Outemu Crystal Brown vs. Outemu Dustproof Green
An in-depth look at the Outemu Crystal Brown and the Outemu Dustproof Green switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Outemu Crystal Brown and the Outemu Dustproof Green offer unique experiences for typists and gamers alike. The Crystal Brown is a tactile switch, providing a gentle bump feedback when pressed, making it ideal for those who prefer a more subtle typing experience. On the other hand, the Dustproof Green is a clicky switch, known for its satisfying click sound with each key press, perfect for those who enjoy auditory feedback while typing. Both switches are reliable and durable, but the choice between them ultimately comes down to 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
45g
Actuation force
65g
Bottom-out force
55g
Bottom-out force
80g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.20 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 main difference between the Outemu Crystal Brown and the Outemu Dustproof Green lies in their bottom housing material. While both switches feature a polycarbonate top housing that creates a sharper and crisper sound profile, the Crystal Brown utilizes a nylon bottom housing for a deeper and fuller sound profile. The softer nature of nylon absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound compared to the Dustproof Green's polycarbonate bottom housing.
In terms of aesthetic appeal, both switches benefit from the translucent properties of polycarbonate in their top housing. This feature makes them particularly suitable for use with RGB lighting, as the clear housing allows the lighting effects to shine through. However, when it comes to sound characteristics, the nylon bottom housing of the Crystal Brown provides a contrast to the Dustproof Green's polycarbonate bottom housing. The Dustproof Green may offer a sharper and higher-pitched sound due to its consistent polycarbonate construction, while the Crystal Brown's nylon bottom housing may contribute to a deeper and fuller sound experience.
Ultimately, the choice between the Outemu Crystal Brown and the Outemu Dustproof Green comes down to personal preference in terms of sound profile. While both switches share a polycarbonate top housing for a clear and resonant sound, the differing bottom housing materials offer unique sound qualities. Whether you prefer a sharper, crisper sound or a deeper, fuller sound, both switches deliver excellent performance in their own right. Consider your typing preferences and needs when deciding between these two options.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Outemu Crystal Brown tactile switch and the Outemu Dustproof Green clicky switch, there are noticeable differences in weight. The Crystal Brown has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 55 grams, making it a medium-light switch. On the other hand, the Dustproof Green has a heavier actuation force of 65 grams and a bottom out force of 80 grams, giving it a heavy feel. Those who prefer a lighter typing experience may lean towards the Crystal Brown for longer typing sessions, while those seeking a firmer push may gravitate towards the Dustproof Green for a more substantial typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for actuation force and bottom out force.
Travel distance
The Outemu Crystal Brown tactile switch and the Outemu Dustproof Green clicky switch both have a travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when pressing down on a key equipped with either switch, you will experience the same amount of travel before the switch actuates. Both switches offer a consistent amount of feedback and actuation point, resulting in a similar typing experience regardless of which one you choose. Despite having different tactile and clicky characteristics, the travel distance for both switches is the same, making them equally suitable for those who prefer a key switch with 4 mm of travel.
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 Crystal Brown and Dustproof Green.
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 Crystal Brown tactile switch is known for providing a smooth and tactile typing experience without any audible click. In contrast, the Outemu Dustproof Green clicky switch is recognized for its crisp and satisfying click sound with each key press. The Dustproof Green switch offers a tactile bump along with the audible click, which can create a more pronounced feedback sensation compared to the Crystal Brown switch.
When it comes to sound, the Crystal Brown switch offers a quiet typing experience, making it a good choice for those who prefer a more subtle typing noise. On the other hand, the Dustproof Green switch provides a more audible and satisfying click sound that some users may find more engaging. However, it is essential to consider that the sound produced by both switches can be influenced by various factors such as the keyboard's construction, keycap material, and typing technique.
In terms of feel, the Crystal Brown switch offers a smooth and tactile typing experience ideal for those who prefer a more subtle feedback sensation. Meanwhile, the Dustproof Green switch provides a tactile bump along with a pronounced click sound, which can create a more distinct and satisfying typing feel for users who enjoy a more engaging feedback response.
In conclusion, the Outemu Crystal Brown and Dustproof Green switches offer distinct characteristics in terms of sound and feel. The Crystal Brown switch provides a quiet and tactile typing experience without an audible click, while the Dustproof Green switch delivers a crisp click sound along with a tactile bump for a more engaging typing feel. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on individual preferences for sound and feel during typing sessions. Keep in mind that both switches can provide a satisfying typing experience depending on your personal preferences.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a mechanical keyboard switch with a lighter bottom out force and a tactile feel, the Outemu Crystal Brown tactile switch would be a great choice. On the other hand, if you prefer a heavier bottom out force and a clicky feel, the Outemu Dustproof Green switch would be more suitable for you. Consider your preference for tactility and sound when deciding between these two switches. Ultimately, the choice between the Outemu Crystal Brown and the Outemu Dustproof Green will come down to personal preference in terms of typing experience.
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