Outemu Crystal vs. TTC Silent Bluish White (V2)
An in-depth look at the Outemu Crystal and the TTC Silent Bluish White (V2) switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, the Outemu Crystal and the TTC Silent Bluish White offer distinct typing experiences to suit your specific preferences. The Crystal switches are widely recognized for their elastic feel and medium-light weight, resulting in a unique linear typing experience. Typing on these switches ensures a neutral sound profile, which is ideal for those who prefer a quieter typing experience. On the other hand, the Silent Bluish White switches provide a medium tactile feel that adds a satisfying level of resistance to each key press, enhancing precision and comfort. One significant advantage of the Silent Bluish Whites is their remarkable quietness, making them a perfect choice for office or shared living space use. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can best decide on the ideal switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
42g
Bottom-out force
55g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 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
The Outemu Crystal and the TTC Silent Bluish White both utilize polycarbonate in their top housings, which results in similar sound profiles. The use of polycarbonate creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. This is because polycarbonate is a relatively stiffer plastic, leading to a more clear and resonant sound. Aesthetically, both switches benefit from the translucency of polycarbonate, making them ideal choices if RGB lighting is desired.
However, when it comes to the bottom housings, the two switches differ. The Crystal features a polycarbonate bottom housing, while the Silent Bluish White utilizes nylon. Typing on switches with a polycarbonate bottom housing elicits a sharper and more resonant sound profile, while those with a nylon bottom housing produce a deeper and fuller sound. Nylon is known for being a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. Therefore, the bottom housings of these switches will impact the bottom-out sound and feel differently, with the Crystal creating a sharper impact and the Silent Bluish White yielding a deeper impact.
Overall, while the top housings of the Outemu Crystal and the TTC Silent Bluish White offer similar sound profiles due to their use of polycarbonate, their respective bottom housings differ in terms of sound characteristics. The Crystal's polycarbonate bottom housing contributes to a sharper and more resonant sound, while the Silent Bluish White's nylon bottom housing produces a deeper and fuller sound. Depending on personal preferences and desired typing experience, users can choose between these switches based on the impact and sound they prefer when pressing down on a key. Similarly, the top housing of each switch will have an impact on the sound when releasing a key, adding to the overall typing experience.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Outemu Crystal linear switch and the TTC Silent Bluish White tactile switch, there are some noticeable differences. The Crystal has an actuation force of 45 grams, while the Silent Bluish White has a slightly lighter actuation force of 42 grams. In terms of bottom out force, the Crystal requires 55 grams, whereas the Silent Bluish White takes 50 grams. This means that the Silent Bluish White is lighter in both actuation and bottom out force compared to the Crystal.
For those who prefer a lighter typing experience or need to type for longer periods, the Silent Bluish White may be the preferred choice due to its lighter actuation and bottom out force. The lighter forces of this switch may result in a smoother and more effortless keystroke, reducing fatigue during extended typing sessions or intense gaming sessions.
However, for individuals who prefer a stronger push feel and enjoy a more substantial typing experience, the Crystal switch may be the better option. With its slightly higher actuation and bottom out force, the Crystal can provide a more satisfying tactile feedback and a stronger sense of keystroke engagement.
Overall, the choice between the Outemu Crystal linear switch and the TTC Silent Bluish White tactile switch ultimately comes down to personal preference and typing style. Both switches offer their own unique characteristics, and for those seeking a lighter typing experience, the Silent Bluish White may offer a more comfortable typing experience. However, for those who prefer a heavier and more pronounced keystroke, the Crystal switch may prove to be the better choice.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Outemu Crystal linear switch and the TTC Silent Bluish White tactile switch, it is clear that the Crystal has a longer travel distance of 4 mm, while the Silent Bluish White has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm. The Crystal's 4.0 mm travel distance falls within the more traditional range, offering a deeper feel when pressing down on the keys. On the other hand, the Silent Bluish White's 3.5 mm travel distance is on the shallower side, allowing for a faster response time, which is favored by gamers. Those who prioritize responsiveness may find the shorter travel distance of the Silent Bluish White more appealing, while those who prefer a greater sense of depth and solidity when typing may prefer the longer travel distance of the Crystal. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on individual preferences for travel distance and the desired typing experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The TTC Silent Bluish White (V2) has an MSRP of $6.60 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Silent Bluish White (V2) for $4.63.
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 switches have a unique acoustic signature. They can be described as chirpy, meaning they have a little squeak to them. Additionally, they produce a high-pitched sound when pressed, which gives them a sharp and crisp sound profile. On the other hand, the TTC Silent Bluish White switches are specifically designed to be as quiet as possible. They have a muted sound, producing a softer and quieter noise compared to regular switches. This makes them perfect for environments such as office or shared living spaces where noise is a concern. However, it's important to note that the sound of a switch is also influenced by other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.
In terms of feel, the Outemu Crystal switches provide a polished typing experience. They have a smooth and refined finish, resulting in reduced friction and smooth key travel. This gives them a sleek and polished feel when typing. On the other hand, the TTC Silent Bluish White switches offer a buttery and mild typing experience. The keystrokes feel smooth and fluid, providing a seamless and effortless typing sensation. These switches fall into a safe middle ground in terms of tactility, making them approachable for most users. They also have a subtle resistance, offering a gentle typing feel. Like the Crystal switches, the Silent Bluish Whites are also described as polished, indicating a smooth and refined finish for a sleek typing experience.
In conclusion, the Outemu Crystal linear switches and TTC Silent Bluish White tactile switches have distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Crystals have a chirpy and high-pitched sound profile, while the Silent Bluish Whites provide a muted and quiet sound experience. When it comes to feel, the Crystals offer a polished and refined typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel. The Silent Bluish Whites, on the other hand, provide a buttery and mild typing sensation with a subtle yet gentle resistance. Both switches have their unique advantages depending on personal preferences and the environment they will be used in.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you're looking for a unique, linear typing experience with a medium-light weight, the Outemu Crystal linear switch is the way to go. These switches offer a fairly elastic feel and have a bottom out force of 55 grams. Additionally, they have a neutral sound profile, with descriptors such as chirpy and high-pitched.
On the other hand, if you prefer a more tactile switch with a lighter bottom out force, the TTC Silent Bluish White tactile switch would be a great choice. These switches provide a satisfying level of resistance when pressed, giving you a precise and comfortable typing experience. Despite their medium tactility, they are designed to be as quiet as possible, making them perfect for office or shared living space use. The Silent Bluish Whites are described as having a muted sound profile.
In terms of feel, the Crystal switch is known for its polished finish, resulting in a sleek typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel. On the other hand, the Silent Bluish White switch offers a buttery and mild typing experience, with a stepped feel that provides some pre-travel and/or post-travel.
Ultimately, the choice between the Outemu Crystal linear switch and the TTC Silent Bluish White tactile switch depends on your personal preferences. Consider whether you prioritize a unique linear typing experience with a slightly heavier bottom out force and neutral sound profile, or a tactile typing experience with lighter resistance and a muted sound profile. Both switches offer their own distinct qualities, so make sure to choose the one that aligns with your typing preferences and environment.
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