Keygeek Keygeek Raw vs. Outemu Dustproof Black
An in-depth look at the Keygeek Keygeek Raw and the Outemu Dustproof Black switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the Keygeek Raw and the Outemu Dustproof black both offer unique qualities to cater to different preferences. The Keygeek Raw stands out for its distinctive material blend, combining nylon, UMPE, and silicon to create a creamy and lightweight switch that provides a textured feel straight out of the box. Ideal for enthusiasts who enjoy hand-lubing their switches, the Keygeek Raw is categorized as textured, mild, neutral, and subtle. On the other hand, the Outemu Dustproof black is a linear switch with no specific standout feature mentioned. However, it is worth noting that it is categorized as versatile. These differences in design and attributes offer a range of options for keyboard enthusiasts. Let's dive a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the right switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
N/A
Actuation force
60g
Bottom-out force
57.5g
Bottom-out force
80g
Pre-travel
1.40 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
No
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Partial box
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 Dustproof Black both offer unique housing materials in their switches. The Keygeek Raw features a Nylon & UPE blend top housing, exclusive to their switches, while the Dustproof Black utilizes a polycarbonate top housing. The polycarbonate material creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to its stiffness, making it ideal for switches with RGB lighting. On the other hand, the Nylon & UPE blend in the Keygeek Raw offers a different sound experience, not as crisp but potentially deeper and fuller in tone. Both materials have their own benefits in terms of sound quality and aesthetics, catering to different preferences.
In terms of the bottom housing, the Keygeek Raw uses a UMPE & Si blend material while the Outemu Dustproof Black uses nylon. The UMPE & Si blend in the Keygeek Raw provides a unique sound profile, likely offering a different typing experience compared to the nylon bottom housing of the Dustproof Black. Nylon is known for creating a deeper and fuller sound due to its softer nature, absorbing more sound and resulting in a duller and rounder tone. These differences in bottom housing materials can significantly impact the overall typing experience and sound output of the switches, catering to users looking for specific sound qualities.
Overall, while the top and bottom housing materials of the Keygeek Raw and Outemu Dustproof Black switches offer different sound profiles, they both aim to provide a unique typing experience. The choice between polycarbonate and Nylon & UPE blend materials for the top housing can affect the sound profile and aesthetics of the switches, with polycarbonate offering a sharper sound and clearer resonant tones. Similarly, the choice between UMPE & Si blend and nylon for the bottom housing provides a different typing feel and sound experience, with nylon offering a deeper and fuller sound. Ultimately, users can choose between these switches based on their preferences for sound, feel, and overall typing experience.
Weight
In comparing the Keygeek Raw linear switch and the Outemu Dustproof Black linear switch, it is evident that they have differing actuation and bottom out forces. The Keygeek Raw has an actuation force of None grams, making it lighter in this aspect compared to the Dustproof Black, which requires 60 grams of force to actuate. On the other hand, the Keygeek Raw has a bottom out force of 57.5 grams, while the Dustproof Black bottoms out at 80 grams, making it heavier. This means that the Keygeek Raw provides a lighter typing experience overall, while the Dustproof Black offers a more substantial and solid feel when typing. Both switches have their own benefits depending on personal preferences, with the Keygeek Raw being more suitable for longer typing sessions and the Dustproof Black being preferred by those who enjoy a heavier key press.
Travel distance
The Keygeek Raw linear switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm, which is shorter than the Outemu Dustproof Black linear switch with a travel distance of 4 mm. In terms of comparison, the Keygeek Raw offers a quicker and more responsive key press due to its shorter travel distance, making it a preferred choice for gamers looking for faster response times. On the other hand, the Outemu Dustproof Black switch provides a more substantial depth in key press, which may be preferred by users who enjoy a more pronounced feel when typing. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for travel distance and key press experience.
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 Dustproof Black 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 it comes to sound, the Keygeek Raw linear switch offers a neutral sound profile that is suitable for a variety of environments and users, whether they are beginners or experienced enthusiasts. The Dustproof Black linear switch's sound profile is unknown, but keep in mind that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard and keycaps used.
Moving on to the feel, the Keygeek Raw linear switch provides a textured typing experience out of the box, making it a favorite among those who enjoy some friction while typing. The switch also boasts a mild and subtle feel, offering a gentle resistance and a sound signature that is not overly loud. The feel of the Dustproof Black linear switch is not specified, but if you prefer a smoother typing experience without noticeable texture, you may prefer the Keygeek Raw switch.
Overall, both the Keygeek Raw and Outemu Dustproof Black linear switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences. If you enjoy a creamy and lightweight switch with a slightly textured feel and neutral sound profile, the Keygeek Raw may be the better option for you. However, if you prefer a smoother typing experience and are not concerned with a specific sound profile, the Dustproof Black switch could also provide a satisfying typing experience. Ultimately, both switches offer their own advantages, so it's important to consider your preferred typing feel and sound profile before making a decision.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Keygeek Raw linear switch and the Outemu Dustproof Black linear switch, you should consider the key differences in bottom out force, material blend, sound profile, and feel. If you prefer a lighter bottom out force and a unique blend of Nylon, UMPE, and Silicon for a creamy yet lightweight feel, then the Keygeek Raw switch would be the better choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a heavier bottom out force and are looking for a specific sound and feel profile, it may be worth considering the Outemu Dustproof Black switch. Ultimately, your preference for typing experience and sound will dictate which switch is the best fit for your mechanical keyboard setup.
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