Cherry MX Purple RGB vs. Outemu Brown
An in-depth look at the Cherry MX Purple RGB and the Outemu Brown switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch, the Cherry MX Purple RGB and Outemu Brown switches both offer distinct tactile experiences that cater to different preferences. The Cherry MX Purple RGB, renowned for its refined tactile feedback, features a medium-strength bump that provides a satisfying feel without being overly harsh, making it an excellent choice for typists and gamers alike who seek precision and responsiveness. In contrast, the Outemu Brown switch has garnered a reputation for its balance of tactile feedback and quiet operation, appealing to those who desire a versatile switch suitable for both gaming and office environments. While both switches fall under the tactile category, their unique characteristics can significantly impact the typing experience. 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
53g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
65g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.20 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 Purple RGB switches and the Outemu Brown switches, the distinctions between their top housings stand out prominently. The MX Purple RGB switch features a nylon top housing, which provides a unique acoustic profile characterized by a deeper and fuller sound. This is largely due to nylon's softer texture, which absorbs sound rather than reflecting it, resulting in a sound that is rounder and less sharp. In contrast, the Outemu Brown utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, known for its rigidity and translucency. Polycarbonate contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile because it reflects sound waves more effectively, creating a crisper audio experience. Additionally, the clear nature of polycarbonate makes it particularly suited for switches designed with RGB lighting, providing enhanced visual effects as well as distinct auditory characteristics.
Despite the differences in their top housings, both the Cherry MX Purple RGB and the Outemu Brown switches share a commonality in their bottom housing materials, as both switches utilize nylon. This similarity means that, regardless of the varying top housing characteristics, both switches convey a deeper and fuller sound during the bottom-out action due to nylon's sound-absorbing qualities. When you press down on either switch, the softer nylon bottom housing exerts a significant influence, producing a comparable sound profile and tactile feedback, creating a uniform experience during key presses. This consistency underscores the importance of the bottom housing in shaping the overall feel and auditory response of the switches.
The interplay of these distinct top and bottom housing materials means that both the Cherry MX Purple RGB and the Outemu Brown offer unique typing experiences, each with its own sonic appeal. The MX Purple RGB’s combination of a nylon top and nylon bottom creates a cohesive soundscape that emphasizes warmth and depth, while the Outemu Brown’s polycarbonate top and nylon bottom blend sharpness with depth, emphasizing the clarity of sound upon release. Ultimately, the convergence of these materials results in different yet complementary typing experiences, showcasing the nuances of keyboard design and its impact on user interaction. When selecting a switch, understanding these material differences can guide users toward the sound profile and tactile sensation that best aligns with their preferences.
Weight
When comparing the Cherry MX Purple RGB tactile switch to the Outemu Brown tactile switch, notable differences in actuation and bottom out forces emerge. The MX Purple RGB has an actuation force of 45 grams, making it the lighter option between the two, which can benefit users who prefer longer typing sessions or lighter tactile feedback. In contrast, the Outemu Brown requires a higher actuation force of 53 grams and has a bottom out force of 65 grams, indicating a more substantial resistance that some typists might prefer for a sturdier feel during use. The specific bottom out force for the MX Purple RGB is currently unavailable, but the information provided suggests that users of the MX Purple RGB may experience a softer bottom out compared to the firm resistance offered by the Brown switch. Ultimately, while the MX Purple RGB allows for easier actuation, the heavier Outemu Brown provides a robust typing experience for those who favor stronger key presses.
Travel distance
The Cherry MX Purple RGB tactile switch and the Outemu Brown tactile switch both have the same travel distance of 4 mm, meaning that users can expect a similar feel when pressing down on keys for both switches. This equal travel distance allows for a comparable typing experience, as users will feel the same distance between the top and bottom of each switch. In this case, neither switch is shorter or longer than the other, allowing typists and gamers alike to achieve consistent results regardless of the switch they choose.
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 Brown 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 offers a refined auditory feedback that typically produces a satisfying, muted thock with each keystroke, making it pleasant without being overly loud or disruptive. The Outemu Brown switch, on the other hand, tends to produce a slightly more pronounced sound, characterized by a soft, tactile bump that results in a more pronounced clicky element during use. However, it’s important to note that sound can also be influenced greatly by the keyboard construction and the type of keycaps used, so both switches can yield different sound profiles in varied setups.
In terms of feel, the Cherry MX Purple RGB switch excels with a medium-strength tactile bump that provides a clear and responsive sensation without feeling overly stiff. This makes it ideal for those who appreciate tactile feedback but don’t want a hefty resistance during typing. The Outemu Brown switch is also tactile, designed to offer a smooth and comfortable typing experience with a light resistance, which some may find comparably satisfying for both gaming and typing. However, since specific details regarding the precise tactile characteristics of the Brown switch are less defined, it might lead to a slight variability in perceived feedback among users.
In summary, both the Cherry MX Purple RGB and Outemu Brown switches provide a tactile experience favored by many, but they differ slightly in sound and feel. The MX Purple RGB switch offers a more refined sound and a distinctly pleasurable tactile response, while the Outemu Brown provides a softer, clickier feedback that appeals to users who enjoy a different auditory profile. Choosing between the two ultimately comes down to personal preference, as both designs can deliver satisfying results that enhance your typing or gaming experience.
Conclusion
To conclude, when deciding between the Cherry MX Purple RGB switches and the Outemu Brown switches, consider your typing preference and ergonomic comfort. If you prefer a refined tactile experience that balances feedback and lightness, the Cherry MX Purple RGB could be your choice, especially for extended typing sessions where a shorter bump can reduce fatigue. It’s well-suited for those who enjoy tactile switches but want to avoid the heavier feel associated with many traditional switches. On the other hand, if you prefer a more pronounced tactile bump and a medium-heavy resistance that provides a satisfying feedback with each key press, the Outemu Brown would likely be more to your liking. This switch is ideal if you enjoy a solid feel while typing, making it great for both typing and gaming situations where you might need to make quick, deliberate inputs. Ultimately, your decision should hinge on the kind of feedback you seek and your overall typing experience, so be sure to try each switch if you can before making your final choice.
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