucent, making it ideal for RGB lighting, the Lime's classic nylon housing does not offer this feature.
When it comes to the bottom housing, both the Crystal and Lime benefit from the qualities of their respective materials. The polycarbonate bottom housing of the Crystal contributes to a more clear and resonant sound profile, as well as a sharper and crisper sound when bottoming out. On the other hand, the nylon bottom housing of the Lime aids in creating a deeper and fuller sound, resulting in a more satisfying typing experience. The bottom housing plays a significant role in the overall sound and feel when pressing down on the switch.
In contrast, the top housing of the switches will have a more prominent impact on the sound when releasing a key. The polycarbonate top housing of the Crystal creates a higher-pitched and sharper sound when letting go of a key. On the contrary, the nylon top housing of the Lime absorbs more sound due to its softer composition, resulting in a rounder and less distinct sound when releasing a key.
Overall, while the Crystal and Lime switches have different housing materials, they each offer unique sound profiles. The Crystal's polycarbonate housing provides a sharper and crisper sound, whereas the Lime's nylon housing produces a deeper and fuller sound. Both switches have their own advantages depending on the desired outcome and user preference, with the choice between them ultimately depending on the desired sound experience and aesthetic features such as RGB lighting.
Weight
When comparing the Outemu Crystal linear switch and the Outemu Lime tactile switch, there are notable differences in their actuation force and bottom out force. The Crystal has an actuation force of 45 grams, which is slightly heavier than the Lime's actuation force of 35 grams. This means that the Crystal requires a slightly stronger push to trigger a keystroke compared to the Lime. Similarly, the Crystal has a bottom out force of 55 grams, while the Lime has a bottom out force of 45 grams, indicating that the Crystal has a slightly higher resistance when fully pressed down.
Considering the weight, the Lime switch is lighter in terms of both actuation and bottom out force, making it suitable for those who prefer a lighter typing experience. With its lower force requirements, the Lime switch allows for prolonged typing sessions, making it ideal for individuals who use their keyboards extensively at work or during long gaming sessions. On the other hand, the Crystal switch, though still relatively light, offers a slightly stronger push feel, providing a more substantial typing experience for those who prefer a bit more resistance.
Despite the differences in force requirements, it is important to note that both the Crystal and Lime switches fall within the medium-light to light range, offering a fairly lightweight typing experience overall. So, if users desire a similar result but with a lighter touch, they can opt for the Lime switch. Ultimately, the choice between these switches comes down to personal preference, with some favoring a lighter touch for increased endurance, while others seek a more substantial feel for a satisfying typing experience.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the Outemu Crystal linear switch is 4 mm, while the travel distance of the Outemu Lime tactile switch is 3.3 mm. In terms of travel distance, the Crystal switch is longer compared to the Lime switch. A 4 mm travel distance is considered more traditional, while the Lime switch offers a slightly shorter travel distance at 3.3 mm. Gamers, in particular, may prefer the shorter travel distance as it allows for faster response times. However, for those who prefer a more substantial feel, the Crystal switch with its longer travel distance may be the better option. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for responsiveness and depth.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
In this case, both switches are $3.40. As such, price can't serve as a tiebreaker when choosing between the Crystal and Lime.
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 comparing the sound qualities of the Outemu Crystal linear switch and the Outemu Lime tactile switch, the Crystal switch offers a unique acoustic experience. It is described as "chirpy," which means it has a slight squeak to it, setting it apart from other switches. Additionally, the Crystal switch produces a high-pitched sound, providing a sharp and crisp response. On the other hand, the Lime switch has a neutral sound profile, making it suitable for various purposes and users. Furthermore, the Lime switch is described as muted, producing a softer and quieter sound compared to regular switches.
In terms of feel, the Crystal switch offers a polished typing experience. It has a smooth and refined finish, resulting in sleek key travel with reduced friction. In contrast, the Lime switch provides a mild feel, offering a gentle typing experience that appeals to a broad range of users. Additionally, the Lime switch is described as feathery, meaning it is exceptionally light to press and requires minimal finger exertion, reducing fatigue during prolonged typing sessions. Similar to the Crystal switch, the Lime switch also has a polished finish, resulting in reduced friction and smooth key travel.
Taking all the available information into account, the Outemu Crystal linear switch and the Outemu Lime tactile switch offer distinct subjective qualities. The Crystal switch provides a unique linear typing experience with a chirpy and high-pitched sound profile. Its feel is polished, ensuring reduced friction and smooth key travel. On the other hand, the Lime switch offers a lightweight and approachable tactility while being silenced. It produces a neutral and muted sound and offers a mild, feathery, and subtle feel, making it suitable for various users and shared spaces.
In summary, the Outemu Crystal linear switch and the Outemu Lime tactile switch have distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel. They offer unique typing experiences that cater to different preferences and requirements. While the Crystal switch has a chirpy and high-pitched sound and a polished feel, the Lime switch provides a neutral and muted sound with a mild, feathery, and subtle feel. Depending on individual preferences, users can obtain similar results in the typing experience, whether they opt for the Crystal or Lime switch.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a unique and linear typing experience with a medium-light weight, then the Outemu Crystal switches would be the right choice for you. These switches have a fairly elastic feel and provide a neutral sound profile while typing. On the other hand, if you prefer a feathery light typing experience with just a touch of tactility, then the Outemu Lime switches are perfect for you. These switches are lightweight, feature an approachable tactility, and are silenced. They are ideal for tactile enthusiasts who want a lighter typing experience. In terms of sound, the Crystal switches have a chirpy and high-pitched sound profile, while the Lime switches have a neutral and muted sound. When it comes to feel, the Crystal switches offer a polished and smooth typing experience, while the Lime switches provide a mild, feathery, subtle, and polished feel. Ultimately, the choice between the Outemu Crystal and Outemu Lime switches depends on your preferred typing experience in terms of weight, tactility, sound profile, and feel.
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