Cherry MX Brown vs. Outemu Dustproof Red
An in-depth look at the Cherry MX Brown and the Outemu Dustproof Red switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, the Cherry MX Brown and Outemu Dustproof Red are two popular options to consider. The Cherry MX Brown is a tactile switch that is best known for its subtlety, offering a light typing experience with gentle tactility and subdued audio feedback. On the other hand, the Outemu Dustproof Red is a linear switch that doesn't have any specific standout qualities. The Cherry MX Brown is ideal for those who prefer a tactile typing experience with a bit of feedback, while the Outemu Dustproof Red might appeal to users looking for a smooth, uninterrupted typing experience. 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
45g
Bottom-out force
55g
Bottom-out force
60g
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
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 key difference between the Cherry MX Brown and the Outemu Dustproof Red lies in their top housing materials - nylon for the MX Brown and polycarbonate for the Dustproof Red. While nylon creates a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer plastic and sound-absorbing properties, polycarbonate in the Dustproof Red produces a sharper, higher-pitched sound that is often associated with clear housing switches. This difference in material results in distinct auditory experiences for users, with the MX Brown offering a more muffled sound compared to the crisp sound of the Dustproof Red.
In terms of the bottom housing, both the MX Brown and the Dustproof Red feature nylon material. This classic switch housing material creates a deep and full sound profile thanks to its softer plastic nature, which absorbs more sound. As a result, the typing experience on switches with nylon bottom housing is characterized by a duller and rounder sound. Despite the similarity in material, the bottom housing plays a significant role in determining the bottom-out sound and feel of the switch, showcasing the importance of the material choice in creating a tactile typing experience.
Overall, the choice of housing material in switches, whether it be nylon or polycarbonate, greatly influences the sound profile and tactile experience for users. While the top housing material primarily affects the sound when a key is released, the bottom housing material impacts the bottom-out sound and feel during typing. Understanding the differences in housing materials, such as the deeper sound of nylon in the Cherry MX Brown and the crisper sound of polycarbonate in the Outemu Dustproof Red, allows users to select switches that best suit their preferences and typing style. Ultimately, both switches offer unique sound profiles and tactile feedback, providing diverse options for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts.
Weight
The Cherry MX Brown tactile switch and the Outemu Dustproof Red linear switch both have an actuation force of 45 grams, making them equally light when it comes to triggering a keystroke. However, the MX Brown has a bottom out force of 55 grams, while the Dustproof Red has a bottom out force of 60 grams, making the Dustproof Red slightly heavier when it comes to fully pressing the key down. This difference may be preferred by those who enjoy a more substantial typing experience. Overall, the MX Brown is lighter in terms of bottom out force, while the Dustproof Red is slightly heavier, providing a different typing feel for users to choose from.
Travel distance
The Cherry MX Brown tactile switch and the Outemu Dustproof Red linear switch both have a travel distance of 4 mm, meaning they offer a similar typing experience in terms of how far the key travels when pressed. This means that users can expect consistent performance and feel when using either of these switches. While both switches offer the same travel distance, they differ in their tactile response and actuation force. The Cherry MX Brown switch provides a tactile bump during actuation, giving users feedback that the key has been pressed, while the Outemu Dustproof Red switch offers a smooth linear action without any tactile bump. Overall, despite their differences in tactile feedback, users can enjoy a similar travel distance with either switch, making them both reliable options for typing and gaming.
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 Dustproof Red 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 characteristics, providing a deeper and richer sound profile during key presses. On the other hand, there is no specific information available about the sound profile of the Outemu Dustproof Red switches, so it is difficult to directly compare the two in this aspect. Keep in mind that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard chassis and keycaps used.
Moving on to feel, Cherry MX Brown switches are often described as textured, offering a tactile typing experience with noticeable friction when pressed. Some users prefer this textured feel, while others may prefer a smoother typing experience. Unfortunately, there is no specific information regarding the feel of the Outemu Dustproof Red switches, making it hard to make a direct comparison in this aspect as well.
Overall, if you are looking for a switch that provides a subtle tactile feedback and a relatively light typing experience with a bassy, low-pitched sound profile, the Cherry MX Brown switches might be the way to go. On the other hand, if you are interested in trying out the Outemu Dustproof Red switches, keep in mind that there is limited information available about their sound and feel qualities. Ultimately, both switches have their own unique characteristics, and the best way to determine which one suits your preferences is to try them out yourself.
Conclusion
To sum up, when considering whether to choose the Cherry MX Brown tactile switch or the Outemu Dustproof Red linear switch, your decision should be based on your preference for typing experience and sound profile. If you prefer a lighter typing experience with gentle tactility and subdued audio feedback, the Cherry MX Brown switch is the way to go. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium typing force with linear keypresses and a quieter sound profile, the Outemu Dustproof Red switch may be more suitable for you. Ultimately, your choice between these two switches will depend on your personal preferences for typing feel and sound.
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