Cherry MX Orange vs. Outemu Brown

Overview

When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Cherry MX Orange and Outemu Brown offer unique experiences that cater to different preferences. The MX Orange, a linear switch, is celebrated for its smooth keystrokes and minimal resistance, making it a great choice for gamers who prefer rapid key presses without tactile feedback. In contrast, the Outemu Brown features a tactile bump, providing noticeable feedback that many typists find satisfying while also maintaining a quieter operation compared to clicky switches. This tactile response can enhance typing accuracy, making it ideal for writers and programmers. Ultimately, choosing between these two switches depends on whether you prioritize speed and fluidity or a tactile sensation and feedback. 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 Brown Tactile

$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 the Outemu Brown switches, a notable distinction arises from their respective top housings. The MX Orange features a nylon top housing, which is known for its softer plastic properties, contributing to a deeper and fuller sound profile. This softer material absorbs sound more effectively than harder plastics, resulting in a more muted auditory experience with a rounder tone. In contrast, the Outemu Brown employs a polycarbonate top housing, which is inherently stiffer and provides a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile. This clear and resonant quality is particularly advantageous for those keen on RGB lighting effects, as the translucency of polycarbonate allows light to shine through more vividly.

Interestingly, both switches utilize nylon for their bottom housings, which leads to a shared sound characteristic resulting from the softer material. The nylon bottom housing in both the Cherry MX Orange and Outemu Brown ensures that typing on either switch elicits a deeper and fuller sound, showcasing the material’s sound-absorbing capabilities. Although the top housings differ significantly in terms of material properties and the resulting sound profiles, the nylon bottom housing in both switches serves as a unifying factor, grounding the overall auditory experience in a similar audio depth. Therefore, both switches maintain a semblance of sound quality consistency despite the varied top housing materials.

Ultimately, the contrasting materials of the top housings create distinct sound profiles, while the shared nylon bottom housing contributes to an underlying resonance. The MX Orange’s nylon top lends a softer, more muted sound when keys are released, while the Outemu Brown’s polycarbonate top delivers a crisper, clearer note. During operation, the tactile feedback in both switches will feel influenced by the nylon bottom, which enhances the deeper, fuller auditory quality when bottoming out. Thus, while the Cherry MX Orange excels in providing a robust sound experience due to its nylon top, the Outemu Brown’s design capitalizes on the sharp sound resonated through its polycarbonate top, showcasing how the interplay of materials can shape user experience distinctly, yet still harmoniously.

Weight

When comparing the Cherry MX Orange and the Outemu Brown switches, there are noticeable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Cherry MX Orange has an actuation force of 55 grams, which is slightly heavier than the Outemu Brown's actuation force of 53 grams, making the Orange a better choice for those who prefer a more substantial typing experience. However, the bottom out force for the MX Orange is unknown, while the Outemu Brown features a bottom out force of 65 grams, categorizing it as medium-heavy. This means that while both switches are relatively close in terms of the force needed to actuate a key, the Outemu Brown provides a more definitive resistance at the bottom, ideal for users who appreciate the tactile feedback. As a result, the Cherry MX Orange may be seen as lighter due to its unknown bottom out force, whereas the Outemu Brown is clearly heavier overall. For users seeking prolonged typing sessions, the Cherry MX Orange may offer an advantage, while those who enjoy a firmer feel might gravitate towards the Outemu Brown.

Travel distance

The travel distance of both the Cherry MX Orange linear switch and the Outemu Brown tactile switch is 4 mm, indicating that they provide the same key travel experience when pressed. Since both switches have an identical travel distance, users can expect similar results in terms of the depth of key press and overall feel. This similarity means that regardless of which switch is used, the actuation and bottoming out will occur at the same distance, leading to a comparable typing experience.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound, the Cherry MX Orange linear switch is generally known for its smooth actuation without any significant auditory feedback, making it a quieter option suited for environments where noise reduction is a priority. On the other hand, the Outemu Brown tactile switch produces a subtle bump in the actuation point, providing a discernible tactile feedback that is accompanied by a faint click sound. This makes the Brown switches slightly more audible compared to the Orange. However, it's essential to note that the sound profile of any switch can be influenced by the specific keyboard construction, the type of keycaps used, and personal typing technique.

In terms of feel, the Cherry MX Orange switch offers a linear experience, meaning that it provides a consistent push from top to bottom without any bumps or interruptions. This smooth action can be particularly appealing to gamers or those who prefer a more fluid typing experience. Conversely, the Outemu Brown switch delivers a tactile bump to indicate the actuation point, allowing typists to feel when a key has been registered without needing to bottom out. This tactile feedback can enhance typing accuracy and comfort for users who type frequently, as it provides a more engaging experience.

In summary, both the Cherry MX Orange and Outemu Brown switches cater to different types of users based on their sound and feel preferences. The MX Orange appeals to those seeking a linear and quieter typing experience, while the Outemu Brown offers tactile feedback with a slight increase in sound. Depending on your style and needs, either switch could be a good fit, but understanding these differences will help you select the right switch for your mechanical keyboard setup.

Conclusion

In conclusion, choosing between the Cherry MX Orange linear switch and the Outemu Brown tactile switch hinges greatly on your specific typing or gaming needs. If you prefer a switch that offers a smooth, uninterrupted keystroke with no tactile bump or audible click, the Cherry MX Orange is your go-to option. This makes it an excellent choice for fast-paced typing or gaming where quick key presses and a quieter operation are desirable. On the other hand, if you enjoy the feedback of a tactile bump that signals you’ve actuated the key, the Outemu Brown switch is more suitable. Its medium-heavy bottom out force provides a reassuring feel while typing, making it ideal for both typists who appreciate a bit of resistance and gamers who may benefit from the tactile feedback to assess key presses. Ultimately, consider your typing style and sound preferences; if you value a smooth and quiet experience, lean towards the MX Orange, but if you want enhanced feedback and moderate resistance, the Outemu Brown will serve you well.

Mentioned in this article

Cherry MX Orange Linear

$4.10

$3.89 per 10

Learn more

Outemu Brown Tactile

$3.10 per 10

Learn more