Outemu Crystal Brown vs. Outemu Silent Yellow
An in-depth look at the Outemu Crystal Brown and the Outemu Silent Yellow switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Outemu Crystal Brown and the Outemu Silent Yellow offer distinct typing experiences for users. The Crystal Brown is a tactile switch, providing a noticeable bump when pressed, making it ideal for those who prefer a responsive and satisfying typing experience. On the other hand, the Silent Yellow is a linear switch, offering a smooth and quiet typing experience without any tactile feedback, perfect for those who prefer a more subtle and noiseless typing experience. Each switch has its own unique qualities that cater to different preferences and needs. 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
60g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.20 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
The primary difference between the Outemu Crystal Brown and the Outemu Silent Yellow lies in their bottom housing materials. While both switches feature a polycarbonate top housing, the Crystal Brown has a nylon bottom housing, whereas the Silent Yellow utilizes a polycarbonate bottom housing. This variation in bottom housing materials results in a difference in sound profile when typing on the switches. The Crystal Brown with its nylon bottom housing produces a deeper and fuller sound profile, whereas the Silent Yellow with its polycarbonate bottom housing creates a crisper and sharper sound.
Despite the difference in bottom housing materials, both the Outemu Crystal Brown and the Outemu Silent Yellow share the same polycarbonate top housing. This means that both switches exhibit similar qualities in terms of sound profile when it comes to letting go of a key. The polycarbonate material used in the top housing of both switches creates a higher-pitched and clearer sound, making them ideal for users who prioritize a sharp and resonant sound profile. In terms of aesthetics, the translucency of the polycarbonate top housing of both switches allows for vibrant RGB lighting effects to enhance the overall look of the keyboard.
Overall, the choice between the Outemu Crystal Brown and the Outemu Silent Yellow ultimately comes down to personal preference in sound profile. The Crystal Brown's combination of a nylon bottom housing and a polycarbonate top housing produces a deeper and fuller sound, while the Silent Yellow's polycarbonate bottom housing results in a crisper and sharper sound. Both switches offer a unique typing experience, with the bottom housing material playing a significant role in the overall sound profile. Whether you prefer a duller, rounder sound of the nylon bottom housing or the clearer, resonant sound of the polycarbonate top housing, both switches offer a high-quality typing experience for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts.
Weight
The Outemu Crystal Brown tactile switch has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams compared to the Outemu Silent Yellow linear switch, which has a heavier actuation force of 65 grams. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Crystal Brown requires 55 grams, while the Silent Yellow needs 80 grams, making the Silent Yellow heavier in this aspect. The Crystal Brown provides a more medium-light typing experience, suitable for those who prefer a lighter touch for extended typing sessions. On the other hand, the Silent Yellow offers a heavier push feel, catering to users who enjoy a more substantial typing experience. Both switches offer distinct levels of actuation and bottom out forces, allowing users to choose based on their personal preferences for typing feedback.
Travel distance
The Outemu Crystal Brown tactile switch and the Outemu Silent Yellow linear switch both have a travel distance of 4 mm, making them equal in this aspect. Their travel distance is the distance the switch travels from the top to the bottom, which is the distance you feel when you press down on a key. Both switches provide a consistent experience in terms of travel distance, ensuring a similar feel when typing or gaming. In this case, whether you choose the Crystal Brown or the Silent Yellow, you can expect to get similar results due to 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 Silent Yellow.
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 characterized as having a satisfying clicky noise when pressed, providing auditory feedback with each keystroke. On the other hand, the Outemu Silent Yellow linear switch is known for its quiet operation, making it a popular choice for those who prefer a more discreet typing experience. Keep in mind that the sound produced by a switch can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard chassis and keycap material used.
In terms of feel, the Outemu Crystal Brown tactile switch offers a bump in its actuation, providing tactile feedback to the user during typing. This feature allows for a more pronounced typing experience, with a tactile response to confirm each keystroke. In contrast, the Outemu Silent Yellow linear switch offers a smooth and consistent actuation without the tactile bump, resulting in a linear and uninterrupted typing experience.
Overall, when comparing the subjective qualities of the Outemu Crystal Brown tactile switch and the Outemu Silent Yellow linear switch, it's important to consider personal preferences regarding sound and feel. If you enjoy a clicky and tactile typing experience, the Crystal Brown may be the better option for you. Alternatively, if you prefer a quieter and more linear typing feel, the Silent Yellow switch would be more suitable. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences and typing habits.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the Outemu Crystal Brown tactile switch and the Outemu Silent Yellow linear switch, you should consider the force required for typing. If you prefer a lighter touch and enjoy the tactile feedback, the Crystal Brown with its 55-gram bottom out force would be a good choice. On the other hand, if you prefer a heavier switch that provides a smooth typing experience with no tactile bump, the Silent Yellow with its 80-gram bottom out force would be more suitable for you. Ultimately, your preference for typing feel and sound will play a significant role in determining which switch is the best fit for your mechanical keyboard.
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