Outemu Crystal Brown vs. SP-Star Yanyu
An in-depth look at the Outemu Crystal Brown and the SP-Star Yanyu switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Outemu Crystal Brown and the SP-Star Yanyu offer distinct typing experiences. The Crystal Brown switch is categorized as tactile, providing a noticeable bump when pressed. On the other hand, the Yanyu switch falls under the linear category, offering a smooth keystroke without any tactile feedback. The Yanyu switches are praised for their delicate typing experience and suitability for extended typing sessions, thanks to their material blend that produces a crisp sound profile. On the contrary, the Crystal Brown switch does not have a specific standout feature. Both switches have their own advantages and appeal to different preferences. 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
43g
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
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Gold plated
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Outemu Crystal Brown and SP-Star Yanyu switches show distinct differences in sound profiles and material composition. The Crystal Brown features a polycarbonate top housing, known for its sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. In contrast, the Yanyu uses a Polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend for its top housing, resulting in a more pleasant and brighter sound. While the Crystal Brown's nylon bottom housing provides a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer plastic composition, the Yanyu's unique blend in the bottom housing offers a slightly brighter tone.
Despite their differences, the housing materials of both switches serve specific purposes in enhancing the overall typing experience. The Crystal Brown's polycarbonate top housing is ideal for RGB lighting due to its translucency, while the Yanyu's Polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend top housing offers a unique sound profile that leans towards the brighter side. Similarly, the nylon bottom housing of the Crystal Brown and the Yanyu's blend bottom housing both contribute to the switch's tactile feedback and sound characteristics, albeit in slightly different ways. Overall, both switches showcase how housing materials can significantly influence the overall sound and feel of a mechanical keyboard switch.
In conclusion, while the housing materials of the Outemu Crystal Brown and SP-Star Yanyu switches have distinct qualities, they both play crucial roles in determining the switches' sound profiles and tactile feedback. The unique composition of each switch's top and bottom housings results in different sound characteristics, with the Crystal Brown offering a sharper and crisper sound compared to the Yanyu's more pleasant and brighter tone. Ultimately, understanding the impact of housing materials on switch performance can help keyboard enthusiasts make informed decisions when choosing between different mechanical switches for their keyboards.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Outemu Crystal Brown tactile switch and the SP-Star Yanyu linear switch, it is clear that there are significant differences between the two. The Crystal Brown has a medium-light actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 55 grams, providing a tactile typing experience with a slightly heavier feel. In contrast, the Yanyu has an unknown actuation force but a light bottom out force of 43 grams, making it a lighter option for those who prefer a gentler typing experience. The Crystal Brown is the heavier of the two switches, while the Yanyu is the lighter option. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for typing feel and force requirements.
Travel distance
Both the Outemu Crystal Brown tactile switch and the SP-Star Yanyu linear switch have a travel distance of 4 mm, making them equal in this aspect. When pressing down on a key with either of these switches, users will experience the same amount of travel distance from the top to the bottom. This similarity ensures that typing on both switches will provide a consistent tactile feel and typing experience in terms of travel distance. The equal travel distance of 4 mm in both switches also means that users can expect similar responsiveness and keypress feedback when using either switch. Therefore, whether using the Outemu Crystal Brown tactile switch or the SP-Star Yanyu linear switch, users can be confident in receiving comparable results in terms of travel distance.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The SP-Star Yanyu has an MSRP of $5.80 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Yanyu for $5.40.
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
In terms of sound, the Outemu Crystal Brown switches are known for being neutral in sound profile, making them a versatile option for various environments and preferences. On the other hand, the SP-Star Yanyu switches are described as thocky, delivering a deep and satisfying sound when pressed. This difference in sound profiles can cater to different preferences, with the Crystal Brown offering a more standard sound experience while the Yanyu providing a richer and more pronounced auditory feedback.
When it comes to feel, the Crystal Brown switches do not have a defined descriptor, making it somewhat difficult to compare directly to the Yanyu switches. The Yanyu switches, on the other hand, are described as mild, feathery, subtle, and polished, offering a gentle typing experience with a light actuation force. This makes the Yanyu switches well-suited for extended typing sessions and environments where a quieter switch is preferred. Without a specific descriptor for the Crystal Brown switches, it is challenging to directly compare the tactile feel between the two switches.
Taking into consideration all the available information, the Outemu Crystal Brown switches and the SP-Star Yanyu switches offer distinct qualities that cater to different preferences. While the Crystal Brown switches provide a neutral sound profile and an unknown tactile feel, the Yanyu switches offer a thocky sound profile and a gentle, polished typing experience. Depending on whether you prioritize sound or feel in your mechanical keyboard switches, you can achieve satisfactory results with either switch. Ultimately, the decision between the two will come down to your personal preference and typing habits.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you're looking for a light tactile switch with a medium-light bottom out force for a satisfying typing experience, the Outemu Crystal Brown switch may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a light linear switch with a lighter bottom out force for a delicate typing experience and a crisp sound profile, the SP-Star Yanyu switch would be more suitable. Consider your typing preferences, desired sound profile, and bottom out force when selecting between these two switches to ensure the best match for your needs. Ultimately, both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences, so it's essential to choose based on what feels most comfortable and enjoyable for your typing style.
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