KTT Orange vs. Outemu Crystal Brown
An in-depth look at the KTT Orange and the Outemu Crystal Brown switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the KTT Orange and the Outemu Crystal Brown offer distinct typing experiences. The KTT Orange is a linear switch that boasts a 22mm long spring for a bouncy feel. With its polycarbonate milky top housing, long pole POM stem, and vivid orange nylon bottom housing, this switch provides a slick, frictionless typing experience with a low-pitched sound profile. On the other hand, the Outemu Crystal Brown is a tactile switch with a unique characteristic, although not explicitly mentioned in the information provided. While the KTT Orange is known for its bouncy and frictionless feel, the Crystal Brown switch may offer a different tactile feedback that some users prefer. 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
46g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
53g
Bottom-out force
55g
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 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
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
22mm gold-plated spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the KTT Orange and the Outemu Crystal Brown switches, both use polycarbonate for their top housings, leading to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to the stiffness of polycarbonate, which enhances the clarity and resonance of the switch's sound. However, while the Orange also utilizes polycarbonate for its bottom housing, the Crystal Brown switches use nylon for their bottom housing. This results in a deeper and fuller sound profile for the Crystal Brown switches, as nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, creating a duller and rounder sound compared to the stiffer polycarbonate.
The difference in bottom housing material between the KTT Orange and the Outemu Crystal Brown switches plays a significant role in the overall sound and feel of the switches. The nylon bottom housing of the Crystal Brown switches contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile, impacting the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing down on the switch. On the other hand, the polycarbonate bottom housing of the KTT Orange switches maintains a sharper and crisper sound profile, providing a different tactile experience. The top housing material, being polycarbonate for both switches, influences the sound when releasing a key, highlighting the importance of housing material for the overall switch performance.
While the housing materials may differ between the KTT Orange and the Outemu Crystal Brown switches, both utilize polycarbonate for their top housings. This results in similar sound profiles for both switches, with a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound experience. However, the use of nylon in the Crystal Brown's bottom housing creates a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to the stiffer polycarbonate bottom housing of the KTT Orange switches. Ultimately, the housing materials of both switches play a crucial role in determining the overall sound and feel of the switch, showcasing the importance of material choice in mechanical keyboard switches.
Weight
The KTT Orange linear switch and the Outemu Crystal Brown tactile switch both have similar weight profiles, with actuation forces that are relatively close to each other. The Orange has a slightly higher actuation force of 46 grams compared to the Crystal Brown's 45 grams. However, the bottom out force tells a different story, with the Crystal Brown requiring 55 grams compared to the Orange's 53 grams. Both switches fall under the medium-light category, making them suitable for users who prefer a lighter typing experience. The slight differences in actuation and bottom out forces may not be significant enough to drastically impact typing performance, so users can expect similar results in terms of keystroke feel despite these minor variations in force requirements. Ultimately, those who prefer a slightly lighter touch may lean towards the Orange, while those who like a slightly firmer press may opt for the Crystal Brown.
Travel distance
The Outemu Crystal Brown tactile switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, making it slightly longer than the KTT Orange linear switch with a travel distance of 3.5 mm. While both switches fall within the range of traditional travel distances, the Crystal Brown offers a slightly deeper keypress compared to the Orange. Gamers may lean towards the Orange for its shorter travel distance which can lead to faster response times, while those who prefer a more substantial keypress may opt for the Crystal Brown. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches comes down to personal preference and the type of typing or gaming experience desired.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The KTT Orange has an MSRP of $5.55 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Orange for $4.15.
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 Orange linear switch is known for its low-pitched profile, offering a bass-heavy and mellow tone during typing. On the other hand, the Outemu Crystal Brown tactile switch does not have any specific sound characteristics mentioned, so it is difficult to make a direct comparison in this aspect. Keep in mind that the sound produced by a switch can be influenced by various factors such as the keyboard and keycaps used.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the KTT Orange is praised for its bouncy and frictionless qualities. The 22mm long spring provides a bouncy sensation, giving users a spring-like feedback when typing. Additionally, the switch offers a smooth and effortless typing experience due to the frictionless design, minimizing any sense of resistance. In contrast, the Outemu Crystal Brown switch does not have any feel characteristics provided, making it challenging to compare directly.
In conclusion, the KTT Orange linear switch stands out for its low-pitched sound profile, bouncy feel, and frictionless typing experience. On the other hand, information about the Outemu Crystal Brown tactile switch is limited, making it challenging to provide a direct comparison. If you are looking for a switch with similar sound and feel qualities to the KTT Orange, you may consider exploring other linear switches with low-pitched sound profiles and bouncy, frictionless design features. Ultimately, the best switch for you will depend on your personal preferences in terms of sound, feel, and overall typing experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the KTT Orange linear switch and the Outemu Crystal Brown tactile switch, consider the typing experience you prefer. If you enjoy a bouncy and frictionless feel with a low-pitched sound profile, the KTT Orange switch with its 22mm long spring and factory-lubed components may be the right choice for you. However, if you prefer a tactile switch with a medium-light bottom out force and are less concerned with sound and feel, the Outemu Crystal Brown switch could be a suitable option. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches will come down to your personal preference for typing feel and sound.
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