Cherry MX Orange vs. Outemu Dustproof Blue

Overview

When it comes to choosing mechanical keyboard switches, enthusiasts often find themselves navigating between the smooth, linear feel of the Cherry MX Orange and the tactile, clicky experience of the Outemu Dustproof Blue. The Cherry MX Orange switches are celebrated for their linear action, which offers a consistent keystroke without any tactile bump or audible click, making them an excellent choice for those who prefer smooth and quiet typing, particularly in office environments or during late-night gaming sessions. In contrast, the Outemu Dustproof Blue switches deliver a distinctive audible click and tactile feedback, appealing to typists who enjoy the satisfying sound and sensation that comes with each keystroke, perfect for those who like to feel truly engaged in their typing experience. Both switches cater to different preferences and use cases, providing distinct advantages based on your typing style and environment; however, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the ideal switch for you.

By the numbers

Cherry MX Orange Linear

Outemu Dustproof Blue Clicky

$4.10

$3.89 per 10

$3.10 per 10

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Housing materials

The Cherry MX Orange and the Outemu Dustproof Blue switches exhibit notable differences in their top housing materials, which in turn significantly influences their overall sound profiles. The Cherry MX Orange features a nylon top housing, known for its ability to absorb sound due to its softer plastic composition. This results in a deeper and fuller sound profile that provides a more muted auditory experience when typing. In contrast, the Dustproof Blue opts for a polycarbonate top housing. This material is stiffer, leading to a sharper and more resonant sound profile. Because of its clear nature, polycarbonate is also conducive to RGB lighting effects, offering a visual enhancement in keyboards that utilize this feature. Therefore, users seeking a rich, warm sound may prefer the MX Orange, while those looking for clarity and brightness might gravitate toward the Outemu Dustproof Blue.

When it comes to the bottom housings, both the Cherry MX Orange and the Outemu Dustproof Blue share a nylon composition. This similarity highlights a fundamental aspect of switch design: while the top housings contribute primarily to the sound produced when keys are released, the bottom housings play a crucial role in the bottom-out sound and the overall tactile experience. The nylon bottom housing in both switches helps maintain that deeper, rounder sound profile characteristic of nylon, further ensuring that typing on either switch feels plush and cushioned. Thus, even though the top housings produce contrasting sounds, the nylon bottoms unify their acoustic characteristics to some degree.

In summary, while the Cherry MX Orange and the Outemu Dustproof Blue switches differ in their top housings—one being nylon and the other polycarbonate—the similarity in their bottom housing materials creates a linkage in their auditory profiles. The MX Orange delivers a richer, warmer sound, whereas the Dustproof Blue provides a sharper, crisper experience, particularly noticeable upon key release. Ultimately, the design choices behind these materials ensure that while users can expect distinct auditory experiences from each switch when pressed, a cohesive feel and sound remain consistent due to the shared nylon bottom housings. This interplay between the materials illustrates the complex influences of design and material in switch performance.

Weight

When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Cherry MX Orange linear switch and the Outemu Dustproof Blue clicky switch, it is evident that the Outemu Dustproof Blue is the lighter option in terms of actuation force, requiring only 50 grams to trigger a keystroke compared to the 55 grams needed for the Cherry MX Orange. This slight difference may appeal to users who prefer a lighter touch for long typing sessions, as it could reduce fatigue. However, the Outemu Dustproof Blue's bottom out force of 65 grams indicates a firmer push required to fully press down the key, resulting in a more substantial feel when compared to the MX Orange, whose bottom out force is not specified. For individuals who enjoy a heavier feel, the Dustproof Blue provides this sensation during bottoming out, while the actuation forces show that the Orange is marginally heavier overall. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on personal preference for lightness versus a firmer push.

Travel distance

Both the Cherry MX Orange linear switch and the Outemu Dustproof Blue clicky switch have an identical travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when pressing down on a key, users will experience the same physical distance as they engage each switch. As a result, both switches will provide a similar tactile feedback experience in terms of travel distance, allowing for consistent performance regardless of which switch is used. Therefore, users looking for a switch with a specific travel distance can have confidence that both the Cherry MX Orange and the Outemu Dustproof Blue will deliver comparable results in this aspect.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound, the Cherry MX Orange switch offers a quieter experience compared to the Outemu Dustproof Blue switch. The MX Orange is designed to be unobtrusive, making it a suitable choice for those who prefer a more subdued typing environment or work in shared spaces where noise can be a distraction. In contrast, the Outemu Dustproof Blue switch provides a distinctly audible click with each keystroke, delivering a satisfying acoustic feedback that many users find enjoyable for typing. This clicky character can enhance the overall typing experience for those who appreciate auditory confirmation of their input, but it may not be ideal for quiet settings.

Focusing on the feel, the Cherry MX Orange switch presents a smooth, linear action with consistent resistance throughout the keypress, which allows for fluid typing without any tactile bumps. This linear characteristic can be particularly appealing for gamers or those who prefer rapid key presses without interruption. On the other hand, the Outemu Dustproof Blue switch is tactile, providing a noticeable bump at the actuation point. This tactile feedback can help typists feel more connected to their work, as they can effortlessly gauge when a key has registered without needing to bottom out, which some users find improves typing accuracy.

In summary, both the Cherry MX Orange and Outemu Dustproof Blue switches cater to different preferences in terms of sound and feel. The MX Orange's quieter, smooth linear action may entice users looking for a more serene typing experience, while the Dustproof Blue's loud, clicky feedback and tactile bump appeal to those who thrive on auditory and physical cues. Choosing between these two would ultimately depend on individual preferences regarding sound and tactile feedback, ensuring that users can find the right switch for their style of typing or gaming.

Conclusion

To wrap up, selecting between the Cherry MX Orange linear switch and the Outemu Dustproof Blue clicky switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences and usage context. If you value a quiet typing experience with a smooth keystroke, the Cherry MX Orange would be your best bet. These switches are designed for those who prefer a linear feel and minimal disruption during typing or gaming sessions, making them ideal for shared workspaces or late-night use when noise is a concern. On the other hand, if you're someone who enjoys an audible click to provide tactile feedback and a sense of satisfaction when typing, the Outemu Dustproof Blue switch is more aligned with your preferences. The pronounced click sound and medium-heavy bottom-out force can enhance your typing experience, particularly for writing or typing that requires positive confirmation with each keystroke. Ultimately, consider your typing habits, the noise level of your environment, and whether you lean towards a smooth or tactile experience, as these factors will guide you in choosing the switch that best fits your needs.

Mentioned in this article

Cherry MX Orange Linear

$4.10

$3.89 per 10

Learn more

Outemu Dustproof Blue Clicky

$3.10 per 10

Learn more