Gateron CM vs. Outemu Gold
An in-depth look at the Gateron CM and the Outemu Gold switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing mechanical keyboard switches, both the Gateron CM and the Outemu Gold offer distinct experiences tailored to different preferences. The Gateron CM, with its full nylon housing, breaks away from traditional designs, delivering a richer, deeper sound signature that many enthusiasts crave. Its impeccable factory lube job ensures an effortlessly smooth typing experience, while the lengthened, dual-staged spring provides a bouncy feel, making each keystroke feel both responsive and luxurious. On the other hand, the Outemu Gold, known for its clicky feedback, caters to users who enjoy audible and tactile confirmation with each press. While the Gold switches might not have the same immersive audio character as the CMs, they excel in providing an engaging typing sensation that can enhance productivity and enjoyment during long sessions. However, let’s dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your individual needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
55g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Bottom-out force
60g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Nylon
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Dual-staged 20mm lengthened gold-plated spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
When examining the housing materials of the Gateron CM and the Outemu Gold switches, notable differences emerge primarily from their top housings. The Gateron CM utilizes a nylon top housing, which contributes to a deeper, fuller sound profile during typing. This is due to nylon's softer plastic nature, which absorbs sound more effectively compared to harder materials. In contrast, the Outemu Gold features a polycarbonate top housing, which provides a sharper, crisper sound. Polycarbonate's stiffness ensures a clearer resonance, making for a more pronounced auditory experience on keystrokes. Therefore, while both switches can deliver satisfying typing experiences, the nature of their sound profiles is significantly influenced by their respective top housing materials.
While the top housings of these switches differ, their bottom housings share a commonality, both being made of nylon. This similarity means that the depth and fullness of sound associated with nylon will be present in the bottom-out phase for both switches. Each switch will thus exhibit a duller and rounder sound profile under bottoming out. This consistency in bottom housing material provides an interesting element of contrast, as users might notice that although the CM and Gold have different auditory experiences during typing, the characteristics of the bottom-out sound will remain comparable and subdued because they both utilize nylon in that regard.
The interaction between the two distinct housing materials for the top and bottom aspects of each switch further emphasizes the importance of sound and feel in keyboard performance. The CM’s nylon top and bottom housing will create a cohesive sound profile that favors warmth and depth, ideal for those who prefer a quieter and softer typing experience. On the other hand, the combination of a polycarbonate top and nylon bottom in the Outemu Gold produces a hybrid sound dynamic: a vibrant and crisp sound upon key release complemented by a rich, cushioned bottom-out experience. Ultimately, users will experience subtle variances in typing feel and sound, which could influence their preference depending on whether they favor clarity or depth in their keyboard acoustics.
Weight
When comparing the Gateron CM linear switch and the Outemu Gold clicky switch, a clear distinction emerges in terms of actuation and bottom out forces. The Gateron CM has an actuation force of 55 grams and a bottom out force of 63.5 grams, making it a medium-heavy option that provides a more substantial typing experience. In contrast, the Outemu Gold clicky switch features a lighter actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams, categorizing it as a medium option. As a result, the Gateron CM is heavier overall, appealing to users who prefer a stronger push feel while typing. In contrast, the Outemu Gold's lighter actuation makes it ideal for longer typing sessions or gaming marathons, offering less fatigue over extended use. Ultimately, these differences cater to varying preferences, such as comfort and typing experience, making the choice dependent on an individual's typing style and ergonomic needs.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Gateron CM linear switch and the Outemu Gold clicky switch, the Gateron CM features a shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Outemu Gold has a longer travel distance of 4.0 mm. This means that the Gold switch, with its traditional 4 mm distance, provides a deeper and more substantial feel, which some users may prefer for a more tactile typing experience. On the other hand, the Gateron CM, with its shorter 3.6 mm travel distance, caters to those looking for quicker response times, making it a favorable choice for gamers. Ultimately, your preference will dictate which switch best suits your needs: a shorter travel distance for speed and responsiveness or a longer distance for a more pronounced pressing experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron CM has an MSRP of $4.80 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the CM for $4.25.
The Outemu Gold 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
When comparing the sound profiles of the Gateron CM linear switch and the Outemu Gold clicky switch, the CM undoubtedly presents a more distinct auditory experience. The CM produces a basy, thocky sound characterized by a fuller, deeper tone thanks to its nylon housing and factory lubrication. This results in a rich acoustic feedback that many typists find satisfying. In contrast, the Outemu Gold does not have any known sound characteristics mentioned, making it challenging to pinpoint its auditory experience compared to the CM. Typically, clicky switches like the Gold would have a higher-pitched, sharper sound, but without specific details, this remains ambiguous. Thus, while the CM is celebrated for its robust sound profile, the Gold's acoustics are uncertain.
In terms of feel, the CM linear switch excels with descriptors such as buttery, polished, creamy, and frictionless, all indicating an exceptionally smooth and fluid keystroke experience. Users can expect a typing sensation that glides effortlessly, thanks to the thoughtful factory lube application and the materials used in the construction of the switch. In stark contrast, the Outemu Gold does not provide any specific details regarding its tactile feel, leaving it difficult to assess how it compares to the CM. Generally, clicky switches are characterized by a tactile bump, which could render the typing experience more engaging for some, but without further elaboration on the Gold’s properties, a definitive comparison cannot be made.
Overall, the Gateron CM linear switch stands out with its favorable sound profile and an incredibly smooth typing experience, making it a strong choice for those who prioritize comfort and auditory pleasure. On the other hand, the Outemu Gold switch presents uncertainty regarding both sound and feel, making it a less defined option for newcomers. If a user is looking for a well-rounded switch, the CM would be recommended, especially if they appreciate a deeper sound and a buttery typing sensation, while the Gold remains an option only if they lean towards clicky switches without specific sound and feel preferences.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the Gateron CM linear switch and the Outemu Gold clicky switch ultimately comes down to your personal preferences and typing style. If you favor a smooth, rich typing experience and appreciate the deeper sound profile that the CM offers, especially enhanced by its unique nylon housing and factory lubrication, then the Gateron CM is the clear choice for you. Its medium-heavy bottom out force of 63.5 grams and its luxurious sound and feel will make typing feel effortless and satisfying, reminiscent of gliding your fingers over a surface. On the other hand, if you lean towards a more tactile feedback with an audible click and enjoy a slightly lighter keypress with a bottom out force of 60 grams, the Outemu Gold clicky switch may be more suited to your needs. While the Gold may lack the refined soundscape of the CM, its clicky nature could enhance your gaming experience and offer a unique auditory cue during typing. Ultimately, your decision should reflect your preferred balance between sound, feel, and application—be it for gaming, writing, or general typing—ensuring your keyboard setup feels just right for you.
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