Outemu Crystal Brown vs. Wuque Studio WS Red
An in-depth look at the Outemu Crystal Brown and the Wuque Studio WS Red switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between the Outemu Crystal Brown tactile switch and the Wuque Studio WS Red linear switch, there are key differences to consider. The Crystal Brown offers a tactile bump to provide feedback during typing, making it a popular choice for those who enjoy a more pronounced keystroke feel. On the other hand, the WS Red features a unique 22mm double-stage spring, giving it a responsive and bouncy typing experience with a heavier actuation force for a more substantial feel. While the Crystal Brown may be preferred for its tactile feedback, the WS Red stands out for its innovative spring design and weighty keystrokes. 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
67g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.80 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
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
22mm double-stage spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Outemu Crystal Brown and the Wuque Studio WS Red, it is clear that they both use nylon for their bottom housings. Nylon is known for eliciting a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer composition that absorbs more sound. This means that both switches will likely provide a similar typing experience in terms of sound and feel when pressing down on the keys. However, the Crystal Brown utilizes polycarbonate for its top housing, creating a sharper and crisper sound profile, ideal for those who prefer a more resonant typing experience. In contrast, the WS Red uses nylon for its top housing, resulting in a duller and rounder sound, catering to a different preference in sound quality.
The choice of housing material in switches significantly impacts the overall typing experience, with polycarbonate and nylon offering distinct qualities. While both switches feature a nylon bottom housing, which provides a deeper and fuller sound profile, the Crystal Brown's polycarbonate top housing creates a sharper and higher-pitched sound that is not found in the WS Red. Additionally, the translucent nature of polycarbonate in the top housing of the Crystal Brown allows for RGB lighting effects, adding a visually appealing element to the typing experience. In contrast, the WS Red's nylon top housing absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller sound profile that may be preferred by users looking for a quieter typing experience.
In terms of construction, the split housing design of switches allows for the unique characteristics of each housing material to manifest in different aspects of the typing experience. The bottom housing, which is made of nylon in both the Crystal Brown and the WS Red, impacts the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing down on the keys. On the other hand, the top housing, whether polycarbonate in the Crystal Brown or nylon in the WS Red, influences the sound when releasing a key. Therefore, the choice between these two switches ultimately depends on the user's preference for either a sharper, crisper sound profile with the Crystal Brown or a deeper, fuller sound with the WS Red.
Weight
The Outemu Crystal Brown tactile switch has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams compared to the WS Red linear switch, which has no specified actuation force. However, the Crystal Brown has a heavier bottom out force of 55 grams, whereas the WS Red has a bottom out force of 67 grams. This means that the Crystal Brown provides a more consistent typing experience with a lighter initial press but a slightly heavier bottoming out feel, while the WS Red offers a heavier overall typing experience. Ultimately, those who prefer a lighter touch may opt for the Crystal Brown, while those who prefer a more substantial push feel may lean towards the WS Red. Both switches offer different weights that cater to the preferences of users, with the Crystal Brown being lighter overall and the WS Red being heavier in comparison.
Travel distance
The Outemu Crystal Brown tactile switch has a travel distance of 4mm, while the Wuque Studio WS Red linear switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.8mm. Both switches fall within the range of traditional travel distances, with the Crystal Brown being slightly longer than the WS Red. Gamers may prefer the WS Red for its slightly faster response time due to its shorter travel distance, while those looking for a more traditional and deeper feel may opt for the Crystal Brown. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches may come down to personal preference for travel distance and typing 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 Red comes in at $3.50.
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 comparing the Outemu Crystal Brown tactile switch and the Wuque Studio WS Red linear switch, the sound profile of the Crystal Brown is less defined while the WS Red offers a bouncy and responsive typing experience with a familiar sound signature. As for the feel, the Crystal Brown's tactile bump provides feedback during typing, while the WS Red's heavier actuation force gives a substantial and satisfying typing feel. It's important to note that individual preferences may vary, and the choice between these switches ultimately depends on personal preference. Whether you opt for the Crystal Brown or the WS Red, you can expect a high-quality typing experience with either switch.
Conclusion
In closing, when choosing between the Outemu Crystal Brown tactile switch and the Wuque Studio WS Red linear switch, it ultimately comes down to personal preference. If you prefer a lighter bottom out force and are looking for a switch that is versatile and can be used for a variety of tasks, the Crystal Brown may be the better choice for you. On the other hand, if you enjoy a heavier actuation force and are seeking a switch that offers a satisfying and substantial typing feel, the WS Red may be more suitable for your needs. Consider your typing preferences, the tasks you will be using the keyboard for, and the type of sound and feel you are seeking in a switch before making your decision. Ultimately, both switches have their own unique characteristics that cater to different preferences, so choose the one that aligns best with your typing style.
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