Cherry MX Orange vs. Outemu Dustproof Purple
An in-depth look at the Cherry MX Orange and the Outemu Dustproof Purple switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboards, the choice of switches can drastically influence your typing experience, and two prominent contenders are the Cherry MX Orange and the Outemu Dustproof Purple. The Cherry MX Orange switch is revered for its linear action, providing a smooth keystroke with a consistent feel from top to bottom; it appeals to gamers and typists who favor swift, uninterrupted key presses without tactile feedback. In contrast, the Outemu Dustproof Purple switch offers a tactile sensation, giving an audible click and a noticeable bump on actuation, which can enhance accuracy and satisfaction for those who enjoy feeling their keystrokes—ideal for typists and gamers who appreciate feedback with every press. While both switches cater to different preferences, each has its unique allure—whether you prioritize speed and fluidity with the MX Orange or the tactile engagement and assurance from the Dustproof Purple. 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
55g
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
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
When comparing the Cherry MX Orange and the Outemu Dustproof Purple switches, a significant difference lies in the materials used for their top housings. The Cherry MX Orange features a nylon top housing, which is known for producing a deeper and fuller sound profile. This is primarily due to nylon’s softer, more absorbent characteristics, which help to dampen sound vibrations. In contrast, the Outemu Dustproof Purple employs a polycarbonate top housing that results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The inherent stiffness of polycarbonate contributes to a more resonant acoustic experience, which is especially valuable when RGB lighting is involved, given polycarbonate's translucency. Thus, the choice of top housing material directly influences the auditory experience of each switch, showcasing a fundamental contrast in their design philosophies.
Despite the differences in their top housings, both switches share a commonality in the material used for their bottom housings: nylon. This consistency results in a deeper, fuller sound profile for both switches when pressed down. When typing on either switch, the softer nylon bottom absorbs sound, creating a rounder and more muted bottom-out sound that can enhance the overall typing experience. Although the top housings diverge in material and the resulting acoustic qualities, the unified use of nylon in the bottom housing means that users will experience a similar auditory feel when the keys are bottomed out. This shared characteristic provides a certain consistency in sound that could appeal to users looking for a balance between contrasting acoustic experiences in the upper and lower sections of the switch.
In summary, the Cherry MX Orange and Outemu Dustproof Purple switches exhibit a distinctive contrast in their top housing materials, leading to different auditory profiles. The MX Orange's nylon top provides a muted, harmonious sound, while the Dustproof Purple's polycarbonate top yields a clearer and sharper resonance. However, both switches benefit from nylon in their bottom housings, contributing similarly deep and rounded sound qualities when pressed. This combination of differences and similarities creates a dynamic typing experience, where the impact of each housing type complements the other, offering users a nuanced but cohesive auditory feedback through their typing sessions.
Weight
The Cherry MX Orange linear switch and the Outemu Dustproof Purple tactile switch both feature an actuation force of 55 grams, making them equivalent in this regard. This means users can expect a similar effort when triggering a keystroke, resulting in comparable typing experiences in terms of actuation. However, the significant contrast arises with the bottom out force, as the Dustproof Purple has a defined bottom out force of 65 grams, which is considered medium-heavy, while the bottom out force for the MX Orange is not specified. This suggests that while both switches feel similar at the actuation point, the Dustproof Purple will require more effort to press all the way down, thereby providing a heavier overall feel. For typists who prefer a lighter switch for longer typing sessions, the MX Orange would likely be the more suitable choice, while those who appreciate a stronger push for a more substantial experience may lean towards the Outemu Dustproof Purple.
Travel distance
Both the Cherry MX Orange linear switch and the Outemu Dustproof Purple tactile switch feature a travel distance of 4 mm, which means they have the same distance from the top to the bottom when pressed. As a result, users can expect similar feel and response when typing or gaming, as both switches require the same amount of pressing distance to activate. With their equal travel distance of 4 mm, switching between the two should not dramatically alter the typing experience, offering a comparable tactile response across both switch types.
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 Purple 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
In terms of sound, the Cherry MX Orange switches are typically quieter compared to many tactile and clicky switches, producing a subtle thock that is less intrusive during typing or gaming sessions. This makes them a great choice for environments where noise levels are a consideration. On the other hand, the Outemu Dustproof Purple switches feature a tactile bump, which often adds a more pronounced sound during activation, contributing to a slight click or pop that provides auditory feedback. However, it's important to note that the perceived sound can vary based on factors like the chosen keyboard case and keycap material, so users might experience different sound profiles in practice.
When considering the feel, the Cherry MX Orange switch offers a smooth linear experience with minimal resistance throughout the keypress. This allows for quick, uninterrupted keystrokes, making them ideal for fast typists and gamers who prioritize swift movements. In contrast, the Outemu Dustproof Purple switches provide a tactile response with a noticeable bump at the actuation point. This tactile bump can enhance typing satisfaction for some users, providing a more engaging experience while typing or gaming, as it gives feedback that a key has been actuated.
In conclusion, while both the Cherry MX Orange and Outemu Dustproof Purple switches cater to different preferences, they offer distinct qualities that can significantly shape a user's typing experience. The MX Orange leans towards a quieter, smooth linear feel, whereas the Dustproof Purple focuses more on tactile feedback with a pronounced sound. Depending on your personal preferences in sound and feel, either switch can provide a satisfying performance, but it's essential to test them out to find the one that best meets your needs.
Conclusion
To conclude, when choosing between the Cherry MX Orange linear switch and the Outemu Dustproof Purple tactile switch, consider your priorities and typing preferences. If you prefer a smooth, uninterrupted keystroke experience without tactile feedback, and you're a fan of lighter actuation with no audible click, the Cherry MX Orange is likely the better option for you. It's particularly well-suited for gamers who engage in fast-paced action and want to minimize any disruption in their flow. Alternatively, if you enjoy a tactile response that provides physical feedback upon actuation, the Outemu Dustproof Purple is a commendable choice, especially since it offers a medium-heavy bottom out force which can enhance the typing experience by letting you feel each key press. This can be beneficial for writers or typists who appreciate the feedback during long sessions. Ultimately, your individual needs—whether you prioritize smoothness and speed or tactile feedback and heft—should guide your decision between these two switches.
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