Outemu Crystal Brown vs. Everglide Tourmaline Blue
An in-depth look at the Outemu Crystal Brown and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Outemu crystal brown tactile switch to the Everglide tourmaline blue linear switch, the differences in their characteristics become apparent. The crystal brown is best known for its tactile feedback, providing users with a noticeable bump upon actuation. On the other hand, the tourmaline blue stands out for its deep and thocky sound profile, offering a satisfying typing experience with each keystroke. The crystal brown is categorized as tactile, while the tourmaline blue falls under the categories of buttery, easy-to-press, mild, neutral. Choosing between these switches will depend on whether you prefer a tactile typing experience or a smooth, linear one. 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
59g
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
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
Gold-plated
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Outemu Crystal Brown and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue, both switches feature a polycarbonate top housing. This material is known for creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to its relatively stiff nature. Additionally, polycarbonate is ideal for switches with RGB lighting as its translucency allows for a visually appealing aesthetic. However, the Crystal Brown utilizes a nylon bottom housing which results in a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to the Tourmaline Blue's polycarbonate bottom housing. Nylon's softer nature absorbs more sound, creating a duller and rounder sound overall.
The differences in housing materials between the Crystal Brown and the Tourmaline Blue result in distinct sound profiles and typing experiences. The Crystal Brown, with its combination of polycarbonate top housing and nylon bottom housing, offers a unique sound that is both sharp and full. On the other hand, the Tourmaline Blue, with polycarbonate top and bottom housing, provides a consistently crisp and resonant sound. While both switches utilize polycarbonate in the top housing for a clear sound profile, the use of nylon in the Crystal Brown's bottom housing creates a deeper typing experience compared to the Tourmaline Blue's all-polycarbonate construction.
Overall, the housing materials of the Outemu Crystal Brown and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue play a significant role in the overall typing experience of these switches. The combination of polycarbonate and nylon in the Crystal Brown results in a unique sound profile with a mix of sharpness and depth. In contrast, the Tourmaline Blue's all-polycarbonate construction provides a consistent sharp and crisp sound. Whether you prefer a deeper, fuller sound or a sharper, higher-pitched sound, the choice between these switches ultimately comes down to personal preference and typing feel.
Weight
The Outemu Crystal Brown tactile switch has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams compared to the Everglide Tourmaline Blue linear switch, which requires a heavier actuation force of 59 grams. In terms of bottom out force, the Crystal Brown requires 55 grams, while the Tourmaline Blue needs 67 grams, making it the heavier option. The Crystal Brown provides a medium-light typing experience, allowing for longer typing sessions without fatigue, while the Tourmaline Blue offers a medium-heavy feel, providing a more substantial typing experience. Both switches offer distinct advantages based on personal preference, with the Crystal Brown being lighter and more suitable for extended typing sessions, and the Tourmaline Blue offering a heavier push feel for those seeking a more robust typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on individual typing preferences and the desired typing experience.
Travel distance
The Outemu Crystal Brown tactile switch and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue linear switch both have a travel distance of 4 mm, making them equally responsive in terms of keypress distance. This means that users can expect similar results in terms of how far the switch travels from top to bottom when pressed. Despite both switches having the same travel distance, they offer different typing experiences due to their tactile vs. linear properties. The Crystal Brown provides a tactile feedback bump during actuation, while the Tourmaline Blue offers a smooth linear response. In terms of travel distance, both switches offer a standard typing experience with the same keypress depth.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Everglide Tourmaline Blue has an MSRP of $6.86 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Tourmaline Blue for $3.89.
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 is known for its quiet operation, providing a minimal auditory feedback while typing. On the other hand, the Everglide Tourmaline Blue switch offers a deep and satisfying thocky sound profile, making each keystroke immersive and enjoyable. The Tourmaline Blue switch strikes a balance with its moderate sound profile, suitable for a wide range of users, whether beginners or advanced typists. Keep in mind that the sound of both switches can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard and keycaps used.
In terms of feel, the Outemu Crystal Brown switch offers a tactile bump during actuation, providing feedback to the user for precise typing. However, the Everglide Tourmaline Blue switch is described as buttery, offering a smooth and fluid keystroke experience. It also falls under the category of easy-to-press switches, requiring minimal force to activate and reducing finger fatigue during extended typing sessions. The Tourmaline Blue switch provides a mild typing experience, suitable for those looking for a more gentle keypress.
Overall, while the Outemu Crystal Brown and Everglide Tourmaline Blue switches differ in sound and feel characteristics, both switches offer unique typing experiences that cater to different preferences. If you prefer a quiet and tactile typing experience, the Crystal Brown switch may be more suitable. On the other hand, if you enjoy a deep and thocky sound with a buttery and easy-to-press feel, the Tourmaline Blue switch would be a great choice. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will depend on your personal preference for sound and feel in a mechanical keyboard switch.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Outemu Crystal Brown tactile switch and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue linear switch, consider your preference for bottom out force. If you prefer a lighter touch with a bottom out force of 55 grams, the Crystal Brown may be the better choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a slightly heavier touch with a bottom out force of 67 grams, the Tourmaline Blue might be more suitable. Additionally, if you prioritize a deep and thocky sound profile with a bouncy feel, the Tourmaline Blue would be the ideal option. Ultimately, both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different typing preferences, so it's important to consider what aspects are most important to you in order to make the best decision for your mechanical keyboard setup.
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