Cherry MX Brown vs. Outemu Red
An in-depth look at the Cherry MX Brown and the Outemu Red switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Cherry MX Brown and the Outemu Red are two popular options that cater to different preferences. The MX Brown is renowned for its subtle tactile feedback, providing a light typing experience with gentle tactility and subdued audio feedback. On the other hand, the Outemu Red is a linear switch that lacks tactile feedback altogether. While the MX Brown is categorized as 'Textured', 'Bassy', and 'Low-pitched', the Red switch does not have any specific categorization. If you prefer a tactile typing experience with minimal noise, the Cherry MX Brown may be the ideal choice for you. However, if you prefer a smoother keystroke without any tactile feedback, the Outemu Red switch could be more suitable. 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
46g
Bottom-out force
55g
Bottom-out force
62g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.10 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
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Cherry MX Brown and the Outemu Red switches, it is evident that the MX Brown utilizes nylon for both its top and bottom housing, while the Outemu Red uses polycarbonate for the top housing and nylon for the bottom housing. The use of nylon in the MX Brown results in a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer plastic nature, which absorbs more sound and creates a duller and rounder sound. On the other hand, the polycarbonate top housing of the Outemu Red creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile, as polycarbonate is a stiffer plastic that leads to a more clear and resonant sound.
Despite the differences in housing materials for the MX Brown and Outemu Red switches, both switches utilize nylon for the bottom housing. This results in a similar typing experience for both switches, as nylon's softer plastic nature absorbs more sound, creating a deeper and fuller sound profile. The impact of the bottom housing material on the overall sound and feel of the switch is evident when pressing down on the key, as it influences the bottom-out sound and feel.
In conclusion, the choice of housing materials for switches such as the Cherry MX Brown and Outemu Red significantly impacts the sound profile and typing experience. While the MX Brown's nylon top housing provides a deeper and fuller sound, the Outemu Red's polycarbonate top housing offers a sharper and crisper sound profile. However, both switches share the use of nylon for the bottom housing, resulting in a similar key feel and sound profile when bottoming out. Ultimately, the combination of different housing materials in a switch can provide a unique blend of sound characteristics for users to experience.
Weight
When comparing the Cherry MX Brown tactile switch and the Outemu Red linear switch, there are noticeable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Cherry MX Brown has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams compared to the Outemu Red which has an actuation force of 46 grams. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Cherry MX Brown requires 55 grams compared to the Outemu Red's 62 grams. This means that the Cherry MX Brown is lighter in both actuation and bottom out forces, providing a lighter typing experience overall. Those who prefer a lighter touch may lean towards the Cherry MX Brown, while those who prefer a slightly heavier feel may opt for the Outemu Red. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will come down to personal preference, with the Cherry MX Brown offering a lighter typing experience and the Outemu Red providing a slightly heavier and more substantial feel.
Travel distance
The Cherry MX Brown tactile switch and the Outemu Red linear switch both have a travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when pressing down on a key with either of these switches, you will experience the same amount of travel distance. Both switches offer a moderate travel distance, providing a satisfying typing experience without being too short or too long. Overall, whether you choose the Cherry MX Brown or the Outemu Red, you can expect similar results in terms of travel distance.
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 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. This can add a satisfying acoustic element to your typing experience. On the other hand, the sound profile of the Outemu Red switches is unknown, so it is difficult to directly compare the two in terms of sound. However, keep in mind that the sound of a switch can be influenced by various factors such as the keyboard model and keycaps used.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, Cherry MX Brown switches are recognized for their textured feel, offering a tactile feedback with noticeable friction when pressed. This texture can provide a sense of satisfaction and responsiveness during typing. Unfortunately, there is no specific information available regarding the feel of the Outemu Red switches. Without this information, it is challenging to directly compare the tactile experience between the two.
In conclusion, while Cherry MX Brown switches are known for their subtle tactility, bassy sound, and textured feel, the information available for Outemu Red switches is limited. As a newcomer, you can expect a gentle typing experience with subdued audio feedback and noticeable friction with Cherry MX Browns. As for Outemu Reds, you may need to try them out firsthand or seek more detailed information to understand their specific qualities and how they compare to Cherry MX Browns. Remember that personal preference plays a significant role in selecting the right switch for your needs. Ultimately, experimenting with different switches will help you find the one that best suits your typing style and preferences.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the Cherry MX Brown tactile switch and the Outemu Red linear switch, consider the typing experience you prefer. If you enjoy a subtle tactile feedback with a light typing experience and gentle audio feedback, the Cherry MX Brown switches may be the better choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a smooth and consistent keystroke with no tactile bump, the Outemu Red switches with a slightly higher bottom out force might be more suitable. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preference for typing feel and sound. Both switches have their unique characteristics, so it's important to choose the one that best suits your typing style. Happy typing!
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