Cherry MX Orange vs. Outemu Dustproof Red

Overview

When it comes to mechanical keyboards, the choice of switch can significantly influence your typing experience and overall satisfaction. The Cherry MX Orange switches are celebrated for their smooth linear action and tactile feedback, making them an excellent choice for typists who appreciate a bit of resistance without the audible click—ideal for both gaming and typing. In contrast, the Outemu Dustproof Red switches emphasize a similar linear feel but boast added durability with their dustproof design, catering to users who require reliability in environments prone to debris. While the MX Orange seeks to combine nostalgic charm with modern enhancements, the Outemu Red prioritizes longevity and minimal maintenance. However, let’s dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the right switch for you.

By the numbers

Cherry MX Orange Linear

Outemu Dustproof Red Linear

$4.10

$3.89 per 10

$3.10 per 10

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Housing materials

The Cherry MX Orange and the Outemu Dustproof Red exhibit distinct characteristics due to the differing materials used in their top housings. The MX Orange features a nylon top housing, which is known for its ability to provide a deeper and fuller sound profile while typing. This effect is partly attributed to nylon's softer composition, which allows it to absorb sound more effectively than harder plastics, leading to a rounder and less resonant auditory experience. In contrast, the Outemu Dustproof Red utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, which produces a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. The stiffer nature of polycarbonate enhances the clarity of the sound profile, making it a preferred choice for users who appreciate a more direct and vibrant auditory feedback when typing. From an aesthetic perspective, the translucency of polycarbonate also complements RGB lighting setups, adding an extra visual appeal.

Despite the differences in top housing materials, both switches share a commonality in their bottom housing composition: nylon. The nylon used in the MX Orange's bottom housing retains its classic characteristics, contributing to a similarly deep and full sound profile. The Outemu Dustproof Red also employs nylon for its bottom housing, which results in a comparable auditory experience on that half of the switch. However, since the bottom housing significantly influences the bottom-out sound and feel, both switches will share a dulcet sound quality when depression is felt, regardless of the material difference in their top housings. This means that users can expect a rich tonal foundation in both switches when they reach the end of their keystrokes, promoting a satisfying typing experience.

In essence, the contrasting sounds produced by the top housings create a dichotomy in the overall auditory experience of the two switches, while the similar properties of their nylon bottom housings provide a cohesive acoustic foundation. The MX Orange's dual nylon composition results in a more subdued auditory response, ideal for users who prefer a quieter typing experience, whereas the Outemu Dustproof Red's polycarbonate top offers a livelier, sharper sound profile. The coexistence of various materials in both switches enables a diverse typing experience, catering to individual preferences based on sound and feel. Ultimately, the combination of these distinct materials underscores the nuanced differences and similarities between the two switches, providing users with options tailored to their personal typing styles.

Weight

When comparing the Cherry MX Orange linear switch and the Outemu Dustproof Red linear switch, key differences in their actuation forces and bottom out forces stand out. The Cherry MX Orange features an actuation force of 55 grams, signaling it requires more force to register a keystroke, while the Dustproof Red is lighter with an actuation force of 45 grams. This makes the Dustproof Red more suitable for extended typing sessions and gaming, as users may find it easier on their hands. However, the bottom out force for the MX Orange is unknown, whereas the Dustproof Red has a bottom out force of 60 grams, indicating that it provides a firmer feel at full depression. Overall, the MX Orange is heavier in actuation force, while the Dustproof Red provides a lighter actuation but a more substantial bottom out experience, making it a better choice for those who prefer a softer keystroke yet still desire a solid feedback upon bottoming out.

Travel distance

Both the Cherry MX Orange linear switch and the Outemu Dustproof Red linear switch have an identical travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when pressing down on a key, users will experience the same distance of key travel with both switches. As a result, both switches will provide similar tactile feedback and responsiveness, making them equally suitable for various typing and gaming scenarios where keypress distance is a factor. Since their travel distances are the same, users can expect a comparable feel and performance when using either switch.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound, the Cherry MX Orange switch typically produces a subdued and refined acoustic profile, which is characteristic of linear switches. This makes them less intrusive than tactile or clicky switches, allowing for a quieter typing experience that is still satisfying. On the other hand, the Outemu Dustproof Red switch likely has a comparable sound signature, as it is also a linear switch. However, specific details about its sound characteristics are not widely documented, so it may vary depending on the application and other factors such as the keyboard frame and keycap material.

In terms of feel, the MX Orange switch provides a smooth keystroke without any tactile bump, ensuring a seamless typing experience. This is ideal for users who enjoy a consistent press without interruption. The Outemu Dustproof Red switch shares this linear quality, offering a similarly smooth feel for users who prefer unimpeded key travel. However, much like the sound aspect, the precise feel of the Dustproof Red is not extensively described in available literature, which might mean potential nuances in smoothness or actuation force are less well defined.

Both switches cater to users who appreciate the linear feel with muted sound profiles; thus, they are likely to offer a comparable experience in terms of typing fluidity and noise level. While the Cherry MX Orange is renowned for its heritage and refinements over the years, the Outemu Dustproof Red could provide similar outcomes, particularly when considering the right keyboard and setup. Ultimately, both options can serve well for gamers and typists alike, depending on individual preferences for brand, price, and other features that may come into play during your selection process.

Conclusion

To conclude, when deciding between the Cherry MX Orange linear switch and the Outemu Dustproof Red linear switch, your choice should reflect your specific preferences and use cases. If you prefer a smooth and quiet typing experience, with an emphasis on subtlety and precision, the Cherry MX Orange is an excellent option. Its design is rooted in a legacy that has been enhanced for modern usage, making it suitable for both typing and gaming without drawing much attention. On the other hand, if you're looking for a switch that offers a bit more resistance and a tactile response in your gaming sessions, the Outemu Dustproof Red, with its medium 60-gram bottom-out force, may be more appealing. This switch is likely to provide a more traditional mechanical feel, ideal for those who enjoy a firmer key press and potentially minimized issues in dusty environments, thanks to its dustproof attributes. Ultimately, your choice depends on whether you prioritize a quieter, more refined experience with the MX Orange or a sturdier, tactile feel with the Dustproof Red.

Mentioned in this article

Cherry MX Orange Linear

$4.10

$3.89 per 10

Learn more

Outemu Dustproof Red Linear

$3.10 per 10

Learn more