Cherry MX Orange vs. Outemu Dustproof Black

Overview

When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the Cherry MX Orange and the Outemu Dustproof Black offer distinct experiences that cater to different preferences and needs. The Cherry MX Orange is celebrated for revitalizing the original MX Orange switches, now enhanced with MX2A generation improvements that uphold Cherry's legacy of quality and performance. Known for its smooth linear action, it provides a quiet yet responsive typing experience that appeals to both gamers and typists seeking precision without auditory feedback. On the other hand, the Outemu Dustproof Black switches, while not as widely recognized, are designed to withstand dust and debris, making them a practical choice for those in less controlled environments or who prioritize durability in their setups. Both switches feature linear characteristics, providing a seamless keypress without the tactile bump found in other switch types. 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 Dustproof Black Linear

$4.10

$3.89 per 10

$3.10 per 10

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Housing materials

The Cherry MX Orange switch utilizes a nylon top housing, while the Outemu Dustproof Black is made with polycarbonate for its top housing. These materials create distinctly different sound profiles; nylon tends to produce deeper, fuller sounds due to its softer composition, which absorbs more sound, resulting in a rounder audio output. Conversely, the polycarbonate housing of the Dustproof Black switch creates a sharper and crisper sound. The stiffer nature of polycarbonate contributes to a clear and resonant auditory experience, giving users a more precise feedback when typing. This fundamental difference in material choice means that users will have varying auditory feedback depending on which switch they choose to use.

Interestingly, both switches share nylon for the bottom housing. In this aspect, they are similar, resulting in a comparable tactile and auditory experience. Since nylon has a soft quality that dampens sound, both switches provide a deeper and rounder bottom-out feel. This results in the user experiencing a consistent auditory feedback with respect to the bottoming out, even though the upper sound profiles differ significantly. This commonality indicates that while the overall auditory experience will vary by switch, the bottom housing will provide a unifying element that maintains a degree of acoustic similarity between them.

Ultimately, the divergence in housing materials highlights the unique characteristics of each switch. The Cherry MX Orange, with its nylon top, offers a fuller auditory experience, while the polycarbonate top of the Outemu Dustproof Black gives a more defined sound. However, the shared nylon bottom housing serves to create a consistent tactile and acoustic foundation. This layered approach allows users to appreciate the distinctive upper sound that each switch offers while still enjoying the familiar and comforting qualities of nylon in the bottom housing.

Weight

When comparing the Cherry MX Orange linear switch and the Outemu Dustproof Black linear switch, notable differences can be observed in their actuation forces. The MX Orange requires an actuation force of 55 grams, making it lighter than the Outemu Dustproof Black, which has a slightly heavier actuation force of 60 grams. This difference means that the MX Orange may be preferable for users who favor a lighter touch, allowing for longer typing sessions with less fatigue, while the Dustproof Black caters to those who enjoy a more substantial feel and feedback while typing due to its heavier actuation. Additionally, the bottom-out force for the Cherry MX Orange is not specified, whereas the Outemu Dustproof Black has a bottom-out force of 80 grams, which is quite heavy. This makes the Dustproof Black not only heavier in actuation but also when it comes to bottoming out, resulting in a firmer experience overall. For users who prioritize comfort over the tactile sensation of typing, the MX Orange may be the more suitable option.

Travel distance

Both the Cherry MX Orange and the Outemu Dustproof Black linear switches share the same travel distance of 4 mm, indicating that users can expect a similar feel when pressing down on either key. This equal travel distance means that the actuation and bottoming out experience will be consistent across both switches, providing similar tactile feedback and responsiveness. Consequently, whether you choose the MX Orange or the Dustproof Black, you will likely enjoy a comparable typing experience in terms of key travel.

Price comparison

Typing experience

The Cherry MX Orange switches typically produce a soft and subdued sound profile, making them suitable for quieter environments. Although specific decibel ratings may not be provided, users often note that the sound is not overly intrusive, allowing for a focused typing experience. In contrast, the Outemu Dustproof Black switches may have a different auditory characteristic, but detailed descriptions of their sound profile are not readily available. It's important to remember that the acoustic experience can vary significantly based on the keyboard chassis and keycap materials chosen.

When it comes to feel, the Cherry MX Orange switches are recognized for their smooth actuation with a linear travel that provides a consistent and seamless typing experience. They have been designed to cater to both typists and gamers, delivering a satisfying sensation without any tactile bump. The Dustproof Black switches, on the other hand, also fall under the linear category but lack extensive information related to their tactile feedback. This absence of detailed subjective qualities makes it challenging to draw direct comparisons in terms of the user experience.

Overall, both switches provide a linear typing experience, which suggests that users can expect a similar feel in terms of smooth actuation between the two options. The Cherry MX Orange is backed by a reputation for quality and performance, while the Dustproof Black's qualities remain largely uncharted. Ultimately, if you seek a quiet and smooth linear switch, either option could meet your needs, though the MX Orange’s established performance is a noteworthy consideration for those who prioritize a more proven experience.

Conclusion

To conclude, when deciding between the Cherry MX Orange linear switch and the Outemu Dustproof Black linear switch, it's important to consider your personal preferences and typing style. If you enjoy a switch that provides a smooth and quiet typing experience, the Cherry MX Orange is an excellent choice, especially if you prefer lighter actuation forces that allow for quicker typing without much resistance. This makes it particularly well-suited for intensive coding, casual gaming, or long typing sessions where comfort is key. On the other hand, if you prefer a switch that offers a firmer feel and can withstand heavy use without excessive wear, the Outemu Dustproof Black may be the right fit for you. The 80-gram bottom-out force provides a satisfying tactile feedback which is ideal for those who enjoy a more deliberate typing experience, making it great for users who want reliability and durability in a switch for gaming or extensive typing. Ultimately, your choice should reflect what feels best for your hands and what feels productive for your tasks, ensuring that you enjoy your mechanical keyboard experience to the fullest.

Mentioned in this article

Cherry MX Orange Linear

$4.10

$3.89 per 10

Learn more

Outemu Dustproof Black Linear

$3.10 per 10

Learn more