Outemu Crystal vs. TTC Silent Brown
An in-depth look at the Outemu Crystal and the TTC Silent Brown switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options stand out: the Outemu Crystal and the TTC Silent Brown. The Outemu Crystal is a linear switch that provides a unique typing experience with its elastic feel and medium-light weight. It offers a neutral sound profile, making it a great choice for those who prefer a quieter typing experience. On the other hand, the TTC Silent Brown is a tactile switch that offers a comfortable typing experience with a light-medium level of resistance and a satisfying rounded tactile bump. It boasts a muted sound profile, perfect for those who want a quieter typing experience without sacrificing the tactile feedback. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can best decide on the perfect switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
55g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.80 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 Brown differ in terms of their housing materials. The Crystal features a polycarbonate top housing, while the Silent Brown utilizes a polycarbonate top housing as well. Both materials contribute to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile, as polycarbonate is known for its stiffness and clarity. Additionally, the translucency of the polycarbonate top housing is beneficial for those who plan to use RGB lighting.
However, when it comes to the bottom housing, the Crystal opts for a polycarbonate material, while the Silent Brown incorporates nylon. The polycarbonate bottom housing of the Crystal contributes to the overall sound profile, creating a sharper and more resonant sound. On the other hand, the nylon bottom housing of the Silent Brown elicits a deeper and fuller sound, as nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound.
Despite these differences, the impact of the housing materials is split between the top and bottom of the switch. The bottom housing plays a significant role in determining the bottom-out sound and feel when the switch is pressed, while the top housing affects the sound when a key is released. Therefore, while the specific materials differ between the Crystal and the Silent Brown, the overall sound profile can still be achieved with both switches, albeit with slight variations in tone and resonance.
Weight
When comparing the Outemu Crystal linear switch and the TTC Silent Brown tactile switch, there are differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. Both switches have the same actuation force of 45 grams, meaning that the force required to trigger a keystroke is equal. This ensures a consistent typing experience for users of either switch. However, when it comes to bottom out force, there is a distinction. The Outemu Crystal has a bottom out force of 55 grams, which is considered medium-light. This lighter force allows for a smoother typing experience and is favored by those who prefer a lighter touch for longer typing periods. On the other hand, the TTC Silent Brown has a heavier bottom out force of 63.5 grams, making it medium-heavy. This provides users with a more substantial typing experience and is preferred by those who enjoy a stronger push feel while typing. Ultimately, the choice between these switches depends on personal preference and the desired typing experience.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Outemu Crystal linear switch and the TTC Silent Brown tactile switch, it is clear that the Crystal has a longer travel distance at 4.0mm, while the Silent Brown has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.8mm. The Crystal's 4.0mm travel distance falls into the category of the most traditional distance, providing a familiar feel when pressing down on a key. On the other hand, the Silent Brown's 3.8mm travel distance is slightly shallower, making it a popular choice among gamers who prioritize faster response times. If responsiveness is a key factor in your decision, opting for the shorter 3.8mm travel distance of the Silent Brown may be more favorable. However, it is worth noting that for some individuals, the shorter travel distance can feel too abrupt. In such cases, the longer 4.0mm travel distance of the Crystal would provide a more satisfying depth. Ultimately, the choice between these switches depends on personal preferences for travel distance and typing experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The TTC Silent Brown 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 Brown for $5.00.
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 is best described as chirpy and high-pitched. These switches have a unique acoustic signature that sets them apart from other switches, with a little squeak and a sharp, crisp sound when pressed. On the other hand, the TTC Silent Brown tactile switch offers a muted sound profile. These switches produce a softer and quieter sound compared to regular or clacky switches, minimizing the noise typically associated with mechanical keyboards. It's important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by factors such as the choice of keyboard and keycaps. Overall, if you prefer a more rich and bassy sound profile, the Crystal switches would be a good choice, while the Silent Brown switches provide a more muted and quiet typing experience.
When it comes to feel, the Outemu Crystal linear switch is described as polished. This indicates that the switch has a smooth and refined finish, resulting in a sleek typing experience. The Crystal switches offer reduced friction and smooth key travel, providing a satisfying linear typing sensation. On the other hand, the TTC Silent Brown tactile switch is described as buttery, mild, and also polished. These switches provide a smooth and fluid keystroke experience, with a seamless and effortless typing sensation. The mild characteristics of the Silent Brown switches make them approachable to most users, as they offer a gentle typing experience that falls in a safe middle-ground zone. Both switches have a polished finish, ensuring reduced friction and smooth key travel.
In conclusion, the Outemu Crystal linear switch and TTC Silent Brown tactile switch offer different subjective qualities. The Crystal switches provide a unique linear typing experience with a chirpy and high-pitched sound profile. They also have a polished feel, offering reduced friction and smooth key travel. On the other hand, the Silent Brown switches offer a comfortable typing experience with a light-medium level of resistance and a satisfying rounded tactile bump. They have a muted sound profile, minimizing the noise typically associated with mechanical keyboards, and also provide a buttery and mild feel with polished key travel. Consider your preference for sound, typing experience, and key feel when deciding between these switches. Ultimately, both switches provide enjoyable typing experiences, although with different characteristics.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a unique, linear typing experience with a medium-light weight and a neutral sound profile, the Outemu Crystal linear switch is an excellent choice. Its chirpy and high-pitched sound profile adds a distinctive touch, and its polished feel ensures smooth and refined typing. On the other hand, if you prefer a comfortable typing experience with a light-medium level of resistance and a satisfying rounded tactile bump, the TTC Silent Brown tactile switch is the way to go. Its muted sound profile minimizes noise, and its buttery, mild, and polished feel provides a seamless and effortless typing sensation. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches depends on your personal preference for the typing experience and sound profile you desire.
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