Keygeek Keygeek Raw vs. Outemu Brown
An in-depth look at the Keygeek Keygeek Raw and the Outemu Brown switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, there are various factors to consider, including feel, sound, and actuation force. Two popular switches to compare and contrast are the Keygeek Raw, a linear switch, and the Outemu Brown, a tactile switch. The Keygeek Raw stands out for its unique material blend, combining Nylon, UMPE, and Silicon to create a creamy yet lightweight switch. With a slightly textured feel right out of the box, these switches are ideal for enthusiasts who enjoy hand-lubing their switches. On the other hand, the Outemu Brown offers a tactile feedback without any audible click, making it a versatile choice for both typing and gaming. 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
N/A
Actuation force
53g
Bottom-out force
57.5g
Bottom-out force
65g
Pre-travel
1.40 mm
Pre-travel
1.20 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
No
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Nylon & UPE blend
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
UMPE & Si blend
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
22mm single-stage spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The Keygeek Raw and Outemu Brown switches differ in their top housing materials, with the Keygeek Raw featuring a Nylon & UPE blend and the Brown utilizing polycarbonate. The use of polycarbonate in the Brown switch results in a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile compared to the Keygeek Raw. Additionally, the transparency of polycarbonate allows for RGB lighting to shine through, making it a popular choice for users looking to customize their setup. In contrast, the Keygeek Raw's Nylon & UPE blend offers a unique sound profile that may appeal to users looking for a different typing experience.
On the other hand, the bottom housing materials of the Keygeek Raw and Outemu Brown switches also differ, with the Keygeek Raw using a UMPE & Si blend and the Brown featuring a nylon bottom housing. The nylon bottom housing of the Brown switch results in a deeper and fuller sound profile, thanks to its softer plastic that absorbs more sound. In comparison, the UMPE & Si blend of the Keygeek Raw may offer a different typing experience with its unique blend, potentially appealing to users looking for something new and different in their switch choice.
Overall, the choice between the Keygeek Raw and Outemu Brown switches will ultimately come down to personal preference in terms of sound profile and typing experience. While the top housing materials of the two switches offer different sound profiles, both switches provide unique qualities that may cater to different user preferences. Whether you prefer the sharper, higher-pitched sound of polycarbonate in the Outemu Brown or the deeper, fuller sound of nylon in the Keygeek Raw, both switches offer distinct typing experiences that may appeal to different users.
Weight
When comparing the Keygeek Raw linear switch and the Outemu Brown tactile switch, it is evident that there are some notable differences in terms of actuation force and bottom out force. The Keygeek Raw has an actuation force of None grams and a bottom out force of 57.5 grams, while the Outemu Brown has an actuation force of 53 grams and a bottom out force of 65 grams. This makes the Outemu Brown slightly heavier in terms of both actuation and bottom out force compared to the Keygeek Raw. For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the Keygeek Raw may be the better option, as it requires less force to actuate. On the other hand, the Outemu Brown provides a more substantial typing experience with its heavier actuation and bottom out forces. Overall, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for typing feel and force requirements.
Travel distance
The Keygeek Raw linear switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm, which is shorter than the Outemu Brown tactile switch with a travel distance of 4 mm. The shorter travel distance of the Keygeek Raw may appeal to gamers looking for faster response times, while the longer travel distance of the Outemu Brown may provide a more substantial and satisfying keypress for some users. Both switches offer distinct advantages depending on personal preferences, with the Keygeek Raw providing a quicker typing experience and the Outemu Brown offering a more pronounced keystroke. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on individual typing style and preference for travel distance.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Keygeek Keygeek Raw has an MSRP of $5.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Keygeek Raw for $3.51.
The Outemu 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 Keygeek Raw linear switch is often characterized as having a neutral sound profile, making it suitable for a wide range of users and environments. On the other hand, the Outemu Brown tactile switch does not have a specific sound description provided, so it is difficult to directly compare. However, it is important to note that the sound of a switch is also influenced by factors such as the keyboard's construction and keycap material.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the Keygeek Raw linear switch offers a textured typing experience right out of the box, which may appeal to those who enjoy a bit of friction in their switches. Additionally, the Keygeek Raw switch provides a mild and subtle typing feel, striking a balance between comfort and tactile feedback. In contrast, information on the feel of the Outemu Brown tactile switch is not available, making direct comparison challenging.
Taking all the available information into consideration, the Keygeek Raw linear switch stands out for its unique material blend, providing a creamy yet lightweight typing experience with a slightly textured feel. It is a great option for enthusiasts looking to customize their switches with hand-lubing. On the other hand, the Outemu Brown tactile switch lacks specific details on sound and feel, making it challenging to make a direct comparison. However, it is important to keep in mind that personal preference plays a significant role in choosing the right switch for your mechanical keyboard setup. Ultimately, both switches have their own unique qualities, and experimenting with different switches is the best way to find the one that suits your typing style and preferences.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Keygeek Raw linear switch and the Outemu Brown tactile switch, consider the feel and sound profile that best suits your preferences. If you prefer a slightly textured and lightweight switch with a medium actuation force, the Keygeek Raw may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you are looking for a tactile switch with a medium-heavy bottom out force, the Outemu Brown could be more suitable. Ultimately, the decision should be based on your typing style and what feels most comfortable to you. Just remember to consider factors such as material blend, sound profile, and typing experience when making your selection.
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