Outemu Crystal Brown vs. KTT Phalaenopsis
An in-depth look at the Outemu Crystal Brown and the KTT Phalaenopsis switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Outemu Crystal Brown and the KTT Phalaenopsis mechanical keyboard switches, it is evident that both offer unique features catering to different preferences. The Crystal Brown switch is known for its tactile feedback and categorized as a tactile switch. On the other hand, the Phalaenopsis switch stands out with its beautiful translucent design and light actuation force of 37g, minimizing finger fatigue during extended typing sessions. The 50g tactile force of the Phalaenopsis switch provides a satisfying bump with each keystroke, categorized as 'Bassy', 'Stepped', and 'Thocky'. While the Crystal Brown switch may attract those who prioritize tactile feedback, the Phalaenopsis switch is ideal for users seeking a smoother typing experience with a delightful tactile bump. 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
37g
Bottom-out force
55g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 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
Polycarbonate
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
22mm gold-plated spring
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Outemu Crystal Brown and the KTT Phalaenopsis, it's clear that both switches utilize polycarbonate for their top housing. This material choice results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile for both switches. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches intended for use with RGB lighting. While the housing material is the same for both switches in this aspect, the Outemu Crystal Brown features a nylon bottom housing, which elicits a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to the Phalaenopsis's polycarbonate bottom housing. The softer nature of nylon absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound when typing on switches.
Despite the differences in bottom housing material, both the Crystal Brown and the Phalaenopsis highlight the significance of the top housing material in determining the overall sound profile of a switch. The top housing, made of polycarbonate in both cases, influences the sound when a key is released, adding to the crispness and clarity of the sound profile. On the other hand, the bottom housing material plays a significant role in the bottom-out sound and feel of the switch when a key is pressed. The split in housing materials between the top and bottom allows for a nuanced typing experience that combines the qualities of both materials.
In essence, while the Outemu Crystal Brown and the KTT Phalaenopsis share similarities in their choice of polycarbonate for the top housing, the inclusion of different bottom housing materials presents distinct sound profiles for each switch. The Crystal Brown's nylon bottom housing produces a deeper and fuller sound, contrasting with the Phalaenopsis's polycarbonate bottom housing, which contributes to a sharper and crisper sound profile. The differences in housing materials showcase how the choice of material can impact the overall typing experience, highlighting the importance of both top and bottom housing in creating a unique and satisfying sound profile for mechanical keyboards.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Outemu Crystal Brown tactile switch and the KTT Phalaenopsis tactile switch, it becomes evident that there are some key differences between the two. The Crystal Brown has an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 55 grams, making it a medium-light switch. In contrast, the Phalaenopsis has an actuation force of 37 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, positioning it as a lighter switch overall. The Crystal Brown offers a slightly heavier typing experience compared to the Phalaenopsis, which may be preferred by those who enjoy a more substantial push feel while typing. On the other hand, the Phalaenopsis provides a lighter touch, making it suitable for prolonged typing sessions without causing fatigue. Both switches offer unique benefits depending on individual preferences, with the Crystal Brown catering to those who prefer a medium-light feel and the Phalaenopsis appealing to users who favor a lighter typing experience. Ultimately, selecting between the two switches will depend on personal typing preferences and the desired typing experience.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the Outemu Crystal Brown tactile switch and the KTT Phalaenopsis tactile switch is the same, with both switches having a travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when pressing down on a key with either switch, you will experience the same amount of distance traveled from the top to the bottom. Despite having the same travel distance, the two switches may still provide a different typing experience due to other factors such as actuation force, tactile bump feel, and overall switch design. In terms of travel distance, both the Crystal Brown and Phalaenopsis switches offer a consistent typing experience with a similar amount of travel distance.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The KTT Phalaenopsis has an MSRP of $4.73 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Phalaenopsis for $4.15.
The Outemu Crystal Brown comes in at $3.10 per 10 switches.
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 switch is known for providing a unique auditory experience that is not described in the available information. On the other hand, the KTT Phalaenopsis switch offers a bassy and thocky sound profile, giving a deep, rich, and satisfying sound to each keystroke. Depending on your choice of keyboard and keycaps, the sound produced by these switches can be further enhanced to suit your preferences.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the Outemu Crystal Brown does not have a specific feel mentioned in the provided information. In contrast, the KTT Phalaenopsis switch is described as having a stepped feel. This means that the switch provides a sensation of two stages during the keystroke, with the tactile feedback feeling milder compared to other switches. The pre-travel and post-travel of the switch are noticeable, offering a unique typing experience for users who prefer a more subtle tactile feel.
Overall, while the Outemu Crystal Brown and KTT Phalaenopsis switches may offer different sound and feel experiences, it's important to note that individual preferences play a significant role in determining which switch is best suited for each user. Both switches provide tactile feedback and can enhance typing comfort and accuracy. With similar actuation forces, users can expect a consistent performance from either switch depending on their sound and feel preferences. Ultimately, trying out both switches in person may provide the best insight into which one aligns better with your personal preferences.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Outemu Crystal Brown tactile switch and the KTT Phalaenopsis tactile switch, you should consider your preference for bottom out force. If you prefer a slightly lighter touch with a bottom out force of 50 grams, the Phalaenopsis switch would be a good choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-light bottom out force of 55 grams, the Crystal Brown switch would be more suitable. Additionally, if you value a more effortless typing experience with minimal finger fatigue, the Phalaenopsis switch's light actuation force and satisfying tactile bump may be more appealing to you. Lastly, if you enjoy a deeper and richer sound profile and a more stepped tactile feel, the Phalaenopsis switch may be the better option. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on your personal typing preferences and what features are most important to you.
Mentioned in this article
