Cherry MX Purple RGB vs. Outemu Gold
An in-depth look at the Cherry MX Purple RGB and the Outemu Gold switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Cherry MX Purple RGB and the Outemu Gold present two distinct options catering to different preferences among typists and gamers alike. The Cherry MX Purple RGB is celebrated for its refined tactile feedback, featuring a short, medium-strength bump that enhances typing accuracy without being overly harsh, making it an excellent choice for those who enjoy tactile responsiveness without the loudness of a clicky switch. In contrast, the Outemu Gold stands out with its clicky design, delivering a satisfying audible click with each keystroke, ideal for users who relish a classic typing sound and feedback reminiscent of vintage typewriters. While the MX Purple RGB caters to users seeking a quieter, more subdued tactile experience, the Outemu Gold appeals to those who appreciate both tactile feedback and acoustic cues during their typing sessions. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the right switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
60g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.80 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 and Outemu Gold switches, a striking contrast emerges between their top housings. The Cherry MX Purple RGB employs a nylon top housing, known for producing a deep and full sound profile. This characteristic stems from nylon's relatively softer texture, which absorbs more sound compared to harder materials, resulting in a duller and rounder auditory experience. In contrast, the Outemu Gold features a polycarbonate top housing which offers a sharper and crisper sound profile. The stiffer nature of polycarbonate promotes clarity and resonance, creating a higher-pitched sound when compared to the dulcet tones of nylon. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate enhances RGB lighting effects, making the switch visually appealing in setups that utilize illuminated keys.
On the other hand, the bottom housings of both the Cherry MX Purple RGB and Outemu Gold are made from nylon, aligning them in certain acoustic characteristics. Both switches, therefore, share the benefits of the nylon material at the bottom, producing a deeper and fuller sound throughout the keystroke. Since they have identical bottom housings, the auditory experience during the bottom-out phase will be similar, highlighting the soothing qualities that nylon brings to each keystroke. This commonality enables users to enjoy a consistent sound profile when pressing down on either switch, allowing the distinctive tonal attributes of the top housing to shine through during release.
In summary, while the two switches differ significantly in their top housing materials, their shared use of nylon for the bottom housing introduces a familiar auditory experience during key presses. The Cherry MX Purple RGB and Outemu Gold ultimately exhibit contrasting sound profiles due to their respective top housings: nylon dampens and enriches sound while polycarbonate sharpens and clarifies it. As pressing a key largely influences the bottom housing's impact, the deeper notes of nylon in both switches ensure that the fundamental depth persists, even as the top housing shapes the overall acoustic character of each switch. Together, these materials contribute to the unique feel and auditory signature that enthusiasts seek in mechanical keyboards.
Weight
When comparing the Cherry MX Purple RGB tactile switch and the Outemu Gold clicky switch, both switches share the same actuation force of 45 grams, which means they require an equal amount of force to trigger a keystroke. This similarity ensures that users seeking a lighter typing experience will find both switches comfortable for long periods, whether for work or extended gaming sessions. However, the contrast emerges with the bottom out force: while the bottom out force for the Cherry MX Purple RGB is unavailable, the Outemu Gold has a bottom out force of 60 grams. This indicates that the Outemu Gold provides a more substantial feel when a key is fully pressed down, making it potentially better suited for users who prefer a heavier switch for a more pronounced typing experience. Overall, while both switches have the same actuation force, the Outemu Gold's heavier bottom out force could make it the better choice for those favoring a firmer tactile feedback.
Travel distance
The Cherry MX Purple RGB tactile switch and the Outemu Gold clicky switch both feature a travel distance of 4 mm, making them identical in this regard. This means that when pressing down on a key, users will experience the same amount of distance traveled for both switches, resulting in similar tactile feedback and keypress depth. Therefore, you can expect a consistent experience when using either switch, as their travel distances align perfectly.
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 Gold 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 comparing the sound of the Cherry MX Purple RGB and the Outemu Gold clicky switch, the MX Purple RGB offers a refined sound profile with a satisfying, subtle thock that is characteristic of tactile switches. This sound is complemented by the high-quality construction of the switch, which helps maintain a polished acoustic experience. On the other hand, the Outemu Gold is designed to produce an audible click during actuation, delivering a more pronounced and sharper sound that many typists find satisfying. Each switch's acoustics can vary significantly depending on factors like the keyboard board and keycaps used, which means both can provide unique auditory experiences based on individual setups.
In terms of feel, the Cherry MX Purple RGB presents a medium-strength tactile bump that provides a clear indication of actuation. This switch, developed in collaboration with keyboard enthusiasts, aims for a balanced engagement that suits both casual users and hardcore gamers alike, allowing for precise typing and gameplay without excessive strain. In contrast, the Outemu Gold clicky switch emphasizes a distinct, pronounced click at the point of actuation, which may appeal to those who prefer a more tactile feedback and auditory confirmation while typing. However, the feel of the Outemu Gold can often come across as heavier and less refined compared to the Cherry MX Purple RGB, catering to different preferences in tactile feedback.
In summary, while the Cherry MX Purple RGB switch excels in providing a balanced and refined tactile experience with a pleasing sound profile, the Outemu Gold clicky switch stands out for its more pronounced click and robust feedback. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on personal preference, with users seeking either a more nuanced interaction or a highly tactile, clicky sensation, both capable of delivering satisfying results in different contexts.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the Cherry MX Purple RGB tactile switch and the Outemu Gold clicky switch, it's essential to consider your personal preferences and typing style. If you favor a tactile experience that provides a refined, medium-strength bump without a particularly heavy force requirement, the Cherry MX Purple RGB is an excellent choice. Its design is tailored for enthusiasts who appreciate responsive feedback without excessive noise, making it suitable for both gaming and extended typing sessions in quieter environments. Conversely, if you enjoy a more pronounced clicky sound and feel, coupled with a medium bottom-out force of 60 grams, the Outemu Gold is likely more to your liking. This switch can provide satisfying auditory and tactile feedback, which can enhance your typing experience, especially if you enjoy a little auditory drama with each keystroke. Ultimately, your decision will hinge on whether you prioritize a smoother, quieter tactical feel or a more assertive and audible click, allowing you to choose the switch that best complements your keyboard experience.
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