Outemu Crystal Brown vs. Outemu Silent Ocean
An in-depth look at the Outemu Crystal Brown and the Outemu Silent Ocean 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, a tactile switch, and the Outemu Silent Ocean, a linear switch. The Crystal Brown switch is best known for its tactile feedback, providing a satisfying click with each press. On the other hand, the Silent Ocean switch is revered for its quiet operation, making it ideal for those who prefer a more discreet typing experience. While the Crystal Brown switch offers a tactile typing experience that some users find more enjoyable, the Silent Ocean switch provides a smooth and silent keystroke that is favored in quieter environments. 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
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
Partial box
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
Both the Outemu Crystal Brown and Outemu Silent Ocean switches feature polycarbonate top housings, which create a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to polycarbonate being a stiffer plastic, resulting in a more clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches designed for RGB lighting. Despite being identical in this aspect, the Crystal Brown and Silent Ocean switches differ in their bottom housings. The Crystal Brown utilizes a nylon bottom housing, which produces a deeper and fuller sound, as nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound compared to harder plastics.
The use of nylon in the bottom housing of the Outemu Crystal Brown results in a switch that provides a unique typing experience with a deeper and fuller sound profile. On the other hand, the Outemu Silent Ocean switch also features a nylon bottom housing, ensuring a similar typing experience in terms of sound. However, the distinction in the top housings of these two switches allows for a slightly different feel when pressing down on keys. While the sound when letting go of a key may be influenced more by the top housing, the bottom housing plays a significant role in the bottom-out sound and overall feel of the switch.
Overall, the housing materials of the Outemu Crystal Brown and Outemu Silent Ocean switches complement each other to create distinct typing experiences. The polycarbonate top housings offer a sharp and clear sound profile, ideal for users looking for a crisper typing experience, especially when combined with RGB lighting. Meanwhile, the nylon bottom housings of both switches provide a deeper and fuller sound, contributing to a satisfying typing experience. Whether you prefer the Crystal Brown's unique combination of polycarbonate and nylon or the Silent Ocean's similar sound profile, both switches offer quality housing materials that enhance the overall performance of the keyboard.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Outemu Crystal Brown tactile switch and the Outemu Silent Ocean linear switch, it is evident that the Crystal Brown has a lighter actuation force and bottom out force compared to the Silent Ocean. The Crystal Brown has an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 55 grams, making it a medium-light switch, while the Silent Ocean has an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 65 grams, categorizing it as medium-heavy. The difference in bottom out force suggests that the Silent Ocean provides a more substantial typing experience compared to the Crystal Brown. However, both switches share the same actuation force, so users can expect similar results in terms of triggering a keystroke. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches would depend on individual preferences for a lighter or heavier typing feel.
Travel distance
Both the Outemu Crystal Brown tactile switch and the Outemu Silent Ocean linear switch have a travel distance of 4 mm, making them equal in this aspect. This means that when pressing down on keys using either of these switches, users can expect a consistent travel distance experience. The tactile feedback of the Crystal Brown paired with its 4 mm travel distance provides a satisfying typing experience, while the Silent Ocean's linear switch offers a smoother keystroke with the same travel distance. Overall, both switches offer a similar travel distance, ensuring that users can enjoy a consistent typing experience regardless of which switch they choose.
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 Ocean.
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 often praised for its satisfying clicky sound that provides auditory feedback with each keypress. On the other hand, the Outemu Silent Ocean linear switch is known for its quiet operation, making it a great option for those who prefer a more discrete typing experience. Both switches offer distinct sound profiles, allowing users to choose based on their personal preference or work environment.
In terms of feel, the Outemu Crystal Brown switch is appreciated for its tactile bump that provides a noticeable bump in the middle of the keypress, giving typists a clear indication of actuation. On the other hand, the Outemu Silent Ocean switch offers a smooth keystroke without any tactile feedback, allowing for a consistent and uninterrupted typing experience. Both switches have their own unique feel, catering to different typing styles and preferences.
Overall, the Outemu Crystal Brown tactile switch and the Outemu Silent Ocean linear switch offer distinctive qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Crystal Brown provides a satisfying clicky sound with a tactile bump, ideal for typists who enjoy auditory and tactile feedback. On the other hand, the Silent Ocean offers a quiet and smooth typing experience without any tactile feedback, suitable for those who prefer a quieter working environment. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on individual preferences for sound, feel, and typing style.
Conclusion
In closing, when it comes to choosing between the Outemu Crystal Brown tactile switch and the Outemu Silent Ocean linear switch, there are a few key factors to consider. If you prioritize a lighter bottom out force and a tactile typing experience, the Crystal Brown may be the better choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a slightly heavier bottom out force and a smoother, quieter typing experience, the Silent Ocean switch may be more to your liking. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preferences for typing feel and sound. Whichever switch you choose, both the Crystal Brown and the Silent Ocean offer high-quality performance and durability for your mechanical keyboard setup.
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