Outemu Crystal Brown vs. Outemu Gold
An in-depth look at the Outemu Crystal Brown and the Outemu Gold switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options are the Outemu Crystal Brown and the Outemu Gold. The Crystal Brown is a tactile switch known for its smooth and satisfying keystrokes, perfect for those who prefer a tactile bump while typing. On the other hand, the Gold is a clicky switch that provides audible feedback with each key press, making it a favorite among users who enjoy a satisfying click sound while typing. While the Crystal Brown offers a quiet typing experience and the Gold provides a more audible feedback, both switches have unique qualities that cater 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
45g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
55g
Bottom-out force
60g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Standard
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 Crystal Brown and Outemu Gold both feature polycarbonate top housings, which create a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. Due to the stiffness of polycarbonate, these switches produce a clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches that use RGB lighting. The similarities in their top housing material ensure that both switches will offer a similar sound profile and aesthetic appeal.
In contrast, the Crystal Brown and Gold differ in their bottom housing material, with the Crystal Brown incorporating a nylon bottom housing. Nylon is known for producing a deeper and fuller sound profile, as it is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound than harder plastics. On the other hand, the Gold's nylon bottom housing also contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile, creating a duller and rounder sound. Despite the difference in bottom housing material, both switches offer a similar typing experience with their nylon bottoms.
Overall, the combination of polycarbonate and nylon in the Outemu Crystal Brown and Outemu Gold switches results in a unique typing experience. While the top housing plays a significant role in the sound produced when a key is released, the bottom housing impacts the sound and feel when a key is pressed down. The choice of materials in each switch allows for a balance between sharp, crisp sounds and deeper, fuller tones, making them both appealing options for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts looking for a customized typing experience.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Outemu Crystal Brown tactile switch and the Outemu Gold clicky switch, it is clear that both switches have the same actuation force of 45 grams. However, the Crystal Brown has a bottom out force of 55 grams, while the Gold has a bottom out force of 60 grams. This makes the Crystal Brown the lighter option overall, as it requires less force to fully press the keys compared to the Gold switch. The Crystal Brown provides a medium-light typing experience, ideal for those who prefer a lighter touch for extended typing sessions. On the other hand, the Gold switch offers a slightly heavier typing experience, making it a better choice for users who prefer a more substantial push feel when typing. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preference for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
Both the Outemu Crystal Brown tactile switch and the Outemu Gold clicky switch have a travel distance of 4 mm, making them equal in this aspect. The travel distance is the same for both switches, so users can expect similar results in terms of keypress feel and actuation. This means that whether you choose the Crystal Brown or the Gold switch, you will experience a consistent travel distance of 4 mm when typing or gaming. Having the same travel distance allows for a consistent and predictable typing experience, regardless of which switch you choose.
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 Gold.
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 typically quieter compared to the Outemu Gold clicky switch. The Crystal Brown switch has a soft and muted sound upon actuation, providing a more subtle typing experience. On the other hand, the Gold switch produces a distinct clicky sound with each key press, which can be satisfying for those who enjoy auditory feedback while typing. It is important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard housing and keycaps used.
Moving on to feel, the Outemu Crystal Brown switch is known for its smooth tactile bump that provides a satisfying typing experience without being too overwhelming. On the contrary, the Outemu Gold switch offers a more pronounced tactile feedback with a higher actuation force, giving a more distinct sensation with each keystroke. Both switches offer a different tactile feel, catering to different preferences depending on whether you prefer a subtle or more noticeable tactile bump.
In conclusion, the Outemu Crystal Brown tactile switch and Outemu Gold clicky switch offer distinct characteristics in terms of sound and feel. The Crystal Brown provides a quieter typing experience with a smoother tactile bump, ideal for those who prefer a more subtle tactile feedback. On the other hand, the Gold switch offers a louder clicky sound and a more pronounced tactile bump, suiting those who enjoy a more tactile and audible typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on individual preferences for sound and feel while typing. Both switches offer quality performance and durability, ensuring a satisfactory typing experience regardless of which switch is chosen.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the Outemu Crystal Brown tactile switch and the Outemu Gold clicky switch, you should consider the differences in their characteristics. If you prefer a slightly lighter bottom out force of 55 grams and a tactile bump without the audible click, then the Crystal Brown would be a suitable choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a bottom out force of 60 grams and enjoy the satisfying click sound of a switch, then the Outemu Gold clicky switch would be the better option for you. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preferences for typing feel and sound in order to fully enjoy your mechanical keyboard experience.
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