Cherry MX Orange vs. Outemu Red
An in-depth look at the Cherry MX Orange and the Outemu Red switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, enthusiasts often debate the merits of various types, and two prominent players in the linear switch category are the Cherry MX Orange and the Outemu Red. The Cherry MX Orange switches are celebrated for their smooth feel and subtle tactile bump, making them ideal for users who enjoy a balanced typing experience with a touch of feedback without the clicky distraction. In contrast, Outemu Red switches are known for their pure linear actuation, offering a completely smooth keystroke favored by gamers who require rapid key presses without resistance. While both switches cater to specific preferences—Cherry MX Orange for a slightly tactile yet fluid typing approach and Outemu Red for gamers seeking speed and efficiency—each has its unique characteristics that may cater to different user needs. 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
46g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
62g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.10 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 the Outemu Red switches, distinct differences emerge in their top housings. The Cherry MX Orange utilizes a nylon top housing, which is known for delivering a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer nature. This material absorbs more sound than harder plastics, creating a duller and rounder auditory experience for the typist. In contrast, the Outemu Red features a polycarbonate top housing, which is a stiffer plastic that produces a sharper and higher-pitched sound profile. This rigidity allows for a clearer and more resonant sound, making polycarbonate a popular choice for those who favor an audible click or pop when typing. The translucency of the polycarbonate also enhances aesthetic appeal, especially for users who incorporate RGB lighting into their keyboards.
Both switches feature nylon material in their bottom housings, which aligns their sound qualities in this regard. The use of nylon here also promotes a deeper and fuller sound profile, as the material's softer composition effectively absorbs sound waves. Therefore, the bottom-out sound feel on both the MX Orange and the Outemu Red switches will share similarities and maintain that rounded auditory character, even though the top housing materials produce contrasting sound profiles. In this way, each switch harmonizes its sound dynamics by balancing the contributions of both top and bottom housings, resulting in a unique typing experience.
Ultimately, the combined effects of the distinct top housing materials lead to differing sound profiles, while the sameness of their nylon bottom housings ensures that both switches share a level of resonance and tactile feedback during use. The MX Orange switch's nylon top creates a warm and muffled auditory experience, while the Outemu Red's polycarbonate top enhances clarity and brightness. As a result, users can expect a diverse range of aural feedback when typing, based largely on the choice of switch. In both cases, the qualities of the bottom housing significantly influence the overall typing feel, and thus, users who appreciate sound profiles more heavily influenced by deeper, fuller tones may find common ground in both offerings.
Weight
The Cherry MX Orange linear switch and the Outemu Red linear switch exhibit notable differences in their actuation forces and bottom out forces. The Cherry MX Orange requires a higher actuation force of 55 grams compared to the Outemu Red’s lighter 46 grams. This means that the MX Orange switch may provide a more substantial typing experience, appealing to users who prefer a heavier feel. On the other hand, the Outemu Red's lighter actuation force can facilitate longer typing sessions, making it a more suitable option for those who prioritize comfort during extended use. In terms of bottom out force, the Outemu Red has a defined bottom out force of 62 grams, whereas the MX Orange's bottom out force is currently unavailable. In summary, the MX Orange is the heavier option due to its greater actuation force while the Outemu Red provides a lighter touch, making it ideal for users who favor ease of use.
Travel distance
Both the Cherry MX Orange and Outemu Red linear switches share a travel distance of 4 mm, indicating that they provide a similar tactile experience when pressed. This equal travel distance means that users can expect comparable key press depths when utilizing either switch, resulting in similar performance dynamics during typing or gaming. Therefore, the feel of both switches under the fingers will be strikingly alike, as they both require the same amount of key travel to register a press.
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 Red 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 typically produces a muted yet satisfying keystroke noise. It strikes a good balance between being audible enough for tactile feedback without being overly loud, making it a suitable choice for both office environments and home use. On the other hand, the Outemu Red switch tends to be slightly quieter, as it is known for its linear characteristics that minimize sound upon actuation. However, keep in mind that the acoustic output of both switches can vary depending on the keyboard design and keycap materials you select.
In terms of feel, the MX Orange switch provides a more tactile experience, allowing users to enjoy a notable bump that indicates the actuation point. This can enhance the typing experience for some who prefer feedback while typing. Contrastingly, the Outemu Red switch offers a smoother, linear feel with no tactile bump, allowing for seamless keystrokes. This linear action is often favored by gamers for its fast keypresses, while typists may prefer the feedback that the MX Orange provides.
In summary, both the Cherry MX Orange and Outemu Red switches offer distinct auditory and tactile experiences. While the MX Orange provides a pronounced tactile feedback with a well-balanced sound profile, the Outemu Red shines in providing a quiet, smooth keystroke ideal for fast-paced actions. Ultimately, selecting between them will depend on whether you prioritize tactile response and feedback or a smooth, linear typing experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, choosing between the Cherry MX Orange and the Outemu Red linear switches ultimately depends on your personal preferences and the specific typing or gaming experience you are seeking. If you value a switch that is known for its smooth action and is designed to meet high demand, the Cherry MX Orange could be your go-to option. This switch, though unique in its reissue, could provide a more refined feel that caters to enthusiasts who appreciate a tactile yet linear experience. On the other hand, if you are looking for a more widely recognized option with a medium bottom-out force of 62 grams, which may offer a balanced typing experience suited for both gaming and typing, the Outemu Red switch might be the better choice for you. Ultimately, consider your own preferences regarding actuation force, sound, and feel when making your decision. Testing both switches, if possible, can offer invaluable insight into what best suits your needs, ensuring that your mechanical keyboard experience is both enjoyable and tailored to your style.
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