Outemu Crystal Brown vs. Outemu Green
An in-depth look at the Outemu Crystal Brown and the Outemu Green switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, two popular options to consider are the Outemu Crystal Brown and the Outemu Green. The Crystal Brown is a tactile switch, providing a smooth and satisfying tactile bump when pressed, making it ideal for typists who want a noticeable feedback with each keystroke. On the other hand, the Green is a clicky switch, known for its distinctive click sound when activated, which is preferred by gamers and those who enjoy audible feedback while typing. While both switches offer different advantages and are categorized in separate groups, such as tactile and clicky, it ultimately comes down to personal preference and usage. 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
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 Green switches both feature a polycarbonate top housing, which is known for creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to the stiffness of polycarbonate, which leads to a more clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate is especially useful for switches that plan to use RGB lighting. However, while both switches share the same top housing material, they may differ in their bottom housing material.
In terms of the bottom housing material, both the Crystal Brown and Green switches feature a nylon bottom housing. Nylon is a classic switch housing material that creates a deeper and fuller sound profile. The relatively softer property of nylon allows it to absorb more sound than harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. Despite having different top housing materials, the similar nylon bottom housing in both switches ensures a consistent typing experience with a deep and full sound profile.
Overall, the differences in top and bottom housing materials between the Outemu Crystal Brown and Outemu Green switches affect the overall sound profile and typing experience. The split between the qualities of polycarbonate and nylon in the top and bottom housings respectively means that the bottom housing will have more impact on the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing will have more impact on the sound when releasing a key. Whether using the Crystal Brown or Green switch, the combination of these housing materials results in a satisfying typing experience with distinct sound characteristics.
Weight
The Outemu Crystal Brown tactile switch and the Outemu Green clicky switch have notable differences in their actuation force and bottom out force. The Crystal Brown has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams compared to the Green's heavier 65 grams. Similarly, the bottom out force of the Crystal Brown is 55 grams, while the Green requires a more substantial 80 grams. This means that the Crystal Brown provides a lighter typing experience overall, making it ideal for longer typing sessions or gaming. On the other hand, the Green switch offers a more robust and tactile feel, which some users may prefer for a more substantial typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches comes down to personal preference for actuation and bottom out force.
Travel distance
The Outemu Crystal Brown tactile switch and the Outemu Green clicky switch both have a travel distance of 4 mm, making them equal in this aspect. When comparing the two switches, they both provide a satisfying tactile feedback, but the Green switch will have a louder click sound compared to the quieter Brown switch. In terms of travel distance, users can expect a consistent feel and response from both switches, ensuring a similar typing experience regardless of the switch chosen. Overall, the travel distance of 4 mm for both switches offers a comfortable and precise keypress for typists and gamers alike.
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 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
When it comes to sound, the Outemu Crystal Brown tactile switch is known for producing a subtle and quiet typing experience, making it an excellent choice for those who prefer a quieter work environment or gaming setup. On the other hand, the Outemu Green clicky switch is recognized for its crisp and audible clicking noise with each key press, providing a satisfying feedback that some users find very pleasing. It is important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard's construction and the type of keycaps used.
In terms of feel, the Outemu Crystal Brown tactile switch is praised for its smooth and tactile feedback, offering a comfortable typing experience that reduces finger fatigue during long typing sessions. Conversely, the Outemu Green clicky switch is favored for its tactile bump and audible click, providing a more pronounced feedback that some users find enhances their typing accuracy and speed.
Overall, the Outemu Crystal Brown and Green switches offer distinct sound and tactile experiences that cater to different preferences. The Crystal Brown provides a quiet and smooth typing experience, ideal for those who prioritize a quieter workspace, while the Green switch delivers a loud and tactile feedback that is favored by users who enjoy a more pronounced typing sensation. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on individual preference for sound and feel during typing.
Conclusion
Therefore, when deciding between the Outemu Crystal Brown tactile switch and the Outemu Green clicky switch, it ultimately comes down to personal preference. If you prefer a lighter actuation force and a more subtle tactile bump, the Crystal Brown might be the better option for you. On the other hand, if you enjoy a heavier key press with a noticeable clicky sound, then the Green switch would be more up your alley. Consider your typing style, noise tolerance, and overall keyboard preferences when making your decision. Ultimately, both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences, so choose the one that best suits your needs and typing experience.
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