Outemu Crystal Brown vs. Outemu Maple Leaf
An in-depth look at the Outemu Crystal Brown and the Outemu Maple Leaf switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to tactile mechanical keyboard switches, the Outemu Crystal Brown and Outemu Maple Leaf are both popular options to consider. The Crystal Brown switch offers a tactile bump that provides a satisfying feedback while typing, making it ideal for those who prefer a more tactile typing experience. On the other hand, the Outemu Maple Leaf switch also offers a tactile bump but with a slightly different feel compared to the Crystal Brown. This switch may appeal to users who enjoy a softer tactile feel while typing. Both switches have their own unique characteristics and advantages that may suit different preferences and typing styles. 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
2.30 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
The housing materials of the Outemu Crystal Brown and the Outemu Maple Leaf switches have distinct characteristics that affect the sound profile and typing experience. The Crystal Brown features a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to its stiffness. In contrast, the Maple Leaf's nylon top housing produces a deeper and fuller sound profile, as nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound. While the Crystal Brown's nylon bottom housing also utilizes nylon for a deeper sound profile, the Maple Leaf differs by having nylon for both top and bottom housings.
Despite their differences in housing materials, both the Crystal Brown and the Maple Leaf switches offer a unique typing experience. The Crystal Brown's polycarbonate top housing is more suitable for RGB lighting due to its translucency, while the Maple Leaf's nylon housing absorbs sound for a duller and rounder sound. The split between top and bottom housings in a switch divides the qualities of each material, with the bottom housing impacting the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing affects the sound when releasing a key.
In conclusion, the choice between the Outemu Crystal Brown and the Outemu Maple Leaf switches ultimately depends on personal preference for sound profile and typing feel. The use of polycarbonate in the Crystal Brown creates a sharper and crisper sound, ideal for those who prefer a higher pitch. On the other hand, the nylon housing of the Maple Leaf offers a deeper and fuller sound, appealing to those who enjoy a more rounded sound profile. Both switches provide a unique typing experience, showcasing the impact of housing materials on sound and feel.
Weight
The Outemu Crystal Brown tactile switch and the Outemu Maple Leaf tactile switch both offer a satisfying typing experience, but they differ in their actuation force and bottom out force. The Crystal Brown has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 55 grams, making it a medium-light switch. In contrast, the Maple Leaf has a heavier actuation force of 55 grams and a bottom out force of 65 grams, placing it in the medium-heavy category. Those who prefer a lighter touch may opt for the Crystal Brown for longer typing sessions or gaming, while users seeking a more substantial typing feel may lean towards the Maple Leaf for a stronger push sensation. Overall, the actuation and bottom out forces of these switches offer options for users with varying preferences in typing feedback.
Travel distance
The Outemu Crystal Brown tactile switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Outemu Maple Leaf tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.3 mm. The Crystal Brown offers a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Maple Leaf, which may provide a more traditional typing experience with a bit more key travel. On the other hand, the Maple Leaf switch offers a slightly shorter travel distance, which may appeal to those looking for a quicker response time, such as gamers. Both switches provide tactile feedback, but the slight difference in travel distance can cater to different preferences in terms of typing feel. Ultimately, choosing between the two switches will depend on whether you prefer a slightly longer key travel for more depth or a shorter travel for quicker response.
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 Maple Leaf.
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 commonly perceived as having a slightly quieter sound compared to the Outemu Maple Leaf tactile switch. The Crystal Brown switch produces a soft and subtle sound when typing, making it ideal for those who prefer a quieter typing experience. On the other hand, the Maple Leaf switch has a slightly more audible sound with a slight click when pressed, providing a more satisfying auditory feedback for some users.
When it comes to the feel of the switches, the Outemu Crystal Brown tactile switch is known for its smooth and tactile bump that provides a satisfying typing experience. The actuation force required is moderate, offering a comfortable and responsive feel for users. Conversely, the Outemu Maple Leaf tactile switch offers a more pronounced tactile bump with a slightly higher actuation force. This results in a more tactile and responsive typing experience, appealing to users who prefer a more pronounced tactile feedback.
Overall, while both the Outemu Crystal Brown and Maple Leaf switches are tactile switches known for their tactile feedback, they differ in sound and feel. The Crystal Brown switch offers a quieter typing experience with a smoother feel, while the Maple Leaf switch provides a more audible sound and a more pronounced tactile bump. Depending on personal preferences for sound and feel, users can choose between the two switches to suit their typing style. Ultimately, both switches offer quality tactile feedback and durability, ensuring a satisfying typing experience for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Outemu Crystal Brown tactile switch and the Outemu Maple Leaf tactile switch, your choice will ultimately depend on your personal preferences for typing experience. If you prefer a lighter bottom out force, the Crystal Brown with 55 grams may be more suitable for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a slightly heavier feel, the Maple Leaf with 65 grams may be the better option. Additionally, consider the sound and feel of each switch to determine which one aligns more closely with your typing style and preferences. Ultimately, the decision between the Crystal Brown and Maple Leaf switches will come down to what feels most comfortable and enjoyable for you as you type on your mechanical keyboard.
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