Outemu Crystal vs. Everglide Sunset Yellow
An in-depth look at the Outemu Crystal and the Everglide Sunset Yellow switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options to consider are the Outemu Crystal, a linear switch, and the Everglide Sunset Yellow, also a linear switch. While both switches offer a linear typing experience, they have their distinct features that set them apart. The Crystal switches are known for their unique elastic feel and medium-light weight, providing a smooth and responsive typing experience. Additionally, their neutral sound profile adds to the overall typing comfort. On the other hand, the Sunset Yellow switches offer a captivating sound profile reminiscent of colliding mahjong tiles, with a rich and bassy tone that adds an indulgent touch to your typing. Their medium-weight nature makes them suitable for a wide range of users, and the unique POM stem and proprietary factory lube method contribute to a distinct gliding feel. The combination of a short travel distance and long-pole stem ensures sharper and highly responsive typing. 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
43g
Bottom-out force
55g
Bottom-out force
51g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.20 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
Ly
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Single-staged lengthened 20mm spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Outemu Crystal and the Everglide Sunset Yellow switches have distinct differences in terms of sound profile and aesthetics. The Crystal switch features a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. Its translucency also makes it perfect for incorporating RGB lighting. In contrast, the Sunset Yellow switch utilizes a POM top housing, resulting in a deeper, more muted sound. This unique sound profile adds a pleasing touch to the typing experience. Despite these differences, both housings serve their purpose effectively, providing clear and resonant sound profiles.
Similarly, the bottom housings of the Crystal and Sunset Yellow switches differ in material and sound profile. The polycarbonate bottom housing of the Crystal switch contributes to a sharper and crisper sound when the key is bottomed out. This stiffer plastic enhances the resonance and overall clarity of the switch's sound profile. On the other hand, the POM bottom housing of the Sunset Yellow switch creates a deeper and more muted sound, attributing to a distinct typing experience. While the Crystal switch favors a more pronounced bottom-out sound, the Sunset Yellow switch offers a softer and more subdued effect.
It is important to note that when both the top and bottom housings vary between switches, the unique qualities of each housing material will be distributed among the top and bottom of the switch. Pressing down on a switch with different top and bottom housings will emphasize the qualities of the bottom housing, enhancing the bottom-out sound and feel. Conversely, the sound produced when releasing a key will be influenced by the characteristics of the top housing. Regardless of these variations, both the Crystal and Sunset Yellow switches offer a satisfying typing experience with their respective housing materials.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Outemu Crystal linear switch and the Everglide Sunset Yellow linear switch, there are some similarities and differences to consider. Starting with the actuation force, the Crystal requires 45 grams whereas the Sunset Yellow requires 43 grams. Both of these forces fall within the medium-light range, providing a relatively light touch for typing or gaming.
Moving on to the bottom out force, the Crystal requires 55 grams, while the Sunset Yellow requires 51 grams. Again, both switches fall within the medium-light category, suggesting that they provide a similar typing experience when pressed all the way down.
Considering the weight factor, those who prefer a lighter switch may find that both the Crystal and Sunset Yellow meet their needs. The lighter actuation forces of these switches make them suitable for extended typing or gaming sessions, providing comfort and reduced fatigue. However, for individuals who prefer a more substantial typing experience with a stronger push feel, they may opt for options with heavier forces. Unfortunately, it is not known whether the Crystal or Sunset Yellow switch is lighter or heavier as this information is not provided.
Overall, while there are slight differences in the actuation and bottom out forces of the Outemu Crystal and Everglide Sunset Yellow switches, they both offer a medium-light touch and similar results when it comes to typing or gaming experiences.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the Outemu Crystal linear switch is 4.0mm, while the Everglide Sunset Yellow linear switch has a travel distance of 3.2mm. This makes the Crystal switch the longer option and the Sunset Yellow switch the shorter option. A travel distance of 4.0mm is considered more traditional, while 3.2mm is on the shallower side. However, shorter travel distances have become more popular, particularly among gamers who value faster response times. If you prefer a more responsive feel when pressing down on a key, the Sunset Yellow switch would be the better choice. On the other hand, some individuals may find shorter travel distances to be too abrupt, and in that case, the Crystal switch with its longer travel distance would be a more suitable option for those who prefer a deeper key press. Overall, each switch offers different experiences based on their respective travel distances.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
For 10 switches, the Outemu Crystal comes in at $3.40, whereas the Everglide Sunset Yellow comes in at $3.09.
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 and Everglide Sunset Yellow switches offer different experiences. The Crystal switches have a neutral sound profile, with a slightly chirpy and high-pitched sound when pressed. This unique acoustic signature sets them apart from other switches. On the other hand, the Sunset Yellow switches provide a captivating sound profile, reminiscent of mahjong tiles colliding. With a rich and bassy tone, typing becomes an indulgent experience. They also have a thocky sound when pressed, producing a deep and satisfying sound. It's important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors, such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.
In terms of feel, the Crystal switches offer a fairly elastic type of feel with medium-light weight. This combination creates a unique, linear typing experience. They are described as polished switches, meaning they have a smooth and refined finish that results in a sleek typing experience. This smoothness is due to the materials used and/or factory lubing, reducing friction and providing smooth key travel. On the other hand, the Sunset Yellow switches have a distinct gliding feel, thanks to their unique POM stem and proprietary factory lube method. Their medium-weight makes them suitable for a wide range of users. They offer a creamy and frictionless typing experience, with keys effortlessly melting into each keystroke. Like the Crystal switches, they are also described as polished switches, ensuring reduced friction and smooth key travel.
In conclusion, the Outemu Crystal and Everglide Sunset Yellow switches have their own unique qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Crystal switches provide a neutral sound profile, with a chirpy and high-pitched sound, while the Sunset Yellow switches offer a rich and bassy sound with a thocky tone. In terms of feel, the Crystal switches have a fairly elastic type feel and are described as polished, providing reduced friction and smooth key travel. On the other hand, the Sunset Yellow switches have a distinct gliding feel, with a creamy and frictionless typing experience. Both switches offer unique characteristics that can enhance the typing experience. If you prefer a neutral sound and polished feel, the Crystal switches would be a great choice. If you enjoy a rich sound profile and a gliding feel, the Sunset Yellow switches would be a perfect fit.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you're looking for an 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 produce a neutral sound profile when typing. On the other hand, if you want a more indulgent typing experience with a captivating sound profile, the Everglide Sunset Yellow linear switch is the better choice. These switches have a rich, bassy sound reminiscent of mahjong tiles and offer a medium weight that suits a wide range of users. The unique POM stem and proprietary factory lube method contribute to a distinct gliding feel, while the combination of very short travel and a long-pole stem ensures a highly responsive typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches depends on your preferences for sound and feel, so consider what type of typing experience you're looking for before making a decision.
Mentioned in this article
