Outemu Crystal Brown vs. Wuque Studio WS Yellow
An in-depth look at the Outemu Crystal Brown and the Wuque Studio WS Yellow switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When deciding between mechanical keyboard switches, the Outemu Crystal Brown, a tactile switch, and the Wuque Studio WS Yellow, a linear switch, offer unique qualities to consider. The Crystal Brown is best known for its tactile feedback, providing a distinct bump with each key press. In contrast, the WS Yellow stands out for its smooth linear action, offering a seamless keystroke experience. The Crystal Brown is categorized as a tactile switch, while the WS Yellow is described as having a 'Creamy', 'Mild', and 'Polished' feel. Each switch has its advantages depending on personal preference and typing style. 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
53g
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
The Outemu Crystal Brown and the Wuque Studio WS Yellow both have distinct housing materials that contribute to their unique sound profiles. The Crystal Brown features a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper and crisper sound profile compared to the WS Yellow's nylon top housing that produces a deeper and fuller sound. The stiffer nature of polycarbonate leads to a more resonant sound, while the softer nylon absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. However, both switches utilize nylon bottom housings, which further enhance the deep and full sound profile, making them both ideal choices for those looking for a more muted typing experience.
While the Crystal Brown and WS Yellow both use nylon for their bottom housings, their top housings differ significantly, impacting the overall sound and feel of the switches. The Crystal Brown's polycarbonate top housing creates a sharper sound when pressing down on a key, while the WS Yellow's nylon top housing provides a deeper sound when releasing the key. This split between housing materials allows for a unique typing experience, as the qualities of each material are felt and heard at different points during keystrokes. Despite these differences, both switches excel in providing a satisfying typing experience with their distinct sound profiles.
In conclusion, the Outemu Crystal Brown and the Wuque Studio WS Yellow offer users the choice between a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile with polycarbonate housing, or a deeper, fuller sound profile with nylon housing. The split between top and bottom housing materials allows for a balanced typing experience, with each material contributing its unique qualities to the overall sound and feel of the switch. Whether you prefer a more resonant and clear typing experience with the Crystal Brown, or a duller and rounder sound with the WS Yellow, both switches offer excellent options for those looking to customize their keyboard sound profile.
Weight
In comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Outemu Crystal Brown tactile switch and the Wuque Studio WS Yellow linear switch, we see that the Crystal Brown has a slightly lighter actuation force of 45 grams compared to the WS Yellow which has an unknown actuation force. However, both switches have a similar bottom out force of 55 grams and 53 grams respectively, making them both fall into the medium-light category. Those who prefer a lighter typing experience may lean towards the Crystal Brown, while those who enjoy a slightly more substantial push feel may opt for the WS Yellow. Ultimately, both switches provide a comfortable typing experience for different preferences.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the Outemu Crystal Brown tactile switch is 4 mm, while the Wuque Studio WS Yellow linear switch has a travel distance of 3.8 mm. This makes the Crystal Brown slightly longer in terms of travel distance compared to the WS Yellow. The Crystal Brown falls into the more traditional range of 4.0 mm, while the WS Yellow is on the shorter side with 3.8 mm. Gamers may prefer the WS Yellow for its shorter travel distance, allowing for faster response times. However, those who appreciate a more substantial key press may gravitate towards the Crystal Brown. Both switches offer different experiences based on their travel distances, with the Crystal Brown providing a slightly longer key press compared to the WS Yellow. Ultimately, choosing between the two would depend on personal preference and typing style.
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 Yellow 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 it comes to sound, the Outemu Crystal Brown and Wuque Studio WS Yellow switches offer different experiences. The Crystal Brown switch is known for its None sound profile, which indicates a lack of information on its sound characteristics. On the other hand, the WS Yellow switch is described as providing a familiar sound signature that enthusiasts adore. Keep in mind that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard and keycaps being used.
In terms of feel, the Outemu Crystal Brown switch and the Wuque Studio WS Yellow switch offer distinct tactile experiences. Unfortunately, information on the specific feel of the Crystal Brown switch is not provided. However, the WS Yellow switch is described as offering a creamy, mild, and polished typing experience. This suggests that the WS Yellow switch is smooth, gentle, and refined, providing a silky sensation with reduced friction and effortless key travel for a satisfying typing experience.
In conclusion, while the subjective qualities of the Outemu Crystal Brown tactile switch and the Wuque Studio WS Yellow linear switch differ in terms of sound and feel, both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences. For a user looking for a tactile switch with an unknown sound profile, the Crystal Brown could provide a surprise element. On the other hand, the WS Yellow switch offers a creamy and polished typing experience with a satisfying bounce, making it a popular choice among enthusiasts. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on individual preferences for sound and feel in a mechanical keyboard switch.
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 similar bottom out force, the Wuque Studio WS Yellow would be a great option. The Crystal Brown is known for its tactile feedback, while the WS Yellow offers a smooth and buttery typing experience with its creamy and polished feel. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches will come down to personal preference in terms of sound, feel, and typing experience. So, whether you prioritize tactile feedback or prefer a linear switch with a smooth feel, both the Crystal Brown and WS Yellow have their own unique qualities to enhance your typing experience. Choose the one that best suits your preferences and enjoy your mechanical keyboard journey.
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