Outemu Crystal Brown vs. Outemu Dustproof Silent Ocean
An in-depth look at the Outemu Crystal Brown and the Outemu Dustproof Silent Ocean 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 Silent Ocean offer distinct typing experiences for users. The Crystal Brown switch is a tactile switch, providing a noticeable bump when the key is actuated, which can be beneficial for typists who enjoy feedback while typing. On the other hand, the Dustproof Silent Ocean switch is a linear switch, offering a smooth and consistent keystroke with no tactile bump, making it ideal for those who prefer a quieter typing experience. Both switches have their own advantages depending on personal preference, with the Crystal Brown offering tactile feedback and the Dustproof Silent Ocean providing a silent typing experience. 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
45g
Bottom-out force
55g
Bottom-out force
65g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.60 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.30 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 primary difference between the Outemu Crystal Brown and Outemu Dustproof Silent Ocean lies in their bottom housing material. While both switches feature a polycarbonate top housing that creates a sharp, high-pitched sound profile, the Crystal Brown's nylon bottom housing elicits a deeper and fuller sound. Nylon is known for its softer properties, which absorb more sound compared to the stiffer polycarbonate, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. In contrast, the Dustproof Silent Ocean also utilizes a polycarbonate top housing for a similar sound profile but pairs it with a nylon bottom housing for a unique typing experience.
Despite having different bottom housing materials, both the Crystal Brown and Dustproof Silent Ocean switches share similarities in their top housing components. The clear polycarbonate top housing in both switches contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile, making them ideal for users who prioritize sound quality. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate allows for the integration of RGB lighting, enhancing the aesthetic appeal of the switches. Therefore, users can expect a consistent performance in terms of sound and visual effects from both switches due to their shared top housing material.
Ultimately, the choice between the Outemu Crystal Brown and Outemu Dustproof Silent Ocean switches comes down to personal preference and desired typing experience. While the Crystal Brown offers a deeper and fuller sound profile with its nylon bottom housing, the Dustproof Silent Ocean provides a unique typing feel with its combination of polycarbonate and nylon materials. Whether users prioritize sound quality or are looking for a more customized typing experience, both switches offer premium housing materials that cater to different preferences in the mechanical keyboard community.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Outemu Crystal Brown tactile switch and the Outemu Dustproof Silent Ocean linear switch, we find some notable differences. The Crystal Brown has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams compared to the Dustproof Silent Ocean's 45 grams. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Crystal Brown requires 55 grams while the Dustproof Silent Ocean needs 65 grams, making it the heavier option. This means that the Crystal Brown is a medium-light switch overall, whereas the Dustproof Silent Ocean falls into the medium-heavy category. Those who prefer a lighter touch for extended typing sessions or gaming may lean towards the Crystal Brown, while those seeking a more substantial typing experience may opt for the Dustproof Silent Ocean. Despite their differences in force requirements, both switches offer similar results in terms of performance and typing feedback.
Travel distance
The Outemu Crystal Brown tactile switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, making it the longer option compared to the Outemu Dustproof Silent Ocean linear switch which has a travel distance of 3.3 mm. A 0.7 mm difference may not seem significant, but it can affect the overall typing experience. The Crystal Brown will provide a deeper press feeling, while the Dustproof Silent Ocean will offer a slightly shallower and more responsive key press. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on your personal preference for travel distance – whether you prefer a longer travel for a more substantial key press or a shorter travel for a quicker response time. Both switches offer unique typing experiences, so you will get similar results in terms of durability and quality regardless of the travel distance difference.
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 Silent Ocean.
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
In terms of sound, the Outemu Crystal Brown tactile switch is known for its crisp and satisfying click sound, making it a popular choice for those who enjoy auditory feedback while typing. On the other hand, the Outemu Dustproof Silent Ocean linear switch is designed to reduce noise, providing a more quiet typing experience. The Crystal Brown switch may be more suitable for individuals who prefer a louder typing sound, while the Dustproof Silent Ocean switch is ideal for those who require a quieter environment.
When it comes to feel, the Outemu Crystal Brown tactile switch is praised for its tactile bump that provides a noticeable resistance and feedback during typing, offering a satisfying typing experience. Conversely, the Outemu Dustproof Silent Ocean linear switch offers a smooth keystroke without the tactile bump, allowing for a more consistent and linear typing feel. The Crystal Brown switch is recommended for users who appreciate the tactile feedback, while the Dustproof Silent Ocean switch is great for those who prefer a smoother keystroke without the tactile bump.
Overall, the Outemu Crystal Brown tactile switch and the Outemu Dustproof Silent Ocean linear switch offer distinct sound and feel qualities that cater to different preferences. Depending on whether you prefer a more audible typing sound and tactile feedback or a quieter typing experience with a smooth keystroke, you can choose between the Crystal Brown and Dustproof Silent Ocean switches respectively. Both switches are reliable and durable options, ensuring a satisfying typing experience for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the Outemu Crystal Brown tactile switch and the Outemu Dustproof Silent Ocean linear switch, consider the bottom out force that suits your typing preference. If you prefer a lighter touch, the Crystal Brown with a 55-gram bottom out force would be a better option. On the other hand, if you prefer a slightly heavier feel, the Dustproof Silent Ocean with a 65-gram bottom out force would be more suitable. Additionally, consider the sound and feel of each switch to determine which one aligns better with your typing experience. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches will come down to your personal preferences and typing style.
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