Gateron Melodic vs. Outemu Dustproof Green
An in-depth look at the Gateron Melodic and the Outemu Dustproof Green switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to clicky mechanical keyboard switches, the Gateron Melodic and the Outemu Dustproof Green stand out as two viable options. The Gateron Melodic shines in the clicky switch category with its innovative features, such as smooth factory lubing and dual-railed stems, to provide users with a classic clicky sound and tactile feedback while ensuring smoothness. This switch is often described as 'Buttery', 'Resonant', 'Invigorating', and 'Crunchy'. On the other hand, the Outemu Dustproof Green lacks specific standout features but is known for its reliability and durability. While the Melodic offers a more enhanced typing experience, the Dustproof Green may cater more to those looking for a basic and reliable clicky switch. 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
65g
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
80g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.20 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
POM
Stem material
pom
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
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
Both the Gateron Melodic and the Outemu Dustproof Green use polycarbonate for their top housings, resulting in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. Polycarbonate's stiffness contributes to a clear and resonant sound, making it ideal for switches that will be used with RGB lighting due to its translucency. However, the differentiation in their bottom housing materials sets them apart. The Melodic utilizes nylon for its bottom housing, providing a deeper and fuller sound profile due to nylon's softer nature and ability to absorb more sound. In contrast, the Dustproof Green also uses nylon for its bottom housing, offering a similar experience in terms of sound quality.
While both switches have similar top housings made of polycarbonate, the Gateron Melodic and the Outemu Dustproof Green have distinct differences in their bottom housing materials. The nylon bottom housing of the Melodic creates a duller and rounder sound, as nylon is softer and absorbs more sound compared to harder plastics. On the other hand, the Dustproof Green's nylon bottom housing also contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile, showcasing the impact that different bottom housing materials can have on the overall sound of a switch. Despite this contrast, users can expect a similar typing experience in terms of sound quality from both switches.
In terms of overall sound profile, the Gateron Melodic and the Outemu Dustproof Green offer unique qualities due to their housing materials. While both switches share the benefits of polycarbonate in their top housings, providing a sharper and crisper sound, the Melodic's nylon bottom housing creates a different typing experience compared to the Dustproof Green. The Melodic's nylon bottom housing produces a deeper and fuller sound, emphasizing the impact of material choice on sound profile. Conversely, the Dustproof Green's nylon bottom housing offers a similar sound profile, showcasing how different housing materials can still deliver comparable results in terms of sound quality.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron Melodic clicky switch and the Outemu Dustproof Green clicky switch, it is evident that there are notable differences between the two. The Melodic switch has an actuation force of None grams, meaning the force required to trigger a keystroke is unknown, while the bottom out force is 60 grams, which is considered medium. On the other hand, the Dustproof Green switch has an actuation force of 65 grams and a bottom out force of 80 grams, making it heavier in comparison. For those who prefer a lighter typing experience for longer periods, the Melodic switch may be the better option. However, for individuals who enjoy a more substantial typing feel, the Dustproof Green switch with its heavier forces would be more suitable. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and typing style.
Travel distance
Both the Gateron Melodic clicky switch and the Outemu Dustproof Green clicky switch have the same travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when pressing down on a key with either of these switches, you will experience a consistent travel distance from the top to the bottom. In terms of travel distance, there is no difference between the two switches, so you can expect similar results in terms of key feel and actuation. The travel distance of both switches is neither shorter nor longer compared to each other.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron Melodic has an MSRP of $6.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Melodic for $6.00.
The Outemu Dustproof Green 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 Gateron Melodic clicky switch offers a resonant and crunchy typing experience, providing a higher-pitched sound profile with clean and sharp feedback, reminiscent of walking on autumn leaves. On the other hand, information on the sound profile of the Outemu Dustproof Green clicky switch is unknown. Remember that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by factors like the keyboard and keycaps used.
Moving on to feel, the Gateron Melodic clicky switch is praised for its buttery and invigorating tactile feedback, offering a smooth and fluid keystroke experience with seamless and uniform typing sensation. On the contrary, details about the feel of the Outemu Dustproof Green clicky switch are not available.
In conclusion, while both switches may offer different sound and feel characteristics, it is essential to consider individual preferences when choosing between the Gateron Melodic and Outemu Dustproof Green clicky switches. Ultimately, the Melodic switch from Gateron brings a unique blend of smoothness, clickiness, and tactile feedback for an immersive typing experience, while the Dustproof Green switch from Outemu may offer similar results or bring its distinct qualities. Make sure to test out both switches to determine which one best suits your typing style and preferences.
Conclusion
In summary, when considering whether to choose the Gateron Melodic clicky switch or the Outemu Dustproof Green clicky switch, it ultimately comes down to your preference for bottom out force and the type of typing experience you are looking for. If you prefer a medium bottom out force of 60 grams and enjoy a resonant or crunchy sound profile with a buttery or invigorating feel, then the Gateron Melodic switch is a great choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a heavier bottom out force of 80 grams and are not as concerned about sound and feel descriptions, then the Outemu Dustproof Green switch may be more suitable for your typing style. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches will depend on your personal preferences and typing needs.
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