Gateron Ink Yellow vs. Outemu Crystal Brown

Overview

When it comes to choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, the Gateron Ink Yellow and the Outemu Crystal Brown offer unique features that cater to different preferences. The Gateron Ink Yellow is a linear switch, known for its shorter travel distance and a typing experience that falls between that of a laptop and a standard mechanical keyboard. With a pleasant smoothness and clackiness, this switch is ideal for those looking for a neutral, clacky, mild, and polished typing experience. On the other hand, the Outemu Crystal Brown is a tactile switch, with no specific standout feature mentioned. However, tactile switches are known for providing feedback during typing, giving a more pronounced tactile bump compared to linear switches. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preferences and typing style. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.

By the numbers

Gateron Ink Yellow Linear

Outemu Crystal Brown Tactile

$7.50

$7.35 per 10

$3.10 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

The Gateron Ink Yellow features a proprietary INK blend for both its top and bottom housing, resulting in a pointed and relatively high-pitched sound profile that is described as clacky. In contrast, the Outemu Crystal Brown utilizes a polycarbonate top housing which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile thanks to its stiffer plastic composition. The use of polycarbonate also makes the Crystal Brown more aesthetically pleasing, especially when paired with RGB lighting due to its translucency. While both switches offer distinct sound profiles, the Crystal Brown's polycarbonate top housing provides a different auditory experience compared to the INK blend of the Ink Yellow.

In terms of the bottom housing, the Gateron Ink Yellow continues to use its proprietary INK blend, maintaining the pointed and higher-pitched sound profile that is characteristic of the switch. On the other hand, the Outemu Crystal Brown utilizes a nylon bottom housing which elicits a deeper and fuller sound profile due to the softer nature of nylon absorbing more sound than stiffer plastics. While both bottom housings contribute to the overall sound profile of the switches, the nylon bottom housing of the Crystal Brown provides a different tactile and auditory experience compared to the INK blend of the Ink Yellow.

Overall, the choice of housing materials for switches can significantly impact the sound and feel of typing. While the Gateron Ink Yellow and Outemu Crystal Brown offer unique qualities with their INK blend and polycarbonate or nylon housing materials, respectively, both switches aim to provide an enjoyable typing experience. Whether one prefers the clacky sound profile of the Ink Yellow or the sharper and clearer sound profile of the Crystal Brown, the housing materials play a crucial role in shaping the overall typing experience, making it essential to consider their differences when selecting a switch for a keyboard setup.

Weight

The Gateron Ink Yellow linear switch has a heavier actuation force and bottom out force compared to the Outemu Crystal Brown tactile switch. The Ink Yellow requires 60 grams of force to actuate and 67 grams to bottom out, making it suitable for those who prefer a more substantial typing experience. On the other hand, the Crystal Brown only needs 45 grams to actuate and 55 grams to bottom out, making it lighter and more suitable for longer typing sessions or gaming. Both switches provide a different typing feel due to their varying actuation and bottom out forces, giving users the option to choose based on their personal preferences. The heavier force of the Ink Yellow provides a more tactile feedback, while the lighter force of the Crystal Brown allows for smoother and faster typing. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on the individual's preference for typing feel and weight sensitivity.

Travel distance

The travel distance of the Gateron Ink Yellow linear switch is 3.5mm, while the Outemu Crystal Brown tactile switch has a travel distance of 4mm. This makes the Crystal Brown the longer of the two switches. The shorter travel distance of the Ink Yellow may appeal to gamers looking for a faster response time, while the slightly longer travel distance of the Crystal Brown may provide a more satisfying depth for some users. Both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences, so it ultimately comes down to personal preference when deciding between the two.

Price comparison

Typing experience

In terms of sound, the Gateron Ink Yellow linear switch offers a neutral sound profile with a moderate actuation force requirement, making it suitable for a wide range of users and environments. It also provides a clacky sound when pressed, giving a sharp and snappy typing experience. On the other hand, the Outemu Crystal Brown tactile switch does not have any specific sound descriptors provided. However, it's important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by the keyboard and keycaps used.

When it comes to feel, the Gateron Ink Yellow switch is known for its mild tactile feedback, providing a gentle typing experience that falls within a safe middle ground for most users. It also offers a polished feel, resulting in a smooth and refined typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel. Conversely, there are no specific feel descriptors available for the Outemu Crystal Brown switch.

Overall, the Gateron Ink Yellow linear switch and the Outemu Crystal Brown tactile switch offer different subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Ink Yellow provides a moderate and clacky sound profile with a mild and polished feel, suitable for those looking for a balanced typing experience. While the specific sound and feel of the Crystal Brown switch are unknown, it's important to consider other factors such as keyboard and keycap choices. Ultimately, both switches can provide satisfying typing experiences, but the decision between them will depend on individual preference and typing style.

Conclusion

In closing, when considering whether to choose the Gateron Ink Yellow linear switch or the Outemu Crystal Brown tactile switch, it ultimately comes down to your personal preferences and typing style. If you prefer a smoother and clackier typing experience with a medium-heavy bottom out force, the Ink Yellow may be the better option for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter tactile switch with a medium-light bottom out force, the Crystal Brown could be the ideal choice. Additionally, if you want a switch with a polished finish for reduced friction and a mild typing experience, the Ink Yellow may be more suitable. Remember to consider factors such as sound, feel, and typing preferences when making your decision. Ultimately, both switches offer unique qualities, so choose the one that aligns best with your preferences and typing needs.

Mentioned in this article

Gateron Ink Yellow Linear

$7.50

$7.35 per 10

Learn more

Outemu Crystal Brown Tactile

$3.10 per 10

Learn more