Outemu Lime (V3) vs. Outemu Black
An in-depth look at the Outemu Lime (V3) and the Outemu Black switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options to consider are the Outemu Lime and the Outemu Black. The Outemu Lime switch is a tactile switch that stands out for its lightweight design, approachable tactility, and silence. Perfect for those who prefer a feathery light typing experience with a subtle touch of tactility, the Lime switch is categorized as 'Neutral', 'Mild', 'Muted', 'Feathery', 'Subtle', and 'Polished'. On the other hand, the Outemu Black switch is a linear switch with no specific standout features mentioned. While the Black switch does not have a specific category, it may appeal to those who prefer a straightforward typing experience without any tactile feedback. The decision between the two ultimately comes down to personal preference and typing style. 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
35g
Actuation force
65g
Bottom-out force
45g
Bottom-out force
82g
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Pre-travel
2.50 mm
Total travel
3.30 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
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
Stainless steel
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The Outemu Lime and Outemu Black switches differ in their housing materials, with the Lime featuring a nylon top and bottom housing, while the Black has a polycarbonate top and nylon bottom housing. The nylon material in both switches creates a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer nature, which absorbs more sound compared to harder plastics. However, the polycarbonate top housing in the Black switch produces a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile, resulting in a more clear and resonant sound. While both switches offer a distinct sound profile, the differences in their housing materials lead to varying sound characteristics.
Despite the differences in their top and bottom housing materials, both the Outemu Lime and Outemu Black switches share the characteristic of using nylon in the bottom housing. This results in a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing on these switches, as the softer nature of nylon absorbs more sound to create a duller and rounder sound. While the top housing materials may differ between the two switches, the consistent use of nylon in the bottom housing ensures that the typing experience on both switches will be similar in terms of sound profile and feel.
The split between the top and bottom housing materials in a switch plays a significant role in determining the overall sound and feel of the switch. The qualities of the housing materials are divided between the bottom and top of the switch, with the bottom housing having more impact on the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing down on a key. Conversely, the top housing influences the sound when releasing a key. In the case of the Outemu Lime and Outemu Black switches, the nylon bottom housing contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile, while the top housing materials offer varying characteristics that result in different sound profiles between the two switches.
Weight
The Outemu Lime tactile switch has a lighter actuation force of 35 grams compared to the Outemu Black linear switch, which has a heavier actuation force of 65 grams. When it comes to bottom out force, the Lime requires 45 grams, while the Black needs 82 grams. The lighter actuation force of the Lime makes it ideal for those who prefer a lighter touch and want to type for extended periods without fatigue. On the other hand, the heavier actuation and bottom out forces of the Black provide a more substantial typing experience, appealing to those who like a stronger push feel. Both switches offer different typing experiences, with the Lime being more lightweight and the Black providing a heavier touch, catering to different preferences for typing and gaming tasks.
Travel distance
The Outemu Black linear switch has a longer travel distance of 4 mm compared to the Outemu Lime tactile switch with a travel distance of 3.3 mm. The Black switch offers a more traditional key press depth, which may be preferred by those who enjoy a deeper feel when typing. In contrast, the Lime switch provides a slightly shorter travel distance, potentially appealing to gamers seeking faster response times. Both switches offer different experiences based on their travel distance, catering to different preferences for keyboard users. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches comes down to personal preference regarding key press depth and responsiveness.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
For 10 switches, the Outemu Lime (V3) comes in at $3.40, whereas the Outemu Black comes in at $3.10.
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 Outemu Lime tactile switch is known for its neutral and muted sound profile, making it a suitable option for those looking for a quieter typing experience. On the other hand, the sound profile of the Outemu Black linear switch is unknown. Keep in mind that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard's construction and the keycaps used.
Moving on to the feel, the Outemu Lime tactile switch offers a mild, feathery, subtle, and polished typing experience. This means that users can expect a gentle and light key press that is comfortable for extended typing sessions. In contrast, the feel of the Outemu Black linear switch is unknown. It is important to note that the feel of a switch can greatly impact user satisfaction and typing comfort.
In conclusion, the Outemu Lime tactile switch stands out for its lightweight feel, approachable tactility, and muted sound profile, making it a great option for tactile enthusiasts seeking a softer typing experience. While the qualities of the Outemu Black linear switch are unknown, it is worth considering that both switches may offer similar results depending on personal preferences and the setup in which they are used. Ultimately, choosing between the two switches will depend on individual typing preferences and the desired sound and feel for the overall typing experience.
Conclusion
In closing, when choosing between the Outemu Lime tactile switch and the Outemu Black linear switch, consider your preference for typing experience and bottom out force. If you enjoy a feather-light typing experience with just a touch of tactility and a bottom out force of 45 grams, the Lime switch is the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a heavier touch with a bottom out force of 82 grams and a linear feel, the Black switch would be more suitable. Additionally, consider factors such as sound profile and typing feel to ensure you select the switch that aligns with your preferences and needs. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches will depend on your personal typing style and preferences.
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