Outemu Crystal Brown vs. Outemu Lotus
An in-depth look at the Outemu Crystal Brown and the Outemu Lotus 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, known for its tactile feedback, and the Outemu Lotus, known for its linear feel. The Crystal Brown switch provides a satisfying tactile bump when pressed, making it ideal for typists who enjoy the tactile feedback while typing. On the other hand, the Lotus switch offers a smooth and consistent keystroke with no tactile bump, making it a preferred choice for gamers who require a quick and linear response during gameplay. Both switches have their own unique characteristics that cater to different preferences and needs. 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
35g
Bottom-out force
55g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.30 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
Nylon
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
In comparing the housing materials of the Outemu Crystal Brown and the Outemu Lotus, one can see significant differences in their sound profiles. The Crystal Brown features a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. This is due to the relatively stiff nature of polycarbonate, which leads to a more clear and resonant sound profile. On the other hand, the Lotus's nylon top housing elicits a deeper and fuller sound profile, as nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. These differences in material contribute to unique auditory experiences when typing on switches with either housing.
While both the Crystal Brown and the Lotus utilize nylon for their bottom housings, the impact of this material on the sound profile remains consistent. Typing on switches with nylon bottom housings elicits a deeper and fuller sound, as nylon's softer nature absorbs more sound than harder plastics, creating a duller and rounder sound. This similarity in housing material between the two switches allows for a consistent tactile experience when bottoming out keys, regardless of the differences in their respective top housing materials. Both switches offer a satisfying typing experience, thanks to the qualities that nylon brings to their bottom housings.
Overall, the choice of housing materials in a mechanical switch can greatly influence the sound and feel of typing. The use of polycarbonate in the top housing of the Crystal Brown creates a sharper and crisper sound profile, while the nylon top housing of the Lotus produces a deeper and fuller sound. In contrast, both switches feature nylon bottom housings that contribute to a consistent tactile experience, with a deeper and fuller sound profile. Understanding the impact of different housing materials on switch performance can help users make informed choices based on their preferences for sound and feel when typing.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Outemu Crystal Brown tactile switch and the Outemu Lotus linear switch, it is evident that the Crystal Brown requires a slightly heavier touch compared to the Lotus. The Crystal Brown has an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 55 grams, placing it in the medium-light category. In contrast, the Lotus has an actuation force of 35 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, making it a lighter option. The lighter actuation force of the Lotus may appeal to users who prefer a quicker response when typing or gaming, while the Crystal Brown's slightly heavier touch provides a more robust typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on individual preferences for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the Outemu Crystal Brown tactile switch is 4 mm, while the Outemu Lotus linear switch has a travel distance of 3.3 mm. This makes the Lotus the shorter option of the two. The Crystal Brown offers a slightly longer travel distance, which may provide a more pronounced tactile feedback. Gamers looking for faster response times might lean towards the Lotus due to its shorter travel distance. On the other hand, those who enjoy a deeper key press sensation might prefer the Crystal Brown. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will come down to personal preference and the type of typing or gaming experience one is looking for.
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 Lotus.
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 its subtle tactile bump and medium actuation force. This switch produces a quiet sound profile compared to clicky switches like the Outemu Blue. On the other hand, the Outemu Lotus linear switch is known for its smooth keystrokes and linear actuation. This switch provides a quiet typing experience, making it suitable for those who prefer a quieter environment while typing.
When it comes to sound, the Crystal Brown switch produces a soft and subtle noise when typing, making it a great choice for office or shared spaces where noise may be a concern. The Lotus linear switch, on the other hand, produces a much quieter sound profile due to its linear actuation design. This makes it an excellent option for those who prefer a nearly silent typing experience.
In terms of feel, the Crystal Brown switch offers a tactile bump that provides feedback with each keystroke, offering a satisfying typing experience for those who enjoy tactile switches. The Lotus linear switch, on the other hand, provides a smooth and consistent keystroke without any tactile feedback, making it a preferred choice for those who prefer a linear switch without any tactile bump.
In conclusion, the Outemu Crystal Brown switch is best suited for individuals who prefer a tactile typing experience with a subtle tactile bump and moderate actuation force. On the other hand, the Outemu Lotus switch is ideal for those who prefer a smooth and linear typing experience with a quiet sound profile. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on your personal preferences in terms of sound, feel, and typing experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, when it comes to choosing between the Outemu Crystal Brown tactile switch and the Outemu Lotus linear switch, you should consider the bottom out force of each switch. If you prefer a slightly heavier switch with a bottom out force of 55 grams, the Crystal Brown may be the better choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter switch with a bottom out force of 50 grams, the Lotus may be more suitable for your typing style. Additionally, considering the sound and feel of each switch can also help you make your decision. Ultimately, the choice between the Crystal Brown and Lotus switches will depend on your personal preferences in terms of typing experience.
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