Outemu Crystal Brown vs. Outemu Dustproof Purple
An in-depth look at the Outemu Crystal Brown and the Outemu Dustproof Purple 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 Crystal Brown and the Outemu Dustproof Purple. The Crystal Brown is a tactile switch, providing a satisfying bump when pressed, while the Dustproof Purple is a clicky switch, known for its audible click sound upon actuation. The Crystal Brown is often favored for its smooth typing experience, making it ideal for prolonged periods of typing, while the Dustproof Purple is more suitable for those who enjoy the audible feedback and distinct typing sensation. 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
55g
Bottom-out force
55g
Bottom-out force
65g
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
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 housing materials of the Outemu Crystal Brown and the Outemu Dustproof Purple switches are quite similar, both featuring a polycarbonate top housing. The use of polycarbonate in housing creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile, making them ideal for those who enjoy a clear and resonant sound while typing. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate is especially useful for those who plan to use RGB lighting, as it allows for a more visually appealing experience. While both switches share this common feature, the differences lie in the bottom housing material.
In terms of the bottom housing material, both switches feature a nylon bottom housing. Nylon is known for creating a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing, as it is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound than harder plastics. This results in a duller and rounder sound, providing a different typing experience compared to the stiffer polycarbonate top housing. Despite having different bottom housing materials, both switches offer a unique combination of qualities that cater to different preferences when it comes to typing sound and feel.
Overall, the choice of housing materials in switches plays a crucial role in determining the sound profile and typing experience. While both the Outemu Crystal Brown and the Outemu Dustproof Purple switches feature polycarbonate top housings for a sharper and crisper sound profile, their differences lie in the nylon bottom housing. Whether you prefer a clearer sound with stiffer polycarbonate or a fuller sound with softer nylon, both switches offer distinct typing experiences that cater to different preferences. Ultimately, the combination of top and bottom housing materials in a switch determines the overall typing feel and sound, making it important to consider these factors when selecting a switch for your keyboard.
Weight
The Outemu Crystal Brown tactile switch has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams compared to the Outemu Dustproof Purple clicky switch with an actuation force of 55 grams, making the Crystal Brown the lighter option. On the other hand, the Crystal Brown has a bottom out force of 55 grams, slightly lighter than the Dustproof Purple's 65 grams. The Crystal Brown is better suited for those who prefer a lighter touch for extended typing or gaming sessions, while the Dustproof Purple provides a more substantial typing experience with its heavier actuation and bottom out forces. Both switches offer a tactile feedback, but the Crystal Brown provides a softer touch overall, whereas the Dustproof Purple offers a more pronounced click with its heavier forces. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for typing feel and force sensitivity.
Travel distance
Both the Outemu Crystal Brown tactile switch and the Outemu Dustproof Purple clicky switch have the same travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when you press down on a key using either of these switches, you will experience the same amount of travel from the top to the bottom. This similarity in travel distance ensures that the typing experience with both switches will feel consistent in terms of key travel. Despite having different tactile responses (tactile for the Crystal Brown and clicky for the Dustproof Purple), the travel distance remains the same, allowing for a comparable typing experience in terms of key travel distance.
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 Purple.
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 Crystal Brown tactile switch is known for its quiet and smooth operation, making it a popular choice for those looking for a more subtle typing experience. On the other hand, the Outemu Dustproof Purple clicky switch is known for its crisp and satisfying click sound with each key press, making it a favorite among those who enjoy auditory feedback while typing. Ultimately, the sound produced by these switches will also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard casing and keycap material used.
In terms of feel, the Outemu Crystal Brown switch is praised for its tactile bump and smooth actuation, providing a satisfying sensation under the fingers when typing. In comparison, the Outemu Dustproof Purple switch offers a distinct tactile bump as well, but with a more pronounced feedback due to its click mechanism. This extra tactile and auditory feedback can enhance the typing experience for users who prefer a more pronounced tactile response.
In conclusion, while both the Outemu Crystal Brown tactile switch and the Outemu Dustproof Purple clicky switch offer unique sound and feel characteristics, ultimately the choice between the two will depend on personal preference. If you are looking for a quieter and smoother typing experience, the Crystal Brown may be the better option for you. However, if you prefer a more audible and tactile typing experience, the Dustproof Purple switch would be the way to go. Keep in mind that factors such as keycaps, keyboard casing, and typing style will also play a role in the overall typing feel and sound.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the Outemu Crystal Brown tactile switch and the Outemu Dustproof Purple clicky switch, consider the factors of bottom out force, sound, and feel. If you prefer a lighter key press, the Crystal Brown with a 55-gram bottom out force may be more suited for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a slightly heavier key press, the Dustproof Purple with a 65-gram bottom out force might be a better option. Additionally, if you prefer a tactile switch with a quieter sound, the Crystal Brown may be the way to go. However, if you enjoy the satisfying clicky sound of a switch, the Dustproof Purple would be a better choice. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preference for key feel and sound when typing. Consider these factors to determine which switch aligns best with your typing style and preferences.
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