Cherry MX Purple RGB vs. Outemu Dustproof Green
An in-depth look at the Cherry MX Purple RGB and the Outemu Dustproof Green switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboards, the choice of switches can significantly influence your typing experience, and two popular options are the Cherry MX Purple RGB and the Outemu Dustproof Green. The Cherry MX Purple, renowned for its refined tactile feedback, features a medium-strength bump that provides satisfying resistance without being overly strenuous, making it an ideal choice for those who enjoy typing with precision while minimizing finger fatigue. In contrast, the Outemu Dustproof Green offers a classic clicky feel, delivering an audible and tactile response that many typists find rewarding; its distinct sound can enhance the experience for users who appreciate a more pronounced feedback during typing sessions. Choosing between these switches often comes down to personal preference: if you prioritize smooth, tactile experiences, the MX Purple might be the way to go, whereas if you prefer audible confirmations with every keystroke, the Dustproof Green could be your perfect match. 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
80g
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 Cherry MX Purple RGB and the Outemu Dustproof Green, two notable differences emerge in their top housing materials. The MX Purple RGB utilizes nylon for its top housing, which is known for contributing to a deeper and fuller sound profile. This quality stems from nylon's softer texture, which effectively absorbs sound, resulting in a relatively dull yet rounded acoustic experience. In contrast, the Dustproof Green features a polycarbonate top housing. The stiffer nature of polycarbonate produces a sharper and crisper sound profile. This material's transparency enhances compatibility with RGB lighting, allowing for striking visual effects while simultaneously producing a more resonant audio character. Hence, while both switches serve distinct auditory experiences, the MX Purple leans toward warmth and depth, while the Dustproof Green embodies clarity and brightness.
On the other hand, both switches share a commonality with their bottom housing, as both the MX Purple RGB and the Outemu Dustproof Green utilize nylon. This shared material means that they will deliver a deeper and fuller sound profile when bottomed out, due to nylon's inherent ability to absorb sound more effectively than stiffer plastics. The influence of the bottom housing is significant, especially in determining the tactile feel and audio characteristics during actuation. Since both switches employ nylon in their bottom housings, users can expect a similar muted and rounded bottom-out sound, ensuring that this element of the typing experience aligns across both options.
Ultimately, the combination of materials in these switches leads to a distinct interplay of sound profiles. The differing top housings moderate the overall acoustics during key release, which sets the MX Purple RGB and the Outemu Dustproof Green apart in their upper tonal quality. Users of the MX Purple RGB will appreciate the rich, dampened notes generated by the nylon top, while fans of the Outemu Dustproof Green will be thrilled by the pronounced clarity from its polycarbonate material. Yet, the mutual use of nylon in the bottom housing ensures a cohesive sound experience at the end of the keystroke. Therefore, while the switches diverge in their upper housing attributes, they contribute similarly to the overall sound and feel in their bottom-out performance.
Weight
When comparing the Cherry MX Purple RGB tactile switch and the Outemu Dustproof Green clicky switch, notable differences emerge in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Cherry MX Purple RGB features a lighter actuation force of 45 grams, making it an excellent option for extended typing sessions, as it reduces fatigue over time. However, its bottom out force remains unknown, which means we can't evaluate how it feels when pressed all the way down. In stark contrast, the Outemu Dustproof Green has a significantly heavier actuation force of 65 grams and a bottom out force of 80 grams, providing a more substantial tactile experience. This heavier push feel may appeal to users who prefer a more robust typing experience, though it may not be as comfortable for long periods of use compared to the lighter Cherry MX Purple. Thus, for those seeking a lighter typing experience, the Cherry MX Purple RGB is the preferred choice, while the Outemu Dustproof Green caters to users who favor a stronger tactile response.
Travel distance
The Cherry MX Purple RGB tactile switch and the Outemu Dustproof Green clicky switch both share an identical travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when pressing down on either switch, users will experience the same amount of travel from the top to the bottom. Consequently, whether one is using the Cherry MX Purple RGB or the Outemu Dustproof Green, the tactile feedback and travel distance will produce similar results in terms of keypress feel and responsiveness. Therefore, there is no distinction in travel distance between the two switches, making them equivalent in this respect.
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 Dustproof Green 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 experience that is generally quieter compared to many other tactile options. Its subdued acoustic profile allows for a pleasant typing experience without being overly distracting in a shared workspace. In contrast, the Outemu Dustproof Green switch is a clicky switch that produces a pronounced and satisfying audible click with each keystroke. This clicky feedback makes it a popular choice for typists who enjoy an assertive sound, but it may not be ideal in environments where noise is a concern.
In terms of feel, the Cherry MX Purple RGB switch provides a well-balanced tactile feedback with a short and medium-strength bump. This design makes it suitable for both typing and gaming, as the tactile response is noticeable without being overly jarring. On the other hand, the Outemu Dustproof Green switch boasts a distinctly firmer feel due to its clicky mechanism, providing a sharp tactile bump that some users may find enhances their typing accuracy, especially for those who prefer a more rigid actuation.
Overall, both switches cater to different preferences and typing styles. If you lean towards a quieter typing experience with refined tactility, the Cherry MX Purple RGB will be your go-to. Conversely, if you thrive on auditory feedback and prefer a firmer, more pronounced tactile experience, the Outemu Dustproof Green switch might be more appealing. Ultimately, your choice will depend on whether you prioritize sound or tactile response in your keyboard experience.
Conclusion
To wrap up, the choice between the Cherry MX Purple RGB tactile switch and the Outemu Dustproof Green clicky switch ultimately depends on your specific typing style and preferences. If you find yourself enjoying a tactile feedback that’s not overly resistant, the Cherry MX Purple may be the better option, especially for medium-speed typing or gaming, given its refined bump and relatively lighter actuation force. These switches will likely appeal to you if you desire a smoother experience without the loud click, making it a versatile option for both office environments and gaming. On the other hand, if you prefer a more robust key feel and enjoy the satisfying audible click associated with typing, the Outemu Dustproof Green switch may be your go-to. Its heavier bottom out force provides a more pronounced tactile feedback, which is satisfying for those who enjoy a good "thock" with each keystroke, but be mindful that it may lead to fatigue over long typing sessions. Therefore, consider how often you type and what kind of feedback stimulates your productivity when making your final decision.
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