KTT Mallo vs. Outemu Crystal Brown
An in-depth look at the KTT Mallo and the Outemu Crystal Brown switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the KTT Mallo and the Outemu Crystal Brown mechanical keyboard switches, both are tactile switches offering a satisfying typing experience. The KTT Mallo is renowned for its subtle tactility, medium-light typing feel, and neutral sound signature, making it a versatile choice for different typing environments. On the other hand, the Outemu Crystal Brown also offers tactile feedback but lacks specific standout features. While both switches provide tactile feedback, the Mallo excels in offering a balance of subtlety and finesse, whereas the Crystal Brown may appeal to those looking for a more standard tactile switch experience. 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
55g
Bottom-out force
55g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
No
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
Comparing the housing materials of the KTT Mallo and the Outemu Crystal Brown, both switches feature polycarbonate top housing that creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to the relatively stiffer nature of polycarbonate, which leads to a more clear and resonant sound. Additionally, both switches benefit from the translucency of polycarbonate, making them ideal for use with RGB lighting. The use of polycarbonate in the top housing of these switches enhances their overall aesthetics and sound quality.
However, the housing materials of the two switches differ when it comes to the bottom housing. The Mallo utilizes a nylon bottom housing, which elicits a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to the Crystal Brown's nylon bottom housing. Nylon, being a softer plastic, absorbs more sound than harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. This difference in bottom housing material gives each switch a unique feel and sound profile, with the Mallo offering a deeper typing experience compared to the Crystal Brown.
In terms of functionality, the qualities of the housing materials are split between the top and bottom of the switch. The bottom housing has more of an impact on the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing affects the sound when releasing a key. While both switches feature polycarbonate top housings for a sharp and clear sound profile, their differing bottom housing materials give them distinct typing experiences. Ultimately, the choice between the KTT Mallo and Outemu Crystal Brown will depend on personal preference for sound and feel while typing.
Weight
In comparing the KTT Mallo tactile switch and the Outemu Crystal Brown tactile switch, it is evident that both switches have a bottom out force of 55 grams, making them equally medium-light in terms of the force required to fully press the key. However, the actuation force differs between the two switches. The Mallo has an actuation force of None grams, meaning that it requires no specific force to trigger a keystroke, while the Crystal Brown has an actuation force of 45 grams. This makes the Crystal Brown slightly lighter in actuation force compared to the Mallo. When considering weight, some may prefer the Mallo for its lack of actuation force, allowing for a smoother typing experience, while others may opt for the Crystal Brown for a more defined push feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches boils down to individual preference for a lighter or heavier typing experience.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the KTT Mallo tactile switch and the Outemu Crystal Brown tactile switch is the same, both measuring at 4 mm. This means that when pressing down on a key with either of these switches, users will experience a consistent travel distance of 4 mm. This provides a similar tactile feedback and typing experience for users who prefer switches with this specific travel distance. Ultimately, whether using the KTT Mallo or the Outemu Crystal Brown, users can expect to achieve similar results due to their identical travel distances.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The KTT Mallo has an MSRP of $5.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Mallo for $4.40.
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 KTT Mallo switch offers a neutral and subdued typing experience, perfect for those who prefer a moderate sound profile without being too loud. This allows for a versatile use in different environments without being distracting. On the other hand, the Outemu Crystal Brown switch's sound profile is unknown, but with the Mallo's neutral and subdued qualities, one can expect a similar level of subtlety in sound.
In terms of feel, the Mallo switch is praised for its feathery and mild tactile feedback, providing a comfortable typing experience with minimal finger fatigue. Additionally, its stepped and subtle characteristics offer a nuanced typing feel that is not overly pronounced. On the contrary, the feel of the Crystal Brown switch remains unknown, but with the Mallo's feathery and mild qualities, one can anticipate a similarly comfortable typing experience.
Overall, both the KTT Mallo and Outemu Crystal Brown switches offer subtle and versatile typing experiences with gentle tactility and moderate sound profiles. The Mallo shines with its feathery feel and neutral sound, while the Crystal Brown is a mystery in terms of its subjective qualities. However, based on the provided information, one can expect a similar typing experience with the Crystal Brown switch in terms of sound and feel. Ultimately, both switches cater to typists looking for a balanced and comfortable typing experience.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the KTT Mallo tactile switch and the Outemu Crystal Brown tactile switch, consider the following guidelines. If you prioritize a subtle yet noticeable tactile feedback with a medium-light typing feel, along with a neutral sound signature that suits various typing environments, the KTT Mallo switch would be an ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you are looking for a switch with similar bottom out force and a different level of tactility, sound signature, and feel, the Outemu Crystal Brown switch may be more suitable for your preferences. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal typing preferences and the specific environment in which you will be using the keyboard.
Mentioned in this article
