Outemu Crystal Brown vs. HMX SU
An in-depth look at the Outemu Crystal Brown and the HMX SU switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When exploring the world of mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options worth considering are the Outemu Crystal Brown, a tactile switch, and the HMX SU, a linear switch. The Crystal Brown is favored for its tactile feedback, providing a satisfying bump that signals a key actuation without the loud click found in some other tactile switches, making it ideal for typists who appreciate a responsive feel without excessive noise. In contrast, the HMX SU is celebrated for its smooth linear action, characterized by a full PA12 housing and a T5 stem that yields a deeper, unobtrusive sound profile, perfect for gamers and those who prefer a quieter typing experience. Each switch has its distinct advantages: the Crystal Brown is great for precision and feedback in typing, while the HMX SU offers uninterrupted keystrokes for fast-paced gaming. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your preferences.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
55g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.80 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
T5
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
22mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Outemu Crystal Brown and the HMX SU, key differences emerge that significantly influence the acoustic and tactile performance of each switch. The Crystal Brown features a polycarbonate top housing, known for its rigidity, which results in a sharper and crisper sound profile. This characteristic is particularly advantageous for users who prefer clarity in their keystrokes, especially when using RGB lighting, as the translucent nature of polycarbonate enhances visual effects. In contrast, the HMX SU employs a nylon top housing, which is a classic choice known for its softer texture. This material absorbs more sound, leading to a deeper and rounder sound profile that can offer a more subdued auditory experience compared to its polycarbonate counterpart.
Both switches utilize nylon for their bottom housing, which creates a consistent acoustic environment where the qualities of the material take center stage. With both the Crystal Brown and the SU using nylon in the bottom housing, users can expect a fuller sound profile, characterized by its ability to absorb sound and create a more dampened typing experience. As a result, the typing feedback from both switches will feel similar based on the nylon material used, ensuring a satisfying bottom-out experience. The interaction of the nylon bottom with the key press dynamics ensures that both switches create a similar foundational sound layer that contributes to overall sound consistency.
Ultimately, the variation in top housing materials between the Outemu Crystal Brown and the HMX SU leads to distinct auditory experiences, while the shared nylon bottom housing grounds both switches in a deeper and richer sound profile. The impact of each housing type means that users looking for clarity and brightness might gravitate towards the Crystal Brown, whereas those who prefer a more muted and rounded sound may find the HMX SU more appealing. In essence, while both switch types share a common nylon bottom housing that contributes to their sound signature, the differing top housing materials create a diverse typing experience that can cater to varying preferences among keyboard enthusiasts.
Weight
When comparing the Outemu Crystal Brown tactile switch to the HMX SU linear switch, both share the same actuation force of 45 grams, making them equal in the force required to trigger a keystroke. However, there is a notable difference in their bottom out forces: the Crystal Brown has a bottom out force of 55 grams, while the HMX SU has a lighter bottom out force of 50 grams. This distinction means that, while both switches feel similar when initially pressed, the Crystal Brown provides a heavier overall feel due to its higher bottom out force. As a result, for typists who prefer a more substantial typing experience, the Crystal Brown would be a better choice, whereas those looking for a lighter switch ideal for extended typing sessions may find the HMX SU more comfortable. Thus, if an individual prioritizes a lighter total pressing experience, the HMX SU would be more suitable given its lighter bottom out force.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Outemu Crystal Brown tactile switch and the HMX SU linear switch, there is a clear distinction: the Crystal Brown features a travel distance of 4 mm, while the HMX SU offers a shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm. This difference makes the Crystal Brown the more traditional option, providing a deeper compression that some users appreciate for its tactile feedback. In contrast, the SU’s shorter travel distance may appeal to those who prioritize quicker response times in gaming scenarios. As shorter travel distances are becoming more popular for enhancing speed, if you find value in rapid key presses, the HMX SU would be the better choice. Ultimately, the decision between these switches hinges on personal preference for either a more substantial feel, with the Crystal Brown, or a swifter action, as offered by the HMX SU.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The HMX SU has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the SU for $3.29.
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 a specified sound profile, making it hard to define its auditory characteristics. On the other hand, the HMX SU linear switch is noted for its subtle yet relatively deep sound profile, thanks in part to its full PA12 housing and T5 stem. This combination offers a muted acoustic experience that is generally softer compared to other tactile switches, contributing to a more subdued typing environment. However, it's essential to remember that the final sound produced by either switch can vary significantly depending on the keyboard construction and the chosen keycaps.
In terms of feel, the Outemu Crystal Brown switch is characterized by its tactile feedback, providing a noticeable bump during key presses which can enhance the typing experience for those who favor a tactile sensation. Conversely, the HMX SU linear switch offers a smooth and uninterrupted key press without any tactile bump, ensuring a fluid motion from top to bottom, appealing to users who appreciate a consistent key feel. The differences in feel are stark, as the tactile feedback of the Crystal Brown can make typists feel more connected to their keystrokes, while the linear action of the SU can cater to gamers or individuals who prefer rapid key actuations without tactile interruptions.
In conclusion, while the Outemu Crystal Brown and HMX SU linear switches provide distinct auditory and tactile experiences, they cater to different user preferences. The Crystal Brown excels in offering tactile feedback that many typists enjoy, whereas the HMX SU is designed for smoothness and subtle acoustics. If you are someone who values tactile responses in your typing, the Crystal Brown would likely be more satisfying, while the SU might appeal to those who favor a quieter and more fluid keystroke. Ultimately, your choice will depend on whether you prioritize tactile feedback or a linear feel in your mechanical keyboard experience.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the Outemu Crystal Brown tactile switch and the HMX SU linear switch ultimately hinges on your personal preferences and typing style. If you appreciate tactile feedback and aren't overly concerned about the sound profile, the Crystal Brown, with its medium-light actuation force of 55 grams, offers a satisfying bump that can enhance your typing experience, making it suitable for both typing and general gaming. Conversely, if you prefer a smoother and quieter experience, the HMX SU linear switch is the better choice, thanks to its lighter actuation force of 50 grams and a deeper sound profile that pairs well with its PA12 housing, offering a unique auditory sensation while remaining more subdued overall. In summary, choose the Crystal Brown for a tactile feel and a bit more resistance, making it perfect for those who enjoy the feedback while typing, whereas the SUs are ideal for those who prioritize a soft touch and a quieter environment, particularly in shared spaces.
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