Outemu Crystal vs. Outemu Silent Grey
An in-depth look at the Outemu Crystal and the Outemu Silent Grey switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the Outemu Crystal, a linear switch, and the Outemu Silent Grey, a tactile switch, offer distinct typing experiences. The Crystal switches provide a unique, linear typing experience with a medium-light weight and a fairly elastic feel, resulting in a neutral sound profile when typing. On the other hand, the Silent Grey switches offer a quiet and highly tactile typing experience with a pronounced bump and smooth keystroke. While the Crystal switches are known for their chirpy and high-pitched sound profile, the Silent Grey switches lack a specific categorization. Each switch caters to different preferences and needs, making them suitable for various users. 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
65g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.60 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
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 Outemu Crystal and Outemu Silent Grey both feature polycarbonate top housings, which create a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to polycarbonate being a relatively stiffer plastic, leading to a more clear and resonant sound. Aesthetically, the translucency of polycarbonate is ideal for switches that plan to utilize RGB lighting. On the other hand, the Outemu Silent Grey utilizes a nylon bottom housing, which is known for producing a deeper and fuller sound profile. The softer nature of nylon absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound compared to polycarbonate.
The difference between the polycarbonate top housing of the Outemu Crystal and the nylon bottom housing of the Outemu Silent Grey results in a split of qualities in the overall switch. Pressing down on the switch will emphasize the qualities of the bottom housing, impacting the bottom-out sound and feel. In contrast, the top housing will have a greater impact on the sound produced when releasing a key. Despite these differences, both housing materials contribute to the overall sound profile of the switch, with polycarbonate offering a sharper and crisper tone and nylon providing a deeper and fuller sound.
Overall, the use of different housing materials in the Outemu Crystal and Outemu Silent Grey switches allows for a variety of sound profiles to cater to different preferences. While the polycarbonate top housing in both switches creates a similar sharp and clear sound, the nylon bottom housing in the Silent Grey offers a deeper and fuller sound compared to the Crystal. Whether you prefer a sharper tone with the Crystal or a deeper sound with the Silent Grey, both switches provide unique acoustic experiences based on their housing materials.
Weight
When comparing the Outemu Crystal linear switch and the Outemu Silent Grey tactile switch, it is evident that they differ in terms of actuation force and bottom out force. The Crystal has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams compared to the Silent Grey's 50 grams, making it easier to trigger keystrokes. On the other hand, the Silent Grey has a heavier bottom out force of 65 grams, while the Crystal's bottom out force is 55 grams. This means that the Silent Grey provides a more substantial typing experience with a stronger push feel, ideal for those who prefer a heavier key press. In contrast, the Crystal offers a lighter typing experience, suitable for longer typing sessions or gaming sessions where fatigue may be a concern. Despite these differences, both switches provide a similar level of performance in terms of actuation force and bottom out force, ensuring a satisfying typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on the individual's preference for a lighter or heavier key press.
Travel distance
Both the Outemu Crystal linear switch and the Outemu Silent Grey tactile switch have a travel distance of 4 mm, making them equal in this aspect. The travel distance of a switch is important as it affects the typing experience and how much force is required to actuate the key. In this case, both switches offer the same amount of travel distance, which means users can expect a consistent feel when typing on keyboards equipped with either switch. The similarity in travel distance between the two switches suggests that users can expect similar results in terms of key actuation and overall typing experience, regardless of which switch they choose.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
For 10 switches, the Outemu Crystal comes in at $3.40, whereas the Outemu Silent Grey 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 characterized by a chirpy and high-pitched sound profile, giving it a unique acoustic signature that sets it apart from other switches. On the other hand, the Outemu Silent Grey tactile switch offers a quiet typing experience with no specific sound descriptors provided. Both switches will result in different sound profiles based on factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.
Moving on to feel, the Outemu Crystal linear switch is described as polished, offering a smooth and refined typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel. Unfortunately, there is no specific information provided about the feel of the Outemu Silent Grey tactile switch. This lack of description indicates that the feel of this switch may be more subjective and open to interpretation.
Taking all available information into account, the Outemu Crystal linear switch stands out for its elastic feel, medium-light weight, and unique linear typing experience, accompanied by a chirpy and high-pitched sound profile. On the other hand, the Outemu Silent Grey tactile switch provides a quiet and highly tactile typing experience with a pronounced bump and smooth keystroke. Both switches offer distinct qualities that cater to different preferences, ensuring that users will get satisfying typing experiences regardless of their choice.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the Outemu Crystal linear switch and the Outemu Silent Grey tactile switch, you should consider your preference for typing experience and noise level. If you prefer a unique, linear typing experience with a medium-light weight and a neutral sound profile, the Crystal switches would be a great choice for you. On the other hand, if you are looking for a quiet and highly tactile typing experience with a pronounced bump and smooth keystroke, the Silent Grey switches would be more suitable for your needs. Ultimately, the decision comes down to whether you prioritize typing feel or sound profile in your mechanical keyboard switches.
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