Outemu Crystal vs. Outemu Purple
An in-depth look at the Outemu Crystal and the Outemu Purple switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Outemu Crystal, a linear switch, to the Outemu Purple, a tactile switch, it becomes apparent that each offers a distinct typing experience. The Crystal switch stands out for its elastic feel and medium-light weight, providing a unique linear typing experience with a neutral sound profile. On the other hand, the Purple switch lacks any specific standout feature but offers a tactile bump that enhances feedback while typing. Choosing between the two switches ultimately depends on personal preferences and typing habits. 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
50g
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
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
When comparing the housing materials of the Outemu Crystal and the Outemu Purple switches, it is clear that they both use polycarbonate for the top housing. This results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile for both switches. The use of polycarbonate in the top housing also allows for translucency, making it ideal for RGB lighting. However, when it comes to the bottom housing, the Crystal utilizes polycarbonate, while the Purple uses nylon. The Crystal's bottom housing contributes to a clear and resonant sound profile, while the Purple's nylon bottom housing elicits a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer nature.
While the top housing of both the Outemu Crystal and Outemu Purple switches is made of polycarbonate, the difference lies in their bottom housing materials. The stiffer polycarbonate bottom housing of the Crystal results in a more resonant sound profile and impact on the bottom-out sound and feel of the switch. On the other hand, the softer nylon bottom housing of the Purple absorbs more sound, creating a duller and rounder sound. This split in housing materials affects how the switch sounds and feels when typing, with the bottom housing impacting the bottom-out sound and feel, and the top housing having more influence on the sound when releasing a key.
In conclusion, the housing materials of the Outemu Crystal and Outemu Purple switches play a significant role in determining the sound profile and feel of each switch. Both switches use polycarbonate for the top housing, resulting in a clear and crisp sound profile ideal for RGB lighting. However, the Crystal's polycarbonate bottom housing creates a more resonant sound profile, while the Purple's nylon bottom housing produces a deeper and fuller sound. This difference in bottom housing materials showcases how the split qualities of each housing material affect the overall typing experience with these switches.
Weight
When comparing the Outemu Crystal linear switch and the Outemu Purple tactile switch, we can see that the Crystal has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams compared to the Purple's 50 grams. Despite this, the Crystal has a heavier bottom out force of 55 grams while the bottom out force of the Purple is unknown. The lighter actuation force of the Crystal makes it more suitable for those who prefer a lighter, more effortless typing experience, ideal for long typing sessions or gaming. On the other hand, the Purple switch may appeal to those who enjoy a more substantial push feel when typing. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference, with the Crystal providing a lighter overall typing experience and the Purple offering potentially more resistance.
Travel distance
The Outemu Crystal linear switch and the Outemu Purple tactile switch both have a travel distance of 4 mm, making them equal in this aspect. This means that when you press down on a key using either of these switches, you will experience a consistent and similar travel distance. This similarity in travel distance allows for a uniform typing experience, whether you prefer the smooth actuation of the Crystal switch or the tactile feedback of the Purple switch. Both switches offer a satisfying typing experience with their respective characteristics, making them suitable choices for different preferences and typing styles.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
For 10 switches, the Outemu Crystal comes in at $3.40, whereas the Outemu Purple 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 is known for its chirpy and high-pitched characteristics, offering a unique acoustic experience that sets it apart from other switches. On the other hand, the Outemu Purple tactile switch does not have any specific sound descriptors provided, so the sound profile of this switch remains unknown. However, keep in mind that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard and keycaps being used.
In terms of feel, the Outemu Crystal linear switch is described as having a polished feel, resulting in a smooth and refined typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel. As for the Outemu Purple tactile switch, there are no specific descriptors provided for its feel, leaving this aspect unknown.
In conclusion, the Outemu Crystal linear switch offers a unique linear typing experience with a chirpy and high-pitched sound profile, along with a polished feel for smooth key travel. On the other hand, the Outemu Purple tactile switch lacks specific information on its sound and feel qualities. Ultimately, if you enjoy the sound and feel of the Outemu Crystal linear switch, you may find similar results with the Outemu Purple tactile switch, but without specific details, it is difficult to directly compare the two.
Conclusion
In conclusion, when deciding between the Outemu Crystal linear switch and the Outemu Purple tactile switch, you should choose the Crystal if you prefer a medium-light bottom out force, a unique linear typing experience, and a neutral sound profile. The Crystal also offers a chirpy and high-pitched sound profile, as well as a polished and smooth key travel feel. On the other hand, if you are looking for a switch with no specified bottom out force and unknown characteristics in terms of sound and feel, the Purple may not be the best choice for you. Ultimately, consider your preferences in terms of typing experience, sound profile, and feel when making your decision between these two switches.
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