Outemu Crystal vs. Bsun Olive

Overview

When choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the Outemu Crystal and the Bsun Olive offer unique experiences to consider. The Outemu Crystal is a linear switch that provides a smooth and elastic typing feel with medium-light weight, resulting in a distinctive typing experience. With a neutral sound profile, these switches are best known for their chirpy, high-pitched, and polished characteristics. On the other hand, the Bsun Olive is a tactile switch known for its all-POM housings that deliver a deep and resonant sound. These medium-weight switches offer pronounced tactile feedback and a sharp bottom-out, leading to a satisfying typing experience with accented, invigorating, sharp, and snappy characteristics. Choosing between these switches will depend on personal preferences and typing styles; however, let's dive a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can decide on the best switch for you.

By the numbers

Outemu Crystal Linear

Bsun Olive Tactile

$3.40 per 10

$5.80

$4.70 per 10

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Housing materials

The Outemu Crystal and Bsun Olive switches both have distinctive housing materials that contribute to their sound profiles and overall feel. The Crystal's polycarbonate top housing is known for creating a sharper, higher-pitched sound, while the Olive's POM top housing produces a deeper and more muted sound. The use of polycarbonate in the Crystal switch allows for a clear and resonant sound, especially when used with RGB lighting, while the POM housing of the Olive switch gives it a unique and pleasing sound profile. While both materials have their own strengths, the choice between the two ultimately depends on the user's preference for sound and aesthetic quality.

In terms of the bottom housing, both the Crystal and Olive switches feature polycarbonate and POM materials, respectively. The polycarbonate bottom housing of the Crystal contributes to its sharp and crisp sound profile, similar to the effects of the top housing. On the other hand, the POM bottom housing of the Olive creates a more muted and deeper sound when pressing down on the switch. While the bottom housing may not have as much of an impact on the overall sound as the top housing, it still plays a role in determining the overall feel and sound of the switch.

When comparing the top and bottom housings of the Outemu Crystal and Bsun Olive switches, it becomes clear that each housing material brings its own unique qualities to the switch. The split between the top and bottom of the switch allows for a more dynamic sound experience, with the bottom housing affecting the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing has a greater impact on the sound when a key is released. Both switches offer a range of sound profiles and tactile experiences, making them suitable for different preferences and typing styles. Whether you prefer the sharpness of polycarbonate or the deep tones of POM, both the Crystal and Olive switches have something unique to offer.

Weight

In comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Outemu Crystal linear switch and the Bsun Olive tactile switch, we find that both switches have the same actuation force of 45 grams. However, when it comes to the bottom out force, the Crystal has a lighter bottom out force of 55 grams, while the Olive has a heavier bottom out force of 65 grams. This means that typing on the Crystal switch may feel lighter and more effortless, making it suitable for extended typing sessions or gaming. On the other hand, the Olive switch provides a more substantial typing experience with a firmer push feel due to its heavier bottom out force. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on individual preference for typing feel and force requirements.

Travel distance

The Outemu Crystal linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Bsun Olive tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm. This means that the Olive switch has a slightly shorter travel distance compared to the Crystal switch. A shorter travel distance is often preferred by gamers for faster response times, while a longer travel distance may provide a more satisfying typing experience for those who prefer a deeper press. Ultimately, both switches offer different typing experiences based on their travel distances, with the Crystal switch being the longer option and the Olive switch being the shorter option.

Price comparison

Typing experience

Overall, when comparing the Outemu Crystal linear switch to the Bsun Olive tactile switch, the two switches offer different subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Crystal switch has a neutral sound profile with a chirpy and high-pitched sound, providing a unique audible experience. On the other hand, the Olive switch produces a resonant and deep sound, enhancing the typing experience with its pronounced tactile feedback, accented tactility, invigorating feel, sharp tactile bump, and snappy responsiveness. While both switches offer distinct qualities, users can expect a smooth and refined typing experience with the Crystal switch and a satisfying tactile and auditory experience with the Olive switch. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for sound and feel in mechanical keyboard switches.

Conclusion

To sum up, when considering whether to choose the Outemu Crystal linear switch or the Bsun Olive tactile switch, it ultimately comes down to your preference in typing experience. If you value a smooth and refined typing experience with a neutral sound profile, the Crystal switch with its medium-light bottom out force may be the better choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a tactile switch with a deep, resonant sound and pronounced tactile feedback for a more immersive typing sensation, the Olive switch with its medium-heavy bottom out force would be a great option. Ultimately, both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different typing preferences, so consider what qualities are most important to you when making your decision.

Mentioned in this article

Outemu Crystal Linear

$3.40 per 10

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Bsun Olive Tactile

$5.80

$4.70 per 10

Learn more