Outemu Crystal Brown vs. TTC Silent Bluish White (V2)
An in-depth look at the Outemu Crystal Brown and the TTC Silent Bluish White (V2) switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options to consider are the Outemu Crystal Brown, a tactile switch, and the TTC Silent Bluish White (V2), also a tactile switch. The Crystal Brown is known for its unique features and is categorized as tactile. On the other hand, the Silent Bluish White (V2) offers a medium tactile feel that provides a satisfying level of resistance while typing, making it a comfortable choice for extended use. Additionally, these switches are designed to be quiet, perfect for environments where noise is a concern. 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
42g
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
3.50 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 key difference between the Outemu Crystal Brown and the TTC Silent Bluish White (V2) lies in their housing materials. Both switches feature a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharp, higher-pitched, and crisp sound profile. This is due to polycarbonate being a relatively stiff plastic that leads to a clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches with RGB lighting. However, where the switches differ is in their nylon bottom housing. The Crystal Brown's nylon bottom housing elicits a deeper and fuller sound profile, as nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound and creates a duller and rounder sound. In contrast, the Silent Bluish White (V2) also features a nylon bottom housing with similar sound-absorbing qualities.
Despite having different bottom housing materials, the Outemu Crystal Brown and TTC Silent Bluish White (V2) share similar characteristics in their top housing. Both switches offer a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to their polycarbonate top housing. This material's stiffness results in a more clear and resonant sound, making it ideal for those seeking a distinct typing experience. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate in the top housing allows for the integration of RGB lighting, enhancing the overall aesthetic of the keyboard. While there may be subtle differences in sound between the switches due to their bottom housing materials, the polycarbonate top housing ensures that users can expect a similar sound profile overall.
When comparing the Outemu Crystal Brown and the TTC Silent Bluish White (V2), it becomes evident that the choice of housing material greatly impacts the sound and feel of a switch. The Crystal Brown's combination of a polycarbonate top housing and nylon bottom housing results in a unique typing experience characterized by sharpness and depth. In contrast, the Silent Bluish White (V2) also offers a sharp sound profile from its polycarbonate top housing, but with a softer and fuller sound from its nylon bottom housing. Regardless of the slight differences in sound due to the bottom housing material, both switches showcase the importance of housing materials in determining the overall typing feel and sound quality of a mechanical keyboard.
Weight
In comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Outemu Crystal Brown tactile switch and the TTC Silent Bluish White (V2) tactile switch, it can be seen that the Crystal Brown has a slightly higher actuation force of 45 grams compared to the Silent Bluish White's 42 grams. The bottom out force of the Crystal Brown is also slightly higher at 55 grams, while the Silent Bluish White bottoms out at 50 grams. This makes the Silent Bluish White a lighter option overall. The Crystal Brown provides a medium-light typing experience, while the Silent Bluish White offers a lighter touch. Those who prefer a more substantial typing experience may lean towards the Crystal Brown, while those who prefer a lighter feel may opt for the Silent Bluish White. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on personal preference, as both switches offer unique typing experiences based on their actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
In comparing the travel distance of the Outemu Crystal Brown tactile switch and the TTC Silent Bluish White (V2) tactile switch, it is evident that the Crystal Brown has a longer travel distance of 4 mm compared to the 3.5 mm travel distance of the Silent Bluish White (V2). The Crystal Brown offers a more traditional and deeper key press feel, making it suitable for those who prefer a more hearty depth in their key presses. On the other hand, the Silent Bluish White (V2) provides a shorter travel distance, making it ideal for gamers or individuals seeking a faster response time. Both switches offer unique experiences based on their travel distances, with the Crystal Brown offering a longer and deeper key press while the Silent Bluish White (V2) provides a quicker and more responsive feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for key press depth and responsiveness.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The TTC Silent Bluish White (V2) has an MSRP of $6.60 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Silent Bluish White (V2) for $4.63.
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 tactile switch and the TTC Silent Bluish White (V2) tactile switch offer distinct experiences. The Crystal Brown switch's sound profile is not explicitly described, while the Silent Bluish White (V2) switch is known for being muted. This means that the Silent Bluish White (V2) switch provides a softer and quieter typing experience compared to a standard mechanical switch. It is important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard's construction and keycaps used.
Moving on to the tactile feel, the Outemu Crystal Brown switch's specific feel is not mentioned, while the TTC Silent Bluish White (V2) switch is characterized by multiple descriptors including buttery, mild, stepped, subtle, and polished. This implies that the Silent Bluish White (V2) switch offers a smooth and fluid keypress, with gentle resistance that provides a comfortable and uniform typing sensation. Additionally, the stepped characteristic means that the switch has two stages of tactility, adding to the overall typing experience.
In conclusion, the Outemu Crystal Brown and TTC Silent Bluish White (V2) switches provide distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the Crystal Brown switch lacks specific descriptors, the Silent Bluish White (V2) switch is praised for its muted sound profile and buttery, mild feel. Depending on individual preferences for sound and typing experience, users can choose between the two switches to achieve their desired level of tactility and noise level.Overall, both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different typing preferences, ensuring a customizable and enjoyable mechanical keyboard experience.
Conclusion
To wrap up, when choosing between the Outemu Crystal Brown tactile switch and the TTC Silent Bluish White (V2) tactile switch, consider your preferences for typing feel and sound. If you prefer a slightly heavier bottom out force and are not concerned about noise, the Crystal Brown may be the better option for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter bottom out force and want a quieter typing experience, the Silent Bluish White (V2) is a great choice. Both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences, so ultimately, the decision comes down to personal preference and what type of typing experience you prioritize.
Mentioned in this article
