Outemu Crystal Brown vs. TTC Yunhai
An in-depth look at the Outemu Crystal Brown and the TTC Yunhai switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the Outemu Crystal Brown and the TTC Yunhai each offer distinct experiences tailored to different preferences. The Crystal Brown is designed for those who seek tactile feedback, providing a noticeable bump during keypresses that enhances typing accuracy and offers a gratifying sensation for typists. On the other hand, the TTC Yunhai is celebrated for its linear design, featuring a deep, rounded sound profile and a remarkably light actuation force. This combination results in an effortlessly smooth keystroke ideal for gamers and typists who prefer a swift, uninterrupted motion without any tactile resistance. While the Crystal Brown excels in delivering a satisfying tactile response, the Yunhai caters to users who favor a sleek and quiet operation. 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
42g
Bottom-out force
55g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.50 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
POK
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
23mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
The Outemu Crystal Brown and the TTC Yunhai switches showcase distinct differences in their top housing materials, which significantly influence their sound profiles and tactile experiences. The Crystal Brown utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, known for its stiffer structure that promotes a sharper, higher-pitched sound. This material is ideal for creating a crisper audio experience, especially when paired with RGB lighting, as its translucency allows for excellent light diffusion. In contrast, the TTC Yunhai opts for a nylon top housing, a material recognized for its softer composition that tends to absorb sound, resulting in a deeper and fuller auditory experience. This fundamental divergence in material choice leads to varied responses; the Crystal Brown creates a sound that is more resonant, while the Yunhai offers a muted tone, appealing to different preferences in typing sound aesthetics.
Both the Outemu Crystal Brown and the TTC Yunhai share similarities in their bottom housing materials, with both switches employing nylon. This choice contributes to the character of the switches by enveloping the sound produced during key presses in a richer, rounder profile. Since both switch designs utilize nylon for their bottom housings, users can expect a consistent typing experience in terms of sound absorption and feeling when pressing the keys. The absorption properties of nylon ensure that bottoming out on either switch will provide a similar, warm response, regardless of the differing top housing materials. This aspect can make the Crystal Brown and Yunhai somewhat unified in their overall tactile feedback even though their tonal contrasts are largely shaped by the different top housings.
Ultimately, the configuration of top and bottom housings in both switches highlights the balance between materials and their roles. The distinct sound profiles of the Outemu Crystal Brown and the TTC Yunhai will extend from their respective top housings, but share a common ground in the softer properties of nylon found at the bottom. Users who appreciate the combined effects of sound and feel can experience the nuances offered by the differing top materials, while still enjoying the predictable, softer impact provided by the nylon bottoms in both switches. In a setting where sound and feel are paramount, switching between these two could yield a satisfying experience, reflecting the inherent qualities of all-housing materials involved.
Weight
When comparing the Outemu Crystal Brown tactile switch and the TTC Yunhai linear switch, there are distinct differences in both actuation and bottom out forces. The Crystal Brown has an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 55 grams, categorizing it as medium-light. In contrast, the Yunhai switch features a lower actuation force of 42 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, making it light. This means that for users seeking a lighter touch, the TTC Yunhai is the more suitable option, allowing for extended typing sessions with less strain. On the other hand, the Crystal Brown provides a slightly heavier feel, which might appeal to those who prefer a more substantial typing experience. Therefore, while both switches are designed for different preferences—lightweight typists favoring the Yunhai and those looking for a heavier keypress gravitating towards the Crystal Brown—they reflect the spectrum of user needs in mechanical switches.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Outemu Crystal Brown tactile switch and the TTC Yunhai linear switch, a distinct difference becomes evident. The Crystal Brown features a travel distance of 4 mm, making it the longer option, while the Yunhai has a shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm. This means that if you prefer a more tactile feel and the satisfying depth that comes with pressing a key, the Outemu Crystal Brown would likely be more appealing. On the other hand, the TTC Yunhai, with its shorter travel distance, caters to those who seek quicker response times, which is often favored by gamers for enhanced performance. Thus, your choice between these switches will depend largely on whether you prioritize depth or responsiveness in your typing experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The TTC Yunhai has an MSRP of $7.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Yunhai for $5.99.
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
The Outemu Crystal Brown tactile switch doesn't have a specific sound profile prominently noted, which may suggest that it has a more muted or standard sound compared to other switches. In contrast, the TTC Yunhai linear switch is characterized by its deep, rounded sound profile, which adds a unique acoustic quality to the typing experience. This rounded sound can create a satisfying auditory feedback when typing, making it appealing to those who appreciate a distinct sound from their mechanical switches. However, it is important to remember that the overall sound will be influenced by factors such as the choice of keyboard and keycaps, which can either enhance or dampen these acoustic qualities.
Regarding the feel, the Crystal Brown lacks a clearly defined sensation, which may indicate either a standard tactile feedback or an emphasis on typist preference rather than a standout characteristic. The TTC Yunhai switch, on the other hand, features an incredibly light actuation force, making it an excellent choice for individuals who prefer a smooth and almost effortless typing experience. This lightweight feel allows for rapid, uninterrupted typing, which can be particularly advantageous for long typing sessions or fast-paced gaming.
In conclusion, the Outemu Crystal Brown switch may not have a distinctive sound or feel that sets it apart, whereas the TTC Yunhai linear switch offers a unique auditory experience in addition to its notably light touch. While you may experience a different sound and tactile sensation with these switches, your overall typing journey will depend significantly on other factors such as keyboard construction and personal typing style. If you're seeking an enhanced auditory experience and a light touch, the Yunhai may be the preferable choice, while the Crystal Brown might provide a more subdued and potentially versatile option.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the Outemu Crystal Brown tactile switch and the TTC Yunhai linear switch should be guided by your personal preferences regarding typing experience, sound, and intended use. If you enjoy tactile feedback while typing and prefer a slightly heavier resistance, the Crystal Brown is a solid option, providing that satisfying bump that many typists appreciate. Although it doesn’t have a defining characteristic, its medium-light force of 55 grams offers a nice balance for various tasks, from gaming to general typing. However, if you gravitate towards a smoother, quieter typing experience that feels almost effortless, the TTC Yunhai should be your switch of choice. With a lighter actuation force of just 50 grams, these switches are perfect for fast typists or anyone who prefers a gentle keystroke that minimizes finger fatigue. Their deeper, rounded sound profile further complements their feel, offering a unique auditory and tactile experience. Ultimately, consider your typing style, the sound you find most enjoyable, and whether you need tactile feedback or a smoother keypress to help you decide between these two options.
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