Cherry MX Black vs. Outemu Gold
An in-depth look at the Cherry MX Black and the Outemu Gold switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, the Cherry MX Black and the Outemu Gold offer distinctive experiences for users. The Cherry MX Black is a linear switch, known for its smooth and textured feel while typing, producing a deep sound profile. On the other hand, the Outemu Gold is a clicky switch with no specific standout feature mentioned. The Cherry MX Black is ideal for those who prefer a low-pitched and stiff typing experience, while the Outemu Gold may appeal to users who enjoy the clicky feedback. 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
45g
Bottom-out force
80g
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
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
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The Cherry MX Black and the Outemu Gold both have nylon bottom housing, which means they will both elicit a deeper and fuller sound profile due to the softness of the nylon material. This results in a duller and rounder sound when typing on both switches. However, the MX Black has a nylon top housing, which absorbs more sound than harder plastics, while the Gold has a polycarbonate top housing that creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The polycarbonate top housing of the Gold is especially useful for RGB lighting due to its translucency, whereas the nylon top housing of the MX Black will result in a deeper and fuller sound.
In terms of sound profile, the Cherry MX Black and the Outemu Gold differ mainly in the materials used for their top housing. The MX Black's nylon top housing absorbs more sound and creates a duller and rounder sound profile, while the Gold's polycarbonate top housing leads to a more clear and resonant sound. Both switches have nylon bottom housing, so the impact on the bottom-out sound and feel will be similar. However, the top housing material will have a more significant impact on the sound when releasing a key. Overall, the Gold's polycarbonate top housing will provide a sharper and crisper typing experience compared to the MX Black's nylon top housing.
In conclusion, the housing materials of the Cherry MX Black and the Outemu Gold play a crucial role in determining the sound profile of the switches. While both switches have nylon bottom housing, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile, the materials used for the top housing set them apart. The MX Black's nylon top housing creates a duller and rounder sound, while the Gold's polycarbonate top housing produces a sharper and crisper sound. Whether you prefer a softer sound with more absorption or a clearer and resonant sound, your choice between these switches will ultimately come down to the type of sound profile you desire in your typing experience.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Cherry MX Black linear switch and the Outemu Gold clicky switch, it is evident that the MX Black is heavier, requiring 60 grams of actuation force and 80 grams of bottom out force. In contrast, the Gold switch is lighter, with an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams. Those who prefer a lighter touch may opt for the Gold switch, which allows for longer periods of typing without fatigue. On the other hand, the MX Black switch provides a stronger push feel for a more substantial typing experience. Both switches offer distinct weights that cater to different preferences, with the MX Black being heavier and the Gold being lighter in terms of actuation and bottom out force.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Cherry MX Black linear switch and the Outemu Gold clicky switch, both switches have the same travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when pressing down on a key equipped with either switch, users will experience similar results in terms of the distance the switch travels from the top to the bottom. Despite both switches having the same travel distance, they offer different typing experiences due to their unique characteristics - the MX Black being a linear switch and the Gold being a clicky switch. Ultimately, while the travel distance remains consistent between the two switches, their individual typing feels and sound profiles will vary.
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 Gold 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 and deep sound profile, offering a bass-heavy and mellow tone during typing sessions. On the other hand, the Outemu Gold clicky switch's sound profile is unknown, so it is difficult to compare the two in this aspect. It is important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by the keyboard's construction, keycaps, and overall setup.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the Cherry MX Black provides a textured and stiff typing experience. The textured feel of these switches adds a unique friction when typing, which may be preferred by some users for the tactile feedback it offers. Additionally, the stiffness of the MX Black switch requires more force to actuate and bottom out, resulting in a more deliberate typing experience. Unfortunately, information regarding the feel of the Outemu Gold clicky switch is not available, making it difficult to compare the two switches accurately in this aspect.
In conclusion, the Cherry MX Black linear switch stands out for its deep sound profile, textured feel, and stiff keypresses. While the subjective qualities of the Outemu Gold clicky switch remain unknown in terms of sound and feel, it is possible that users may experience similar results to the MX Black switch. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on personal preference for sound, feel, and typing experience.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Cherry MX Black linear switch and the Outemu Gold clicky switch, consider your preferences for actuation force, sound profile, and typing feel. If you prefer a heavier actuation force and a smooth, deep sound profile, opt for the Cherry MX Black linear switch. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter actuation force and are looking for a clicky switch with tactile feedback, the Outemu Gold clicky switch may be more suitable for you. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on your personal typing preferences and the specific qualities you prioritize in a mechanical keyboard switch.
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