Outemu Crystal Brown vs. Outemu Silent Grey
An in-depth look at the Outemu Crystal Brown and the Outemu Silent Grey 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 and the Outemu Silent Grey. The Crystal Brown switch is known for its tactile feedback, providing users with a satisfying and responsive typing experience. On the other hand, the Silent Grey switch offers a quiet typing experience with a pronounced bump and smooth keystroke, making it a great choice for those who value silence in their typing sessions. 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
50g
Bottom-out force
55g
Bottom-out force
65g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.60 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
When comparing the housing materials of the Outemu Crystal Brown and the Outemu Silent Grey, it is evident that both switches utilize polycarbonate for their top housings. This choice results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to the stiffness of polycarbonate. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate is beneficial for switches that plan to utilize RGB lighting. Despite both switches using the same material for the top housing, the Silent Grey stands out with its unique design and functionality.
In terms of the bottom housing, both the Crystal Brown and the Silent Grey use nylon. Nylon is known for creating a deeper and fuller sound profile, as it is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound than harder plastics. This results in a duller and rounder sound, which may be preferred by users who enjoy a less sharp typing experience. With the bottom housing being a crucial factor in the bottom-out sound and feel of a switch, the nylon material used in both switches enhances the overall typing experience.
While the top and bottom housings of both switches differ in material, the qualities of each type of plastic are distributed throughout the switches. The top housing, usually where the polycarbonate material is utilized, impacts the sound when a key is released, providing a unique auditory experience. On the other hand, the bottom housing, typically made of nylon, influences the bottom-out sound and feel when a key is pressed. These distinctions showcase how the choice of housing material can greatly affect the overall typing experience for mechanical keyboard users.
Weight
When comparing the Outemu Crystal Brown tactile switch to the Outemu Silent Grey tactile switch, we see differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Crystal Brown has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 55 grams, making it a medium-light option. In contrast, the Silent Grey features a heavier actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 65 grams, placing it in the medium-heavy category. This means that the Crystal Brown will provide a lighter typing experience, suitable for those who prefer typing for extended periods, while the Silent Grey offers a stronger push feel, appealing to users who enjoy a more substantial typing feedback. Both switches offer varying levels of resistance, allowing users to choose based on their personal preference for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
Both the Outemu Crystal Brown tactile switch and the Outemu Silent Grey tactile switch have a travel distance of 4 mm, making them equal in this aspect. This means that when pressing down on a key with either switch, you will experience the same amount of travel from the top to the bottom. This uniformity in travel distance ensures a consistent typing experience regardless of which switch is being used. Overall, whether you choose the Crystal Brown or the Silent Grey switch, you can expect similar results in terms of travel distance.
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 Silent Grey.
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 switch is known for its tactile feedback without any particular sound profile being emphasized. On the other hand, the Outemu Silent Grey switch is specifically designed to offer a quiet typing experience while maintaining a satisfying tactile bump. This means that the Silent Grey switch will be much quieter compared to the Crystal Brown. When it comes to feel, the Crystal Brown switch provides a tactile bump without any specific information on the overall feel beyond that. The Silent Grey switch, however, offers a highly tactile experience with a pronounced bump and smooth keystroke.
Taking into account the information provided, it is evident that the Outemu Crystal Brown switch and the Outemu Silent Grey switch offer distinct subjective qualities. The Crystal Brown switch is more suitable for those who prioritize tactile feedback without being concerned about sound levels, while the Silent Grey switch is well-suited for individuals who desire a quiet typing experience along with a pronounced tactile bump. Both switches provide their own unique typing experiences, and depending on individual preferences, one may prefer the feel and sound characteristics of one switch over the other. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will come down to personal preference and the specific requirements of the user.
Conclusion
To sum up, when considering whether to choose the Outemu Crystal Brown tactile switch or the Outemu Silent Grey tactile switch, you should take into account your preference for bottom out force. If you prefer a lighter bottom out force, the Crystal Brown with 55 grams may be the better option for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a slightly heavier bottom out force, the Silent Grey with 65 grams may be more suitable. Additionally, if you prioritize a silent typing experience with a pronounced tactile bump, the Silent Grey switch would be the ideal choice. However, if you don't mind a bit of noise and prefer a lighter tactile feel, the Crystal Brown switch may be more to your liking. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preferences and typing style.
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