Cherry MX Orange vs. Outemu Dustproof Brown
An in-depth look at the Cherry MX Orange and the Outemu Dustproof Brown switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch, the differences between the Cherry MX Orange and the Outemu Dustproof Brown are both intriguing and significant. The Cherry MX Orange is a linear switch known for its smooth keystrokes and minimal resistance, making it a popular choice among gamers who prioritize speed and quick actuation without tactile feedback. In contrast, the Outemu Dustproof Brown offers a tactile bump that provides satisfying feedback upon activation, appealing to typists and casual users who enjoy the responsive sensation while typing. Each switch serves a unique purpose: the MX Orange excels in fast-paced gaming scenarios, while the Dustproof Brown is ideal for those who prefer a more traditional typing experience combined with some protection against dust. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
55g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
65g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 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
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Cherry MX Orange and the Outemu Dustproof Brown switches, the differences become prominently evident, particularly in the top housing composition. The MX Orange comes equipped with a nylon top housing, which is noted for enhancing a switch's capability to produce a deeper and fuller sound profile. This quality arises from nylon's relatively soft plastic nature, which absorbs sound rather than reflecting it, resulting in a duller and rounder auditory experience. In contrast, the Outemu Dustproof Brown features a polycarbonate top housing. This material is characterized by its rigidity, which yields a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile. As polycarbonate tends to resonate more clearly, it encourages a more pronounced auditory feedback when pressing and releasing keys. Aesthetically, the translucent nature of polycarbonate can also amplify the visual effects of RGB lighting, making it a favorite for keyboard enthusiasts who appreciate both sound and aesthetics.
The situation changes slightly when we examine the bottom housings of these switches, as both the MX Orange and the Dustproof Brown utilize nylon for this component. The implications of having nylon in the bottom housing for both switches highlight a similarity in sound character, as both will produce a deeper and fuller sound profile upon actuation. This common use of nylon is significant because it provides consistency in the overall sound experience when bottoming out the keys. Since the bottom housing contributes more to the bottom-out sound and feel, users of either switch can expect a subdued auditory feedback from the force applied during typing.
In summary, the contrasting materials of the top housings of the Cherry MX Orange and the Outemu Dustproof Brown lead to distinct sound profiles during operation, while their shared nylon bottom housings unify their auditory characteristics when the keys are fully pressed down. This interplay between the materials within the switches creates a unique typing experience, where the top housing's properties predominantly affect the sound released upon key release, and the bottom housing creates a more resonant effect upon the key's activation. Ultimately, while there are clear differences in the sound profiles of the two switches due to their top housing materials, the nylon bottom housing ensures that some consistent acoustic qualities persist within both options.
Weight
When comparing the Cherry MX Orange linear switch and the Outemu Dustproof Brown tactile switch, notable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces can be observed. The Cherry MX Orange features an actuation force of 55 grams, while the Dustproof Brown has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams. This means that the Dustproof Brown is easier to press down, making it a better choice for users seeking a less strenuous typing experience over extended periods, such as during long gaming sessions or work tasks. On the other hand, the MX Orange lacks a specified bottom out force, whereas the Dustproof Brown has a bottom out force of 65 grams, classified as medium-heavy. This indicates that while the MX Orange has a notably heavier feel when actuating, the Dustproof Brown presents a more defined tactile feedback when bottoming out, providing a more substantial typing experience for those who prefer a firmer key response. Thus, in this comparison, the Cherry MX Orange can be considered the heavier switch overall, while the Outemu Dustproof Brown is lighter and offers a more varied tactile feedback with its bottom out force.
Travel distance
Both the Cherry MX Orange linear switch and the Outemu Dustproof Brown tactile switch have an identical travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when pressing down on a key, users will experience the same distance for both switches, resulting in similar key feel and actuation moment. Since both switches exhibit this equal travel distance, players and typists can expect a comparable level of responsiveness and feedback, regardless of their choice between the two.
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 Dustproof Brown 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 considering the sound produced by the Cherry MX Orange linear switch compared to the Outemu Dustproof Brown tactile switch, the MX Orange is characterized by a smooth, quieter operation typical of linear switches, resulting in a nearly silent keystroke. This makes it an excellent choice for environments where noise levels should be minimized. In contrast, the Dustproof Brown switch, being tactile, produces a softer sound with a slight bump but maintains a relatively subdued profile compared to more clicky tactile switches. Overall, the sound signature of each switch aligns with its design—linear for a silent experience and brown for a milder tactile feedback with some audible response.
In terms of feel, the MX Orange switch offers a consistent and fluid keystroke with no tactile bump, making it ideal for rapid typing and gaming scenarios where a smooth actuation is desirable. The absence of tactile feedback allows for uninterrupted and quick keystrokes. On the other hand, the Dustproof Brown switch features a tactile bump that provides a noticeable indication of actuation, which many find satisfying for typing. This tactile feedback can enhance typing accuracy by giving a clear signal when the switch is activated, making it a preferred choice for those who enjoy a more engaged typing experience.
In conclusion, while both the Cherry MX Orange and Outemu Dustproof Brown switches cater to different preferences, they each offer distinct advantages depending on the user's priorities. The MX Orange appeals to those seeking a quieter, smooth linear experience, ideal for fast typing and gaming, whereas the Dustproof Brown provides tactile feedback that many typists prefer. Ultimately, your choice will depend on whether you favor a silent linear feel or a tactile bump, as both switches will deliver unique experiences suited to their respective designs.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between Cherry MX Orange linear switches and Outemu Dustproof Brown tactile switches ultimately boils down to your specific typing preferences and usage scenarios. If you prioritize a smooth and uninterrupted keypress experience, particularly for gaming or fast typing tasks, the Cherry MX Orange switch is an excellent choice. Its linear feel means you won't encounter any tactile bumps, allowing for rapid key actuation without distraction, making it perfect for situations where speed is paramount. Conversely, if you appreciate feedback during your keypresses, the Outemu Dustproof Brown’s tactile design, which provides a noticeable bump at the actuation point, can enhance typing accuracy and provide a satisfying experience for general typing tasks or programming. Furthermore, the medium-heavy bottom-out force of the Brown switch can also provide a more deliberate feel, which some users prefer for lengthy typing sessions. Therefore, consider your primary use case: go with the Cherry MX Orange for uninterrupted smoothness and responsiveness, or opt for the Outemu Dustproof Brown for tactile feedback and a balanced typing force.
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