Keygeek Keygeek Raw vs. Outemu Red
An in-depth look at the Keygeek Keygeek Raw and the Outemu Red switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
The Keygeek Raw and the Outemu Red are both linear mechanical keyboard switches, but they offer different characteristics that cater to varying preferences. The Keygeek Raw stands out for its unique material blend, combining Nylon, UMPE, and Silicon to create a delightfully creamy yet lightweight switch with a slightly textured feel. On the other hand, the Outemu Red is known for its simplicity and straightforward design. While the Keygeek Raw is perfect for enthusiasts who prefer to hand-lube their switches, the Outemu Red offers a no-frills linear switch experience. 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
46g
Bottom-out force
57.5g
Bottom-out force
62g
Pre-travel
1.40 mm
Pre-travel
2.10 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 housing materials of the Keygeek Raw and Outemu Red switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences. The Keygeek Raw features a Nylon & UPE blend top housing, which is exclusive to Keygeek Raw switches. This blend provides a distinct sound profile that is likely softer and more rounded compared to the polycarbonate top housing of the Outemu Red. The use of polycarbonate in the Red's top housing creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound, making it ideal for those who prefer a more defined and resonant typing experience.
In terms of the bottom housing, the Keygeek Raw utilizes a UMPE & Si blend, adding its own unique touch to the overall sound profile of the switch. On the other hand, the Outemu Red features a nylon bottom housing, which is known for producing a deeper and fuller sound. The softer nature of nylon absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder typing experience. This difference in bottom housing materials can significantly impact the feel and sound of typing on these switches.
While the Keygeek Raw and Outemu Red switches have different top and bottom housing materials, each serving a specific purpose in sound production and typing feel, they ultimately aim to provide a satisfying typing experience. Whether you prefer the softer and fuller sound of nylon or the sharper and crisper sound of polycarbonate, both switches offer unique qualities that cater to varying preferences. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on personal preference and the desired typing experience.
Weight
The Keygeek Keygeek Raw linear switch and the Outemu Red linear switch both fall under the category of medium weight switches. However, the Keygeek Raw has a higher bottom out force of 57.5 grams compared to the Outemu Red's 62 grams. The actuation force of the Keygeek Raw is unknown, while the Outemu Red has an actuation force of 46 grams. For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the Outemu Red may be more suitable due to its lower bottom out force. On the other hand, the Keygeek Raw could be preferred by those looking for a slightly heavier keystroke feel. Both switches offer a medium weight option, providing a balance between typing comfort and tactile feedback. Ultimately, users can expect a similar typing experience from both switches, regardless of the slight differences in actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The Keygeek Raw linear switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm, while the Outemu Red linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. In this case, the Keygeek Raw has a shorter travel distance compared to the Outemu Red. The Keygeek Raw's 3.4 mm travel distance is preferred by gamers for its faster response times, while the Outemu Red's 4 mm travel distance may be preferred by those who enjoy a deeper keystroke feeling. Both switches offer different experiences based on their travel distance, so it ultimately comes down to personal preference whether you prefer a shorter or longer 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 Red 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 Keygeek Raw switch offers a neutral sound profile, making it suitable for a variety of settings and users. The Outemu Red switch's sound profile is unknown, so it is difficult to directly compare the two in this aspect. However, the sound produced by both switches will also depend on other factors such as the keyboard and keycaps used.
When it comes to feel, the Keygeek Keygeek Raw switch is described as having a textured feel that provides a unique typing experience. It also offers a mild and subtle resistance, creating a gentle typing feel that is suitable for shared spaces. On the other hand, the feel of the Outemu Red switch is unknown, so it is challenging to make a direct comparison in terms of feel between the two switches. If the Outemu Red switch offers a similar level of subtlety and mildness, users can expect a comparable typing experience.
Overall, both the Keygeek Keygeek Raw linear switch and the Outemu Red linear switch have unique qualities that cater to different preferences. The Keygeek Raw switch is known for its unique material blend, providing a creamy yet lightweight experience that is perfect for enthusiasts looking to customize their switches. While the specific sound and feel of the Outemu Red switch are unknown, users looking for a neutral sound profile and a textured, mild typing experience may find similarities between the two switches. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will come down to individual preferences and the specific typing experience each user is looking for.
Conclusion
To sum up, when it comes to choosing between the Keygeek Raw linear switch and the Outemu Red linear switch, it really comes down to your preference for material blend and typing experience. If you enjoy a creamy yet lightweight switch and prefer to hand-lube your switches, the Keygeek Raw may be the perfect option for you. On the other hand, if you are looking for a switch with a slightly higher bottom out force and have specific preferences for sound and feel, the Outemu Red may be more suited to your needs. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on your personal preferences and typing style.
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