Keygeek Keygeek Raw vs. Outemu Crystal Brown
An in-depth look at the Keygeek Keygeek Raw and the Outemu Crystal Brown switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
The Keygeek Raw and the Outemu Crystal Brown are two mechanical keyboard switches that offer different typing experiences. The Keygeek Raw, a linear switch, stands out for its unique material blend of Nylon, UMPE, and Silicon, which results in a creamy yet lightweight feel. It arrives unlubricated, providing a slightly textured feel that is perfect for enthusiasts who prefer to hand-lube their switches. On the other hand, the Outemu Crystal Brown, a tactile switch, is known for its tactile bump that offers a satisfying feedback while typing. Although the Crystal Brown lacks specific standout features compared to the Keygeek Raw, it provides a different typing experience for those who prefer a tactile switch. 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
N/A
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
57.5g
Bottom-out force
55g
Pre-travel
1.40 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
No
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Nylon & UPE blend
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
UMPE & Si blend
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
22mm single-stage spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Keygeek Raw and the Outemu Crystal Brown switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences in typing experience. The Keygeek Raw utilizes a Nylon & UPE blend for the top housing, providing a distinct sound profile that is exclusive to this switch. On the other hand, the Crystal Brown features a polycarbonate top housing, known for producing a sharper and crisper sound due to its stiffness. While both contribute to a clear and resonant sound, the Keygeek Raw's blend offers a more bespoke typing experience, whereas the Crystal Brown's polycarbonate emphasizes a higher-pitched sound favored by some users.
In terms of the bottom housing materials, the Keygeek Raw incorporates a UMPE & Si blend that complements the unique qualities of the top housing, creating a cohesive typing experience. In contrast, the Outemu Crystal Brown utilizes a nylon bottom housing, known for its ability to produce a deeper and fuller sound profile. The softer nature of nylon absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound compared to the Keygeek Raw's blend. This difference in bottom housing materials can impact the overall feel and sound of typing on the switches.
While the top and bottom housing materials of the Keygeek Raw and Outemu Crystal Brown switches offer distinct sound profiles and typing experiences, both switches ultimately provide quality performance. The Keygeek Raw's exclusive blend in both the top and bottom housings creates a cohesive and customized typing experience, while the Crystal Brown's combination of polycarbonate and nylon offers a balance between sharpness and fullness in sound. Whether you prefer a more personalized sound profile or a balance between clarity and depth, both switches provide options for users to tailor their typing experience to their preferences.
Weight
When comparing the Keygeek Keygeek Raw linear switch and the Outemu Crystal Brown tactile switch, it is evident that the Keygeek Raw has a higher bottom out force of 57.5 grams compared to the Crystal Brown's 55 grams, making the Keygeek Raw slightly heavier. While the actuation force of the Keygeek Raw is unknown, the Crystal Brown requires 45 grams to actuate a keystroke, indicating that it is lighter in comparison. For those who prefer a lighter typing experience for extended periods, the Crystal Brown may be the preferred choice. However, individuals seeking a more substantial push feel may lean towards the Keygeek Raw for a heavier typing experience. Both switches offer a medium to medium-light resistance, ensuring a comfortable typing experience for users. By considering the actuation and bottom out forces of each switch, individuals can make an informed decision based on their personal preferences for typing or gaming needs.
Travel distance
The Keygeek Raw linear switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm, making it shorter than the Outemu Crystal Brown tactile switch with a travel distance of 4 mm. The Keygeek Raw would provide a slightly quicker response time compared to the Crystal Brown due to its shorter travel distance. Gamers who prioritize speed may prefer the Keygeek Raw for this reason. On the other hand, the Outemu Crystal Brown offers a bit more depth to the key press, which some users may find more satisfying. Ultimately, the choice between the two would depend on personal preference for travel distance and the desired feel of the key press.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Keygeek Keygeek Raw has an MSRP of $5.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Keygeek Raw for $3.51.
The Outemu Crystal Brown comes in at $3.10 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 Keygeek Raw linear switch is known for its neutral profile, making it suitable for a wide range of users and environments. On the other hand, the sound profile of the Outemu Crystal Brown tactile switch is unknown. Keep in mind that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard itself and the keycaps being used.
Moving on to feel, the Keygeek Raw switch offers a textured typing experience straight out of the box, ideal for those who appreciate a slight friction when typing. It also falls into the mild category, providing a gentle and approachable typing feel for most users. Additionally, its subtle resistance and non-resonant sound signature make it suitable for shared spaces. In contrast, the Outemu Crystal Brown tactile switch's feel is not specified in the information provided.
In conclusion, the Keygeek Raw linear switch stands out for its unique material blend, providing a creamy yet lightweight typing experience. With its textured feel and mild characteristics, it caters to a wide range of users and preferences. While the sound profile and feel of the Outemu Crystal Brown tactile switch remain unknown, it's important to consider all available information and personal preferences when choosing the right switch for your mechanical keyboard setup. Ultimately, both switches offer their own unique qualities, so choosing between them will depend on individual preferences and needs.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Keygeek Keygeek Raw linear switch and the Outemu Crystal Brown tactile switch, consider your preferences for bottom out force, material blend, and sound and feel characteristics. If you prefer a slightly textured feel and a unique material blend of Nylon, UMPE, and Silicon, the Keygeek Raw switch may be the better choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-light bottom out force and a tactile typing experience, the Outemu Crystal Brown switch could be more suited to your preferences. Ultimately, the decision boils down to your personal typing preferences and whether you prioritize material blend or tactile feedback in your mechanical keyboard switches.
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