Cherry MX Purple RGB vs. Outemu Green
An in-depth look at the Cherry MX Purple RGB and the Outemu Green switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two popular choices are the Cherry MX Purple RGB and the Outemu Green, each offering distinct experiences tailored to different preferences. The Cherry MX Purple RGB is celebrated for its refined tactile feedback, providing users with a short, medium-strength bump that enhances typing accuracy, making it an ideal choice for those seeking a balanced typing experience without overwhelming noise. In contrast, the Outemu Green switch delivers a pronounced click sound and a tactile feel, appealing to typists who enjoy auditory feedback and a slightly more forceful actuation, which can be satisfying for both typing and gaming. While the MX Purple may suit those who prefer a quieter environment, the Outemu Green is designed for those who appreciate a louder, more expressive typing experience. However, let’s dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities to help you decide on the best switch for your needs.
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
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 Cherry MX Purple RGB and Outemu Green switches, one notable difference is found in the materials used for the top housing. The Cherry MX Purple RGB switch employs a nylon top housing, which, due to its softer plastic properties, contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile. This is a stark contrast to the Outemu Green's polycarbonate top housing, which is stiffer and produces a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile. The material choice reflects the intended acoustic experience; cherry MX switches generate a more subdued sound while Outemu’s design leans towards resonance and clarity. This means that users looking for a richer auditory experience may prefer the MX Purple RGB over the Outemu Green.
In terms of bottom housing, both switches utilize nylon material, which results in a consistent deeper and fuller sound profile when typing. The common use of nylon in the bottom housing ensures that both switches deliver a similar bottom-out sound, characterized by its muted and rounder tone. This aspect plays a crucial role since the bottom housing significantly impacts the feel and noise generated when the switch is fully pressed down. Therefore, while the Cherry MX Purple RGB and Outemu Green may diverge in their top housing materials, their identical choice of nylon for the bottom housing guarantees comparable auditory experiences at the point of actuation.
Ultimately, the differing top housing materials of the MX Purple RGB and Outemu Green switches create distinct sound profiles, but both share a unified aspect with their bottom housings. The nylon bottoms of both switches serve to soften the bottom-out sound, leading to a similar tactile feel during use. If users prioritize sound quality, the MX Purple RGB will likely resonate more with those drawn to muted auditory feedback, while the Outemu Green will appeal to those who prefer a crisper sound due to its polycarbonate top. Regardless, the nylon bottoms of both switches ensure that everyone can enjoy a consistent foundation of deeper sound, regardless of the top material chosen.
Weight
When comparing the Cherry MX Purple RGB tactile switch to the Outemu Green clicky switch, there are noticeable differences in actuation and bottom out forces that can impact the user experience. The Cherry MX Purple RGB requires a lighter actuation force of 45 grams, making it easier to trigger keystrokes, especially beneficial for prolonged typing sessions or extended gaming marathons. In contrast, the Outemu Green switch demands a heavier actuation force of 65 grams, which provides a more substantial feel during typing. Additionally, the Outemu Green has a bottom out force of 80 grams, which further emphasizes its heavier, firmer typing experience; this force measurement is not available for the Cherry MX Purple RGB. Ultimately, users seeking a lighter touch for comfort may prefer the Cherry MX Purple RGB, while those who favor heftiness and feedback in their keystrokes may gravitate toward the Outemu Green switch.
Travel distance
Both the Cherry MX Purple RGB tactile switch and the Outemu Green clicky switch have a travel distance of 4 mm, indicating that when pressed down, each switch travels the same distance from the top to the bottom. This equal travel distance means that users can expect a similar tactile feedback and overall experience when activating keys equipped with either switch type. Consequently, those who prefer one switch over the other can enjoy a consistent feel in terms of key travel, making either option suitable for a comparable typing experience.
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 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 is characterized by a refined auditory experience that avoids being overly loud, making it a suitable choice for both casual and professional environments. The tactile bump contributes to a subtle auditory feedback that signals activation without being disruptive. In contrast, the Outemu Green switch produces a pronounced click sound that is more audible and attention-grabbing. This clicky nature can create a more entertaining and engaging typing experience but might not be ideal in quieter settings. It's essential to consider that the overall sound profile of any switch can also be influenced by the choice of keyboard and keycaps used.
Regarding feel, the Cherry MX Purple RGB switch offers a balanced tactile experience with a medium-strength bump that provides clear feedback without being harsh on the fingers. This makes it suitable for long typing sessions as it strikes a desirable balance between tactile feedback and comfort. On the other hand, the Outemu Green switch features a more pronounced tactile bump alongside its clicky sound, making it feel more responsive but potentially less forgiving during extended use. Those who prefer a more tactile and clicky feedback might find the Green switch more satisfying, while the Purple is likely to appeal to those seeking a smoother experience.
In summary, the Cherry MX Purple RGB tactile switch provides a well-rounded typing experience with its moderate sound and feel, making it versatile for various users. In contrast, the Outemu Green clicky switch accentuates auditory feedback and tactile response, catering to those who enjoy a more pronounced typing experience. Both switches have their unique strengths, and the ultimate choice should depend on personal preference and typing habits, with users likely to find satisfaction in either switch depending on their needs.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the Cherry MX Purple RGB tactile switch and the Outemu Green clicky switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences and typing habits. If you prefer a refined tactile experience with a lighter actuation force and enjoy the subtleties of a tactile bump without the distraction of an audible click, then the Cherry MX Purple RGB is likely the better option for you. This switch would suit you well if you engage in extensive typing or gaming sessions where long-term comfort is essential and noise levels need to be kept in check. Conversely, if you thrive on the satisfaction of a pronounced audible click and prefer a heavier actuation force for a more deliberate keypress, the Outemu Green clicky switch might be exactly what you’re looking for. This switch can provide fantastic feedback for both typing and gaming, making it great for users who enjoy a more mechanical and noisy experience. Ultimately, consider the environments in which you will be using your keyboard and your tactile preferences to make the best choice.
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