Cherry MX Orange vs. Outemu Black

Overview

When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Cherry MX Orange and the Outemu Black offer distinct experiences despite both being classified as linear switches. The Cherry MX Orange has garnered a reputation for its refined design, stemming from the reissue of the original MX Orange switches, enhanced to meet modern demands. This switch is praised for its smooth keystrokes and a slightly heavier actuation force, making it appealing to typists seeking precision and a tactile feel without the clickiness of tactile switches. On the other hand, the Outemu Black switch is known for its robustness and simple linear design, favored by gamers who appreciate a heavier switch that minimizes accidental key presses during intense gaming sessions. While both switches provide a quiet operation ideal for office environments and late-night gaming, their differences in feel and actuation force cater to varying preferences. 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 Orange Linear

Outemu Black Linear

$4.10

$3.89 per 10

$3.10 per 10

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Housing materials

When comparing the housing materials of the Cherry MX Orange and Outemu Black switches, a significant distinction lies in the top housings: the MX Orange features a nylon top housing, while the Outemu Black incorporates polycarbonate. This difference in materials results in divergent auditory experiences. Nylon, being a softer plastic, tends to absorb sound more effectively, producing a deeper and fuller sound profile. In contrast, the polycarbonate top housing of the Outemu Black contributes to a sharper, more resonant sound due to its stiffer composition. Users who prioritize a smoother, warmer acoustic experience may prefer the MX Orange, while those seeking a more vibrant and clearer sound could gravitate towards the Outemu Blacks.

On the other hand, both switches share the same material for their bottom housings, utilizing nylon. This commonality ensures that both switches generate a similarly rich and deeper sound profile when the key bottoms out. The nylon bottom housing contributes significantly to how the switch feels upon actuation and the bottom-out sound itself. Thus, despite the contrasting top materials, the shared nylon bottom housing means that users will experience a sound quality consistent with the properties of nylon, resulting in a duller and rounder auditory feedback when keys are fully pressed.

Ultimately, the combination of these materials results in unique sound characteristics for each switch. The Cherry MX Orange, with its nylon top, fosters a warmer, muffled sound, while the Outemu Black, using polycarbonate, delivers a sharply defined auditory experience. However, because both switches share nylon in their bottom housings, this will mitigate some of the differences by reinforcing the underlying sound profile during actuation. For users who might prefer the "best of both worlds," it is worth noting that while the top and bottom materials vary, the overall tactile and sound feedback achieved will still cater to diverse preferences, offering a distinctive yet overlapping sensory experience when engaging with each switch.

Weight

When comparing the Cherry MX Orange linear switch and the Outemu Black linear switch, there are notable differences in actuation force and bottom out force. The Cherry MX Orange requires an actuation force of 55 grams, which makes it lighter compared to the Outemu Black, which necessitates a stronger actuation force of 65 grams. This difference in actuation force suggests that the Cherry MX Orange may be more suitable for extended typing sessions, as it requires less effort for each keystroke. However, the Cherry MX Orange's bottom out force remains unspecified, making it difficult to draw a direct comparison in that aspect. In contrast, the Outemu Black features a confirmed bottom out force of 82 grams, indicating a heavier feel when pressing the key down completely. For those who appreciate a more substantial typing experience, the Outemu Black's heavier actuation and bottom out forces align better with those preferences, while the lighter Cherry MX Orange could appeal to users looking for comfort during extended use.

Travel distance

The Cherry MX Orange and Outemu Black linear switches both have a travel distance of 4 mm, indicating that they share an identical distance from the top to the bottom when a key is pressed. This similarity means that users can expect comparable feel and responsiveness when typing or gaming with either switch, as the travel distance is a crucial factor in the overall keypress experience. Since both the MX Orange and Outemu Black switches have the same travel distance, they will provide a similar performance and tactile feedback, making them equally suitable choices for those who prefer linear switches.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound, the Cherry MX Orange switch tends to produce a subdued, muted tone when pressed, making it relatively quieter compared to more tactile or clicky switches. This can be due in part to the enhancements made in their recent MX2A generation, which also aim for smoother operation. The Outemu Black switch, on the other hand, generally has a firmer sound profile, offering a more pronounced and deep thock with each keystroke. This distinction in sound will ultimately be influenced by the specific keyboard's construction and the type of keycaps used, meaning that you might achieve similar auditory results depending on these factors.

In terms of feel, the Cherry MX Orange switch is characterized by its smooth linear action, making it easy to press down and release without any tactile bump. This allows for a comfortable typing experience, especially during long sessions. The Outemu Black, being a linear switch as well, also provides a smooth keystroke, but its actuation force is typically heavier, which can require more effort to activate. This difference might appeal to typists who prefer a little more resistance when typing, leading to a slightly different tactile experience overall.

Considering all these qualities, both the Cherry MX Orange and Outemu Black linear switches cater to users looking for smooth, linear experiences with their keyboards, but they diverge in aspects like sound and actuation force. If sound is a primary concern, you may find the MX Orange more suitable for quiet environments, while the heavier Outemu Black might be preferable for those who enjoy a deeper sound profile. Ultimately, your choice will depend on personal preferences for sound, feel, and the overall typing experience you aim to achieve.

Conclusion

To conclude, when deciding between the Cherry MX Orange and Outemu Black linear switches, you'll want to consider your specific preferences and use cases. The Cherry MX Orange is ideal for those who appreciate a balance between responsiveness and comfort. With a lighter actuation force, it can make long typing sessions feel effortless and fluid, which is perfect if you’re someone who types extensively or engages in gaming where quick response times are crucial. On the other hand, if you desire a more substantial resistance and tactile feedback that can provide greater stability during gaming or touch typing, the Outemu Black's heavier bottom-out force can be more appealing. This can particularly benefit those who prefer a firmer keypress and enjoy the satisfying weight of the switch under their fingers. In terms of sound and feel, the Cherry MX Orange may produce a quieter operation with a smoother linear action, while the Outemu Black may provide a more pronounced audio feedback with its firmer feel. Ultimately, your choice should reflect your typing style and whether you prioritize a softer touch or a heavier, more deliberate actuation.

Mentioned in this article

Cherry MX Orange Linear

$4.10

$3.89 per 10

Learn more

Outemu Black Linear

$3.10 per 10

Learn more