Outemu Crystal Brown vs. KTT Pine
An in-depth look at the Outemu Crystal Brown and the KTT Pine switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Outemu Crystal Brown and KTT Pine offer different experiences for users. The Crystal Brown is a tactile switch that is best known for its distinct feel and responsiveness. On the other hand, the KTT Pine is a linear switch that is hailed as medium-heavy, buttery smooth, and designed for an effortless typing experience. The Pine stands out with its polished, factory-lubed finish that minimizes friction for smooth key travel, characterized by descriptors like bassy, buttery, creamy, and low-pitched. Each switch has its own unique characteristics and appeal, catering to different preferences and typing styles. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the ideal switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
55g
Bottom-out force
58g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Standard
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
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
15.5mm gold-plated spring
Housing materials
Both the Outemu Crystal Brown and the KTT Pine switches feature a polycarbonate top housing that creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to the relatively stiffer nature of polycarbonate, which leads to a more clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches intended for use with RGB lighting. However, when it comes to the bottom housing material, the Crystal Brown utilizes nylon, which produces a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon's softer nature allows it to absorb more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. In contrast, the Pine switch features a polycarbonate bottom housing, offering a sharper, higher-pitched sound similar to its top housing.
In terms of aesthetics and functional performance, the polycarbonate top housing of both the Crystal Brown and the Pine switches provide a visually appealing and acoustically distinct sound profile. The use of polycarbonate ensures that the switches deliver a clear and resonant sound when typing or gaming. However, the choice of bottom housing material sets the two switches apart. The Crystal Brown's nylon bottom housing creates a unique typing experience with a deeper and fuller sound, while the Pine's polycarbonate bottom housing offers a sharper, higher-pitched sound. This contrast in bottom housing materials allows users to choose between a softer, more absorbing typing experience or a sharper, more precise sound profile.
Ultimately, the difference in bottom housing materials between the Outemu Crystal Brown and the KTT Pine switches provides users with a choice between a deeper, fuller sound profile and a sharper, higher-pitched sound. While both switches share the benefits of a polycarbonate top housing, the Nylon bottom housing of the Crystal Brown and the Polycarbonate bottom housing of the Pine offer different typing experiences. Whether you prefer a more resonant and clear sound or a duller, rounder sound, the choice of housing materials in these switches allows for customization based on individual preferences for typing or gaming experiences.
Weight
The Outemu Crystal Brown tactile switch and the KTT Pine linear switch both have the same actuation force of 45 grams. However, the Crystal Brown has a bottom out force of 55 grams, while the Pine has a bottom out force of 58 grams, making the Pine slightly heavier. For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the Crystal Brown may be the better option due to its lower bottom out force. On the other hand, if someone prefers a more substantial typing feel, the Pine switch with its heavier bottom out force may be more suitable. Ultimately, the actuation force and bottom out force of these switches play a significant role in determining the typing experience and preference of the user.
Travel distance
Both the Outemu Crystal Brown tactile switch and the KTT Pine linear switch have a travel distance of 4mm. This means that when you press down on a key using either of these switches, you will experience the same amount of travel. Despite their difference in tactility and linear qualities, their travel distances are identical, resulting in a similar typing experience in terms of key travel. So, in terms of travel distance, both switches are equal in length, ensuring a consistent typing feel for users who prefer either tactile or linear switches.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The KTT Pine has an MSRP of $4.60 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Pine 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
The Outemu Crystal Brown switch and KTT Pine switch offer distinct differences in both sound and feel. In terms of sound, the Crystal Brown switch is known for its lack of a defining characteristic, while the KTT Pine switch provides a bassy and low-pitched sound profile during key presses. The deep and rich bass tones of the Pine switch offer a unique auditory experience compared to the Crystal Brown.
Moving on to feel, the Crystal Brown switch lacks a specific descriptor for its tactile feel, while the KTT Pine switch is described as buttery and creamy. The smooth and fluid keystroke experience of the Pine switch, thanks to its factory-lubed finish, enhances typing comfort and efficiency. This sets it apart from the Crystal Brown switch in terms of tactile sensation.
Overall, the KTT Pine switch stands out for its buttery-smooth feel and bassy sound profile, offering an effortless and satisfying typing experience. On the other hand, the Outemu Crystal Brown switch lacks defining characteristics in both sound and feel. Depending on personal preferences for sound and tactile feedback, users can choose between the distinctive qualities offered by these two switches. Ultimately, selecting either switch will result in a satisfying mechanical keyboard experience, albeit with slightly different subjective qualities.
Conclusion
In conclusion, when choosing between the Outemu Crystal Brown tactile switch and the KTT Pine linear switch, you should consider the differences in bottom out force and sound profile. If you prefer a slightly lighter typing experience with a medium-light bottom out force, the Outemu Crystal Brown may be the better option for you. However, if you prefer a smoother and buttery typing sensation with a medium-heavy bottom out force, the KTT Pine linear switch would be the way to go. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preference for key feel and sound profile. Both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different typing preferences, so choose wisely based on what feels best for you.
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