Gateron Melodic vs. Outemu Crystal Brown
An in-depth look at the Gateron Melodic and the Outemu Crystal Brown switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options to compare are the Gateron Melodic and the Outemu Crystal Brown. The Gateron Melodic is a clicky switch that has gained recognition for reinvigorating the clicky switch category with its smooth factory lubing and dual-railed stems. This switch offers users a classic clicky sound and tactile feedback while maintaining smoothness, making it a suitable choice for those who enjoy a buttery, resonant, invigorating, and crunchy typing experience. On the other hand, the Outemu Crystal Brown is a tactile switch known for its ergonomics and durability. While it lacks specific standout features, it provides a reliable tactile feedback for users who prefer a more subtle typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the Gateron Melodic and the Outemu Crystal Brown depends on personal preference 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
Technical specifications
Actuation force
N/A
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
60g
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
Yes
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
Both the Gateron Melodic and the Outemu Crystal Brown switches feature polycarbonate top housings, which create a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to polycarbonate being a relatively stiffer plastic, resulting in a clear and resonant sound. Aesthetically, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches with RGB lighting. The similarities in the top housing material of these switches indicate that users can expect a comparable sound experience when using either switch.
On the other hand, the Gateron Melodic and the Outemu Crystal Brown switches differ in their bottom housing materials. The Melodic utilizes a nylon bottom housing, which produces a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to the Crystal Brown's nylon bottom housing. Nylon is known to be a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, creating a duller and rounder sound. This contrast in bottom housing materials suggests that users may notice variations in typing experience and sound between the two switches based on their bottom housing composition.
The division of housing materials between the top and bottom of a switch ultimately impacts the typing experience and sound profile. The qualities of the bottom housing material are felt more prominently during the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing down on a key, while the top housing material primarily influences the sound produced when releasing a key. As such, the combination of polycarbonate and nylon in the Gateron Melodic and Outemu Crystal Brown switches provides a unique balance of characteristics that contribute to their overall typing feel and sound output.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron Melodic clicky switch and the Outemu Crystal Brown tactile switch, it is evident that the Melodic switch has a lighter actuation force of None grams compared to the Crystal Brown's 45 grams. However, both switches have a similar bottom out force, with the Melodic requiring 60 grams and the Crystal Brown needing 55 grams. This means that while the Melodic switch may require less force to initiate a keystroke, both switches provide a similar typing experience in terms of bottoming out. For those who prefer a lighter touch for prolonged typing sessions, the Melodic switch may be the preferable choice. On the other hand, individuals who enjoy a more substantial typing experience may lean towards the Crystal Brown switch with its slightly heavier actuation force. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and typing style.
Travel distance
The Gateron Melodic clicky switch and the Outemu Crystal Brown tactile switch both have a travel distance of 4 mm, making them equal in this aspect. When comparing the two switches, both provide a similar amount of keypress depth, resulting in a consistent typing experience in terms of tactile feedback and overall key travel distance. This means that whether you choose the Gateron Melodic or the Outemu Crystal Brown, you can expect to have a similar typing experience in terms of the distance the switch travels from top to bottom. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches may come down to other factors such as actuation force, sound level, or personal preference.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron Melodic has an MSRP of $6.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Melodic for $6.00.
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 Gateron Melodic clicky switch offers a resonant and crunchy typing experience, providing a higher-pitched sound profile that is clean and sharp, reminiscent of stepping on piles of crisp autumn leaves. On the other hand, the sound profile of the Outemu Crystal Brown tactile switch is unknown, so it is difficult to directly compare. However, it is important to note that the sound of a switch is also influenced by factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.
Moving on to the feel, the Gateron Melodic switch is lauded for its buttery and invigorating typing experience. The buttery feel indicates a smooth and fluid keystroke, ensuring a seamless and effortless typing sensation. Meanwhile, the invigorating tactile feedback of the Melodic switch offers a moderate to firm actuation force with a snappy and reactive feel, enhancing the overall typing experience. As for the Outemu Crystal Brown switch, information on the tactile feel is unavailable, making it impossible to directly compare the two.
In conclusion, the Gateron Melodic clicky switch stands out for its resonant and crunchy sound profile, as well as its buttery and invigorating tactile feel. While the sound and feel qualities of the Outemu Crystal Brown tactile switch remain unknown, it is likely that users will get similar results in terms of sound and feel by choosing a keyboard and keycap combination that complements the characteristics of the switch. Ultimately, the best choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and the desired typing experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Gateron Melodic clicky switch and the Outemu Crystal Brown tactile switch, consider choosing the Melodic if you prioritize a medium bottom out force, a resonant and crunchy sound profile, and a buttery and invigorating typing feel. On the other hand, opt for the Crystal Brown if you prefer a slightly lighter bottom out force, and are looking for a tactile typing experience with no specific sound characteristics highlighted. Both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences, so ultimately, the choice between them will come down to your personal typing style and preferences.
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