Cherry MX Purple RGB vs. Outemu Blue
An in-depth look at the Cherry MX Purple RGB and the Outemu Blue switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to selecting the ideal mechanical keyboard switch, the choice often boils down to personal typing preferences and the desired feedback from each keystroke. The Cherry MX Purple RGB switches stand out for their refined tactile experience, featuring a short, medium-strength bump that provides satisfying feedback without being overly tactile. Developed in collaboration with keyboard enthusiast Glarses, these switches are perfect for those who appreciate the balance of touch and subtlety in their typing. On the other hand, the Outemu Blue switches offer a more pronounced clicky sound, delivering both auditory and tactile feedback that is highly satisfying for typists who enjoy the classic "click" with every key press. While the Cherry MX Purple RGB appeals to users looking for a smooth yet responsive typing experience, the Outemu Blue is ideal for those who crave an extra layer of engagement with their keyboard through its distinct sound and feel. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the perfect switch for your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
50g
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
4.00 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 comparing the housing materials of the Cherry MX Purple RGB and the Outemu Blue switches, notable distinctions emerge, particularly in their top housings. The Cherry MX Purple RGB features a nylon top housing, renowned for its sound-dampening properties. Nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, resulting in a deeper and fuller auditory experience when typing. In contrast, the Outemu Blue utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, characterized by its rigidity. This material produces a higher-pitched, crisper sound profile due to its clear and reflective qualities, making it ideal for RGB lighting applications. Thus, while the Cherry MX Purple RGB conveys a warm sound signature, the Outemu Blue tends to resonate with sharper acoustics, illustrating how the choice of material directly influences the tactile and auditory feedback of each switch.
Both switches utilize nylon for their bottom housings, leading to an identical impact on the bottom-out sound and feel. This congruence in material demonstrates that, regardless of the differences in the top housing, the deeper and fuller sound quality is maintained in both switches due to the nylon used in the bottom section. The bottom housing plays a critical role in determining the overall typing experience when the keys are fully pressed down. As such, users can expect a reliably muted sound profile during key presses, preserving a certain consistent auditory signature that transcends the differences found in the top housing.
In summation, while the Cherry MX Purple RGB and Outemu Blue switches differ significantly in their top housing materials—nylon versus polycarbonate—their shared nylon bottom housing ensures a similar foundational typing sound that is deep and rich. This duality allows users to experience contrasting acoustic profiles when engaging with the switches, depending on whether they are pressing down or releasing the key. Therefore, even with the distinct sonic qualities introduced by each top housing material, the commonality of the nylon bottom showcases how a unified approach can yield a distinctly satisfying typing experience.
Weight
When comparing the actuation forces of the Cherry MX Purple RGB tactile switch and the Outemu Blue clicky switch, we find that the Cherry MX Purple has a lower actuation force of 45 grams, while the Outemu Blue requires a slightly heavier force of 50 grams to actuate. This means that the Cherry MX Purple is lighter, making it a favorable option for those who type for long durations or engage in extended gaming sessions, as it requires less effort to press down. Both switches do not have specified bottom out forces available, which means we cannot draw conclusions on that aspect for either switch. However, due to the difference in actuation forces, users seeking a more substantial typing experience may prefer the Outemu Blue, while those looking for a lighter touch would likely favor the Cherry MX Purple.
Travel distance
Both the Cherry MX Purple RGB tactile switch and the Outemu Blue clicky switch have a travel distance of 4 mm, indicating that they require the same amount of force and distance to be activated when pressed down. This similarity means that users can expect a comparable feel when typing or gaming, with both switches offering a consistent tactile response. The equal travel distance suggests that both switches will yield similar results in terms of responsiveness and feedback during use, making them suitable options for individuals who prioritize a certain level of actuation and tactile sensation while typing.
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 Blue 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 Purple RGB switch is known for producing a refined and moderate audible click, giving a satisfying confirmation when pressed. This sound profile adds an engaging auditory dimension to the typing experience, though it may not be overwhelmingly loud. In contrast, the Outemu Blue switch is renowned for its characteristic loud and distinct click with each keystroke, creating a pronounced acoustic feedback that can be quite enjoyable for those who appreciate audible confirmation. This means that while both switches provide an auditory signal, the MX Purple RGB offers a subtler experience compared to the more boisterous and emphatic clicks of the Blue.
As for feel, the Cherry MX Purple RGB switch is designed to provide a smooth and controlled tactile bump that strikes a balance between noticeable feedback and ease of actuation. This makes it suitable for both typing and gaming, giving users a sense of precision without feeling overly heavy. On the other hand, the Outemu Blue switch features a more pronounced tactile bump and a heavier actuation point, which can enhance the typing experience for those who enjoy a firmer feedback. This makes it particularly appealing for those who prefer the classic "clicky" feel derived from older mechanical keyboards, which can sometimes lead to a more engaging typing experience.
In conclusion, while the Cherry MX Purple RGB and Outemu Blue switches each have their unique sound and feel characteristics, they both cater to different preferences. The MX Purple RGB offers a more refined auditory experience and a balanced tactile feel, making it versatile for various users. In contrast, the Outemu Blue excels in its loud click and firmer tactile feedback, appealing to individuals who enjoy a more traditional mechanical keyboard experience. Ultimately, both switches can deliver satisfying results, depending on personal taste and typing style.
Conclusion
To sum up, choosing between the Cherry MX Purple RGB tactile switch and the Outemu Blue clicky switch ultimately depends on your typing preferences and environment. If you’re looking for a refined tactile experience with a subtle bump that allows for faster typing without the distractions of a loud click, the Cherry MX Purple RGB is your go-to option. It's particularly suitable for those who enjoy a less noisy environment, such as shared workspaces or late-night gaming sessions, where you don’t want your typing to disturb others. On the other hand, if you love that satisfying audible feedback and a more pronounced tactile experience, the Outemu Blue clicky switch is the better choice for you. It's perfect for typists who thrive on the characteristic click and enjoy the nostalgic feel reminiscent of traditional typewriters. Just bear in mind that its louder operation makes it less ideal for quiet settings. Ultimately, your decision should reflect your personal typing style and the context in which you'll be using the keyboard, ensuring that you select the switch that enhances your overall experience.
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