Outemu Crystal Brown vs. Wuque Studio WS Onion
An in-depth look at the Outemu Crystal Brown and the Wuque Studio WS Onion switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to comparing the Outemu Crystal Brown and the Wuque Studio WS Onion mechanical keyboard switches, there are distinct differences that set them apart. The Crystal Brown is known for its tactile feedback, making it ideal for typists who prefer a more pronounced bump when pressing keys. On the other hand, the WS Onion stands out for its polished, buttery smooth keystroke feel, providing users with a satisfying typing experience. While the Crystal Brown is classified as a tactile switch, the WS Onion falls under the linear category. 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
63.5g
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
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
WS CL635 Gold Plated Stainless Spring
Housing materials
The Outemu Crystal Brown and the Wuque Studio WS Onion both feature polycarbonate top housing, creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to the stiffness of polycarbonate, which leads to a more clear and resonant sound. Aesthetically, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches with RGB lighting. Additionally, both switches provide a similar experience in terms of sound quality and overall typing experience due to their identical top housing material.
However, where the switches differ is in their bottom housing material. The Crystal Brown uses nylon for its bottom housing, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon's softer properties absorb more sound, creating a duller and rounder sound that is unique to switches using this material. On the other hand, the WS Onion also features a nylon bottom housing, offering a similar typing experience to the Crystal Brown in terms of sound depth and feel. The use of nylon in the bottom housing highlights the importance of both top and bottom materials in determining the overall sound and tactile feedback of a switch.
Overall, the combination of polycarbonate top housing and nylon bottom housing in both the Crystal Brown and the WS Onion showcases how different housing materials can impact the sound and feel of a mechanical switch. While the top housing primarily affects the sound upon key release, the bottom housing influences the sound when the key is pressed down. Despite their differences in housing materials, both switches offer a unique typing experience that is influenced by the properties of polycarbonate and nylon, highlighting the importance of housing materials in mechanical keyboard switches.
Weight
In comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Outemu Crystal Brown tactile switch and the Wuque Studio WS Onion linear switch, it is evident that the Crystal Brown is lighter in both aspects. The Crystal Brown has an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 55 grams, while the WS Onion has an unknown actuation force and a bottom out force of 63.5 grams. This makes the Crystal Brown more suitable for those who prefer a lighter typing experience, allowing for longer periods of typing without fatigue. On the other hand, the WS Onion provides a stronger bottom out force, offering a more substantial typing experience for those who prefer a firmer push feel. Both switches have their own advantages depending on personal preferences, with the Crystal Brown being lighter and the WS Onion being heavier in terms of force required for typing. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual typing preferences and the desired typing experience.
Travel distance
Both the Outemu Crystal Brown tactile switch and the Wuque Studio WS Onion linear switch have a travel distance of 4 mm, making them equal in this aspect. This means that when you press down on a key with either of these switches, you will feel the same amount of travel distance. This similarity ensures that users will have a consistent typing experience, regardless of which switch they choose. The equal travel distance also means that both switches provide a similar level of feedback and actuation force, making them suitable for different typing preferences. Overall, whether you choose the Outemu Crystal Brown tactile switch or the Wuque Studio WS Onion linear switch, you can expect a similar travel distance and overall typing experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Wuque Studio WS Onion has an MSRP of $7.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the WS Onion for $5.53.
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 doesn't have a specific descriptor provided, while the Wuque Studio WS Onion switch is characterized as having a neutral sound profile. This means that both switches are likely to provide a moderate sound level that is suitable for various environments and users. Keep in mind that the actual sound produced can also be influenced by factors like the keyboard housing and keycaps used.
In terms of feel, the Outemu Crystal Brown switch doesn't have a specific description available, whereas the Wuque Studio WS Onion switch is known for its buttery and polished feel. This indicates that the WS Onion switch offers a smooth, fluid keystroke experience with reduced friction and a refined typing sensation. Users can expect a seamless and effortless typing experience with these switches.
Overall, while the subjective qualities of the Outemu Crystal Brown tactile switch and the Wuque Studio WS Onion linear switch differ in terms of feel, with the Crystal Brown lacking specific descriptors, they both seem to provide a neutral sound profile. This suggests that users may experience similar sound results with both switches, while the WS Onion switch stands out for its smooth and polished feel. Consider your preferences for tactile feedback and sound levels when choosing between these two switches for your mechanical keyboard setup.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Outemu Crystal Brown tactile switch and the Wuque Studio WS Onion linear switch, consider the type of typing experience you prefer. If you value a medium-light bottom out force and are looking for a versatile switch suitable for various tasks, the Crystal Brown may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-heavy bottom out force and prioritize a buttery smooth keystroke feel with a neutral sound profile, the WS Onion could be the ideal option. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preferences and typing requirements.
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