Outemu Crystal vs. KTT MoonRosa
An in-depth look at the Outemu Crystal and the KTT MoonRosa switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When selecting a mechanical keyboard switch, two popular options to consider are the Outemu Crystal and the KTT MoonRosa, both known for their linear design. The Outemu Crystal offers a unique typing experience with its elastic feel and medium-light weight, resulting in a neutral sound profile while typing. On the other hand, the KTT MoonRosa boasts an all-POM construction, providing a buttery smooth typing experience with a low-pitched, easy-to-press feel. While the Crystal may be favored for its chirpy and high-pitched sound profile, the MoonRosa is known for its mild and low-pitched characteristics. 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
45g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 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
POM
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
22mm spring
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Outemu Crystal and the KTT MoonRosa, one noticeable difference is the use of polycarbonate in the Crystal's top and bottom housing, while the MoonRosa utilizes POM for both components. The polycarbonate in the Crystal creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile, thanks to its stiffness and clear nature that enhances RGB lighting effects. In contrast, the POM housing of the MoonRosa produces a deeper and more muted sound profile. This variation in sound characteristics reflects the different acoustic properties of polycarbonate and POM, providing users with distinct auditory experiences depending on the switch they choose.
Another point of comparison between the Outemu Crystal and the KTT MoonRosa lies in their top and bottom housing materials. While the Crystal features polycarbonate in both components, the MoonRosa utilizes POM for both as well. As a result, both switches offer a consistent sound profile throughout the keystroke, with the Crystal producing a clearer and resonant sound, and the MoonRosa delivering a deeper and more subdued tone. Despite the similar materials used in the top and bottom housing of each switch, the unique characteristics of polycarbonate and POM still distinguish the sound profiles of the Crystal and MoonRosa.
Overall, the choice between the Outemu Crystal and the KTT MoonRosa ultimately comes down to personal preference in sound profile. The Crystal's polycarbonate housing creates a sharper and crisper sound, ideal for those who prefer a more distinct auditory feedback while typing. On the other hand, the MoonRosa's POM housing offers a deeper and more muted sound, catering to users who enjoy a quieter typing experience. Both switches showcase the impact of housing materials on sound characteristics, highlighting the importance of considering material composition when selecting a mechanical keyboard switch. Whether opting for the Crystal's polycarbonate or the MoonRosa's POM, users can expect a unique and immersive typing experience tailored to their individual preferences.
Weight
The Outemu Crystal linear switch and the KTT MoonRosa linear switch both have relatively light actuation and bottom out forces compared to many other switches on the market. The Crystal has a slightly higher actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 55 grams, making it slightly heavier than the MoonRosa, which has an actuation force of 37 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams. Both switches provide a smooth typing experience with a quick response time due to their light actuation forces. The Crystal switch offers a bit more resistance for those who prefer a slightly heavier typing feel, while the MoonRosa is the lighter option for those who prefer a more effortless typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will come down to personal preference in terms of typing feel and force required for keystrokes.
Travel distance
The Outemu Crystal linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, which is considered a more traditional length. On the other hand, the KTT MoonRosa linear switch has a shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm. Gamers tend to prefer shorter travel distances like the MoonRosa for faster response times, while those who prefer a more substantial key press may lean towards the Crystal. The choice between the two ultimately comes down to personal preference based on whether you prioritize speed or depth in your typing experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
For 10 switches, the Outemu Crystal comes in at $3.40, whereas the KTT MoonRosa comes in at $4.88.
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 known for its chirpy and high-pitched sound profile, providing a unique and sharp typing experience. On the other hand, the KTT MoonRosa linear switch offers a low-pitched sound, resulting in a more bass-heavy and mellow tone when typing. Both switches have a neutral sound profile, but the Crystal switch provides a more distinctive auditory feedback with its chirpy and high-pitched characteristics.
Moving on to feel, the Outemu Crystal linear switch is described as polished, offering a smooth and refined typing experience thanks to reduced friction and smooth key travel. In contrast, the KTT MoonRosa linear switch is characterized as mild and easy-to-press, providing a gentle typing experience with minimal force required to activate the keys. While the Crystal switch focuses on a polished finish for sleek typing, the MoonRosa switch aims for a comfortable and low-impact typing feel that is approachable to most users.
In conclusion, the Outemu Crystal linear switch and the KTT MoonRosa linear switch both offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Crystal switch stands out for its chirpy and high-pitched sound, coupled with a polished typing experience for smoother key travel. On the other hand, the MoonRosa switch provides a low-pitched sound and an easy-to-press feel, emphasizing a comfortable and gentle typing experience. Ultimately, choosing between these two switches would depend on personal preferences for sound and typing feel, as both switches offer distinct qualities that cater to different user preferences. If you prefer a more unique sound profile with a smooth key travel, the Crystal switch would be the way to go. If you prioritize a gentle and easy-to-press typing experience, the MoonRosa switch would be the ideal choice.
Conclusion
In summary, when choosing between the Outemu Crystal linear switch and the KTT MoonRosa linear switch, consider the factors of bottom out force, sound profile, and overall typing experience. If you prefer a slightly heavier key press and a unique linear typing feel with a neutral sound profile, the Outemu Crystal switch would be a good choice. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter key press, a buttery smooth typing experience with an all-POM construction, and a more mellow, low-pitched sound profile, then the KTT MoonRosa switch may be the better option for you. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches comes down to personal preference in terms of key feel, sound, and overall typing experience.
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