Outemu Crystal Brown vs. KTT Wine Red
An in-depth look at the Outemu Crystal Brown and the KTT Wine Red switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between the Outemu Crystal Brown, a tactile switch, and the KTT Wine Red, a linear switch, there are some key differences to consider. The Crystal Brown is best known for its tactile feedback, providing a satisfying bump when pressed. On the other hand, the Wine Red is loved for its pillowy light feel and deep sound profile. The Crystal Brown is categorized as [], while the Wine Red falls into the categories of 'Bassy' and 'Low-pitched'. Each switch offers a unique typing experience, catering to different 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
44g
Bottom-out force
55g
Bottom-out force
55g
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
No
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
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Progressive spring
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Outemu Crystal Brown and KTT Wine Red switches, both switches use polycarbonate for their top housing. This material choice results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to polycarbonate's stiffness. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches that plan to utilize RGB lighting. However, the Crystal Brown features a nylon bottom housing, offering a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to the Wine Red's polycarbonate bottom housing. Nylon's softer nature absorbs more sound, creating a duller and rounder sound.
While both switches share polycarbonate top housings, the differing bottom housing materials lead to distinct sound profiles. The Crystal Brown's nylon bottom housing creates a deeper and fuller sound experience, while the Wine Red's polycarbonate bottom housing contributes to a sharper and more resonant sound profile. The split in housing materials between top and bottom impacts the overall sound and feel of the switch, with each material's characteristics coming into play when pressing down or releasing a key. This highlights the importance of considering both top and bottom housing materials when selecting switches for a keyboard build.
Overall, the use of polycarbonate in the top housing of the Crystal Brown and Wine Red switches offers similar benefits in terms of sound profile and aesthetics. However, the choice of nylon for the Crystal Brown's bottom housing results in a different typing experience compared to the Wine Red's polycarbonate bottom housing. The tactile and auditory feedback of each switch is influenced by the combination of these housing materials, showcasing the impact that material selection can have on the overall experience of using a mechanical keyboard.
Weight
The Outemu Crystal Brown tactile switch and the KTT Wine Red linear switch both have relatively similar actuation and bottom out forces, with the Crystal Brown being slightly lighter in terms of actuation force at 45 grams compared to the Wine Red's 44 grams. However, both switches share the same bottom out force of 55 grams, which is considered medium-light. This means that typing on either switch will feel similarly light in terms of pressure required to activate the keys, making them suitable for longer typing sessions or extended gaming marathons. The slight difference in actuation force may not be noticeable in everyday use, so users can expect to get comparable results from both switches. Ultimately, the choice between the two will come down to personal preference for a slightly lighter or heavier typing experience.
Travel distance
The Outemu Crystal Brown tactile switch and the KTT Wine Red linear switch both have a travel distance of 4mm, making them equal in this aspect. When it comes to pressing down on a key, users can expect a similar feeling of travel distance with both switches. This means that whether you choose the Crystal Brown or the Wine Red, you will get a consistent key press experience in terms of travel distance. Overall, both switches offer the same level of tactile feedback and actuation distance, providing a familiar typing experience for users.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
For 10 switches, the Outemu Crystal Brown comes in at $3.10, whereas the KTT Wine Red comes in at $2.71.
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 its quiet operation, making it great for those who prefer a more subtle typing experience. On the other hand, the KTT Wine Red linear switch is praised for its bassy and low-pitched sound profile, providing a deep and rich auditory feedback during key presses. So, if you want a switch with a quieter sound, the Crystal Brown would be the better choice, while the Wine Red is perfect for those who enjoy a more bass-heavy typing experience.
In terms of feel, unfortunately, specific information about the tactile feel of the Crystal Brown and the linear feel of the Wine Red switches is not available. However, generally speaking, tactile switches like the Crystal Brown provide a tactile bump during actuation, giving you a physical indication of when the key press is registered. Linear switches, like the Wine Red, offer a smooth and consistent keystroke without any tactile feedback, perfect for fast typists or gamers who prefer a linear feel. Depending on your preference for tactile feedback, either the Crystal Brown or the Wine Red could be a suitable choice for you.
Taking into consideration the available information, if you prioritize a quiet typing experience with tactile feedback, the Outemu Crystal Brown switch would be the ideal option. On the other hand, if you're looking for a switch with a deep and rich sound profile and a smooth linear feel, the KTT Wine Red switch would be a great fit for your typing needs. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will come down to your personal preferences for sound, feel, and typing style.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Outemu Crystal Brown tactile switch and the KTT Wine Red linear switch, consider your preferences in both sound and feel. If you enjoy a satisfyingly deep and rich sound profile while typing, the Wine Red switches may be the better choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-light tactile experience without any specific sound preferences, the Crystal Brown switches might be more suitable. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches comes down to personal preference and what feels best for you during extended typing sessions.
Mentioned in this article
