Outemu Crystal Brown vs. Gateron Smoothie
An in-depth look at the Outemu Crystal Brown and the Gateron Smoothie switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When exploring mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options to consider are the Outemu Crystal Brown, a tactile switch, and the Gateron Smoothie, a linear switch. The Crystal Brown is known for its tactile bump feedback, providing a satisfying keystroke experience. On the other hand, the Gateron Smoothie stands out for its all-POM construction, offering a unique thocky sound signature and exceptional smoothness. While the Crystal Brown is ideal for those who prefer a tactile feel, the Smoothie caters to users seeking a buttery, low-pitched touch. 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
40g
Bottom-out force
55g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 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
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
22mm extended double-stage spring
Housing materials
The Outemu Crystal Brown features a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to its relatively stiffer plastic composition. This material is especially useful for switches with RGB lighting as its translucency allows for vibrant colors to shine through. On the other hand, the Gateron Smoothie's POM top housing produces a deeper and more muted sound profile, offering a unique typing experience with a different tonal quality. While the Crystal Brown's polycarbonate top housing focuses on clarity and resonance, the Smoothie's POM top housing prioritizes a deeper sound with a more subdued tone.
In terms of bottom housings, the Crystal Brown utilizes nylon, a classic switch housing material known for creating a deeper and fuller sound profile. This is due to nylon being a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound quality. Similarly, the Smoothie's POM bottom housing also contributes to a deeper and more muted sound profile, aligning with the overall sound characteristics of the switch. Both switches aim to provide a pleasing typing experience, focusing on different aspects of sound production to cater to varying preferences.
While the top and bottom housings of the Crystal Brown and the Smoothie differ in material composition, they both strive to create unique sound profiles for users. The combination of polycarbonate and nylon in the Crystal Brown splits the qualities of stiffer and softer plastics between the top and bottom housing, impacting the sound and feel of typing in different ways. Similarly, the Smoothie's use of POM in both top and bottom housings maintains a consistent sound profile that emphasizes depth and a muted tone. Overall, both switches offer distinct typing experiences based on their housing materials, catering to users with varying preferences for sound and feel.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Outemu Crystal Brown tactile switch and the Gateron Smoothie linear switch, we can see that the Crystal Brown has a slightly higher actuation force of 45 grams compared to the Smoothie's 40 grams. However, the Crystal Brown also has a higher bottom out force of 55 grams, while the Smoothie's bottom out force is unavailable. This means that the Crystal Brown switch is slightly heavier overall compared to the Smoothie switch. In terms of weight preference, some users may prefer the lighter actuation force of the Smoothie for longer typing or gaming sessions, while others may enjoy the heavier feel of the Crystal Brown for a more substantial typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on the user's personal preference for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The Outemu Crystal Brown tactile switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Gateron Smoothie linear switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm. This means that the Crystal Brown has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Smoothie. The 4 mm travel distance of the Crystal Brown provides a more traditional typing experience with a bit more depth, while the 3.6 mm travel distance of the Smoothie offers a slightly shallower feel. Gamers who prioritize faster response times may prefer the shorter travel distance of the Smoothie, while those who enjoy a more substantial keypress may opt for the Crystal Brown. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches comes down to personal preference based on how much travel distance you prefer when typing or gaming.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron Smoothie has an MSRP of $3.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Smoothie for $2.60.
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 is known for delivering a satisfying and crisp sound that is pleasant to the ears. On the other hand, the Gateron Smoothie linear switch is celebrated for its thocky sound, which produces a deep and rich tone with a low-pitched and subdued quality. While the Crystal Brown offers a more traditional tactile sound, the Smoothie provides a unique thocky experience that adds a touch of elegance to your typing.
In terms of feel, the Crystal Brown switch offers a tactile sensation that provides feedback and confirmation with each key press, ensuring accuracy and precision during typing sessions. Conversely, the Gateron Smoothie switch is described as buttery, creamy, and silky, delivering an exceptionally smooth typing experience that feels effortless and luxurious. Both switches offer a satisfying typing experience, but the Smoothie stands out for its unmatched smoothness and uniform keystroke sensation.
In conclusion, while the Outemu Crystal Brown and Gateron Smoothie switches offer different sound and feel qualities, both are excellent choices for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts. The Crystal Brown provides a crisp and tactile sound with feedback, while the Smoothie delivers a thocky and buttery typing experience. Depending on your preference for sound and feel, either switch can enhance your typing experience and bring joy to your daily tasks. Whether you opt for the traditional tactile feedback of the Crystal Brown or the smooth luxury of the Smoothie, you can expect a high-quality performance from both switches.
Conclusion
To sum up, when considering whether to choose the Outemu Crystal Brown tactile switch or the Gateron Smoothie linear switch, it ultimately comes down to your personal preference and what you prioritize in a keyboard switch. If you value a tactile feedback with a medium-light bottom out force, the Crystal Brown would be a great choice. On the other hand, if you prefer a smooth and silent typing experience with a unique thocky sound signature and lower bottom out force, then the Gateron Smoothie may be the better option for you. Both switches offer their own set of characteristics and it's important to consider what matters most to you when making your decision. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on your individual typing preferences and needs.
Mentioned in this article
