Outemu Crystal Brown vs. Wuque Studio WS POM+
An in-depth look at the Outemu Crystal Brown and the Wuque Studio WS POM+ switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, it's essential to evaluate the differences between types to find the best fit for your typing style and preferences. The Outemu Crystal Brown, a tactile switch, offers a unique typing experience characterized by a noticeable bump at actuation, which many users appreciate for both typing and gaming due to its feedback and control. In contrast, the Wuque Studio WS POM+, a linear switch, promises a smooth and uninterrupted keystroke, ideal for those who favor fluidity and speed in their typing, along with a satisfying "thock" sound signature that enhances the overall experience. The tactile feedback of the Crystal Brown switch might appeal to those who value a physical response while typing, while the WS POM+ caters more to users looking for a quiet yet responsive feel. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
45g
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
3.60 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
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
22mm extended double-stage spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Outemu Crystal Brown and the Wuque Studio WS POM+, we find a distinct difference between their top housings, which influences their respective sound profiles. The Outemu Crystal Brown utilizes polycarbonate for its top housing, resulting in a sharper and more resonant sound. This material's rigidity contributes to a crisper auditory experience, enhancing the clarity of keystrokes, particularly when RGB lighting is employed due to its translucency. In contrast, the WS POM+ opts for POM, known for producing a deeper and more muted sound profile. Although both materials have their unique acoustic properties, the contrasting characteristics of polycarbonate’s clarity and POM’s warmth set them apart.
Moving to the bottom housings, both switches employ different materials that further influence the overall sound and typing experience. The Crystal Brown features a nylon bottom housing, which contributes a deeper, fuller sound due to the material's ability to absorb sound effectively. Nylon's softer composition allows for a more muted and rounded acoustic signature, which can provide a satisfying tactile experience while typing. Meanwhile, the WS POM+ continues with POM as its bottom housing. This choice aligns with its top housing, aiming to deliver a consistent muted sound profile. The POM composition here retains the unique auditory qualities found in its top housing, emphasizing a cohesive, albeit softer experience when compared to the nylon in the Crystal Brown.
In the synthesis of these two distinct switch designs, we observe that the interplay of housing materials significantly shapes the auditory and tactile feedback during use. While the Outemu Crystal Brown excels with its sharp, resonant top housing complemented by a fuller bottom housing, the WS POM+ maintains a muted sound spectrum throughout. The Impact of the bottom housing is more pronounced during bottom-out sounds, while the top housing influences the release. In the end, although distinct in materials, both switches can provide rewarding typing experiences; the variance in sound profiles and tactile responses will ultimately cater to different user preferences, making each switch uniquely appealing.
Weight
Both the Outemu Crystal Brown tactile switch and the Wuque Studio WS POM+ linear switch exhibit identical actuation and bottom out forces. Each switch requires a force of 45 grams to actuate and reaches a bottom out force of 55 grams, categorizing them both as medium-light switches. This similarity in force measurements means that users will experience comparable typing dynamics and feedback from either switch. Consequently, those who prefer a lighter touch for longer typing sessions or gaming marathons will find both options suitable. However, users seeking a firmer push feel may need to look elsewhere, as neither switch offers a heavier force option. Overall, the Outemu Crystal Brown and Wuque Studio WS POM+ are well matched in terms of tactile response and actuation characteristics.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Outemu Crystal Brown tactile switch and the Wuque Studio WS POM+ linear switch, we find that the Crystal Brown has a travel distance of 4 mm, whereas the WS POM+ measures 3.6 mm. This makes the Crystal Brown the longer option, offering a more substantial feel when pressing the key. In contrast, the WS POM+ presents a shorter travel distance, which can lead to quicker key presses and potentially faster response times—often preferred by gamers seeking optimal performance. While those who enjoy a more tactile experience might gravitate towards the Crystal Brown for its additional depth, others may favor the more immediate feedback of the WS POM+ for swift interactions. Overall, the choice between these two switches comes down to a preference for either a deeper, more traditional feel or a shallower, more responsive experience.
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 POM+ comes in at $3.90.
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
The Outemu Crystal Brown tactile switch is relatively quiet, making it a more subdued option for those who prefer a less pronounced sound profile. In contrast, the Wuque Studio WS POM+ linear switch is known for its deep, satisfying "thock" sound signature. This auditory quality provides an enjoyable acoustic feedback during typing, which can enhance the overall experience, ensuring that users feel more engaged with their keyboard. However, it’s important to note that the sound emitted by each switch can greatly depend on the keyboard’s design and the choice of keycaps, meaning that individual setups can produce different results regardless of the switches themselves.
Feeling the switch is crucial for many users, and the Outemu Crystal Brown tactile switch presents a distinct tactile bump that gives typists a clear indication of actuation without being overly harsh. This tactile feedback can enhance typing accuracy, making it suitable for both gaming and typing tasks. On the other hand, the Wuque Studio WS POM+ linear switch offers a buttery-smooth keystroke devoid of tactile resistance. This can be particularly appealing for users who favor a fluid typing experience, as it allows their fingers to glide effortlessly across the keys, ensuring minimal distraction and a fast action suitable for gaming.
In conclusion, while the Outemu Crystal Brown tactile switch offers a quieter typing experience with clear feedback through its bump, the WS POM+ excels in providing a deeper, more resonant sound along with a smooth, uninterrupted keystroke. Ultimately, choosing between these two switches will depend on personal preference with respect to sound and feel; users seeking a tactile experience may gravitate towards the Crystal Brown, while those favoring a seamless linear action may prefer the WS POM+. Both can deliver satisfying typing experiences tailored to individual tastes, enhancing productivity or gaming performance as desired.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the Outemu Crystal Brown tactile switch and the Wuque Studio WS POM+ linear switch ultimately hinges on your preference for tactile feedback versus a smooth typing experience. If you enjoy the satisfaction of feeling a "bump" during key presses and prefer a slightly more textured interaction while typing or gaming, the Crystal Brown may be the right fit for you. Its medium-light bottom-out force of 55 grams ensures that typing isn't overly strenuous, making it a solid choice for extended use. On the other hand, if you prioritize a fluid keystroke and are looking for an exceptionally quiet and smooth experience, the WS POM+ linear switch stands out as an excellent option. Its unique all-POM build provides a satisfying "thock" sound profile, enhancing your typing experience while maintaining comfort with the same 55-gram actuation force. Therefore, consider what typing experience you value most; whether it’s the tactile feedback of the Crystal Brown or the silky-smooth performance of the WS POM+, both switches offer a delightful experience suited to different preferences.
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