Outemu Crystal Brown vs. Outemu Purple

Overview

When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch for your typing or gaming experience, the Outemu Crystal Brown and Outemu Purple offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences. The Crystal Brown switches are known for their tactile feedback, providing a satisfying bump during each keystroke, which can enhance typing accuracy and comfort. On the other hand, the Outemu Purple switches also feature a tactile design but are distinguished by their slightly different actuation point and sound profile, potentially appealing to users who enjoy a more pronounced tactile response. While both switches share the benefit of tactile feedback, they may suit varied user experiences depending on whether you prioritize keystroke feel or auditory feedback. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.

By the numbers

Outemu Crystal Brown Tactile

Outemu Purple Tactile

$3.10 per 10

$3.10 per 10

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Housing materials

Both the Outemu Crystal Brown and Outemu Purple switches utilize the same materials for their top and bottom housings: polycarbonate for the top and nylon for the bottom. This results in both switches sharing a similar acoustic profile. The polycarbonate top housing contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound due to its rigidity. This characteristic is advantageous for users looking to achieve a more resonant typing experience. Additionally, the translucency of the polycarbonate allows for effective RGB lighting effects, ensuring that both switches provide an aesthetically pleasing appearance when combined with RGB keys.

In contrast, the bottom housing of both switches is made of nylon, a material that softens the overall sound produced during typing. The softer nature of nylon allows it to absorb sound, which results in a deeper and fuller tonal quality. Consequently, both the Crystal Brown and Purple switches will exhibit a duller and rounder sound when bottoming out, which complements the sharper sound produced at the top. This unique combination of materials allows for an audio experience that leverages the positive attributes of each type, regardless of their individual color designation.

While the Outemu Crystal Brown and Outemu Purple switches have differing aesthetic designs, their housing materials are identical, leading to similar auditory results. Users can expect the same engaging typing experience due to the polycarbonate's clarity alongside the nylon's ability to soften sound. When pressing down on either switch, the defining sound and feel will be affected by both housing materials, with the nylon contributing to a more rounded bottom-out and the polycarbonate enhancing the sound upon release. Thus, both switches exhibit a harmonious blend of crispness and depth, tailored to satisfy diverse user preferences and set the stage for a satisfying typing experience.

Weight

The Outemu Crystal Brown tactile switch and the Outemu Purple tactile switch exhibit notable differences in their actuation forces, with the Crystal Brown requiring 45 grams to register a keystroke, making it lighter compared to the Purple's 50 grams actuation force. This difference suggests that typists or gamers who prefer a lighter touch might gravitate towards the Crystal Brown for longer typing sessions or extended gameplay. However, the bottom out force for the Purple switch is unavailable, leaving a gap in the comparative analysis regarding how it feels when pressed fully down. Meanwhile, the Crystal Brown has a bottom out force of 55 grams, which places it in the medium-light category. This means that, while the Crystal Brown offers a blend of light actuation with a firmer bottom out sensation, the Purple's specifics remain unknown, making it challenging to gauge its overall tactile experience compared to the Crystal Brown. In conclusion, the Outemu Crystal Brown is the lighter option, while the Purple's weight characteristics are still undisclosed.

Travel distance

The Outemu Crystal Brown tactile switch and the Outemu Purple tactile switch both have the same travel distance of 4 mm, meaning that when you press down on a key with either switch, you will experience an identical distance from top to bottom. This similarity in travel distance ensures that users will achieve comparable feedback and response during typing or gaming, creating a consistent experience across both switch types. With both switches demonstrating this equal travel distance, you can expect similar results in terms of key responsiveness and tactile feel.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to the sound profile, the Outemu Crystal Brown switch and the Outemu Purple switch are relatively quiet, making them suited for environments where noise levels need to be kept low. Neither switch features a distinct or pronounced click sound, which lends itself to a more subdued typing experience. The overall auditory feedback of both switches can be influenced by the choice of keyboard construction and keycap material, meaning that the final sound signature may vary depending on the setup.

In terms of feel, the Onemu Crystal Brown switch offers a tactile bump that provides a satisfying feedback during typing, allowing users to enjoy a controlled actuation experience without being overly resistant. The Outemu Purple switch also boasts a tactile feel, characterized by a similar bump that enhances typing accuracy. Both switches share a smooth keystroke, making them appealing options for typists who prefer tactile responsiveness without the harshness often associated with linear or clicky switches.

In summary, while the Outemu Crystal Brown and Outemu Purple switches may lack standout characteristics in sound and offer a tactile feel that is quite comparable, users can expect a subtle and pleasant typing experience from either switch. Since they share these qualities, you are likely to achieve similar results in terms of auditory feedback and tactile sensation, making either choice a solid option for newcomers exploring the world of mechanical keyboards.

Conclusion

To summarize, choosing between the Outemu Crystal Brown and the Outemu Purple tactile switches largely depends on your personal preferences regarding feel, sound, and typing pressure. If you prefer a switch with a medium-light actuation force that offers a balanced tactile feedback without being overly noisy, the Crystal Brown is a suitable choice. It's a versatile option great for both typing and gaming, providing a satisfying sensation without being too taxing on your fingers over long typing sessions. On the other hand, if you value a distinct tactile feel that enhances your typing experience and you're looking for something that may cater to gaming due to its unique characteristics, you might lean towards the Outemu Purple. Although specific metrics for the Purple switch weren’t provided, if it's known for a firmer tactile response, it could enhance your precision in gaming scenarios where micro-movements are crucial. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your typing style and the environments in which you'll be using your mechanical keyboard.

Mentioned in this article

Outemu Crystal Brown Tactile

$3.10 per 10

Learn more

Outemu Purple Tactile

$3.10 per 10

Learn more