Cherry MX Orange vs. Outemu Blue
An in-depth look at the Cherry MX Orange and the Outemu Blue switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to selecting the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, personal preference plays a significant role, and two popular options in the market are the Cherry MX Orange and Outemu Blue switches. The Cherry MX Orange switch is celebrated for its linear feel, providing a smooth keystroke without the tactile feedback or click sound that many typists prefer. This makes it an ideal choice for gamers and those seeking a quieter typing experience—perfect for extended use in shared spaces. On the other hand, the Outemu Blue switch is recognized for its clicky activation and tactile feedback, delivering an audible and physical response that many typists find satisfying. This makes it a favorite among users who appreciate the classic typing experience and want to feel and hear each keystroke, often associated with a more traditional typing rhythm. While both switches offer unique advantages, they cater to different preferences and needs; 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
55g
Actuation force
50g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.20 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
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
When comparing the housing materials of the Cherry MX Orange and the Outemu Blue switches, the differences in performance can be largely attributed to the materials used in their top housings. The MX Orange features a nylon top housing, known for its softer characteristics that contribute to a deeper, fuller sound profile. This is due to nylon's sound-absorbing qualities, which soften the impact when the key is pressed and released, resulting in a rounder sound. In contrast, the Outemu Blue employs a polycarbonate top housing, a more rigid material that produces a sharper and crisper sound profile. With polycarbonate, the sound is more resonant and clear, making it ideal for users who prefer a distinct click when typing. This difference means that, while both switches utilize durable materials, the MX Orange leans toward a warm, muted experience, while the Outemu Blue channels a brighter, more pronounced auditory feedback.
The bottom housings of both switches are made of nylon, creating a consistent factor in terms of sound absorption. Since both the MX Orange and the Outemu Blue utilize this classic material for their bottoms, typing experience tends to elicit a deeper and fuller sound profile for both switches when bottoming out. The nylon's inherently soft properties ensure a dampened audio effect as keys are pressed down, unifying the tactile experience of both switch options at their base. However, the true character of the sound produced will still largely be defined by the contrasting top housing materials. Thus, while the overall experience when bottoming out might feel similar, the sound and tactile feedback upon release will differ significantly due to the top housing material differences.
Ultimately, the sound profiles produced by the Cherry MX Orange and Outemu Blue switches are a result not just of their distinct top housing materials, but also how those materials interact with the typing experience. The nylon top of the MX Orange provides a hushed feedback suitable for a quieter environment, while the polycarbonate top of the Blue allows the user to enjoy a vibrant, clicky sensation during key releases that can be appealing in a gaming or typing scenario where auditory confirmation is desired. Despite the shared nylon bottoms that unify the feel when pressing keys down, the contrasting qualities of their top housings create a distinctive typing experience that may appeal to different user preferences.
Weight
The Cherry MX Orange linear switch and the Outemu Blue clicky switch exhibit some interesting differences and similarities in their actuation forces. The Cherry MX Orange requires an actuation force of 55 grams, making it slightly heavier than the Outemu Blue, which has an actuation force of 50 grams. This difference in actuation force means that users who prefer a lighter touch for extended typing sessions may find the Outemu Blue more comfortable for prolonged use, while those who enjoy a more substantial feel may gravitate towards the heavier Cherry MX Orange. Regarding bottom out forces, both switches list this information as unavailable, preventing a direct comparison in that area. As a result, while the Cherry MX Orange is the heavier option, users looking for a lighter switch would favor the Outemu Blue. Overall, the right choice depends on individual preferences for typing feel and comfort.
Travel distance
Both the Cherry MX Orange linear switch and the Outemu Blue clicky switch have a travel distance of 4 mm, indicating that they offer the same distance from the top to the bottom when a key is pressed. This similarity means that users can expect comparable tactile feedback and key actuation when using either switch, contributing to a similar typing experience in terms of travel distance. Consequently, whether you prefer the linear response of the MX Orange or the clicky sound of the Blue, the travel distance will not differ, allowing for a consistent keypress depth across both options.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Cherry MX Orange has an MSRP of $4.10 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the MX Orange for $3.89.
The Outemu Blue comes in at $3.10 per 10 switches.
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 comparing the sound of the Cherry MX Orange and the Outemu Blue switches, a distinct difference emerges based on their designs. The MX Orange switches are typically quieter, offering a smooth and subdued typing experience that is less likely to disturb those around you. In contrast, the Outemu Blue switches are known for their distinct, audible click with each keystroke, producing a satisfying and pronounced sound that many typists enjoy. The clicky nature of the Blue switches adds an engaging auditory feedback that can enhance the overall typing experience for those who appreciate a more pronounced sound, while the MX Orange caters to a more subdued environment.
In terms of feel, the Cherry MX Orange switches deliver a smooth linear experience that maintains consistency throughout the keypress. This makes them ideal for users who prefer a fluid motion without tactile bumps, allowing for fast, uninterrupted typing. Conversely, the Outemu Blue switches feature a tactile bump, providing a noticeable feedback halfway through the keypress. This tactile response can enhance typing accuracy for some users, as they can feel when a key has actuated, but it may disrupt the flow for those who favor a smooth experience. Overall, the feel of the MX Orange is suited for those looking for speed and smoothness, while the Blue leverages tactile feedback for precision in typing.
In conclusion, when considering the MX Orange and Outemu Blue switches, both have their unique strengths tailored for different preferences among typists. The MX Orange excels in delivering a quieter, smoother experience, while the Outemu Blue offers a loud and tactile feel that many find enjoyable. Your choice will ultimately depend on whether you prioritize sound and tactile feedback or prefer a more linear and subdued typing experience. Each switch has its own character, but both can provide satisfactory results based on your individual style and requirements.
Conclusion
Ultimately, when deciding between the Cherry MX Orange linear switch and the Outemu Blue clicky switch, consider the type of typing experience you desire and the context in which you'll be using your keyboard. If you prefer a smooth and silent operation, ideal for both gaming and office environments where noise levels matter, the Cherry MX Orange is an excellent choice. Its linear feel provides a consistent keypress without any tactile feedback, allowing for rapid key actions that many gamers appreciate during intensive play. On the other hand, if you enjoy a more tactile experience with auditory feedback that lets you know when a key has been actuated, the Outemu Blue switch may be more suitable for you. This clicky switch can enhance your typing experience, providing satisfying sound and feel that many typists enjoy, especially for writing or coding tasks. Ultimately, your choice should reflect your personal preferences and how you plan to use your keyboard, whether that's for quiet gaming sessions or vibrant typing experiences.
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