Cherry MX Purple RGB vs. Outemu Purple
An in-depth look at the Cherry MX Purple RGB and the Outemu Purple switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch for your typing or gaming needs, the Cherry MX Purple RGB and the Outemu Purple both stand out as tactile options, each with its unique characteristics. The Cherry MX Purple RGB, developed in collaboration with keyboard enthusiast Glarses, offers a refined tactile experience that features a short, medium-strength bump, making it ideal for users who appreciate a pronounced feedback without excessive force. This makes the Cherry MX switch particularly appealing for those who type frequently or enjoy gaming, providing a balance of comfort and responsiveness. On the other hand, the Outemu Purple switches, while often considered a more budget-friendly alternative, deliver a similar tactile sensation that many find satisfying for both typing and gaming needs, though they may lack some of the refinement seen in the Cherry MX counterparts. Both switches cater to users seeking tactile feedback but at different price points and sensibilities. However, let’s dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the optimal switch for you.
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
2.00 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 Purple switches, notable differences emerge in their top housings. The Cherry MX Purple RGB utilizes a nylon top housing, which contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile while typing. This is primarily due to nylon's softer characteristics, which effectively absorb sound and create a duller, rounder auditory experience. In contrast, the Outemu Purple switch features a polycarbonate top housing. Polycarbonate is known for its stiffer nature, leading to a crisper and higher-pitched sound profile that resonates more clearly. This distinction in materials sets the tone for the type of auditory feedback users can expect from each switch while typing, with the Cherry MX Purple RGB leaning towards a muted sound and the Outemu Purple showcasing brighter, sharper tones.
Conversely, both switches share similar bottom housing materials, as both the Cherry MX Purple RGB and Outemu Purple switches utilize nylon for this component. The characteristics of nylon manifest in the lower portion of the switch, creating a consistent and deeper sound profile across both models. This shared material results in a similar bottom-out feel when pressing down on the keys, as the softer plastic effectively absorbs impact and sound. Consequently, regardless of the differences in the top housing, the nylon bottom housing ensures a unified and satisfying typing experience that resonates with a fuller depth, emphasizing the importance of material choice in sound design.
In summary, while the Cherry MX Purple RGB and Outemu Purple switches differ significantly in their top housing materials—nylon for the former and polycarbonate for the latter—their bottom housings are aligned, both utilizing nylon, leading to similar bottom-out sensations. This combination allows users to experience distinct sound profiles during key release due to their different top materials. However, the shared nylon bottom housing ensures that the deeper sound character remains consistent across both options when pressed down. Thus, while they may offer varied auditory experiences on release, the fundamental typing experience and the bottom-out sound quality will exhibit notable similarities, highlighting the nuanced role of housing materials in mechanical switches.
Weight
When comparing the Cherry MX Purple RGB tactile switch and the Outemu Purple tactile switch, it’s evident that they differ in their actuation forces. The Cherry MX Purple RGB requires an actuation force of 45 grams, while the Outemu Purple has a slightly heavier actuation force of 50 grams. This means that users may find the Cherry MX switch to be a better option for extended typing sessions due to its lighter touch, making it easier on the fingers during prolonged use. Both switches have unknown bottom out forces, so we cannot make a direct comparison in that regard. However, users who prefer a stronger push may appreciate the Outemu Purple for its heftier actuation force, providing a more substantial typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on individual preferences for typing feel and ergonomics.
Travel distance
Both the Cherry MX Purple RGB tactile switch and the Outemu Purple tactile switch have an identical travel distance of 4 mm. This similarity means that users can expect comparable keypress experiences in terms of the distance traveled when pressing down on each switch. As a result, both switches would provide a similar tactile feel, which is particularly important for those who prefer tactile feedback in their typing or gaming experience. Consequently, whether you choose the Cherry MX or the Outemu, you'll achieve the same travel distance, ensuring a consistent performance under your fingers.
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 Purple 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 produces a distinct yet refined acoustic profile that many enthusiasts find satisfying. It delivers a moderate noise level characteristic of tactile switches, typically providing a clear sound during keypresses without being overwhelmingly loud. Conversely, the Outemu Purple tactile switch is also known for its tactile click but can often be a bit more pronounced in sound, creating a firmer auditory feedback during typing. However, the actual sound of both switches will also depend heavily on factors such as the keyboard they are mounted in and the type of keycaps used, so users can expect some variability in acoustic performance.
In terms of feel, the Cherry MX Purple RGB offers a well-balanced tactile experience with a short, medium-strength bump. This design allows for a precise and enjoyable typing experience, making it ideal for both gaming and typing tasks. The modified bump further enhances the tactile feedback without overwhelming the user, making it a great choice for those who appreciate a refined feel in their keystrokes. On the other hand, the Outemu Purple switch presents a similar tactile feedback but may lack the subtlety of the MX Purple RGB's refined response, which can result in a slightly more pronounced tactile experience that some users may prefer for gaming or typing with a more noticeable bump.
In summary, both the Cherry MX Purple RGB and the Outemu Purple tactile switches offer comparable tactile experiences that cater to users looking for a pronounced tactile feedback. While the MX Purple RGB excels in refinement and sound, Outemu's offering provides a more aggressive tactile response. Ultimately, individual preferences will dictate the ideal choice, and users may find satisfaction with either switch depending on their desired tactile response and sound profile.
Conclusion
To wrap up, when deciding between the Cherry MX Purple RGB tactile switch and the Outemu Purple tactile switch, consider your priorities in terms of tactile feedback, sound, and overall build quality. If you’re seeking a refined tactile experience with a carefully designed bump, the Cherry MX Purple RGB is an excellent choice, especially given its reputation among keyboard enthusiasts. It would be particularly suited for typists and gamers who appreciate a satisfying tactile feel without overwhelming noise. In contrast, if you're on a budget or simply looking for an entry-level switch that still offers a tactile feel, the Outemu Purple might serve you well. However, keep in mind that while it may lack the advanced features and build quality of the Cherry MX variant, it can still provide a decent typing experience for casual users. Ultimately, if durability, performance, and a premium experience are your goals, opt for the Cherry MX Purple RGB; however, if you want to experiment with a tactile switch without a significant investment, the Outemu Purple would be sufficient to get you started.
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