Outemu Crystal Brown vs. Durock Piano
An in-depth look at the Outemu Crystal Brown and the Durock Piano switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, it's important to consider your typing preferences and needs. The Outemu Crystal Brown is a tactile switch that offers a satisfying bump when pressed, providing tactile feedback for each keystroke. On the other hand, the Durock Piano is a linear switch known for its smooth and frictionless typing experience, with a deep and creamy sound signature that many users find enjoyable. Each switch has its own unique characteristics and advantages, making them suitable for different types of typists. 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
N/A
Bottom-out force
55g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
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
No
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
Mystery material
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Proprietary POM blend
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Proprietary POM blend
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Gold-plated
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Outemu Crystal Brown and the Durock Piano switches both offer unique sound profiles and aesthetics. The Crystal Brown features a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper and crisper sound profile, especially when paired with RGB lighting due to its translucency. On the other hand, the Piano switch utilizes a proprietary POM blend for its top housing, offering a uniquely satisfying and deep sound profile. While both materials excel in providing distinct sound characteristics, the choice between the two will ultimately depend on personal preference for the type of sound desired.
In terms of the bottom housing, the Crystal Brown uses a nylon material that elicits a deep and fuller sound profile. Nylon is known for its softer composition, which absorbs more sound and creates a duller and rounder sound compared to harder plastics. Similarly, the Durock Piano also utilizes a proprietary POM blend for its bottom housing, contributing to the switch's satisfying and deep sound profile. While both housing materials offer different sound profiles, they both prioritize creating a tactile and enjoyable typing experience for users.
When comparing the top and bottom housing materials of the two switches, it becomes evident that they each offer unique characteristics that contribute to the overall sound profile of the switch. The qualities of the bottom housing material primarily affect the bottom-out sound and feel when a key is pressed, while the top housing material influences the sound when a key is released. Despite the differences in materials used for the top and bottom housings, both the Outemu Crystal Brown and the Durock Piano switches aim to provide users with a high-quality typing experience that meets their preferences for sound and feel.
Weight
The Outemu Crystal Brown tactile switch has a lower actuation force of 45 grams compared to the Durock Piano linear switch, which has an unknown actuation force. This means that the Crystal Brown requires less force to register a keypress. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Crystal Brown has a slightly higher force of 55 grams compared to the Piano's 63.5 grams, making the Piano a bit heavier in terms of typing feel. The lighter actuation force of the Crystal Brown may make it more suitable for extended typing sessions or gaming, while the heavier bottom out force of the Piano may provide a more substantial typing experience for those who prefer a stronger push feel. Ultimately, choosing between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for typing experience and desired force feedback.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the Outemu Crystal Brown tactile switch and the Durock Piano linear switch is the same, both measuring at 4 mm. When comparing these two switches, it is evident that they offer a consistent travel distance for users. This means that regardless of whether you choose the Crystal Brown or the Piano, you can expect a similar tactile experience in terms of how far the switch travels when pressed. Therefore, both switches provide a similar level of feedback and response, making them equally suitable options for those who value consistency in their typing experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Durock Piano has an MSRP of $6.70 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Piano for $5.57.
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 does not have any specific qualities that it is best known for. On the other hand, the Durock Piano linear switch is renowned for its deep and creamy sound signature, giving it a bassy profile that adds richness to the typing experience. Keep in mind that the sound produced by a switch is influenced by factors such as the keyboard platform and keycaps used.
In terms of feel, the Outemu Crystal Brown switch does not have any specific qualities that it is best known for. On the contrary, the Durock Piano linear switch is loved for its frictionless and silky feel. Typing on these switches provides a gliding push feel with minimal resistance or friction, offering a smooth and effortless typing experience. This enhances the overall typing feel and reduces fatigue during long typing sessions.
In conclusion, when comparing the Outemu Crystal Brown tactile switch and the Durock Piano linear switch, it is evident that they offer distinct qualities in both sound and feel. While the Crystal Brown switch may not have standout features in these aspects, the Durock Piano switch excels in providing a deep, creamy sound profile and a smooth, frictionless typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on personal preference and the typing experience you are looking to achieve, but both switches offer quality results in their respective categories.
Conclusion
In conclusion, when choosing between the Outemu Crystal Brown tactile switch and the Durock Piano linear switch, it comes down to your personal preference and typing style. If you prefer a medium-light bottom out force and are looking for a tactile switch with a unique typing experience, the Crystal Brown may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-heavy bottom out force and enjoy a smooth and effortless typing experience with a deep and rich sound profile, the Durock Piano linear switch may be more suitable. Ultimately, both switches offer different qualities that cater to different preferences, so consider what factors are most important to you when making your decision.
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