Gateron Melodic vs. Outemu Gold
An in-depth look at the Gateron Melodic and the Outemu Gold switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to comparing the Gateron Melodic and the Outemu Gold mechanical keyboard switches, there are some distinct differences to consider. The Gateron Melodic stands out for its advancements in the clicky switch category, offering a smooth factory lubing and dual-railed stems for a classic clicky sound with tactile feedback. It is described as 'Buttery', 'Resonant', 'Invigorating', and 'Crunchy'. On the other hand, the Outemu Gold doesn't have any specific standout features mentioned but is still a reliable clicky switch option. While both switches offer a satisfying clicky sound, the Gateron Melodic may be preferred for its smoother feel. 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
45g
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
60g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
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
The housing materials of the Gateron Melodic and the Outemu Gold switches are quite similar, with both featuring polycarbonate top housings. This material provides a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile due to its stiffness, resulting in a clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches designed with RGB lighting. However, where they differ is in their bottom housings, with the Melodic utilizing nylon for a deeper and fuller sound profile, while the Gold also employs nylon for a rounder and duller sound.
Despite the differences in their bottom housings, both the Gateron Melodic and the Outemu Gold switches offer a unique typing experience due to their top housing material. The polycarbonate top housing of both switches contributes to a sharper and crisper sound profile, enhancing the overall sound quality of the keystrokes. This material's stiffness plays a significant role in producing a clear and resonant sound, making it a popular choice for switches with clear housings intended for RGB lighting. While the bottom housing may affect the bottom-out sound and feel of the switch, the top housing has a more pronounced impact on the sound when releasing a key.
In conclusion, the housing materials of the Gateron Melodic and the Outemu Gold switches share similarities in their polycarbonate top housings, providing a sharp and higher-pitched sound profile with clear and resonant tones. Both switches offer unique typing experiences due to the qualities of their top housing material, regardless of the differences in their bottom housings. Ultimately, whether choosing the Melodic with its nylon bottom housing for a deeper sound or the Gold with its nylon bottom housing for a rounder sound, the overall typing experience will be enhanced by the top housing's distinct characteristics.
Weight
When comparing the Gateron Melodic clicky switch and the Outemu Gold clicky switch, the actuation force of the Melodic is listed as None grams, while the Gold has an actuation force of 45 grams. This means that the Gold requires a slightly lighter touch to register a keystroke compared to the Melodic. However, both switches have a bottom out force of 60 grams, which is considered medium. This means that once the key is pressed all the way down, the force required to fully bottom out is the same for both switches. In terms of weight preference, those looking for a lighter typing experience may prefer the Gold switch for its lighter actuation force, allowing them to type for longer periods with less fatigue. On the other hand, users who prefer a more substantial typing experience may lean towards the Melodic switch for its heavier actuation force. Ultimately, choosing between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for typing feel and force requirement.
Travel distance
The Gateron Melodic clicky switch and the Outemu Gold clicky switch both have a travel distance of 4 mm, making them identical in this aspect. This means that users can expect a similar typing experience in terms of how far the keys travel when pressed. In comparing these switches with others, their travel distance is on the shorter end of the spectrum. This shorter travel distance may result in a faster typing speed and a more responsive feel compared to switches with longer travel distances. Overall, both the Melodic and Gold switches offer a swift and efficient typing experience due to their short travel distance.
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 Gold 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 Gateron Melodic clicky switch offers a resonant and crunchy typing experience, with a clean and sharp sound profile that immerses users in each keystroke. On the other hand, information on the Outemu Gold clicky switch's sound profile is currently unavailable. However, both switches are clicky switches, so users can expect a similar level of audible feedback when typing, regardless of the specific nuances in sound each switch may offer.
When it comes to feel, the Gateron Melodic clicky switch provides a buttery and invigorating typing sensation, characterized by smooth and fluid keystrokes with seamless and effortless feedback. This switch also offers a moderate to firm actuation force, ensuring a snappy and reactive feel while typing. As for the Outemu Gold clicky switch, information on its tactile feel is unknown. Despite this, both switches belong to the clicky category, indicating that users can likely expect a similar tactile experience with satisfying feedback and a distinct click with each press.
Overall, the Gateron Melodic and Outemu Gold clicky switches each offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the Melodic switch boasts a resonant and crunchy sound profile with a buttery and invigorating typing feel, the specific qualities of the Gold switch remain undisclosed. However, as both switches fall under the clicky switch category, users can anticipate a similar level of audible feedback and tactile experience when using either switch. Ultimately, personal preference and individual typing style will play a significant role in determining which switch would best suit a newcomer's needs and preferences.
Conclusion
In closing, when it comes to choosing between the Gateron Melodic clicky switch and the Outemu Gold clicky switch, consider the following guidelines. If you are looking for a clicky switch with a bottom out force of 60 grams and want a switch that offers smooth factory lubing and dual-railed stems for a classic clicky sound and tactile feedback without compromising on smoothness, then the Gateron Melodic switch is the way to go. On the other hand, if sound and feel are important factors for you and you prefer a resonant and crunchy sound profile along with a buttery and invigorating typing experience, then the Gateron Melodic switch is the better choice. Ultimately, your personal preference for sound, feel, and performance will determine which switch is the perfect fit for you.
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