Gateron Melodic vs. Outemu Purple
An in-depth look at the Gateron Melodic and the Outemu Purple switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, one may come across the Gateron Melodic, a clicky switch, and the Outemu Purple, a tactile switch. The Gateron Melodic stands out in the clicky switch category thanks to Gateron's innovative approach, incorporating smooth factory lubing and dual-railed stems for a satisfying typing experience. Known for its 'buttery', 'resonant', 'invigorating', and 'crunchy' feel, the Melodic switch is a popular choice for those who enjoy a clicky sound and tactile feedback. On the other hand, the Outemu Purple is a tactile switch without any standout features mentioned. Tactile switches are known for offering a slight bump in the keystroke to provide feedback to the user. While both switches have their own unique characteristics, it ultimately comes down to personal preference. 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
50g
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 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 Purple switches feature polycarbonate top housings, which create a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to the relatively stiff nature of polycarbonate. This material's clarity and resonance are ideal for switches designed to be used with RGB lighting, as the translucency of polycarbonate allows for vibrant lighting effects. However, the nylon bottom housing of both switches differs, with nylon being a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile. This difference in bottom housing material can impact the overall typing experience, with the bottom-out sound and feel influenced by the properties of the nylon bottom housing.
While both the Melodic and Purple switches exhibit similar sound profiles with their polycarbonate top housings, the nylon bottom housings bring unique qualities to each switch. The Melodic's nylon bottom housing elicits a duller and rounder sound, emphasizing a deeper and fuller typing experience. On the other hand, the Purple's nylon bottom housing also contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile but may have slight variations in sound due to differences in manufacturing processes or quality control. Overall, both switches offer a balanced combination of materials in their housing construction to provide a pleasing typing experience with distinct sound characteristics.
In conclusion, the choice between the Gateron Melodic and the Outemu Purple switches may come down to personal preference regarding sound profiles and typing feel. While both switches feature polycarbonate top housings for sharp and crisp sound profiles, the differences in their nylon bottom housings can result in subtle variations in sound and typing experience. Ultimately, users may find that the Melodic's nylon bottom housing provides a slightly duller and rounder sound, while the Purple's nylon bottom housing offers a similarly deep and full sound profile with potential differences in manufacturing consistency. Regardless of these variations, both switches offer a high-quality typing experience with a mix of materials that cater to different sound preferences.
Weight
In comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron Melodic clicky switch and the Outemu Purple tactile switch, it is evident that the Melodic has a bottom out force of 60 grams, while the Purple has an actuation force of 50 grams. This means that the Melodic switch is heavier in terms of bottom out force, while the Purple switch requires less force to trigger a keystroke. Both switches have one force value that is unavailable, but based on the available information, users can expect a lighter typing experience with the Purple switch due to its lower actuation force. On the other hand, the Melodic switch offers a more substantial typing feel with its higher bottom out force. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on the individual's preference for a lighter or heavier typing experience.
Travel distance
Both the Gateron Melodic clicky switch and the Outemu Purple tactile switch have a travel distance of 4 mm, making them equal in this aspect. This means that when pressing down on a key with either of these switches, you will experience the same distance of travel from the top to the bottom. This makes them both ideal choices for those who prefer a standard travel distance when typing or gaming. The similarity in travel distance between these two switches allows for consistent and familiar typing experiences, regardless of which one you choose to use.
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 Purple 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 unique combination of a resonant high-pitched sound profile and a crunchy tactile feedback, providing users with an immersive and satisfying auditory experience. On the other hand, the Outemu Purple tactile switch's sound profile is not specified, so it is unknown how it compares in terms of sound.
In terms of feel, users of the Gateron Melodic switch can expect a buttery smooth keystroke experience with a seamless and effortless typing sensation, along with invigorating feedback and a snappy feel. The Outemu Purple tactile switch's feel is unspecified, leaving a question mark on how it compares to the buttery smoothness and invigorating feedback of the Melodic switch.
Overall, while the Gateron Melodic clicky switch seems to offer a unique combination of crisp sound and smooth feel, delivering a satisfying typing experience, the subjective qualities of the Outemu Purple tactile switch remain unknown. If you are looking for a similar experience to the Melodic, it is recommended to explore other switches with known qualities that match your preferences.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Gateron Melodic clicky switch and the Outemu Purple tactile switch, you should consider your preference for a higher bottom out force compared to none, as well as your desired typing experience. If you enjoy a medium bottom out force and a clicky sound with smoothness and tactile feedback, the Gateron Melodic would be a great choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a tactile switch without a specified bottom out force and are looking for a different typing experience, the Outemu Purple might be more suitable for your needs. Ultimately, it comes down to personal preference and what type of typing experience you value the most.
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