Cherry MX Black vs. Outemu Brown
An in-depth look at the Cherry MX Black and the Outemu Brown switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When looking at mechanical keyboard switches, the Cherry MX Black and Outemu Brown stand out as popular options, each offering a unique typing experience. The Cherry MX Black is a linear switch known for its smoothness and deep sound profile, making it a favorite among gamers and typists alike. In contrast, the Outemu Brown is a tactile switch, providing a bump in response when pressed without the audible click of other switches. While the MX Black offers a stiff and textured typing experience, the Outemu Brown provides a lighter touch with a subtle tactile feedback. Ultimately, choosing between these switches depends on 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
60g
Actuation force
53g
Bottom-out force
80g
Bottom-out force
65g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.20 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
No
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
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
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The Cherry MX Black and Outemu Brown switches both have a nylon bottom housing, which results in a deep and full sound profile when typing. However, the Black switch has a nylon top housing, which also contributes to the duller and rounder sound due to its softer plastic absorbing more sound. In contrast, the Brown switch features a polycarbonate top housing, creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The use of polycarbonate in the top housing also allows for RGB lighting due to its translucency, making it a more aesthetically appealing option for those looking to add lighting effects to their keyboard.
In terms of sound and feel, the differences between the Cherry MX Black and Outemu Brown switches can be attributed to their housing materials. While both switches have a nylon bottom housing leading to a similar deep and full sound profile, the Black switch's nylon top housing contributes to a duller and rounder sound, whereas the Brown switch's polycarbonate top housing creates a more clear and resonant sound profile. This distinction in top housing material highlights the impact that different plastics can have on the overall typing experience, with the Black switch offering a softer sound and feel compared to the crisper and sharper feel of the Brown switch.
Overall, the choice between the Cherry MX Black and Outemu Brown switches comes down to personal preference in terms of sound and typing experience. Both switches have a nylon bottom housing that results in a deep and full sound profile, but the difference in top housing materials sets them apart. The Black switch with its nylon top housing offers a duller and rounder sound, while the Brown switch with its polycarbonate top housing provides a sharper and crisper sound profile. Ultimately, the decision between these switches will depend on whether you prefer a softer, more absorbent sound or a clear, resonant sound when typing.
Weight
The Cherry MX Black linear switch has a heavier actuation force at 60 grams compared to the Outemu Brown tactile switch at 53 grams. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the MX Black requires 80 grams while the Brown needs 65 grams. This means that the MX Black is heavier both for actuation and bottom out forces, providing a more substantial typing experience. On the other hand, the Outemu Brown offers a slightly lighter touch for actuation and bottom out, which may be preferred by those looking for a more comfortable typing experience over extended periods. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for typing feel and force requirements.
Travel distance
The Cherry MX Black linear switch and the Outemu Brown tactile switch both have a travel distance of 4mm, making them equal in this aspect. When pressing down on a key with either of these switches, you will experience the same distance traveled from the top to the bottom. This means that whether you choose the Cherry MX Black or the Outemu Brown, you can expect similar results in terms of the travel distance of the switch. Both switches offer a consistent and satisfying typing experience with their 4mm travel distance.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
For 10 switches, the Cherry MX Black comes in at $4.00, whereas the Outemu Brown 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
When it comes to sound, the Cherry MX Black linear switch is known for its low-pitched profile, providing a deeper and more bass-heavy tone when typing compared to higher-pitched switches. On the other hand, the Outemu Brown tactile switch's sound profile is not specified. Keep in mind that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by the keyboard construction and keycaps used, so individual results may vary.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the Cherry MX Black is celebrated for its textured and stiff keystrokes. The textured feel adds a certain level of friction when pressing the keys, which some users may prefer for a more tactile typing experience. Additionally, the stiff nature of these switches requires a higher amount of force to actuate and bottom out, resulting in a more deliberate keystroke. Conversely, information about the tactile feel of the Outemu Brown switch is not provided.
Overall, when considering the Cherry MX Black linear switch and the Outemu Brown tactile switch, it is important to remember that individual preferences play a significant role in choosing the right switch for you. While the MX Black offers a low-pitched sound profile with a textured and stiff key feel, the Outemu Brown's qualities remain unknown. It is recommended to try out both switches to determine which one aligns best with your typing style and preferences. Remember that the choice of keyboard, keycaps, and personal preferences will all play a role in the overall typing experience, so experimenting with different options is key to finding the perfect fit.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between Cherry MX Black linear switches and Outemu Brown tactile switches, consider the factors of typing preference and typing style. If you prefer a heavier actuation force and enjoy a smooth and deep sound profile while typing, then the Cherry MX Black switches may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter actuation force and are looking for a tactile feedback while typing, then the Outemu Brown switches might be more suitable. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will come down to personal preference and the typing experience that you are looking for.
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