Cherry MX Orange vs. Outemu Dustproof Green
An in-depth look at the Cherry MX Orange and the Outemu Dustproof Green switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, preferences often come down to the type of feedback and experience a user desires. The Cherry MX Orange switch stands out as a linear switch, offering a smooth and consistent keypress without the tactile bump or audible click, making it an excellent choice for gamers seeking swift, uninterrupted keystrokes and typists who appreciate a quieter typing environment. In contrast, the Outemu Dustproof Green switch leans into the clicky category, delivering tactile feedback and an audible 'click' with each press, which can enhance the typing experience for those who enjoy a more pronounced response and find satisfaction in the sound of their keystrokes. While the MX Orange is celebrated for its refined performance enhancements, the Dustproof Green switch's dustproof design adds durability for long-term use. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the right switch for your unique typing needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
55g
Actuation force
65g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
80g
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
The Cherry MX Orange and Outemu Dustproof Green switches employ different materials for their top housings, resulting in distinct sound profiles. The MX Orange features a nylon top housing, which is known for its softer composition that absorbs sound more effectively than harder plastics. This quality contributes to a deeper and fuller acoustic experience, making each keystroke feel more rounded and fulfilling. In contrast, the Outemu Dustproof Green utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, which tends to produce a sharper, more resonant sound profile. The inherent rigidity of polycarbonate allows for clearer highs and a crisper auditory response, appealing to users who prefer a brighter sound. Therefore, while both switches aim to deliver quality typing experiences, their differing top housing materials lead to contrasting auditory effects.
However, when examining the bottom housings, both the MX Orange and Outemu Dustproof Green utilize nylon material. This similarity ensures that users will experience a richer, deeper sound profile at the bottom-out point of the keypress, regardless of the differences in the top housings. Nylon's soft nature creates a duller sound, which complements the overall typing experience by providing a balanced feedback throughout the actuation. Consequently, while the top housing materials create distinctive sound profiles for key release, the nylon bottom housing for both switches ensures consistency in the overall low-end acoustic presence.
In summary, the primary differences between the Cherry MX Orange and Outemu Dustproof Green switches arise from their top housing materials: nylon for the MX Orange and polycarbonate for the Dustproof Green. This distinction leads to varied sound profiles that cater to different user preferences. While the bottom housings remain the same with nylon for both switches, they offer a unified experience in terms of deeper sound production upon bottoming out, allowing users to enjoy a harmonious balance of sound during typing. This combination of differences and similarities showcases how the interplay of housing materials can significantly impact the typing experience while still maintaining a sense of coherence between the two switches.
Weight
When comparing the Cherry MX Orange linear switch and the Outemu Dustproof Green clicky switch, notable differences emerge in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Cherry MX Orange has an actuation force of 55 grams, while the Outemu Dustproof Green demands a heavier actuation force of 65 grams, making the MX Orange the lighter option. The MX Orange's bottom out force remains unknown, whereas the Dustproof Green's bottom out force is 80 grams, indicating a more pronounced resistance when fully depressed. This heavier force could appeal to those who seek a more substantial typing experience, while the lighter actuation force of the MX Orange may be preferable for users looking to type for extended periods with less fatigue. Overall, while the MX Orange offers a gentler touch, the Outemu Dustproof Green provides a firmer feedback, catering to different user preferences in keyboard feel and performance.
Travel distance
Both the Cherry MX Orange linear switch and the Outemu Dustproof Green clicky switch have a travel distance of 4 mm, which means that when pressing down on either switch, you will feel the same distance traveled from the top to the bottom. This identical travel distance allows for a similar tactile experience between the two switches, leading to comparable keypress responses regardless of the distinct characteristics of each switch type. Therefore, users can expect equivalent performance in terms of how far the keys move when engaged, making them both suitable for those who prefer a consistent feel throughout their typing experience.
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 Green 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 it comes to sound, the Cherry MX Orange switch is relatively quiet, providing a subtle auditory feedback that’s perfect for both office environments and home use where noise might be an issue. In contrast, the Outemu Dustproof Green switch features a pronounced click sound, characteristic of a traditional clicky switch. This clicky feedback often provides a more satisfying and definitive auditory cue for typists and gamers who appreciate the audible confirmation with each actuation. However, it is essential to note that the overall sound experience can vary based on the keyboard’s construction, including the choice of board and keycaps, so results can differ in practice.
Regarding feel, the MX Orange is engineered to provide a smooth, linear response that promotes rapid key presses without any tactile bump, making it ideal for fast typists and gamers who prefer uninterrupted keystrokes. This smoothness encourages a fluid typing experience, allowing for rapid key actuation with minimal resistance. On the other hand, the Outemu Dustproof Green offers a tactile bump alongside the click sound, which provides users with definitive feedback at the actuation point. This tactile feedback can enhance typing accuracy for those who prefer a more engaging and interactive feel while typing or gaming, as it distinctly separates each keystroke.
In summary, the Cherry MX Orange and Outemu Dustproof Green switches cater to different typing preferences with their unique sound and feel characteristics. If you value a quieter and smoother typing experience, the MX Orange may be the better choice, allowing for fast-paced input without distraction. Conversely, if you enjoy the auditory and tactile feedback of a clicky switch, the Dustproof Green could enhance your typing experience with its pronounced sound and tactile feel. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on your personal preferences regarding sound and tactile feedback, leading to a satisfying mechanical keyboard experience tailored to your needs.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the Cherry MX Orange linear switch and the Outemu Dustproof Green clicky switch ultimately hinges on your personal preferences and typing style. If you value a smooth and consistent keystroke without any tactile bumps or clicks, the Cherry MX Orange would be your best bet. Its linear action offers a lightweight typing experience that can enhance your efficiency during long typing sessions or gaming marathons. Conversely, if your typing experience leans towards a more tactile feel, with satisfying audio feedback that mimics the classic mechanical keyboard experience, you might find the Outemu Dustproof Green switch more appealing. With a heavier bottom-out force, it provides a firm resistance that some users prefer, especially for precision typing or when you enjoy the feedback of each keystroke. Ultimately, consider a switch’s linearity or clickiness, force required, and the overall sound profile that suits your environment to make the best choice for your mechanical keyboard.
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