Cherry MX Orange vs. Outemu Green
An in-depth look at the Cherry MX Orange and the Outemu Green switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, the Cherry MX Orange and the Outemu Green present distinct options catering to different typing preferences. The Cherry MX Orange, renowned for its linear design, offers a smooth and quiet typing experience without the tactile feedback, making it an excellent choice for those who favor uninterrupted keystrokes for gaming or work. Its enhanced features, revived from the original MX Orange switches by Cherry's Japanese partner Hirose, aim to meet high demand while delivering consistent performance. In contrast, the Outemu Green is designed for those who appreciate a pronounced tactile and auditory feedback, characteristic of clicky switches. This can enhance typing satisfaction and improve typing accuracy, particularly for users who enjoy the responsive feel and sound that accompany their keystrokes. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches hinges on individual preferences for tactile response and noise levels. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.
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
Standard
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 housing materials of the Cherry MX Orange and Outemu Green switches, notable distinctions arise, particularly in their top housings. The Cherry MX Orange features a nylon top housing that contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile. This is primarily due to nylon's softer composition, allowing it to absorb more sound and produce a more subdued auditory experience. In contrast, the Outemu Green is constructed with a polycarbonate top housing, resulting in a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile. Polycarbonate's rigidity not only enhances the clarity of the sound but also makes it resonate more prominently, creating a distinctly different typing experience. Therefore, while both switches utilize contrasting materials in their top housings, the auditory feedback and overall acoustics diverge significantly.
On the other hand, the bottom housings of both switches are crafted from nylon, which creates a unified aspect in their acoustic characteristics. Both the Cherry MX Orange and Outemu Green demonstrate a deeper and fuller sound profile thanks to this shared housing material. The nylon bottom absorbs sound, yielding a muted bottom-out sound when keys are pressed. This sonic consistency means that, despite the differences in the top housing materials, the tactile experience at the base of the switch remains similar for typists. The commonality in bottom housing provides a solid foundation for both switches, ensuring that the bulk of the acoustic impression during actuation is harmonized across the two.
The interplay between the top and bottom housing materials illustrates how distinct and complementary features can generate varied results in a keyboard switch. For the Cherry MX Orange, the nylon top and bottom create a cohesive sound that amplifies the softer tones, while the Outemu Green's combination of a polycarbonate top and nylon bottom generates a more complex sound profile, blending clarity with depth. Consequently, while the Cherry MX Orange excels in delivering rich auditory feedback, the Outemu Green is better suited for those who appreciate a more pronounced sound that highlights each keystroke. Ultimately, the choice of housing materials plays a pivotal role in determining the overall typing experience, catering to diverse preferences in sound and tactility.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force of the Cherry MX Orange linear switch and the Outemu Green clicky switch, we see a notable difference. The Cherry MX Orange requires an actuation force of 55 grams, while the Outemu Green has a higher actuation force of 65 grams. This indicates that the Orange switch is lighter, making it more suitable for users who prefer a less strenuous typing experience ideal for long sessions at work or gaming. However, when it comes to the bottom out force, the Cherry MX Orange's data is unavailable, while the Outemu Green has a definitive bottom out force of 80 grams, categorizing it as a heavier switch. Thus, for users who favor a more substantial feel under their fingers while typing, the Outemu Green is the better choice due to its greater bottom out force. Overall, while the MX Orange allows for a lighter touch during actuation, the Outemu Green provides a heftier feedback experience, appealing to different preferences in typing style.
Travel distance
Both the Cherry MX Orange linear switch and the Outemu Green clicky switch feature the same travel distance of 4 mm, resulting in similar typing results between the two. This means that when pressing down on a key, users will experience the same amount of distance traveled from the top of the key to the bottom for both switches. Consequently, those who prefer either switch can expect a comparable feel in terms of key travel, allowing for a consistent typing experience regardless of the switch choice.
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 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
The sound profile of the Cherry MX Orange switch tends to be quite subdued, prioritizing a quieter experience that allows for comfortable long-term typing without causing disturbances. This can be particularly beneficial in shared or quieter environments. In contrast, the Outemu Green switch produces a distinct clicky sound that provides audible feedback with each keystroke, making it more engaging for users who appreciate a more pronounced auditory cue while typing. However, it is important to consider that the sound experience can also be influenced by the keyboard’s construction, including the type of materials used in the board and the keycaps.
When it comes to feel, the Cherry MX Orange switch offers a smooth linear action, allowing for fluid keystrokes without the tactile bump that characterizes some other switch types. This makes it ideal for those who prefer uninterrupted typing since there’s no tactile interference. On the other hand, the Outemu Green switch features a tactile bump and audible click, providing tangible feedback that many typists find satisfying and immersive. This feedback can enhance typing rhythm, appealing to users who enjoy feeling and hearing their keystrokes.
Overall, while the Cherry MX Orange and Outemu Green switches cater to different preferences in sound and feel, they both serve specific niches in the mechanical keyboard world. The MX Orange is perfect for those seeking a quieter and smoother typing experience, while the Green caters well to individuals who enjoy the sound and sensation of a clicky switch. Users should consider their typing environment and personal preferences when choosing between these switches to find the most satisfying experience.
Conclusion
To conclude, when deciding between the Cherry MX Orange linear switch and the Outemu Green clicky switch, it's essential to consider your typing style and preferences. If you prefer a smooth, linear experience with minimal tactile feedback, the MX Orange is the better choice for you, especially for fast-paced gaming or extended typing sessions where you want to avoid distraction and fatigue from a heavy actuation force. Its softer action makes it ideal for a quieter environment or if you find that fatigue sets in quickly with heavier switches. On the other hand, if you enjoy the distinct feel and sound of a clicky switch, the Outemu Green is likely more your speed. Its heavier 80-gram actuation force can provide satisfying feedback and assurance with each keystroke, making it perfect for typists who thrive on tactile sensations and enjoy an audible confirmation of their key presses. In essence, your personal preference for tactile feedback versus a linear experience will be the key determinant in selecting between these two switches.
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