Outemu Crystal Brown vs. Outemu Tom
An in-depth look at the Outemu Crystal Brown and the Outemu Tom switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Outemu Crystal Brown and Outemu Tom both fall under the tactile switch category. The Crystal Brown is known for its smooth actuation and tactile bump, providing a satisfying typing experience for those who enjoy a noticeable bump when pressing a key. On the other hand, the Tom switch is also tactile but offers a more pronounced tactile bump compared to the Crystal Brown, giving users a more tactile feedback while typing. Each switch offers a unique typing experience, with the Crystal Brown being more subtle and the Tom being more pronounced in terms of tactile 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
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
55g
Bottom-out force
55g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.20 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.30 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
When comparing the housing materials of the Outemu Crystal Brown and the Outemu Tom, both switches have polycarbonate top housings that create a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The use of polycarbonate in the top housing contributes to a more clear and resonant sound due to its stiffness. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches with RGB lighting. In terms of aesthetics and sound characteristics, the top housings of both switches offer similar benefits.
However, where the switches differ is in their bottom housing materials. The Crystal Brown features a nylon bottom housing, known for eliciting a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound compared to polycarbonate. On the other hand, the Outemu Tom also has a nylon bottom housing, providing the same qualities of a deeper and fuller sound. Despite the top housings being similar, the bottom housing of both switches gives them their distinct sound profiles.
Overall, the split in housing materials between the top and bottom of the switches affects the typing experience differently. The qualities of the bottom housing material are felt more during the keypress, influencing the bottom-out sound and feel. Conversely, the top housing material has a greater impact on the sound produced when releasing a key. While both switches share similar top housing material, it is the differences in their bottom housing materials that contribute to their unique sound characteristics and typing experiences.
Weight
The Outemu Crystal Brown tactile switch has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams compared to the Outemu Tom tactile switch, which has a higher actuation force of 55 grams. This means that the Crystal Brown switch will require less force to register a keystroke. However, when it comes to bottoming out, the Crystal Brown switch has a bottom out force of 55 grams, while the Tom switch's bottom out force is unknown. This suggests that the Crystal Brown switch may provide a more consistent typing experience in terms of required force throughout the keystroke. Overall, if you prefer a lighter typing experience, the Crystal Brown switch may be the better option for you. However, if you prefer a heavier push feel for a more substantial typing experience, the Tom switch may be more suitable. Ultimately, choosing between the two switches will depend on personal preference and typing style.
Travel distance
The Outemu Crystal Brown tactile switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Outemu Tom tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.3 mm. In this case, the Outemu Tom switch has a shorter travel distance compared to the Crystal Brown switch. The shorter travel distance of the Outemu Tom switch may appeal to gamers seeking faster response times, while those looking for a more substantial keypress may prefer the longer travel distance of the Crystal Brown switch. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for keypress depth and responsiveness.
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 Tom.
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 tactile switch is known to have a sharp and distinct sound, with a satisfying clicky noise that is often compared to typewriters. On the other hand, the Outemu Tom tactile switch is known for a quieter sound profile, with a softer and more subtle tactile bump. When it comes to feel, the Crystal Brown offers a tactile feedback that is pronounced and crisp, providing a satisfying typing experience. In contrast, the Tom switch is noted for a smoother and more subtle tactile bump, making it a more gentle typing experience compared to the Crystal Brown. Ultimately, whether you prefer the sharp click and pronounced feedback of the Crystal Brown or the softer touch of the Tom switch will depend on your personal preference and typing style. Both switches are quality options for tactile typing, so you can expect similar results in terms of durability and performance.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Outemu Crystal Brown tactile switch and the Outemu Tom tactile switch, consider the key factors of bottom out force, key characteristics, sound, and feel. If you prefer a switch with a medium-light bottom out force of 55 grams and are looking for a tactile switch best known for its smooth responsiveness, then the Crystal Brown may be the better choice for you. On the other hand, if you prioritize a switch with no specified bottom out force and are interested in a tactile switch best known for its distinct feedback, then the Tom might be the more suitable option. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches will come down to your personal preferences in key characteristics, sound, and feel. Consider these factors carefully to choose the switch that will enhance your typing experience the most.
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