Cherry MX Brown vs. Outemu Cream Pink
An in-depth look at the Cherry MX Brown and the Outemu Cream Pink switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Cherry MX Brown and the Outemu Cream Pink offer unique typing experiences. The Cherry MX Brown is a tactile switch, known for its subtlety in providing a gentle tactile feedback while typing. On the other hand, the Outemu Cream Pink is a linear switch, offering a smooth keystroke without any tactile bump. While the MX Brown is favored for its light typing experience and subdued audio feedback, the Cream Pink does not have a specific standout feature. When choosing between these two switches, consider whether you prefer a tactile typing experience with gentle feedback (MX Brown) or a smooth keystroke without any tactile bump (Cream Pink). 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
45g
Actuation force
50g
Bottom-out force
55g
Bottom-out force
65g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
No
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Nylon
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
Both the Cherry MX Brown and the Outemu Cream Pink switches utilize nylon as their housing material, which results in a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing. This is due to nylon being a softer plastic that absorbs more sound than harder plastics, creating a duller and rounder sound overall. In terms of sound and feel, users can expect similar results from both switches when it comes to the impact of the housing material on the typing experience.
While both switches have nylon top and bottom housings, the qualities of the housing material are split between the top and bottom of the switch. The bottom housing has a greater impact on the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing down on a key, whereas the top housing affects the sound when releasing a key. This division of qualities between the top and bottom housings may result in slight variations in sound and feel between the Cherry MX Brown and the Outemu Cream Pink switches, but overall, the use of nylon as the housing material ensures a consistent typing experience across both switches.
Despite having slight differences in their top and bottom housing, the Cherry MX Brown and the Outemu Cream Pink switches ultimately offer a similar typing experience due to their shared use of nylon as the housing material. The softer nature of nylon allows for a deeper and fuller sound profile, making typing on both switches more pleasant and satisfying. Whether it's the impact of the bottom housing on bottom-out sound or the influence of the top housing on key release sound, users can expect a comparable typing experience with either switch, highlighting the effectiveness of nylon as a classic switch housing material.
Weight
In comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Cherry MX Brown tactile switch and the Outemu Cream Pink linear switch, it is evident that the MX Brown is the lighter option, with an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 55 grams. On the other hand, the Cream Pink is the heavier option, with an actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 65 grams. This means that the MX Brown offers a lighter touch for typing, making it suitable for long typing sessions or gaming, while the Cream Pink provides a more substantial typing experience with a stronger push feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two would depend on personal preference for a lighter or heavier typing experience. However, both switches offer a tactile feedback that enhances typing accuracy and comfort.
Travel distance
Comparing the travel distance of the Cherry MX Brown tactile switch and the Outemu Cream Pink linear switch, both switches have an equal travel distance of 4mm. This means that when pressing down on a key equipped with either switch, users will experience a similar tactile feedback and actuation point. The equal travel distance ensures a consistent typing experience regardless of which switch is being used. This makes both switches suitable options for users who prefer a moderate amount of travel distance in their mechanical keyboards. In conclusion, users can expect a similar typing experience in terms of travel distance from both the Cherry MX Brown tactile switch and the Outemu Cream Pink linear switch.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
For 10 switches, the Cherry MX Brown comes in at $4.00, whereas the Outemu Cream Pink 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 Brown switches are known for their bassy and low-pitched profile, offering a deeper and richer sound during key presses. On the other hand, information on the Outemu Cream Pink switches' sound profile is currently unavailable. Keep in mind that the actual sound produced by a switch can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard's construction and the keycaps used.
In terms of feel, Cherry MX Brown switches are praised for their textured typing experience, providing a noticeable friction when pressed. This texture can be preferred by some users for its tactile feedback. Unfortunately, there is no information available regarding the tactile feel of the Outemu Cream Pink switches.
Given the available information, it seems that the Cherry MX Brown switches offer a more tactile and textured typing experience with bassy and low-pitched sound feedback. On the other hand, details on the Outemu Cream Pink switches are currently limited. If a user is looking for a switch with a subtler tactile feel and a deeper sound profile, the Cherry MX Browns would be a suitable choice. Ultimately, the best way to determine the right switch for you is to try them out firsthand to see which one aligns with your preferences and typing style.
Conclusion
Therefore, when deciding between the Cherry MX Brown tactile switch and the Outemu Cream Pink linear switch, it ultimately comes down to personal preference in terms of typing experience. If you prefer a lighter typing experience with gentle tactility and subdued sound, the Cherry MX Brown switch would be a good choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a slightly heavier typing experience with a linear feel and no tactility, the Outemu Cream Pink switch might be more to your liking. Ultimately, the decision should be based on your own preferences for typing feel, sound, and bottom out force.
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