Cherry MX Orange vs. Outemu Tom
An in-depth look at the Cherry MX Orange and the Outemu Tom switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch for your typing or gaming experience, the Cherry MX Orange and the Outemu Tom present two distinct options, each catering to different preferences. The Cherry MX Orange, renowned for its linear characteristics, offers a smooth and consistent keystroke with no tactile bump, making it ideal for gamers who demand rapid key presses and minimal noise. On the other hand, the Outemu Tom features a tactile design that provides a noticeable bump at the actuation point, which can be favored by typists who appreciate feedback with each keystroke. While the MX Orange delivers a fluid typing experience and quicker response times, the Tom’s tactile feel can enhance typing accuracy and provide a satisfying response. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that fits your individual needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
55g
Actuation force
55g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.20 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.30 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 examining the housing materials of the Cherry MX Orange and the Outemu Tom switches, we immediately notice distinct differences in their top housing. The MX Orange utilizes nylon for its top housing, which contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile due to the material's relative softness. This property allows the nylon to absorb sound, resulting in a dull and rounded auditory experience when typing. In contrast, the Outemu Tom employs polycarbonate for its top housing, which is a stiffer plastic. This stiffness enhances sound clarity, producing a sharper and crisper sound profile. Consequently, the cherry MX Orange offers a more subdued typing sound while the Outemu Tom provides a more resonant one, highlighting how the choice of housing materials directly influences the acoustic properties of each switch.
In contrast to their top housings, the bottom housings of both the Cherry MX Orange and Outemu Tom switches share a commonality: they are both made from nylon. This similarity leads to a unified auditory experience when bottoming out the switches, as both switches will contribute a deeper and fuller sound. Given that nylon absorbs sound effectively, the impact on the bottom-out sound and feel will be similar across both switches, regardless of the differences in their top housings. Thus, the nylon bottom housing creates a sound consistency in the MX Orange and the Tom, ensuring that while their top sounds might differ significantly, both will foster a compatible auditory experience upon actuation.
Overall, the varying combinations of housing materials in the Cherry MX Orange and Outemu Tom lead to unique characteristics in both sound and aesthetics. While the MX Orange’s nylon top housing yields a muted, deep sound, the Tom’s polycarbonate top enhances clarity and resonance. Both switches will, however, deliver a consistent auditory performance when pressed down, thanks to their shared nylon bottom housings. The essential distinction lies in how the materials interact during keypresses: the MX Orange excels in creating a softer impact, while the Outemu Tom stands out with its sharper release sound. This intricate interplay of materials ensures each switch has its unique signature, appealing to different user preferences for typing experiences.
Weight
The Cherry MX Orange linear switch and the Outemu Tom tactile switch both feature an actuation force of 55 grams, making them equal in terms of the force required to trigger a keystroke. However, the bottom out force for both switches is listed as unavailable, which means we cannot compare this specific metric. Since both switches share the same actuation force, users can expect a similar typing experience with a balanced push feel, suitable for extended use during long typing sessions or gaming marathons. Without variance in actuation force and unknown bottom out forces, it is difficult to declare one switch lighter or heavier in practice. Therefore, potential users might lean towards personal preference in tactile feedback to decide between the two, rather than weight considerations.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Cherry MX Orange linear switch and the Outemu Tom tactile switch, we find a clear distinction: the Cherry MX Orange has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Outemu Tom measures at 3.3 mm. This makes the MX Orange the longer option, offering a more traditional depth that some users may prefer for a solid typing experience. In contrast, the Tom's shorter travel distance may appeal to gamers looking for quicker response times and more immediate feedback. While both switches have their unique benefits based on travel distance, the choice ultimately depends on personal preference—those who enjoy a deeper key press may gravitate towards the Cherry MX Orange, whereas users seeking a more tactile and responsive experience might opt for the Outemu Tom.
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 Tom 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 considering the sound produced by the Cherry MX Orange linear switch, it tends to be more subdued and smooth, creating a pleasant typing experience without excessive noise, making it ideal for environments where quietness is preferred. In contrast, the Outemu Tom tactile switch produces a more pronounced sound with its tactile bump, resulting in audible feedback that can be satisfying for those who enjoy the acoustics of their keystrokes. However, it’s important to note that the overall sound of both switches can be affected by various factors such as the keyboard build quality and choice of keycaps, meaning that users may need to consider additional components when evaluating sound.
Regarding the feel, the Cherry MX Orange switch provides a consistent linear response, allowing for a very smooth keypress from top to bottom, which is appreciated by users who favor fluidity during typing or gaming. Conversely, the Outemu Tom tactile switch features a noticeable tactile bump that offers feedback at the actuation point, making it favorable for typists who enjoy that distinct tactile sensation when they press a key. The choice between these two switches will ultimately come down to personal preference, with the MX Orange catering to those who want uninterrupted linearity while the Tom appeals to users seeking tactile feedback.
In conclusion, while the Cherry MX Orange linear switch excels in smoothness and subtle acoustics, the Outemu Tom tactile switch stands out with its pronounced tactile feedback and accompanying sound. Users looking for a quiet and fluid typing experience may gravitate towards the MX Orange, while those who appreciate tactile responsiveness will likely prefer the Tom. Ultimately, both switches can provide enjoyable typing experiences, but the decision will hinge on whether one prioritizes linear behavior or tactile feedback.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between Cherry MX Orange linear switches and Outemu Tom tactile switches ultimately depends on your specific typing preferences and use-case scenarios. If you enjoy a smooth, uninterrupted key press without tactile feedback, the MX Orange switch is an excellent choice, providing a consistent feel suitable for both gaming and typing alike. Its linear nature allows for rapid actuation, making it ideal if you are looking for a responsive switch for fast-paced games or extended typing sessions where fatigue wanting to be minimized. On the other hand, if you prefer a switch that offers tactile feedback with each keypress, the Outemu Tom may be more in line with your preferences. The tactile bump can enhance your typing experience by providing physical confirmation of actuation, which is beneficial when you’re writing or coding, as it allows for more assured keystrokes. Therefore, consider if you prioritize smooth, linear transitions or the tactile sensation of feedback when making your switch selection.
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