Cherry MX Brown vs. Outemu Silver
An in-depth look at the Cherry MX Brown and the Outemu Silver switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Cherry MX Brown and the Outemu Silver mechanical keyboard switches, it's clear that they offer distinct typing experiences. The Cherry MX Brown switch is a tactile switch, known for its subtlety and gentle tactility, making it ideal for those looking for a light typing experience with minimal sound feedback. On the other hand, the Outemu Silver switch is a linear switch with no specific characteristics highlighted. Those who prefer a smooth and consistent typing experience may prefer the Outemu Silver switch. 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
65g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.60 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
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Cherry MX Brown and Outemu Silver switches, we see that the MX Brown utilizes a nylon top housing while the Silver features a polycarbonate top housing. The nylon top housing of the MX Brown creates a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer plastic composition that absorbs more sound. In contrast, the polycarbonate top housing of the Silver produces a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile because of its stiffer plastic material. Aesthetically, the clear polycarbonate housing of the Silver allows for better RGB lighting effects compared to the opaque nylon housing of the MX Brown.
Moving on to the bottom housing of these switches, both the MX Brown and Outemu Silver use nylon bottom housings. This means that both switches will provide a deeper and fuller sound profile due to the softer plastic material absorbing more sound. The consistent use of nylon in the bottom housing of these switches results in a similar typing experience in terms of sound profile. This uniformity in the bottom housing material showcases how the choice of housing material can greatly impact the sound and feel of a switch.
Overall, the use of different housing materials in the top housing of the Cherry MX Brown and Outemu Silver switches results in distinct sound profiles. While the nylon top housing of the MX Brown creates a duller and rounder sound, the polycarbonate top housing of the Silver offers a clearer and more resonant sound. The split in qualities between the top and bottom housings of these switches means that the typing experience will be influenced by both materials, with the bottom housing affecting the bottom-out sound and feel, and the top housing impacting the sound when releasing a key. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on personal preference for sound profile and typing experience.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Cherry MX Brown tactile switch and the Outemu Silver linear switch, we can see some differences. The actuation force for both switches is 45 grams, providing a light touch for typing. However, the Cherry MX Brown has a bottom out force of 55 grams, while the Outemu Silver has a bottom out force of 65 grams, making it slightly heavier. This means that while both switches have the same actuation force, the Outemu Silver requires more force to fully press the key, providing a more substantial typing experience. For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the Cherry MX Brown would be the better choice, while those who prefer a bit more resistance may opt for the Outemu Silver. Both switches offer a different typing experience based on their bottom out force, allowing users to choose based on their personal preferences.
Travel distance
Both the Cherry MX Brown tactile switch and the Outemu Silver linear switch have a travel distance of 4 mm, making them equal in this aspect. When typing on keyboards equipped with either of these switches, users can expect a similar amount of key travel before actuation. This means that whether you prefer the tactile feedback of the Cherry MX Brown or the smooth linear feel of the Outemu Silver, you will get similar key travel distances with both switches. This allows for consistent typing experiences across different keyboards, regardless of the switch type being used.
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 Silver 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 often considered to have a bassy and low-pitched sound profile, providing a deeper and richer tone during key presses. On the other hand, information on the sound of Outemu Silver switches is not available, so it's difficult to make a direct comparison in this aspect. Keep in mind that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by factors like the keyboard housing and keycaps used.
Moving on to feel, Cherry MX Brown switches are known for their subtle tactility, offering a textured typing experience with noticeable friction during key presses. This texture can be preferred by some users who appreciate a slightly more tactile feedback while typing. Unfortunately, details on the feel of Outemu Silver switches are not provided, making it challenging to contrast the two switches based on this characteristic.
Overall, while Cherry MX Brown switches are recognized for their gentle tactility and bassy sound profile, information on the Outemu Silver switches is limited in this comparison. In general, both switches may offer a similar typing experience in terms of feel and sound, but without specific details on the Outemu Silver switches, it's recommended to try out both options to determine which best suits your preferences. Remember to consider factors like switch actuation force, travel distance, and overall typing feel when selecting the right mechanical keyboard switch for your needs.
Conclusion
Ultimately, when deciding between the Cherry MX Brown tactile switch and the Outemu Silver linear switch, it is important to consider your typing preferences and priorities. If you value a more subtle tactile feedback and a lighter typing experience, the Cherry MX Brown switch may be the better choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-heavy bottom out force and a linear typing experience with no tactile bump, you may find the Outemu Silver switch to be more appealing. Consider factors such as bottom out force, sound profile, and overall typing feel to determine which switch best suits your needs. Remember, the ultimate decision comes down to your personal preferences and what feels most comfortable to you while typing.
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