Cherry MX Purple RGB vs. Outemu Crystal Brown
An in-depth look at the Cherry MX Purple RGB and the Outemu Crystal Brown switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to selecting the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, enthusiasts often weigh the differences between popular options like the Cherry MX Purple RGB and the Outemu Crystal Brown, both tactile switches catering to varying user preferences. The Cherry MX Purple RGB is celebrated for its refined tactile feedback, featuring a medium-strength bump that enhances typing accuracy and comfort—a product born from collaboration with well-known keyboard expert Glarses. This switch is ideal for gamers and typists alike who appreciate a pronounced tactile response while enjoying customizable RGB lighting. On the other hand, the Outemu Crystal Brown switches provide a softer and more subtle tactile experience, making them a great choice for those who prefer quieter feedback during work or play. While both switches excel in tactile feedback, their unique strengths appeal to different user needs and styles. 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
45g
Bottom-out force
N/A
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
Nylon
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
When comparing the Cherry MX Purple RGB with the Outemu Crystal Brown in terms of housing materials, distinct differences emerge in their top housings, which lead to varied sound profiles during typing. The Cherry MX Purple RGB utilizes a nylon top housing, a classic material known for its ability to absorb sound, resulting in a deeper and fuller acoustic experience. This characteristic makes typing on nylon switches resonate with a duller and rounder auditory signature. Conversely, the Outemu Crystal Brown's top housing is made of polycarbonate, which is inherently stiffer and promotes a sharper, more articulated sound profile. This material choice accentuates higher frequencies and allows for a crisper typing experience. As such, users can expect a more textured auditory feedback from the Crystal Brown switches, greatly influenced by their polycarbonate construction.
Both switches share nylon for their bottom housings, contributing similarly to sound absorption and overall auditory character. The nylon bottom housing in both the Cherry MX Purple RGB and Outemu Crystal Brown ensures that the deeper and fuller sound profile is maintained during key presses. This similarity means that when you bottom out on either switch, the impact and resultant noise will feel more muted and soft, creating a cohesive typing experience despite differences in the upper housing materials. Thus, while the top housing forms dictates the tonal qualities, both switches converge on their acoustic delivery at the bottom of the switch.
Ultimately, the makeup of the Cherry MX Purple RGB and Outemu Crystal Brown delivers a layered auditory experience contingent on their respective housing materials. With the nylon bottoms ensuring a consistent acoustic baseline, the distinction lies primarily within the tops—nylon for a more mellow sound versus polycarbonate for a sharper tone. This variance allows for customizable preferences among typists, as some may favor the softer characteristics of nylon, while others might be attracted to the crispness offered by polycarbonate. Overall, regardless of housing differences, both switches provide an engaging typing experience, with the unique properties of each housing material distinctly shaping the sound and feel of keystrokes.
Weight
The Cherry MX Purple RGB tactile switch and the Outemu Crystal Brown tactile switch exhibit notable similarities and differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. Both switches require an actuation force of 45 grams, meaning they provide the same effort to trigger a keystroke. This similarity ensures that users can expect a consistent feel when pressing the keys, regardless of which switch is used. However, the Cherry MX Purple RGB does not have a specified bottom out force, while the Outemu Crystal Brown has a bottom out force of 55 grams, classified as medium-light. This absence of bottom out force information for the MX Purple RGB indicates that it may offer a different overall feel when pressed all the way down compared to the Outemu switch. Consequently, the Outemu Crystal Brown is heavier in terms of bottoming out, which may appeal to users seeking a more substantial tactile experience. In summary, while both switches share the same actuation force, the Cherry MX Purple RGB may provide a lighter overall feel due to the unknown bottom out force, whereas the Outemu Crystal Brown offers a heavier bottoming out experience.
Travel distance
Both the Cherry MX Purple RGB tactile switch and the Outemu Crystal Brown tactile switch feature a travel distance of 4 mm, which means they require the same amount of movement when pressed. This similarity in travel distance translates to a comparable feel when typing or gaming, as users will experience a consistent keypress depth with either switch. Consequently, whether choosing the MX Purple RGB or the Crystal Brown, one can expect similar performance in terms of key travel, making the decision more about other attributes, such as actuation force or tactile feedback, rather than differences in travel distance alone.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Cherry MX Purple RGB has an MSRP of $6.19 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the MX Purple RGB for $5.79.
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 comparing the sound of the Cherry MX Purple RGB tactile switch and the Outemu Crystal Brown tactile switch, the MX Purple RGB offers a distinctive auditory experience that enthusiasts appreciate. It emits a delightful, refined sound upon actuation, which is satisfying for both typing and gaming. In contrast, the Crystal Brown tends to produce a subtler sound profile that may come off as quieter and less pronounced, but still provides a decent acoustic feedback. It's important to remember that the overall sound can be influenced by the keyboard's design, the materials used for the keycaps, and the specific build of the keyboard itself.
In terms of feel, the Cherry MX Purple RGB is celebrated for its well-defined tactile bump that provides clear feedback to the typist. It strikes a balance with medium resistance, making it suitable for both typing enthusiasts and gamers. The short bump ensures that users can quickly register keystrokes without losing precision. On the other hand, the Outemu Crystal Brown offers a comparable tactile experience, but its bump may feel less refined compared to the Cherry switch. Additionally, the Crystal Brown switch can sometimes present a softer resistance, making it easier on the fingers during extended typing sessions.
Overall, while both the Cherry MX Purple RGB and Outemu Crystal Brown switches fall within the tactile category, they do exhibit differences that could influence a user's preference. The MX Purple RGB is often preferred for its pronounced tactile feedback and satisfying sound, while the Crystal Brown may appeal to users looking for a quieter and potentially softer typing experience. Despite their differences, both switches can satisfy those who enjoy tactile feedback, and the right choice will ultimately depend on individual typing style and preferences.
Conclusion
To sum up, when considering whether to choose the Cherry MX Purple RGB tactile switch or the Outemu Crystal Brown tactile switch, it largely depends on your preferences for tactile feedback, actuation force, and sound. If you enjoy a refined tactile experience with a short, medium-strength bump, the Cherry MX Purple RGB could be an excellent choice for you, especially since it’s designed with keyboard enthusiasts in mind. This switch is ideal for those who appreciate a unique and responsive feel while typing or gaming, making it suitable for users who prioritize quick reactions and a satisfying tactile sensation. On the other hand, the Outemu Crystal Brown switch, with its medium-light bottom-out force of 55 grams, might be more appealing if you prefer a more traditional, balanced tactile experience. This switch is better suited for individuals who enjoy a subtle feedback without excessive noise, making it a great option for office environments or mixed-use cases where a less pronounced sound is a concern. Ultimately, your choice between these two will depend on whether you lean towards a more specialized tactile switch like the MX Purple RGB or a versatile and comfortable option like the Crystal Brown.
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