Cherry MX Brown vs. Outemu Black

Overview

When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the Cherry MX Brown and the Outemu Black offer distinct experiences that cater to different user preferences. The Cherry MX Brown switch is renowned for its subtlety, providing a light typing experience characterized by gentle tactility and subdued audio feedback. This makes it an excellent choice for typists and gamers who appreciate a tactile response without overwhelming noise, allowing for a comfortable and focused workflow. On the other hand, the Outemu Black, classified as a linear switch, delivers a smooth and uninterrupted keystroke, appealing to users who prioritize speed and fluidity in their typing or gaming sessions. With no tactile bump or audible click, the Outemu Black is ideal for those who desire a quieter environment or rapid key presses without distraction. Both switches have their merits, providing unique benefits tailored to the needs of different users. However, let’s dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.

By the numbers

Cherry MX Brown Tactile

Outemu Black Linear

$4.00 per 10

$3.10 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

When comparing the housing materials of the Cherry MX Brown and Outemu Black switches, one cannot overlook the differences in the top housing. The Cherry MX Brown features a nylon top housing, renowned for its softer and more absorbent properties. This results in a deeper, fuller sound profile when typing, as the nylon mitigates higher frequencies and generates a rounder acoustic experience. In contrast, the Outemu Black uses a polycarbonate top housing, which is fundamentally stiffer and more rigid. This material produces a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile, allowing for a crisp and resonant typing experience. Thus, while both switches may function similarly in terms of actuation, the auditory feedback they deliver differs significantly due to their top housing materials.

Turning to the bottom housings, both the Cherry MX Brown and Outemu Black utilize nylon, which is consistent in its characteristics across both models. Nylon's inherent qualities lend themselves to creating a deeper and fuller sound profile, contributing to a muted bottom-out sound that many typists appreciate. Given that the bottom housing typically has more influence over the feel of a keystroke when it fully depresses, both switches will likely elicit a similar tactile experience in this regard. This uniformity in bottom housing material suggests that, despite their differences in top housing acoustics, users can expect a comparable depth and character to the bottom-out sound across both switches.

Overall, the distinct sounds crafted by the Cherry MX Brown and Outemu Black switches stem primarily from the variances in their top housings. While the MX Brown’s nylon top provides a softer auditory experience, the polycarbonate used in the Outemu Black’s top housing creates a clearer and more pronounced sound. However, the shared nylon material in the bottom housing means that typing on both switches will evoke a comparable depth and fullness in sound when keys are bottomed out. This interplay of materials ultimately creates unique auditory profiles while retaining a synchronicity in the tactile sensation that typists can rely on, regardless of which switch they prefer.

Weight

When comparing the Cherry MX Brown tactile switch and the Outemu Black linear switch, there is a clear distinction in both actuation force and bottom out force. The Cherry MX Brown has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 55 grams, making it more suitable for users who prefer a medium-light typing experience, potentially allowing for longer typing sessions and less fatigue. In contrast, the Outemu Black features a heavier actuation force of 65 grams and a bottom out force of 82 grams, providing a more substantial push feel that may appeal to those who appreciate a firmer response while typing or gaming. Therefore, the Cherry MX Browns facilitate a gentler keystroke, ideal for extensive usage, while the Outemu Blacks offer a more robust typing experience suited for users who enjoy a heavier switch.

Travel distance

Both the Cherry MX Brown tactile switch and the Outemu Black linear switch have a travel distance of 4 mm, making them equal in this regard. Since both switches share the same travel distance, users can expect a similar key feel and responsiveness when pressing down on either switch. This means that the tactile feedback provided by the Cherry MX Brown, which indicates actuation, will occur at the same distance as the smooth and uninterrupted experience offered by the Outemu Black. Ultimately, this equivalence in travel distance allows for a consistent typing experience, irrespective of the switch type.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound, the Cherry MX Brown tactile switch offers a bassy and low-pitched auditory profile, producing a deeper, richer sound during key presses. This tonal quality contributes to a more subdued overall typing experience, which can be appealing to users seeking a quieter work environment. The sound characteristics of the MX Brown are typically consistent across various keyboards, although the ultimate sound output will still depend on factors like the board and keycap materials used. In contrast, the Outemu Black linear switch lacks a defined sound signature in the information provided.

In terms of feel, the Cherry MX Brown switch is noted for its textured quality, which presents subtle friction while being pressed. This tactile feedback can help users identify when a key has been actuated, making it a preferred choice for those who enjoy a bit of resistance during their typing sessions. In comparison, while there is no specified feel for the Outemu Black, linear switches generally offer a smooth and consistent keystroke without any tactile bumps, which can lead to a different typing experience altogether.

In summary, while the Cherry MX Brown switch excels in providing a tactile and auditory experience marked by subtleties, the Outemu Black switch, lacking specific sound and feel characteristics, is expected to deliver a smoother and quieter experience typical of linear switches. If you're inclined towards a typing experience that emphasizes texture and sound depth, the MX Brown would be a suitable choice; however, if you're looking for a more straightforward and uninterrupted keystroke, considering the Outemu Black could also align with your preferences.

Conclusion

To conclude, when deciding between the Cherry MX Brown tactile switch and the Outemu Black linear switch, you should consider your typing preferences and use cases. If you value a subtle typing experience and appreciate tactile feedback, the MX Brown would be a great choice. Its medium-light bottom out force of 55 grams makes it suitable for prolonged typing sessions, while the gentle tactility and audible feedback can enhance your overall writing experience. This switch is particularly well-suited for those who enjoy a balanced combination of typing comfort and subtle auditory satisfaction in a relatively quieter environment. On the other hand, if you prefer a more robust and deliberate keystroke, the heavier Outemu Black switch may be better for you. With a bottom out force of 82 grams, the linear nature of the Black switch provides a smooth and consistent keypress without tactile bump or click sounds, making it ideal for gaming or fast-paced typing where precision is key. Ultimately, your choice should reflect your usage style, whether you prioritize tactile feedback and comfort with the MX Brown or wish for the firm, linear feel of the Outemu Black.

Mentioned in this article

Cherry MX Brown Tactile

$4.00 per 10

Learn more

Outemu Black Linear

$3.10 per 10

Learn more