Outemu Crystal Brown vs. Wuque Studio WS Silent Linear
An in-depth look at the Outemu Crystal Brown and the Wuque Studio WS Silent Linear switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the Outemu Crystal Brown and Wuque Studio WS Silent Linear offer distinct qualities to consider. The Crystal Brown is known for its tactile feedback, providing a satisfying bump upon actuation. On the other hand, the WS Silent Linear is celebrated for its quiet operation, making it an ideal choice for office environments where noise is a concern. While the Crystal Brown may appeal to those who prefer a tactile typing experience, the WS Silent Linear caters to individuals seeking a silent but precise switch. 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
3.50 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
15mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Outemu Crystal Brown and the Wuque Studio WS Silent Linear switches offer contrasting sound profiles due to their different compositions. The Crystal Brown utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile compared to the WS Silent Linear's nylon top housing. The polycarbonate material is stiffer, leading to a more clear and resonant sound, while nylon, being a softer plastic, absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. This difference in housing materials affects the overall typing experience and sound signature of each switch.
While the top housing materials of the Crystal Brown and WS Silent Linear switches differ, both switches feature a nylon bottom housing. Nylon is known for eliciting a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer composition. The bottom housing material plays a significant role in the bottom-out sound and feel of the switch, impacting the overall typing experience. Despite the shared bottom housing material, the switches may still offer distinct typing experiences based on the design and composition of their top housings.
The split in qualities between the top and bottom housings of a switch contributes to a unique typing experience. The material of the bottom housing influences the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing affects the sound when releasing a key. The differences in sound profiles created by the distinct housing materials allow users to choose a switch based on their preferred typing experience. Whether opting for the sharper sound of the polycarbonate top housing in the Crystal Brown or the fuller sound of the nylon top housing in the WS Silent Linear, users can customize their typing experience to suit their preferences.
Weight
Comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Outemu Crystal Brown tactile switch and the Wuque Studio WS Silent Linear linear switch, it is clear that the Crystal Brown is the lighter of the two with an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 55 grams, while the WS Silent Linear is the heavier option with a bottom out force of 63.5 grams. The actuation force of the WS Silent Linear is unknown, making it different from the Crystal Brown in that aspect. Those who prefer a lighter touch may find the Crystal Brown more suitable for longer typing sessions, while those looking for a more substantial typing experience may lean towards the heavier WS Silent Linear. In both cases, users can expect a tactile or linear switch that provides a satisfying typing experience based on their weight preferences.
Travel distance
The Outemu Crystal Brown tactile switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, making it the longer of the two switches. On the other hand, the Wuque Studio WS Silent Linear linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, which is shorter compared to the Crystal Brown. The Crystal Brown's longer travel distance may provide a more substantial and satisfying keypress for those who prefer a deeper feel when typing or gaming. In contrast, the WS Silent Linear's shorter travel distance may appeal more to gamers looking for faster response times and a more quick and precise typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for keypress depth and responsiveness.
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 Silent Linear comes in at $4.20.
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 is known for None, while the Wuque Studio WS Silent Linear switch is praised for its muted and subdued sound profile. The WS Silent Linear switches achieve this through ingeniously designed stem railings with discreet cutouts, which eliminate the need for silicone dampeners commonly found in other silent switches. This results in a quieter typing experience that still retains a satisfying bottom-out, making it ideal for office environments or anyone seeking a tranquil typing experience.
In terms of feel, the Outemu Crystal Brown switch's characteristics are unknown, while the Wuque Studio WS Silent Linear switch is described as offering a mild typing experience. This means that the WS Silent Linear switch provides a gentle and approachable feel, suitable for a wide range of users due to its middle-ground qualities. This combination of a muted sound profile and mild feel makes the WS Silent Linear switches a versatile option for those looking for a balance between quiet operation and a comfortable typing experience.
Overall, the Outemu Crystal Brown and Wuque Studio WS Silent Linear switches offer distinctly different qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the Crystal Brown switch lacks specific descriptions in these areas, the WS Silent Linear switch is praised for its quiet operation and gentle typing feel. Depending on personal preferences and typing requirements, users can choose between the Crystal Brown switch for an unknown sound and feel, or opt for the WS Silent Linear switch for a quieter and more subtle typing experience. Ultimately, both switches provide unique characteristics that cater to different preferences within the mechanical keyboard community, ensuring that users can find a switch that suits their individual needs.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a tactile switch with a medium-light bottom out force, the Outemu Crystal Brown would be a good choice. However, if you prefer a linear switch with a medium-heavy bottom out force and a focus on noise reduction without the use of silicone dampeners, then the Wuque Studio WS Silent Linear would be the better option. The WS Silent Linear provides a unique typing experience with its innovative design, combining tranquility and precision seamlessly. Ultimately, your decision between the two switches will depend on your preference for tactile feedback and noise level in your typing experience.
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