Outemu Crystal vs. Outemu Silver
An in-depth look at the Outemu Crystal and the Outemu Silver switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Outemu Crystal and Outemu Silver mechanical keyboard switches, one notable difference is that the Crystal is a linear switch with a fairly elastic feel and medium-light weight, providing a unique typing experience while producing a neutral sound profile. On the other hand, the Silver is also a linear switch but is best known for its lack of specific characteristics. While the Crystal offers a distinct typing feel and sound profile, the Silver remains more neutral in its features. 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
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 Silver switches both feature polycarbonate top housings, which create a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The use of polycarbonate in these housings results in a clear and resonant sound due to its relatively stiff nature. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches that utilize RGB lighting. On the other hand, the Outemu Silver switch utilizes a nylon bottom housing, which produces a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to the Crystal's polycarbonate bottom housing. This is because nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound overall.
While both the Crystal and Silver switches utilize polycarbonate top housings for similar sound profiles, their different bottom housing materials affect the overall typing experience. The bottom housing material has more of an impact on the bottom-out sound and feel of the switch, with nylon offering a deeper and fuller sound compared to polycarbonate. However, when it comes to the sound produced when releasing a key, the top housing material plays a more significant role. In this case, polycarbonate's stiffness leads to a sharper and crisper sound profile, while nylon's softer nature creates a rounder sound upon key release.
Overall, the choice between the Outemu Crystal and Outemu Silver switches ultimately comes down to personal preference regarding sound profile and typing feel. The polycarbonate top housing of both switches produces similar sharp and clear sound profiles that are ideal for RGB lighting setups. However, the nylon bottom housing of the Silver switch offers a deeper and fuller sound, which may be preferred by users looking for a more subdued typing experience. Ultimately, both switches offer unique qualities based on their housing materials, providing users with a variety of options to suit their individual typing preferences.
Weight
In comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Outemu Crystal linear switch and the Outemu Silver linear switch, it is evident that both switches have the same actuation force of 45 grams. However, the bottom out force differs between the two switches, with the Crystal requiring 55 grams while the Silver requires 65 grams. The Outemu Crystal switch is lighter in terms of bottom out force, making it more suitable for those who prefer a lighter touch for extended typing or gaming sessions. In contrast, the Outemu Silver switch is heavier, providing a more substantial typing experience for those who prefer a stronger push feel. Both switches offer similar actuation force results, but the bottom out force is where the key difference lies in terms of weight and typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the Outemu Crystal and Outemu Silver switches will depend on individual preferences for actuation and bottom out force.
Travel distance
Both the Outemu Crystal linear switch and the Outemu Silver linear switch have the same travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when pressing down on a key with either of these switches, you will experience a consistent travel distance from the top to the bottom. The similarity in travel distance between the two switches ensures that users will get similar results in terms of key feel and typing experience. Overall, the travel distance of both switches is the same, providing a smooth and consistent typing experience for those who prefer a shorter travel distance in their mechanical keyboard switches.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
For 10 switches, the Outemu Crystal comes in at $3.40, whereas the Outemu Silver 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 qualities of the Outemu Crystal linear switch and the Outemu Silver linear switch, it is clear that the Crystal switch offers a unique chirpy and high-pitched sound profile, setting it apart from other switches. On the other hand, the Silver switch does not have any specific sound descriptors provided. This means that if you prefer a switch with a distinct sound profile, the Crystal switch would be the better choice. However, it's essential to consider that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard's construction and the keycaps used.
Moving on to the feel of these switches, the Outemu Crystal linear switch is described as polished, providing a smooth and refined typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel. Unfortunately, there is no information available regarding the feel of the Outemu Silver linear switch. If we were to assume that it has a similar feel to the Crystal switch, you can expect a polished and smooth typing experience with the Silver switch as well.
In conclusion, the Outemu Crystal linear switch stands out for its unique chirpy and high-pitched sound profile, combined with a polished and refined feel. On the other hand, information regarding the sound and feel of the Outemu Silver linear switch is not available, but it's safe to assume that it may offer a similar typing experience. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches will depend on your preference for sound and feel, as well as other factors such as price and availability.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the Outemu Crystal linear switch and Outemu Silver linear switch, consider the bottom out force, sound profile, and typing feel. If you prefer a medium-light bottom out force and enjoy a unique, linear typing experience with a neutral sound profile, the Outemu Crystal switch may be the better choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-heavy bottom out force and do not mind a lack of distinct sound and feel characteristics, the Outemu Silver switch may suit your preferences better. Ultimately, the decision comes down to personal preference and what typing experience you prioritize.
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