Outemu Crystal vs. Cherry MX Red
An in-depth look at the Outemu Crystal and the Cherry MX Red switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Outemu Crystal and the Cherry MX Red mechanical keyboard switches, one can immediately notice key differences in their typing experience. The Crystal offers a unique linear feel with a medium-light weight and a neutral sound profile, making it an excellent choice for those seeking a smooth and elastic typing experience. On the other hand, the MX Red, a classic Cherry switch, provides a slightly heftier feel and a deeper sound profile, resulting in a more robust typing experience with added responsiveness and auditory depth. Both switches have their own distinct qualities that make them desirable choices for different preferences. 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
45g
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
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
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
In comparing the housing materials of the Outemu Crystal and the Cherry MX Red switches, it is clear that they both focus on creating distinct sound profiles for users. The Crystal's polycarbonate top and bottom housing offer a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile, thanks to its relatively stiffer plastic composition. This makes it ideal for users who prefer a more resonant sound when typing. In contrast, the MX Red's nylon top and bottom housing provide a deeper and fuller sound profile, due to its softer plastic that absorbs more sound. While the Crystal's polycarbonate housing emphasizes clarity and brightness, the MX Red's nylon housing offers a more muffled and rounded sound experience.
Despite their differences, both the Outemu Crystal and Cherry MX Red switches share a common goal of enhancing the typing experience through their housing materials. The polycarbonate top housing of the Crystal is especially beneficial for users who want to incorporate RGB lighting, as its translucency allows for vibrant lighting effects. On the other hand, the nylon top housing of the MX Red is a classic choice that provides a satisfying sound experience for those who prefer a fuller and deeper sound profile. While the Crystal's polycarbonate bottom housing contributes to a clear and resonant sound upon bottoming out keys, the MX Red's nylon bottom housing absorbs more sound for a duller and rounder sound when typing.
In terms of tactile feedback and sound production, the housing materials of the Outemu Crystal and the Cherry MX Red switches play a significant role in shaping the overall typing experience. The split between the stiffer polycarbonate and the softer nylon housing creates a dynamic sound profile that combines sharpness and clarity with depth and fullness. Whether you prefer a crisper and higher-pitched sound like the Crystal offers, or a deeper and fuller sound like the MX Red provides, both switches ultimately aim to cater to different sound preferences while enhancing keypress feedback. Ultimately, the choice between these two housing materials will depend on the user's personal preference for sound profile and typing feel.
Weight
The Outemu Crystal linear switch has a slightly lighter actuation force compared to the Cherry MX Red linear switch, with 45 grams for both switches. However, the bottom out force for the Crystal is heavier at 55 grams, while the Cherry MX Red's bottom out force is unknown. This means that the Crystal switch offers a medium-light typing experience overall, while the Cherry MX Red's feel remains uncertain. When considering weight, it's important to note that lighter switches are preferred by some for extended typing sessions or gaming, while heavier switches provide a more substantial typing feel. Ultimately, the choice between the Outemu Crystal and Cherry MX Red switches will depend on personal preference for actuation and bottom out force.
Travel distance
The travel distance of both the Outemu Crystal linear switch and the Cherry MX Red linear switch is 4 mm, making them equal in this aspect. When comparing the travel distance of these switches, they both provide a consistent and satisfying typing experience with the same amount of travel from top to bottom. This means that users can expect a similar feel when typing on keyboards equipped with either switch. The 4 mm travel distance on both switches allows for quick and precise keystrokes, making them suitable for gaming and typing tasks where speed and accuracy are crucial. Overall, whether you opt for the Outemu Crystal or the Cherry MX Red, you can expect a similar travel distance and a reliable typing experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Cherry MX Red has an MSRP of $5.90 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the MX Red for $4.00.
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
In terms of sound, the Outemu Crystal linear switch has a chirpy and high-pitched profile, creating a unique and light-hearted sound when typing. On the other hand, the Cherry MX Red linear switch offers a thocky and low-pitched sound that gives a satisfying and deeper typing experience. The choice between the two will depend on personal preference for sound, with the Crystals offering a more lively and sharp auditory feedback while the MX Reds provide a more robust and bass-heavy tone.
Moving on to feel, the Outemu Crystal linear switch is polished, offering a smooth and refined finish that results in a sleek typing experience with reduced friction. In contrast, the Cherry MX Red linear switch is described as textured, meaning it may have noticeable friction when pressed, which could be preferred by users who enjoy a more tactile typing experience. Choosing between the two will depend on whether you prefer a smoother key travel with the Crystal switch or a bit of texture with the MX Red switch.
Overall, both the Outemu Crystal linear switch and Cherry MX Red linear switch offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel. If you prefer a chirpy and high-pitched sound profile with a polished and smooth typing experience, the Outemu Crystal switch may be the right choice for you. However, if you enjoy a thocky and low-pitched sound with a bit of texture for added tactile feedback, the Cherry MX Red switch might be more to your liking. Ultimately, both switches offer a linear typing experience, but with distinct characteristics that cater to different preferences.
Conclusion
In conclusion, when choosing between the Outemu Crystal linear switch and the Cherry MX Red linear switch, you should consider your preference for bottom out force, typing experience, sound profile, and key feel. If you prefer a medium-light bottom out force and a unique, linear typing experience with a neutral sound profile, the Outemu Crystal switch is the way to go. On the other hand, if you prefer a slightly heftier feel, deeper sound profile, and a classic Cherry switch experience, the Cherry MX Red switch is the better choice for you. Ultimately, the decision comes down to personal preference and the specific typing experience you are looking for.
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