Outemu Crystal Brown vs. Jwick Taro
An in-depth look at the Outemu Crystal Brown and the Jwick Taro switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When looking at two popular mechanical keyboard switches, the Outemu Crystal Brown and the Jwick Taro, both offer unique features that cater to different preferences. The Crystal Brown is best known for its tactile feel and satisfying typing experience. On the other hand, the Taro switches are praised for their comfy subdued color scheme and medium-level tactility, producing crisp clacks while typing. While the Crystal Brown falls under the tactile category, the Taro switches are categorized as neutral, buttery, and stepped. Both switches have their own strengths and appeal to different users based on their preferences. 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
67g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.70 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
No
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
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
Both the Outemu Crystal Brown and Jwick Taro switches feature polycarbonate top housings, which offer a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to the stiffness of polycarbonate, which creates a clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate is useful for switches that incorporate RGB lighting. The similarities in the top housings of these switches means that users can expect similar sound profiles and aesthetics when using either of them.
On the other hand, the Outemu Crystal Brown and Jwick Taro switches differ in their bottom housings, with the Crystal Brown featuring a nylon bottom housing and the Taro featuring a similar nylon bottom housing. Nylon is known for creating a deeper and fuller sound profile, as it is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound than harder plastics. This results in a duller and rounder sound when typing on switches with nylon bottom housings. The common use of nylon in the bottom housings of both switches means that users can anticipate a similar typing experience with regards to sound and feel.
The split between the top and bottom housings of the Outemu Crystal Brown and Jwick Taro switches means that users will experience different qualities depending on whether they are pressing down on a key or letting go. The bottom housing has more of an impact on the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing influences the sound when a key is released. Despite these differences, both switches offer unique sound profiles and typing experiences due to the combination of their housing materials.
Weight
The Outemu Crystal Brown tactile switch has an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 55 grams, making it a medium-light switch. In contrast, the Jwick Taro tactile switch's actuation force is unknown, but it has a bottom out force of 67 grams, categorizing it as a medium-heavy switch. For those who prefer a lighter typing experience for prolonged use, the Crystal Brown may be the better choice due to its lower bottom out force. On the other hand, individuals looking for a more substantial typing feel may lean towards the Taro switch with its heavier bottom out force. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preferences regarding actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The Outemu Crystal Brown tactile switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Jwick Taro tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.7 mm. The Crystal Brown offers a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Taro, which could provide a more substantial feeling when pressing the keys. On the other hand, the Taro offers a slightly shorter travel distance, which could be preferred by gamers looking for quicker response times. Both switches fall within the traditional range of travel distances, with the Crystal Brown being slightly longer than the Taro. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will come down to personal preference for the level of depth and responsiveness desired.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Jwick Taro has an MSRP of $5.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Taro for $4.25.
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 doesn't have a specific reputation, whereas the Jwick Taro tactile switch is described as having a neutral sound profile. This means that the Taro switch produces a moderate sound that is suitable for a variety of typing scenarios, whether for beginners or advanced users, and whether used at home or in a work setting. Keep in mind that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard housing and keycaps used.
In terms of feel, the Outemu Crystal Brown switch lacks a specific description, while the Jwick Taro switch is often characterized as providing a buttery and stepped typing experience. A buttery switch offers a smooth and fluid keystroke sensation, providing seamless and effortless typing. On the other hand, a stepped switch like the Taro switch has a two-stage tactile feel, where users can feel some pre-travel and/or post-travel during typing. This can offer a more gradual tactile feedback compared to switches with a single large bump throughout the keystroke.
In conclusion, the Outemu Crystal Brown and Jwick Taro tactile switches offer different subjective qualities when it comes to sound and feel. While the Crystal Brown switch lacks specific attributes in those areas, the Taro switch is praised for its cozy typing experience with snappy tactility and acute, crisp sound. If you prefer a switch with a neutral sound profile and a buttery, stepped typing feel, the Jwick Taro switch may be the better choice for you. However, if you are looking for a switch with different characteristics, you might want to explore other options to find the perfect tactile switch for your preferences.
Conclusion
In closing, if you are looking for a medium-light tactile switch with a comfortable typing experience and a medium sound profile, the Outemu Crystal Brown would be a suitable choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-heavy tactile switch that offers a cozy typing experience with a snappy tactility and crisp clacks, the Jwick Taro switch might be more to your liking. Ultimately, the decision between the Outemu Crystal Brown and Jwick Taro switches will depend on your preference for bottom out force, typing feel, and sound profile. Consider these factors carefully to choose the switch that best suits your typing needs.
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