Outemu Crystal Brown vs. Wuque Studio WS Jade
An in-depth look at the Outemu Crystal Brown and the Wuque Studio WS Jade switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Outemu Crystal Brown and Wuque Studio WS Jade offer distinct experiences for users. The Crystal Brown is a tactile switch, known for its tactile feedback without audible clicks, making it a great option for those who prefer a quieter typing experience. On the other hand, the WS Jade is a linear switch that stands out for its bright metallic sound profile and smooth typing experience. The WS Jade also features a light diffuser for an enchanting RGB display. Both switches have their unique strengths and appeals, so choosing between them ultimately comes down to personal preference. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities to help you make the best decision for your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
50g
Bottom-out force
55g
Bottom-out force
60g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 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
UPE
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
18mm double-stage spring
Housing materials
The Outemu Crystal Brown and the Wuque Studio WS Jade both feature unique housing materials that contribute to their distinct sound profiles. The Crystal Brown utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper and crisper sound compared to the WS Jade's POM top housing, which produces a deeper and more muted sound. However, both switches offer a pleasing sound experience, albeit with different tones and pitches. While the Crystal Brown's polycarbonate top housing is ideal for RGB lighting due to its translucency, the WS Jade's POM top housing provides a more subtle aesthetic.
In terms of the bottom housing materials, the Crystal Brown features a nylon bottom housing, while the WS Jade has a POM bottom housing. Nylon offers a deeper and fuller sound profile, thanks to its softer nature that absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. On the other hand, POM also creates a deep and muted sound, similar to the characteristics of nylon. Both switches offer a unique typing experience, with the bottom housing influencing the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing affects the sound when releasing a key.
Overall, while the Outemu Crystal Brown and the Wuque Studio WS Jade have different housing materials for their top and bottom components, they both deliver satisfying sound profiles with unique characteristics. The polycarbonate top housing of the Crystal Brown provides a sharper and crisper sound, while the POM top housing of the WS Jade offers a deeper and more muted tone. Similarly, the nylon bottom housing of the Crystal Brown and the POM bottom housing of the WS Jade both contribute to a fuller and deeper sound experience. Ultimately, both switches offer a high-quality typing experience, each with its own distinct sound signature.
Weight
The Outemu Crystal Brown tactile switch has a slightly lighter actuation force of 45 grams compared to the Wuque Studio WS Jade linear switch which has an actuation force of 50 grams. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Crystal Brown requires 55 grams while the WS Jade requires 60 grams, making the Crystal Brown the lighter option overall. Both switches fall into the medium range for actuation and bottom out forces, providing a balanced typing experience for users. Those who prefer a lighter touch may lean towards the Crystal Brown, while those who enjoy a bit more resistance may prefer the WS Jade. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for typing feel and overall typing experience.
Travel distance
The Outemu Crystal Brown tactile switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Wuque Studio WS Jade linear switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm. In this case, the WS Jade has a slightly shorter travel distance compared to the Crystal Brown. The shorter travel distance of the WS Jade can provide a quicker response time, making it a popular choice among gamers. On the other hand, the Crystal Brown may offer a bit more depth to the keystroke, which some users may prefer for a more satisfying typing experience. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will depend on personal preference for travel distance and desired typing feel.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
For 10 switches, the Outemu Crystal Brown comes in at $3.10, whereas the Wuque Studio WS Jade comes in at $4.30.
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 having a subjective sound profile that is not explicitly defined in the provided information. On the other hand, the Wuque Studio WS Jade linear switch is recognized for its clacky, marbly, and resonant sound characteristics. The use of a metallic insert in the stem base and a light diffuser in the WS Jade switches creates a bright and crisp sound profile that is sharp and resonant. In contrast, the sound produced by the Crystal Brown switches remains unidentified, indicating that the sound experience may vary depending on other factors such as keyboard setup and keycaps.
Moving on to feel, the Outemu Crystal Brown tactile switch lacks a specific description regarding its tactile feel. Meanwhile, the Wuque Studio WS Jade linear switch is described as offering a silky and creamy typing experience. The silky attribute suggests an exceptionally smooth typing feel with minimized resistance, while the creamy feature indicates a buttery and smooth sensation similar to gliding effortlessly across the keys. This comparison suggests that the typing experience with the WS Jade switches may feel smoother and more luxurious compared to the Crystal Brown switches.
In conclusion, the Wuque Studio WS Jade linear switch stands out for its distinct sound profile characterized by a metallic insert and light diffuser, resulting in a bright and resonant typing experience. The switches also offer a smooth and creamy tactile feel that enhances the overall typing comfort. On the other hand, the Outemu Crystal Brown tactile switch lacks specific details regarding its sound and feel, suggesting that the user may expect a more neutral or versatile experience. Ultimately, selecting between these switches will depend on personal preference for sound, feel, and overall typing experience.
Conclusion
In closing, when considering whether to choose the Outemu Crystal Brown tactile switch or the Wuque Studio WS Jade linear switch, it ultimately comes down to your personal preferences and priorities. If you value a medium-light bottom out force and are looking for a tactile switch without any specific distinguishing features, the Crystal Brown may be the one for you. On the other hand, if you enjoy a medium bottom out force, are drawn to a unique sound profile with metallic resonant tones and a visually stunning RGB display, and prioritize a silky smooth typing experience, the WS Jade may be the better choice. Both switches offer different qualities and characteristics that cater to different preferences, so be sure to consider what matters most to you when making your decision.
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