Outemu Crystal vs. Outemu Silent White
An in-depth look at the Outemu Crystal and the Outemu Silent White switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between the Outemu Crystal and Outemu Silent White mechanical keyboard switches, you have two distinct options to consider. The Outemu Crystal is a linear switch that offers a unique typing experience with its elastic feel and medium-light weight. Typing on these switches will provide a neutral sound profile, making them a great choice for those who prefer a quieter typing experience. On the other hand, the Outemu Silent White is also a linear switch but is known for its silence, offering a quiet typing experience without sacrificing on performance. While the Crystal may appeal to those looking for a more tactile typing experience, the Silent White is the way to go for those who prioritize a noise-free environment. 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
60g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.60 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.30 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
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The Outemu Crystal and Outemu Silent White both feature polycarbonate top housings, which create a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to the stiff nature of polycarbonate. This material is ideal for switches with RGB lighting as it is translucent, allowing for a more vibrant display. On the other hand, the Silent White's nylon bottom housing offers a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to the Crystal's polycarbonate bottom housing. Nylon absorbs more sound than polycarbonate, resulting in a duller and rounder sound when typing on switches with nylon bottom housings.
In terms of aesthetics, both the Crystal and Silent White utilize polycarbonate in their top housings, making them suitable for switches with clear housings. This allows for the RGB lighting to shine through effectively. However, the differences in sound profile between the two switches become apparent when considering the bottom housings. The Crystal's polycarbonate bottom housing contributes to a clearer and more resonant sound, while the Silent White's nylon bottom housing produces a deeper and fuller sound due to its softer nature.
When it comes to the overall typing experience, the qualities of the top and bottom housings in a switch play a significant role. The bottom housing affects the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing down on a key, while the top housing influences the sound when releasing a key. The Crystal's use of polycarbonate in both top and bottom housings emphasize a clear and crisp sound profile throughout, while the Silent White's combination of polycarbonate and nylon creates a dynamic sound experience with a balance between sharpness and depth.
Weight
The Outemu Crystal linear switch and the Outemu Silent White linear switch both have an actuation force of 45 grams, making them equal in terms of the force required to trigger a keystroke. However, when it comes to the bottom out force, the Crystal requires 55 grams while the Silent White needs 60 grams. This means that the Crystal is lighter in terms of the force needed to press all the way down compared to the Silent White. The Crystal switch would be more suitable for those who prefer a lighter typing experience for longer periods of time, while the Silent White switch would be better for those who prefer a slightly heavier feel for a more substantial typing experience. In both cases, users will achieve similar results in terms of actuation force, but the bottom out force will vary depending on personal preference.
Travel distance
The Outemu Crystal linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Outemu Silent White linear switch has a travel distance of 3.3 mm. In this case, the Silent White switch has a shorter travel distance compared to the Crystal switch. The 4.0mm travel distance of the Crystal switch is more traditional and offers a deeper key press feel, which some users may prefer for a more substantial typing experience. On the other hand, the 3.3mm travel distance of the Silent White switch provides a quicker response time, making it popular among gamers seeking faster key presses. Both switches offer different experiences based on their travel distance, catering to individual preferences for typing or gaming.
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 White 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 comparing the sound profiles of the Outemu Crystal linear switch and the Outemu Silent White linear switch, it is evident that the Crystal switch offers a chirpy and high-pitched sound, adding a unique acoustic signature to the typing experience. In contrast, the Silent White switch does not have any specific sound descriptors provided, making it difficult to compare in terms of sound. The choice between the two would depend on personal preference, with the Crystal switch offering a more distinct auditory feedback.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the Outemu Crystal linear switch is known for its polished feel, providing a smooth and refined typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel. On the other hand, the Outemu Silent White switch lacks any specific feel descriptors, leaving its tactile feedback up to interpretation. If a polished and sleek typing experience is desired, the Crystal switch would be the recommended choice based on the available information.
Taking into consideration the subjective qualities of sound and feel, the Outemu Crystal linear switch offers a unique and chirpy sound profile along with a polished and refined typing feel. In contrast, the Outemu Silent White linear switch lacks specific descriptors for both sound and feel, making it difficult to directly compare to the Crystal switch. Ultimately, personal preference and individual typing preferences will dictate which switch is the ideal choice. However, if a similar linear typing experience is desired, both switches may yield comparable results.
Conclusion
In summarizing, when deciding between the Outemu Crystal linear switch and the Outemu Silent White linear switch, you should choose the Crystal if you prefer a medium-light bottom out force and enjoy a unique, linear typing experience with a neutral sound profile. The Crystal switches also offer a chirpy and high-pitched sound, adding a touch of character to your typing. On the other hand, opt for the Silent White if you prefer a slightly higher bottom out force and a more traditional typing feel. The Silent White switches offer a medium bottom out force and a subtle typing experience without any specific sound profile characteristics. Ultimately, your choice between these two switches will depend on your personal preference for typing experience, sound profile, and bottom out force.
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