Outemu Brown vs. Outemu Crystal Brown
An in-depth look at the Outemu Brown 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 Brown and the Outemu Crystal Brown, both tactile switches. The Outemu Brown switch is known for its smooth tactile feedback and quiet operation, making it a great choice for those who prefer a more subtle typing experience. On the other hand, the Outemu Crystal Brown switch offers a more pronounced tactile bump and slightly louder sound, catering to users who enjoy a more tactile typing feel. Both switches provide a satisfying typing experience, but each caters to different preferences. 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
53g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
65g
Bottom-out force
55g
Pre-travel
1.20 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
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
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The primary difference between the Outemu Brown and the Outemu Crystal Brown lies in their top housing materials. Both switches feature a polycarbonate top housing, which is known for creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The polycarbonate material is relatively stiff, leading to a more clear and resonant sound. This makes it ideal for switches intended for RGB lighting setups due to its translucency. As a result, both switches are likely to provide a similar auditory experience, with a focus on producing distinct and crisp typing sounds.
In terms of their bottom housing materials, both the Outemu Brown and Outemu Crystal Brown feature a nylon bottom housing. Nylon is known for producing a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to stiffer plastics. Its softer nature allows it to absorb more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. The nylon bottom housing in both switches contributes to a more satisfying typing experience, providing a softer bottom-out sound and feel. This commonality in housing material ensures that users can expect a consistent typing experience across both switches.
Although the top and bottom housings of the Outemu Brown and Outemu Crystal Brown differ in material, the overall impact on the typing experience is spread out between the two components. The bottom housing has a more significant influence on the bottom-out sound and feel when a key is pressed, while the top housing affects the sound when a key is released. This split in housing materials allows for a balanced typing experience, with each component contributing to the overall sound profile of the switch. Ultimately, whether using the Outemu Brown or the Outemu Crystal Brown, users can expect a satisfying typing experience with a focus on distinct sound profiles.
Weight
The Outemu Brown tactile switch has a heavier actuation force of 53 grams compared to the Outemu Crystal Brown tactile switch, which has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams. Similarly, the Outemu Brown switch has a higher bottom out force of 65 grams, while the Outemu Crystal Brown switch has a lower bottom out force of 55 grams. This means that the Outemu Crystal Brown switch requires less force to activate and press all the way down compared to the Outemu Brown switch, making it a lighter option for those who prefer a less strenuous typing experience. However, both switches fall within the medium range of actuation and bottom out forces, so users can expect similar results in terms of tactile feedback and typing performance. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for a lighter or heavier typing feel.
Travel distance
Both the Outemu Brown tactile switch and the Outemu Crystal Brown tactile switch have the same travel distance of 4mm. This means that when pressing down on a key with either of these switches, you will feel the same amount of distance traveled from the top to the bottom. Therefore, in terms of travel distance, you can expect similar results from both switches. It is worth noting that the travel distance in both switches is shorter compared to switches with longer travel distances, providing a more subtle tactile feedback for a smoother typing experience.
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 Brown 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
When it comes to sound, the Outemu Brown tactile switch is known for its quiet and soft tactile feedback, making it suitable for environments where noise might be an issue. On the other hand, the Outemu Crystal Brown tactile switch is also known for its quiet operation, but with a slightly crisper sound profile due to the transparent housing. Both switches offer a pleasant typing experience without causing much disturbance to those around you.
In terms of feel, the Outemu Brown tactile switch provides a gentle tactile bump without being too pronounced, giving users a smooth typing experience. In comparison, the Outemu Crystal Brown tactile switch offers a similar tactile feel but with a slightly more defined bump, providing a more tactile feedback for those who prefer a bit more feedback while typing. Both switches are comfortable to type on for extended periods without causing fatigue.
Overall, both the Outemu Brown and the Outemu Crystal Brown tactile switches offer similar qualities in terms of sound and feel, with the Crystal Brown switch providing a slightly crisper sound and more defined tactile bump. Depending on personal preference, users can choose between the two switches for a satisfying typing experience without significant differences in performance. Whether opting for the traditional Outemu Brown or the enhanced Crystal Brown, both switches are reliable options for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts looking for a tactile typing experience.
Conclusion
To wrap up, when deciding between the Outemu Brown and Outemu Crystal Brown tactile switches, you should consider your preferred typing experience. If you enjoy a slightly heavier keystroke with a bottom out force of 65 grams, the Outemu Brown switch may be the better choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter touch with a bottom out force of 55 grams, the Outemu Crystal Brown switch would be more suitable. Both switches offer a tactile feedback, so it ultimately comes down to personal preference in terms of feel and sound. Take into account how you prefer your switches to feel and sound when making your decision between these two options.
Mentioned in this article
