Cherry MX Purple RGB vs. Outemu Black
An in-depth look at the Cherry MX Purple RGB and the Outemu Black switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the Cherry MX Purple RGB and the Outemu Black present two distinct options catering to different preferences. The Cherry MX Purple RGB is celebrated for its tactile feedback, featuring a short, medium-strength bump that enhances typing accuracy while providing a satisfying feel at each keystroke—an ideal choice for those who appreciate a tactile response during both work and play. Conversely, the Outemu Black is a linear switch, known for its smooth, uninterrupted actuation, making it a superb option for gamers who seek rapid key presses without the distraction of tactile bumps or audible clicks. Each switch has its own unique advantages: the MX Purple RGB excels in offering a refined tactile experience, while the Outemu Black promotes speed and fluidity. 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
45g
Actuation force
65g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
82g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.50 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
The Cherry MX Purple RGB and Outemu Black switches employ different materials for their top housing, which significantly influences their sound profiles. The MX Purple RGB uses a nylon top housing, known for its softer characteristics that dampen sound, producing a deeper and fuller auditory experience. This soft plastic effectively absorbs sound, creating a rounder tonal quality that enhances the typing experience with a muted yet pleasant sound. In contrast, the Outemu Black switch features a polycarbonate top housing, which is substantially stiffer and delivers a more vibrant sound profile. The sharp, clear notes associated with polycarbonate result from its ability to resonate freely, creating a higher-pitched and crisper tone. This distinction in materials gives each switch a unique auditory signature, making the MX Purple RGB feel richer and the Outemu Black brighter.
Both switches, however, utilize nylon for their bottom housing, establishing a commonality in their fundamental auditory experience. The nylon bottom in both the MX Purple RGB and Outemu Black delivers that same deeper and fuller sound profile characteristic of soft plastics. This shared bottom housing means that users will experience a similar bottom-out sound and feel when bottoming out the key. The nylon's ability to absorb sound contributes to creating a consistent, rounded auditory characteristic in both switches during key presses. Therefore, while the top housing materials diverge in effect, the bottom housings create a unified plush sound experience for both switches.
When considering the overall behavior of these switches, it's crucial to recognize how the interplay of the differing top and similar bottom materials influences their performance. While the nylon bottom housing offers consistency—leading to a duller experience when key presses occur—the contrasting top housings modulate the sound released upon key release, thus distinguishing the two switches. The MX Purple RGB’s softer nylon top enhances the overall muffled sound, while the Outemu Black’s polycarbonate top delivers a crystal-clear tone, giving it a sharper auditory edge. Consequently, players may find that their typing experience and aging preferences will be contingent on whether they favor a deeper sound or a brighter, more resonant quality during their keystrokes.
Weight
The Cherry MX Purple RGB tactile switch and the Outemu Black linear switch present distinct differences in actuation and bottom out forces. The MX Purple RGB features an actuation force of 45 grams, which is notably lighter than the Outemu Black's actuation force of 65 grams. This lighter force may benefit users who favor extended typing sessions or gaming, as it allows for reduced fatigue. However, the MX Purple's bottom out force is not specified, making a direct comparison difficult. In contrast, the Outemu Black has a bottom out force of 82 grams, indicating a stronger resistance when fully pressed down, appealing to those who prefer a more substantial typing experience. Overall, the Cherry MX Purple is the lighter switch, while the Outemu Black is the heavier option, catering to different preferences in typing feel.
Travel distance
Both the Cherry MX Purple RGB tactile switch and the Outemu Black linear switch feature the same travel distance of 4 mm, making them identical in this aspect. This similarity means that users can expect a comparable key feel and bottoming out experience when pressing down on either switch. The tactile feedback of the MX Purple RGB might add a different sensation, but in terms of the physical distance traveled, both switches will produce the same results. Thus, if you prefer one switch over the other, your typing or gaming experience in terms of travel distance will remain consistent.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Cherry MX Purple RGB has an MSRP of $6.19 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the MX Purple RGB for $5.79.
The Outemu Black 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 Cherry MX Purple RGB switch is known for its refined tactile experience, producing a sound that is crisp and defined due to its tactile bump, yet not overly loud. This makes it suitable for both gaming and typing, striking a balance that won't disturb those around you. In contrast, the Outemu Black linear switch is generally quieter, producing a more muted sound profile without any tactile feedback. While the absence of a bump means the the sound will be less pronounced, it's worth noting that sound perception can be influenced by the type of keyboard and keycaps used, so both switches can vary in this aspect depending on their configuration.
When it comes to the feel, the Cherry MX Purple RGB offers a satisfying tactile bump that provides feedback during typing and can enhance the overall typing experience, especially for users who appreciate that physical response. The medium-strength bump is easily noticeable without becoming tiring, making it suitable for extended typing sessions. On the other hand, the Outemu Black switch provides a smooth linear action without any tactile feedback or resistance change, allowing for rapid key presses but lacking the sensory engagement some typists prefer. This results in a consistent feel throughout the keypress, making it ideal for gamers who prioritize speed over tactile response.
In summary, the Cherry MX Purple RGB switch offers a well-rounded tactile experience with a distinct sound and feel that appeals to both typists and gamers, while the Outemu Black switch leans toward a linear design that is quieter and favored in fast-paced gaming scenarios. Users looking for tactile feedback in their typing may gravitate more towards the MX Purple RGB, whereas those seeking smooth, uninterrupted keystrokes may prefer the Outemu Black. Ultimately, the choice will depend on individual preferences for sound, feel, and intended use.
Conclusion
To summarize, the choice between the Cherry MX Purple RGB tactile switch and the Outemu Black linear switch ultimately depends on your typing preferences and what you value most in your keyboard experience. If you enjoy a tactile experience with a noticeable bump that offers a refined feedback, the Cherry MX Purple RGB would be the ideal option, especially for activities like typing and gaming where you need to feel each keypress without bottoming out hard. This switch is also likely to be quieter and less fatiguing, making it suitable for extended typing sessions or gaming marathons. On the other hand, if you prefer a heavier feel and enjoy a smooth, consistent keypress without tactile feedback, the Outemu Black linear switch is the way to go. With its significant bottom-out force, this switch is better suited to those who don’t mind the extra resistance and appreciate the lack of tactile bumps, ideal for fast-paced gaming or heavy-handed typing. Ultimately, consider how much tactile feedback you want and your typing style when making your decision, as both switches offer unique advantages to cater to different user preferences.
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