Outemu Blue vs. Outemu Crystal Brown
An in-depth look at the Outemu Blue and the Outemu Crystal Brown switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options to consider are the Outemu Blue and the Outemu Crystal Brown. The Outemu Blue switch is a clicky switch, known for its satisfying audible click with each keystroke. On the other hand, the Outemu Crystal Brown is a tactile switch, providing a tactile bump without the loud click sound. Both switches offer their own unique typing experience, with the Blue switch being preferred by those who enjoy auditory feedback and the Brown switch appealing to typists who prefer a tactile feel without the noise. 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
50g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
55g
Pre-travel
2.20 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
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
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The Outemu Blue and Outemu Crystal Brown switches both feature polycarbonate top housings, which result in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is largely due to the stiffness of polycarbonate, enhancing the resonance of the sound produced. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it an ideal material for switches meant to be used with RGB lighting, adding aesthetic appeal to the overall design. The similarities in their top housing material ensure that both switches offer a consistent sound experience and visual appeal when used in keyboards.
On the other hand, the nylon bottom housings of both the Outemu Blue and Outemu Crystal Brown switches provide a different typing experience. Nylon is known for producing a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to polycarbonate, as it is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. The differences in their bottom housing material contribute to a distinct tactile experience when typing on these switches. Despite the difference in bottom housing material, both switches maintain a level of compatibility in providing a satisfying typing experience with varying sound profiles.
Overall, the Outemu Blue and Outemu Crystal Brown switches offer a unique blend of housing materials that cater to different preferences in sound and feel. While the polycarbonate top housing ensures a clear and resonant sound profile with a touch of aesthetic flair, the nylon bottom housing adds depth and fullness to the typing experience. The combination of these materials in each switch results in a balanced tactile and auditory experience for keyboard enthusiasts, allowing for personal customization based on individual preferences.
Weight
When comparing the Outemu Blue clicky switch and the Outemu Crystal Brown tactile switch, the actuation force and bottom out force play a key role in determining the typing experience. The Blue switch has a higher actuation force of 50 grams, while the Crystal Brown switch has a slightly lighter actuation force of 45 grams. Both switches have unknown bottom out forces, making it difficult to determine their full typing feel. In terms of weight, the Crystal Brown switch is considered medium-light, providing a gentler typing experience compared to the heavier actuation force of the Blue switch. Those who prefer a lighter touch may opt for the Crystal Brown switch for extended typing sessions, while the Blue switch may be favored by those who enjoy a more substantial typing feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for actuation force and typing feedback.
Travel distance
Both the Outemu Blue clicky switch and the Outemu Crystal Brown tactile switch have a travel distance of 4 mm, which means they both offer a similar typing experience in terms of key press depth. The travel distance of a switch can impact the typing feel and feedback, with a longer travel distance typically providing a more pronounced tactile response. In this case, since both switches have the same travel distance, they will offer a similar level of tactile feedback and typing experience. However, some users may find that the clicky nature of the Outemu Blue switch provides a more audible and satisfying typing experience compared to the more subtle tactile feedback of the Outemu Crystal Brown switch. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will come down to personal preference in terms of typing feel and sound.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
In this case, both switches are $3.10. As such, price can't serve as a tiebreaker when choosing between the Blue and Crystal Brown.
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
The Outemu Blue clicky switch is best known for its loud and satisfying click sound, making it a popular choice for those who enjoy auditory feedback while typing. On the other hand, the Outemu Crystal Brown tactile switch is known for its subtle tactile bump without the loud click, providing a quieter typing experience compared to the Blue switch.
When it comes to sound, the Outemu Blue switch produces a distinctive and audible click with each key press, which can be satisfying for some users but distracting for others. In contrast, the Outemu Crystal Brown switch offers a quieter typing experience with a noticeable tactile bump, making it a suitable choice for those who prefer a more subdued sound profile.
In terms of feel, the Outemu Blue clicky switch provides a light and tactile typing experience with the audible click feedback, which can enhance typing speed and accuracy for some users. On the other hand, the Outemu Crystal Brown tactile switch offers a smooth and tactile keystroke without the loud click, providing a more subtle typing feel that is preferred by users who value a quieter typing experience.
Overall, when comparing the Outemu Blue clicky switch and the Outemu Crystal Brown tactile switch, it ultimately comes down to personal preference in sound and feel. If you enjoy a loud and clicky typing experience, the Outemu Blue switch may be the right choice for you. However, if you prefer a quieter typing experience with a tactile bump, the Outemu Crystal Brown switch would be more suitable. Both switches offer quality performance and durability, so you can expect similar results in terms of reliability and longevity regardless of your choice.
Conclusion
In conclusion, when choosing between the Outemu Blue clicky switch and the Outemu Crystal Brown tactile switch, you should consider the level of bottom out force you prefer. If you enjoy a lighter touch with no bottom out force, the Blue switch may be the better option for you. However, if you prefer a slightly heavier touch with a bottom out force of 55 grams, the Crystal Brown switch might be more suited to your preferences. Additionally, consider the sound and feel of each switch to determine which one aligns more closely with your preferences. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on your personal typing style and preferences.
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