Outemu Crystal vs. KTT Pine
An in-depth look at the Outemu Crystal and the KTT Pine switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Outemu Crystal and the KTT Pine offer distinct experiences for users seeking different typing preferences. The Crystal switches are characterized by a unique, linear feel that combines a medium-light weight and an elastic touch, resulting in a typing experience like no other. Additionally, these switches offer a neutral sound profile, making them ideal for those who prefer a quieter workspace. On the other hand, the KTT Pine switches boast a translucent, forest green appearance and are designed for a seamless and effortless typing experience. With a medium-heavy weight and a buttery smooth feel, these switches prioritize smooth key travel through a polished and factory-lubed finish. Furthermore, their low-pitched sound profile adds to the overall typing satisfaction. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can best decide on the perfect switch for your specific needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
55g
Bottom-out force
58g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.90 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
Polycarbonate
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
15.5mm gold-plated spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Outemu Crystal and the KTT Pine, it becomes apparent that both switches utilize polycarbonate for their top and bottom housings. This means that they will both have similar qualities in terms of sound profile and aesthetics. Due to the relatively stiffer nature of polycarbonate, both switches will produce a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound when compared to switches made from different materials. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it particularly beneficial for switches that incorporate RGB lighting, as the light can pass through the housing to create visually appealing effects.
However, it is important to note that if a switch features different housing materials for the top and bottom, the qualities of each housing material will be divided between the two parts of the switch. This means that when pressing down on the switch, the qualities of the bottom housing will have a greater impact on the bottom-out sound and feel. Conversely, the sound produced when releasing a key will be influenced more by the qualities of the top housing. This distinction highlights that even though the Crystal and Pine have the same housing material, their overall performance and user experience may still differ depending on the specific design choices made for each switch.
In conclusion, the Outemu Crystal and the KTT Pine share similar housing materials in the form of polycarbonate for both their top and bottom housings. This ensures that they both possess the benefits of polycarbonate, including a sharp, high-pitched, and crisp sound profile, along with the aesthetic advantage of translucency for RGB lighting. However, the distinction between top and bottom housings in switches with different materials suggests that the overall sound and feel of the switches may vary depending on the specific design choices made by the manufacturers.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Outemu Crystal and KTT Pine linear switches, there are some similarities and differences to be noted. Both switches have an actuation force of 45 grams, meaning that the force required to trigger a keystroke is the same for both switches. This means that users can expect similar results in terms of responsiveness and sensitivity when typing or gaming with either switch.
However, when it comes to the bottom out force, there is a slight distinction between the two switches. The Outemu Crystal has a bottom out force of 55 grams, while the KTT Pine has a bottom out force of 58 grams. This indicates that the KTT Pine requires slightly more force to press all the way down compared to the Crystal. Therefore, users who prefer a slightly heavier feel when typing may lean towards the KTT Pine switch, as it offers a more substantial typing experience.
Weight is also an important factor to consider, as it can impact typing comfort and endurance. In terms of weight, the information provided does not specify the actual weight of each switch. However, in the context of the given information, it can be inferred that the Crystal switch is lighter than the Pine switch, since a lighter option is mentioned as being preferable for those who type or game for longer periods of time.
Overall, the actuation force of both switches is the same, providing a consistent level of responsiveness. However, the bottom out force differentiates the switches, with the Pine switch requiring slightly more force for a heavier typing feel. Additionally, based on the given information, the Crystal switch is lighter, making it a potentially more suitable choice for extended typing or gaming sessions.
Travel distance
The travel distance of a switch refers to the distance it travels from the top to the bottom when pressed. In the case of the Outemu Crystal linear switch, its travel distance is measured at 4 mm. Similarly, the KTT Pine linear switch also has a travel distance of 4 mm. Hence, both switches offer the same travel distance, providing users with a similar tactile experience when pressing on the keys. This means that whether you choose the Crystal or Pine switch, you can expect to have a consistent and comfortable typing experience, with neither switch offering a shorter or longer travel distance than the other.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The KTT Pine has an MSRP of $4.60 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Pine for $4.15.
The Outemu Crystal comes in at $3.40 per 10 switches.
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 provides a unique and neutral typing experience. With a chirpy sound, these switches have a slight squeak that sets them apart from other switches. Additionally, they produce a high-pitched and crisp sound when pressed. On the other hand, the KTT Pine linear switch offers a deeper and richer sound profile with a bassy tone. They have a low-pitched sound that is more mellow compared to higher-pitched switches. It should be noted that the sound of the switch is also influenced by other factors such as the keyboard and keycaps used. Overall, if you prefer a neutral sound profile, the Crystal switches are a great choice, while the Pine switches provide a more bass-heavy and mellow sound.
In terms of feel, the Outemu Crystal linear switch offers a polished typing experience. The polished finish of these switches results in a smooth and refined feel, reducing friction and allowing for smooth key travel. On the other hand, the KTT Pine linear switch provides a buttery and creamy typing experience. With a smooth and fluid keystroke, these switches offer a seamless and effortless typing sensation. They feel like gliding your fingers across the keys with ease, as each keystroke effortlessly melds into the next. It is important to note that both switches may have a similar feel due to factory lubing or specific materials used, resulting in a similar smooth and refined typing experience.
In conclusion, the Outemu Crystal linear switch is best known for its unique, elastic feel and medium-light weight, providing a linear typing experience. It offers a neutral sound profile and a polished feel due to its smooth and refined finish. On the other hand, the KTT Pine linear switch stands out with its translucent, forest green appearance and medium-heavy weight. It provides a buttery smooth feel and is built for an effortless typing experience. It has a bassy sound profile and a creamy typing sensation due to lubrication and specific materials. Overall, the choice between these switches depends on personal preference for typing experience, sound, and feel. However, both switches offer similar qualities of smoothness and refined typing, making them both favorable options for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts.
Conclusion
In closing, if you are looking for a unique, linear typing experience with a medium-light bottom out force, the Outemu Crystal linear switch is the way to go. These switches have a fairly elastic feel and provide a neutral sound profile when typing. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-bottom out force and a smooth, effortless typing experience, the KTT Pine linear switch is the better choice. These switches are known for their polished, factory-lubed finish that minimizes friction and ensures smooth key travel. Additionally, if you enjoy a high-pitched sound profile, the Crystal will be more appealing, while the Pine offers a more bass-heavy and mellow tone. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches depends on your preferences for typing feel and sound profile.
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