Outemu Crystal Brown vs. Outemu Milk Tea
An in-depth look at the Outemu Crystal Brown and the Outemu Milk Tea switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Outemu Crystal Brown and Outemu Milk Tea both offer a tactile typing experience. The Crystal Brown switch is known for its moderate tactile feedback, providing a satisfying bump without being too loud. On the other hand, the Milk Tea switch also offers tactile feedback, but is designed to be even quieter than the Crystal Brown. While both switches fall under the tactile category, the Milk Tea switch may be more suitable for those who prefer a quieter typing experience, while the Crystal Brown switch could appeal to those who enjoy a more pronounced tactile bump. 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
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 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
Ly
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The Outemu Crystal Brown and Outemu Milk Tea switches both utilize polycarbonate top housings, which provide a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile. This material is known for its stiffness, creating a clear and resonant sound when typing. However, the Milk Tea switches have a unique Ly top housing that offers bright and resonant clacks, providing a different typing experience compared to the Crystal Brown switches. Both switches are compatible with RGB lighting due to the translucency of the polycarbonate material used in their top housings.
In terms of bottom housings, both the Crystal Brown and Milk Tea switches feature nylon material, which contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing. Nylon is known for absorbing more sound than harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. This classic switch housing material enhances the overall typing experience by providing a soft and cushioned bottom-out feel. It is interesting to note that despite having different top housings, both switches share the same nylon bottom housing, which emphasizes the importance of this material in creating a satisfying sound and feel while typing.
While the top and bottom housings of the Outemu Crystal Brown and Outemu Milk Tea switches vary, the qualities of each material complement each other to create a unique typing experience. The bottom housing plays a significant role in the bottom-out sound and feel when a key is pressed, while the top housing influences the sound produced when a key is released. Both switches offer distinct sound profiles and typing experiences, with the Crystal Brown switches emphasizing a clear and resonant sound, and the Milk Tea switches providing bright and resonant clacks. Despite these differences, the nylon bottom housing in both switches ensures a deep and full sound profile that enhances the overall typing experience.
Weight
The Outemu Crystal Brown tactile switch and the Outemu Milk Tea tactile switch both have an actuation force of 45 grams, making them equally light in terms of the force required to trigger a keystroke. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Crystal Brown is heavier with 55 grams compared to the Milk Tea, which has an unknown bottom out force. This means that the Crystal Brown switch provides a slightly more substantial typing experience in terms of the force needed to press the keys all the way down. For those who prefer a lighter touch for longer typing sessions or gaming, the Milk Tea may be the preferred choice. However, for individuals who enjoy a bit more resistance and feedback while typing, the Crystal Brown may be the better option. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will come down to personal preference in terms of typing experience and comfort.
Travel distance
The Outemu Crystal Brown and Outemu Milk Tea tactile switches both have a travel distance of 4 mm, making them equal in this aspect. This means that when you press down on a key using either of these switches, you will experience the same distance traveled from the top to the bottom. This uniformity in travel distance ensures consistent typing experience regardless of which switch you choose to use. The similarity in travel distance between the Crystal Brown and Milk Tea switches allows users to expect similar results in terms of tactile feedback and typing feel. Overall, both switches offer a reliable and satisfying typing experience with their identical travel distances.
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 Milk Tea.
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 satisfying sound when pressed, making it a popular choice for those who prefer a quieter typing experience. On the other hand, the Outemu Milk Tea tactile switch is also praised for its quiet operation, creating a smooth and almost whisper-like sound while typing. Both switches offer a pleasant auditory experience, with the sound being influenced by the keyboard, keycaps, and overall setup.
Moving on to the feel, the Outemu Crystal Brown tactile switch is recognized for its tactile bump that provides a noticeable feedback when typing, allowing for precise and accurate keystrokes. In contrast, the Outemu Milk Tea tactile switch is also praised for its tactile bump that offers a similar level of feedback, resulting in a satisfying typing experience. Both switches are designed to enhance the tactile feel while typing, ensuring a comfortable and enjoyable use.
Overall, both the Outemu Crystal Brown and Milk Tea tactile switches offer similar qualities in terms of sound and feel. Whether you choose one over the other, you can expect to receive a satisfying typing experience with a quiet sound profile and tactile feedback. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches may come down to personal preference and the specific requirements of the user. Regardless of your choice, both switches are excellent options for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts looking for a smooth and enjoyable typing experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Outemu Crystal Brown tactile switch and the Outemu Milk Tea tactile switch, you should consider the following guidelines. If you prefer a medium-light bottom out force of 55 grams and are looking for a switch that is best known for its certain characteristics, then the Crystal Brown may be the ideal choice for you. However, if you are looking for a switch with a bottom out force of None and are seeking a different set of features, then the Milk Tea could be the better option for your preferences. Additionally, take into account the sound and feel of each switch to determine which one aligns more closely with your typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the Crystal Brown and Milk Tea switches will depend on your individual preferences and priorities when it comes to selecting a mechanical keyboard switch.
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