Cherry MX Orange vs. Outemu Silver

Overview

When it comes to selecting the perfect mechanical keyboard switches, the Cherry MX Orange and Outemu Silver offer distinct experiences that cater to different preferences and needs. The Cherry MX Orange switch is celebrated for its revitalization of the original MX Orange design, enhanced for modern performance while retaining its signature smooth linear action, which is favored by gamers and typists alike for its consistent keystroke without tactile resistance. On the other hand, the Outemu Silver switch provides a swift linear response that excels in rapid key presses, making it an appealing choice for gamers who prioritize speed over feel. While both switches offer a linear action that eliminates tactile bumps and audible clicks, the MX Orange is often preferred for its balanced feel and reliability, while the Outemu Silver is lauded for its fast actuation. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the optimal switch for your specific typing or gaming style.

By the numbers

Cherry MX Orange Linear

Outemu Silver Linear

$4.10

$3.89 per 10

$3.10 per 10

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Housing materials

When comparing the housing materials of Cherry MX Orange switches and Outemu Silver switches, it is essential to note the differences in their top housings. The MX Orange features a nylon top housing, recognized for its softer and more sound-absorbent properties. This results in a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing, as the nylon dampens vibrations and creates a more muted auditory experience. In contrast, the Outemu Silver's polycarbonate top housing offers a stiffer structure that produces a sharper and crisper sound profile. The clearer material allows for more resonance, creating a brighter auditory experience, particularly advantageous when utilizing RGB lighting, as the translucency of polycarbonate enhances visual effects.

On the other hand, both switches feature nylon bottom housings, leading to similarities in their lower sound characteristics. The use of nylon in both cases provides a consistent tactile feel, contributing to a fuller sound due to its capacity to absorb sound waves effectively. As a result, both switches, despite differing in their top housing materials, will still elicit a comparable deeper and rounder bottom-out sound. This shared characteristic means that upon pressing either switch, users can expect a similar feel and fundamental auditory signing owing to the nylon's sound-dampening qualities, which dominate the tactile experience at the bottom of the switch.

Ultimately, the divergent properties of the top housings lead to a distinct overall auditory signature for each switch. The Cherry MX Orange, with its nylon top, creates a rounded sound profile suitable for quieter environments, making it favorable for users seeking a more muted experience. In contrast, the Outemu Silver shines with its polycarbonate top housing, promoting a brighter sound profile that pairs well with RGB lighting setups. However, since both switches have nylon as their bottom housing material, they retain a shared sound dampening effect that grounds the characteristics of each switch. Therefore, while the switches present contrasting qualities in their top housings, the nylon bottoms unify their tactile and auditory experiences, allowing for a certain level of cohesiveness in sound when pressed.

Weight

When comparing the Cherry MX Orange and the Outemu Silver linear switches, notable differences in their actuation forces emerge. The Cherry MX Orange has an actuation force of 55 grams, while the Outemu Silver is lighter, requiring only 45 grams to register a keystroke. This means users looking for a softer touch may find the Outemu Silver more comfortable for extended typing or gaming sessions. However, the Cherry MX Orange may cater to those who prefer a slightly heavier switch for a more substantial feel when typing. In terms of bottom out force, the MX Orange data is unavailable, making it difficult to compare directly. In contrast, the Outemu Silver has a bottom out force of 65 grams, categorized as medium-heavy, which indicates that it requires more effort to fully depress the key. Thus, while the actuation forces vary, the available information suggests that the Outemu Silver is the lighter option overall, while the Cherry MX Orange may be preferred by those who favor a more pronounced key press.

Travel distance

Both the Cherry MX Orange and the Outemu Silver linear switches have a travel distance of 4 mm, indicating that they offer identical key travel from the top to the bottom when pressed. This means users can expect a similar tactile experience when utilizing either switch, as both switches require the same amount of key travel to register a keystroke. Consequently, if you're looking for a consistent feel across your keyboard, both switches will deliver comparable results in terms of travel distance and actuation.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound, the Cherry MX Orange switch tends to produce a deep, satisfying thock when a key is pressed. This characteristic is partly due to its construction and design, which make it conducive to a more pronounced auditory feedback compared to many other switches. In contrast, the Outemu Silver switch is typically known for its quieter operation, lacking the same resonance found in the MX Orange. However, it’s worth noting that the sound profile can vary significantly based on the keyboard build and keycap materials used, which means that some users might find the Outemu Silver to be more harmonious in certain setups.

In terms of feel, the MX Orange switch offers a smooth linear experience, providing consistent resistance throughout the keypress that many typists and gamers appreciate. This makes rapid key presses easy and satisfying, particularly for those who prefer fluid motion when typing or playing. The Outemu Silver switch, while also linear, may exhibit a slightly different resistance or travel characteristics, appealing to users who may favor a more responsive feel. However, specific details about the tactile feedback of the Outemu Silver are less documented, leaving some aspects of its feel unknown.

In conclusion, while the Cherry MX Orange and Outemu Silver switches offer varying qualities in terms of sound and feel, they both cater to users looking for a linear switch experience. The MX Orange is distinguished by its deeper sound and smooth feel, whereas the Silver may appeal to those who prefer a quieter operation. With your choice of keyboard and keycap setup, you can achieve a satisfying and effective typing experience with either switch, though the MX Orange may provide a more textured auditory experience overall.

Conclusion

In closing, when deciding between the Cherry MX Orange and Outemu Silver linear switches, you’ll want to consider your personal typing style and preferences. If you prioritize a smoother, quieter experience and enjoy a switch that offers a balanced actuation point with a more subtle bottom-out feel, the Cherry MX Orange is an excellent choice. It’s particularly suitable for typists who may spend long hours writing or gaming without the distraction of noise. On the other hand, if you prefer a switch with a firmer bottom-out force, which can provide clearer tactile feedback during intense gaming sessions or fast-paced typing, the Outemu Silver would better suit your needs. The heavier actuation will be beneficial for those who might benefit from a more pronounced response, such as gamers who require the precision of an unmistakable keystroke. Ultimately, your choice should reflect the activities you engage in most frequently and whether you value a softer touch or a more definitive response from your keyboard.

Mentioned in this article

Cherry MX Orange Linear

$4.10

$3.89 per 10

Learn more

Outemu Silver Linear

$3.10 per 10

Learn more