Outemu Crystal vs. Everglide Moyu Black (Dark Jade)
An in-depth look at the Outemu Crystal and the Everglide Moyu Black (Dark Jade) switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to finding the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, there are a plethora of options available. Two noteworthy switches that offer unique typing experiences are the Outemu Crystal and the Everglide Moyu Black (Dark Jade). The Crystal switches provide a linear typing experience with a medium-light weight, resulting in a fairly elastic feel. They also boast a neutral sound profile, making them ideal for those seeking a quiet typing experience. On the other hand, the Moyu Black (Dark Jade) switches offer a sharp tactile feel that is accompanied by a strong downstroke tactile bump. What sets them apart is the even sharper and stronger upstroke bump, providing a hypertactile sensation. With their medium-heavy feel and accentuated bottom-out, the Moyu Blacks offer a distinctive and impactful typing experience. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can best decide on the ideal switch for your preferences.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
50g
Bottom-out force
55g
Bottom-out force
67g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
PBT
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
PBT
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Gold-plated
Housing materials
The Outemu Crystal and the Everglide Moyu Black (Dark Jade) differ in their housing materials for both the top and bottom parts of the switch. The Crystal features a polycarbonate top housing, while the Moyu Black (Dark Jade) utilizes a PBT top housing. Polycarbonate is known for its stiffness, creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This makes it ideal for users who enjoy a more resonant and clear sound when typing. Additionally, its translucency allows for RGB lighting to shine through effectively. On the other hand, the PBT top housing of the Everglide Moyu Black offers a neutral sound profile, neither being extremely crisp nor dull.
Similarly, the bottom housing material also differs between the two switches. The Crystal employs a polycarbonate bottom housing, while the Moyu Black (Dark Jade) utilizes a PBT bottom housing. The polycarbonate bottom housing of the Crystal contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile, just like its top housing counterpart. It also affects the bottom-out sound and feel of the switch when pressed. In contrast, the PBT bottom housing of the Moyu Black (Dark Jade) provides a neutral sound profile, neither being overly crisp nor dull. This would influence the overall feel and sound of pressing down on the switch.
In conclusion, the Outemu Crystal and the Everglide Moyu Black (Dark Jade) showcase distinct differences in their housing materials. The Crystal's polycarbonate housing, whether it be the top or bottom, emphasizes a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. In contrast, the Moyu Black (Dark Jade) features PBT housing for both the top and bottom, which offers a neutral sound profile. While these differences may result in varying sound and feel when typing, both switches provide unique options for users based on their preference for sound and aesthetics.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Outemu Crystal linear switch and the Everglide Moyu Black (Dark Jade) tactile switch, there are notable differences. The Crystal has an actuation force of 45 grams, while the Moyu Black has an actuation force of 50 grams, making the Moyu Black slightly heavier in terms of initial keystroke pressure. However, when it comes to bottoming out, the Crystal requires 55 grams of force, whereas the Moyu Black requires 67 grams, making the Moyu Black significantly heavier at the bottom.
For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the Crystal would be the better option, as it allows for a more effortless keystroke activation. This is especially beneficial for those who spend long hours typing or engage in extended gaming sessions. On the other hand, individuals who desire a more substantial and pronounced typing feel may prefer the Moyu Black. Its slightly higher actuation force provides a stronger pushing sensation, leading to a more satisfying keystroke experience.
It is important to consider one's personal preferences when deciding between these switches. Those who prioritize weight may find the Crystal to be a suitable choice, as its medium-light actuation and bottom out forces offer a balanced and comfortable typing experience. Meanwhile, individuals seeking a more robust and substantial typing feel may lean towards the Moyu Black, with its slightly heavier actuation force and noticeably heavier bottom out force. Ultimately, the choice between these switches depends on the individual's typing style and desired typing experience.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the Outemu Crystal linear switch and the Everglide Moyu Black (Dark Jade) tactile switch is the same, with both switches having a travel distance of 4 mm. Therefore, pressing down on a key equipped with either of these switches would result in a similar feeling of travel distance. Both switches offer a consistent and satisfying keypress experience with their equal travel distances.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Everglide Moyu Black (Dark Jade) has an MSRP of $12.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Moyu Black (Dark Jade) for $7.59.
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 offers a neutral sound profile. This means that the sound produced when typing on these switches is not particularly loud, bassy, or high-pitched. However, these switches have a unique chirpy characteristic, giving them a slightly squeaky sound that sets them apart from other switches. On the other hand, the Everglide Moyu Black (Dark Jade) tactile switch has a resonant sound profile. Typing on these switches produces a crisp and sharp high-pitched sound, providing an immersive auditory experience. It is important to note that the sound of a switch is also influenced by factors such as the keyboard board and the keycaps used. Overall, if you prefer a neutral sound profile, the Crystal switches are a good choice, while if you enjoy a higher-pitched and resonant sound, the Moyu Black switches are recommended.
In terms of feel, the Outemu Crystal linear switch offers a polished typing experience. This means that the switches have a smooth and refined finish, resulting in reduced friction and smooth key travel. The Moyu Black (Dark Jade) tactile switch, on the other hand, provides a distinctive and impactful typing experience. These switches have a sharp tactile bump that is felt distinctly with each keypress, offering a high feedback intensity. Additionally, the Moyu Black switches are described as accented switches, which means they provide a prominent amount of tactility without being overwhelming or subtle. If you prefer a smooth and refined typing experience, the Crystal switches would be a suitable choice. However, if you enjoy a tactile switch with a strong and crisp bump, the Moyu Black switches are recommended.
In conclusion, the Outemu Crystal linear switch and the Everglide Moyu Black (Dark Jade) tactile switch offer distinct subjective qualities. The Crystal switches provide a unique linear typing experience with a medium-light weight and a neutral sound profile. They have a polished feel, resulting in reduced friction and smooth key travel. On the other hand, the Moyu Black switches offer a sharp and strong tactile feel, creating a hypertactile sensation. They have a medium-heavy feel, an abrupt and accentuated bottom-out, and produce a satisfyingly sharp, short, snappy, and punchy sound. It is important to consider personal preference when choosing between these switches, as the Crystal switches cater to those who prefer a linear typing experience with a neutral sound, while the Moyu Black switches are suited for those who enjoy a strong tactile feel and a resonant sound.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a unique, linear typing experience with a medium-light feel and a neutral sound profile, the Outemu Crystal switches are the way to go. These switches provide a smooth and refined finish, resulting in reduced friction and smooth key travel. On the other hand, if you prefer a sharp and strong tactile feel, the Everglide Moyu Black (Dark Jade) switches are the better choice. These switches offer a distinctive and impactful typing experience with a medium-heavy feel and a hypertactile sensation. They produce a satisfyingly sharp, short, snappy, and punchy sound when typing, and the unique blend of PBT top and bottom housing adds a premium touch to your typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between these switches comes down to your personal preference for a linear or tactile typing experience, as well as your desired sound and feel.
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