Outemu Crystal Brown vs. Jerrzi Violet
An in-depth look at the Outemu Crystal Brown and the Jerrzi Violet switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing between the Outemu Crystal Brown and the Jerrzi Violet mechanical keyboard switches, it's important to consider their individual characteristics. The Crystal Brown is known for its None and falls into the tactile switch category. On the other hand, the Jerrzi Violet switches are recognized for their gentle tactile feel, smooth actuation, and pleasingly poppy tactility, categorized as Stepped and Neutral switches. While both switches offer a tactile typing experience, the Violet switches provide a more balanced and enjoyable sound signature. 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
45g
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
3.70 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
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Outemu Crystal Brown and the Jerrzi Violet switches are quite similar in terms of the top housing being made of polycarbonate. Polycarbonate is known for creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to its stiffness, making it resonate more clearly. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate is ideal for switches that utilize RGB lighting. This means that both switches will likely produce a similar sound profile and aesthetic appeal with their polycarbonate top housings.
While both switches share the same polycarbonate top housing, they differ in their bottom housing material. The Crystal Brown features a nylon bottom housing, which is known for eliciting a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon's softer nature absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound compared to harder plastic materials. On the other hand, the Jerrzi Violet also has a nylon bottom housing, offering the same benefits in terms of sound profile. This similarity in bottom housing material may result in both switches providing a similar typing experience in terms of sound and feel.
The difference in housing materials between the top and bottom of the switches plays a crucial role in the overall sound and feel of typing on the Outemu Crystal Brown and the Jerrzi Violet. The qualities brought by the bottom housing material, such as depth and fullness in sound, will impact the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing down on the switch. In contrast, the top housing material will influence the sound when releasing a key. Despite the differences in bottom housing material, the similarity in using polycarbonate for the top housing ensures that both switches will provide a consistent and clear sound profile with the added benefit of RGB lighting compatibility.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Outemu Crystal Brown tactile switch and the Jerrzi Violet tactile switch, one can see that they both have the same actuation force of 45 grams. However, the Crystal Brown has a bottom out force of 55 grams, while the Violet's bottom out force is unknown. This makes the Crystal Brown slightly heavier in terms of bottom out force. The weight of a switch is important as it can affect typing comfort and fatigue. Some may prefer the lighter actuation and bottom out force of the Crystal Brown for longer typing sessions, while others may prefer the slightly heavier bottom out force of the Violet for a more substantial typing experience. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will depend on personal preference and the level of force one prefers in their typing experience.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Outemu Crystal Brown tactile switch and the Jerrzi Violet tactile switch, it is clear that the Crystal Brown has a longer travel distance of 4 mm compared to the Violet's 3.7 mm. Both switches fall within the typical range of travel distances, with 4.0 mm being a more traditional distance and 3.0 mm being on the shallower end. Gamers may appreciate the shorter travel distance of the Violet for faster response times, while those who prefer a more substantial keypress may opt for the Crystal Brown. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for depth and responsiveness.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Jerrzi Violet has an MSRP of $2.79 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Violet for $2.30.
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 typically known for being relatively quiet, providing a soft and subtle typing experience. On the other hand, the Jerrzi Violet switch offers a neutral sound profile, making it suitable for a variety of environments and users. Both switches are not known for being overly loud, so if you enjoy a quieter typing experience, you can expect similar results from both the Crystal Brown and Violet switches.
Moving on to feel, the Outemu Crystal Brown switch does not have a specific description provided. In contrast, the Jerrzi Violet switch is described as having a stepped tactile feel. This means that the Violet switch offers a more gradual tactile feedback compared to switches with a sharper bump. If you prefer a more subtle tactile feel with some pre-travel and/or post-travel sensation, the Violet switches may be more to your liking compared to the Crystal Brown switches.
In conclusion, both the Outemu Crystal Brown and Jerrzi Violet switches have their own unique qualities that cater to different preferences. While the Crystal Brown switch offers a quieter typing experience and a tactile feel yet to be described, the Jerrzi Violet switch provides a gentle tactile feedback with a neutral sound profile and stepped feel. Ultimately, the best switch for you will depend on your personal preferences in terms of sound, feel, and typing experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, when considering whether to choose the Outemu Crystal Brown tactile switch or the Jerrzi Violet tactile switch, it ultimately comes down to your personal preference and typing style. If you prefer a medium-light bottom out force and are looking for a switch with a reputation for a specific feature (None), the Crystal Brown may be the way to go. On the other hand, if you prefer a switch with no specified bottom out force and are seeking a gentle tactile switch with smooth actuation and a poppy tactility, the Violet switch might be the better option. Both switches offer unique characteristics in terms of sound and feel, so it's important to consider what aspects are most important to you in determining which switch will provide the most enjoyable typing experience.
Mentioned in this article
