Cherry MX Black vs. Outemu Phoenix
An in-depth look at the Cherry MX Black and the Outemu Phoenix switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options are the Cherry MX Black, a linear switch, and the Outemu Phoenix, a clicky switch. The MX Black switches from Cherry are highly regarded for their smoothness, thanks to Cherry's Hyperglide tooling that offers a textured feel when typing. They also produce a deep sound profile, making them a satisfying choice for those who prefer a low-pitched and stiff typing experience. On the other hand, the Outemu Phoenix switches stand out with their unique under-skirt click mechanism, providing a distinctive crunchy and polished feel. These switches offer a crystalline sound profile that adds a touch of sparkle to your typing. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can best decide on the perfect switch for your desired keyboard experience.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
60g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
80g
Bottom-out force
62g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.30 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
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Cherry MX Black and the Outemu Phoenix switches differ in terms of their composition and resulting sound profiles. The MX Black features a nylon top and bottom housing, which creates a deeper and fuller sound profile. The relatively softer nature of nylon allows it to absorb more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. In contrast, the Phoenix uses a polycarbonate top and bottom housing, delivering a sharper and higher-pitched sound profile. The stiffer nature of polycarbonate produces a more clear and resonant sound. Aesthetically, the translucent polycarbonate top housing of the Phoenix is particularly beneficial for users planning to incorporate RGB lighting.
While the housing materials of the Cherry MX Black and the Outemu Phoenix differ, they both offer unique attributes depending on their placement in the switch. The bottom housing plays a crucial role in determining the bottom-out sound and feel when a key is pressed. For both switches, the nylon bottom housing of the MX Black and the polycarbonate bottom housing of the Phoenix contribute to the overall sound character during key presses. On the other hand, the top housing has a more pronounced impact on the sound produced when a key is released. In the case of the MX Black, the nylon top housing creates a deeper and fuller sound upon key release, while the polycarbonate top housing of the Phoenix produces a sharper and crisper sound upon key release.
Although there are differences between the housing materials of the Cherry MX Black and the Outemu Phoenix, their overall sound profiles can yield similar results if certain factors are taken into consideration. Both switches utilize their respective housing materials to create distinct acoustic experiences. The softer and more sound-absorbing nylon housing of the MX Black delivers a deeper and fuller sound, while the stiffer polycarbonate housing of the Phoenix produces a sharper and crisper sound. However, due to the split between top and bottom housing in some cases, the specific qualities of each material may be distributed differently. Therefore, understanding the impact of the housing material on key press and release sounds can help users make informed decisions based on their preferences.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Cherry MX Black linear switch and the Outemu Phoenix clicky switch, there are notable differences to consider. The MX Black has a relatively heavy actuation force of 60 grams, requiring a substantial amount of pressure to trigger a keystroke. In contrast, the actuation force of the Phoenix switch is unknown, thus making it difficult to compare on this aspect. However, the MX Black's bottom out force is heavier, measuring at 80 grams, indicating that additional force is needed to fully depress the key. On the other hand, the Phoenix switch has a lighter bottom out force of 62 grams, providing a slightly less substantial typing experience.
The weight of a switch is a crucial factor to consider, as it can impact typing comfort and endurance. Those who prefer a lighter switch may opt for the MX Black, as its lighter actuation force allows for extended typing periods, making it suitable for work environments or long gaming sessions. However, individuals who desire a stronger push feel and a more substantial typing experience may prefer the heavier actuation force and bottom out force of the MX Black. Meanwhile, the Phoenix switch offers a medium bottom out force, providing a balance between lightness and a tactile typing experience.
In conclusion, the Cherry MX Black has a heavier actuation force and bottom out force compared to the Outemu Phoenix. While the actuation force of the Phoenix is unknown, the MX Black's heavier bottom out force ensures a more robust typing experience. Ultimately, choosing between these switches depends on personal preferences and desired typing sensations.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Cherry MX Black linear switch and the Outemu Phoenix clicky switch, it is clear that the MX Black has a longer travel distance of 4 mm, while the Phoenix has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.3 mm. This means that when pressing down on a key with the MX Black switch, you will need to apply more force and the key will travel a greater distance before reaching the bottom compared to the Phoenix switch.
A 4.0 mm travel distance is considered more traditional, providing a standard depth that many people are accustomed to. On the other hand, the 3.3 mm travel distance of the Phoenix switch offers a slightly shallower experience. This shorter travel distance is often favored by gamers who seek faster response times, as it requires less physical movement to register a keystroke. If responsiveness is a priority for you, opting for the Phoenix switch with its shorter travel distance would be a suitable choice.
However, it is important to note that some individuals may find shorter travel distances to feel too abrupt or shallow. For those who prefer a greater sense of depth and a more substantial tactile experience when pressing down on keys, the MX Black switch with its longer travel distance would be a better fit. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches will depend on personal preference and the specific requirements of the user.
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 Phoenix comes in at $4.15.
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
The MX Black switches from Cherry offer a classic textured smoothness when typing, resulting in a familiar deep sound profile. These switches have a low-pitched sound, which means they produce a more bass-heavy and mellow tone compared to higher-pitched switches. The sound of the MX Black switches can further be influenced by factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.
On the other hand, the Phoenix switches from Outemu are known for their unique clicky mechanism. They provide a crystalline and sparkling type feel and sound profile. The sound of the Phoenix switches is described as crunchy, resembling the sound of stepping on piles of crisp and autumn leaves. Again, the sound produced by these switches can be affected by the keyboard board and keycaps used.
In terms of feel, the MX Black switches are textured and stiff. They have noticeable friction when pressed, which is preferred by some users. These switches require a higher amount of force to actuate and bottom-out, meaning you need to apply more force when pressing the keys.
On the other hand, the Phoenix switches have a polished feel. This indicates that they have a smooth and refined finish, resulting in a sleek typing experience. The polished switches offer reduced friction and smooth key travel.
Taking all the available information into consideration, the MX Black switches and the Phoenix switches offer different subjective qualities. The MX Black switches provide a textured feel, deep sound profile, and require a higher amount of force. Meanwhile, the Phoenix switches have a polished feel, a crunchy sound profile, and offer reduced friction. It's important to note that the overall experience of the switches may also depend on the choice of keyboard board and keycaps used. However, if you are looking for a low-pitched sound with a textured feel and stiffness, the MX Black switches would be a suitable choice. Similarly, if you prefer a crunchy sound with a polished and smooth typing experience, the Phoenix switches would be a suitable option.
Conclusion
In closing, if you are looking for a heavy and sturdy switch with a deep sound profile, the Cherry MX Black linear switch would be a great choice for you. Its textured feel and stiff actuation force provide a unique typing experience that some users prefer. On the other hand, if you desire a medium force switch with a sparkling and crystalline sound, the Outemu Phoenix clicky switch would be the way to go. Its polished feel ensures smooth key travel and reduced friction. Ultimately, your decision between these two switches should be based on your personal sound and feel preferences.
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