Outemu Crystal vs. Outemu Milk Blue
An in-depth look at the Outemu Crystal and the Outemu Milk Blue switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the Outemu Crystal, a linear switch, and the Outemu Milk Blue, a clicky switch, present two distinct options to choose from. The Crystal switch offers a smooth, elastic typing experience with a medium-light weight, resulting in a unique linear feel. Additionally, users can expect a neutral sound profile when typing on the Crystal switches. On the other hand, the Milk Blue switch provides a clicky typing experience, giving users tactile feedback with a satisfying click sound. While the Crystal switch is smooth, the Milk Blue switch has no specific categorization. Both switches offer different benefits depending on individual preferences and typing styles. However, let's delve deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
50g
Bottom-out force
55g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.20 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 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
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Outemu Crystal and Outemu Milk Blue switches both utilize polycarbonate for the top housing, providing a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to its stiffness. This results in clear and resonant sound characteristics, making them ideal choices for those who prefer a more defined typing experience. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate in the top housing allows for compatibility with RGB lighting, enhancing the visual appeal of the switches.
In contrast, the bottom housing of the Outemu Crystal features polycarbonate, while the Milk Blue uses nylon. This difference in material results in varying sound profiles when typing on the switches. The Crystal's polycarbonate bottom housing contributes to a sharper sound, matching the characteristics of its top housing. Conversely, the Milk Blue's nylon bottom housing produces a deeper and fuller sound, creating a contrasting experience for users seeking a softer typing feel.
Overall, the choice between the Outemu Crystal and Milk Blue switches comes down to personal preference in sound and feel. While both switches share the benefits of polycarbonate in the top housing for a clear and resonant sound profile, the differing bottom housing materials offer unique typing experiences. Whether you prefer a sharper sound with the Crystal's polycarbonate bottom housing or a deeper sound with the Milk Blue's nylon bottom housing, both switches provide high-quality options for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts looking to customize their typing experience.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Outemu Crystal linear switch and the Outemu Milk Blue clicky switch, it is clear that the Crystal is the lighter option with an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 55 grams. On the other hand, the Milk Blue is heavier with an actuation force of 50 grams, although the bottom out force is unknown. Both switches offer a different typing experience based on their weight. The Crystal provides a medium-light feel, making it suitable for longer typing sessions, while the Milk Blue offers a more substantial typing experience for those who prefer a stronger push feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on the individual's preference for actuation and bottom out force in their keyboard switches.
Travel distance
The Outemu Crystal linear switch and the Outemu Milk Blue clicky switch both have a travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when pressing down on a key with either of these switches, you will experience the same amount of travel distance. Therefore, in terms of travel distance, both switches provide a similar typing experience. The 4 mm travel distance on both switches allows for a comfortable and responsive typing feel while ensuring consistency in key presses. Overall, whether you choose the Outemu Crystal linear switch or the Outemu Milk Blue clicky switch, you can expect to receive the same travel distance, making them equally suitable options for typing and gaming purposes.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
For 10 switches, the Outemu Crystal comes in at $3.40, whereas the Outemu Milk Blue comes in at $3.10.
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 chirpy and high-pitched typing experience, providing a unique acoustic signature that sets it apart from other switches. On the other hand, the Outemu Milk Blue clicky switch does not have any specific sound descriptors provided, leaving it unknown how it compares in sound. It's important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard's construction and keycaps used.
Moving on to the feel, the Outemu Crystal linear switch is noted for its polished feel, offering a smooth and refined typing experience. This results in reduced friction and smooth key travel, enhancing the overall tactile feel of the switch. The Outemu Milk Blue clicky switch does not have any specific feel descriptors provided, leaving it unclear how it compares in tactile feedback.
Overall, the Outemu Crystal linear switch stands out for its elastic feel, medium-light weight, chirpy sound, and polished finish, providing a unique linear typing experience with a neutral sound profile. On the other hand, the Outemu Milk Blue clicky switch's qualities remain unknown in terms of sound and feel. If you prefer a switch with similar qualities to the Crystal, such as a linear feel and neutral sound profile, you may achieve similar results with other switches that share these characteristics. Ultimately, the best switch for you will depend on your personal preferences for sound, feel, and typing experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you're looking for a smooth and linear typing experience with a neutral sound profile, the Outemu Crystal linear switch would be a great choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a clicky switch with a unique acoustic signature and a lighter touch, the Outemu Milk Blue clicky switch may be the better option. Consider your personal preferences in terms of typing feel and sound profile when deciding between these two switches. Ultimately, the choice between the Outemu Crystal and Outemu Milk Blue switches will depend on your individual typing preferences and requirements.
Mentioned in this article
