Cherry MX Red vs. Outemu Black
An in-depth look at the Cherry MX Red and the Outemu Black switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, the Cherry MX Red and the Outemu Black both offer a linear typing experience that many enthusiasts appreciate. The MX Red is a classic Cherry switch known for its slightly heftier feel and deeper sound profile, offering a robust typing experience that combines responsiveness with a satisfying auditory depth. On the other hand, the Outemu Black is a linear switch that provides a smooth typing experience without any tactile feedback or audible click. While the MX Red is categorized as 'Thocky', 'Low-pitched', 'Textured', the Black switch does not have any specific categorizations. When deciding between these two switches, one may prefer the MX Red for its tactile feel and auditory feedback, while others may opt for the smooth, quiet typing experience of the Outemu Black. 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
82g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.50 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
The housing materials of the Cherry MX Red and Outemu Black switches differ significantly in terms of sound profile and material used. The MX Red features a nylon top housing, which creates a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer plastic that absorbs more sound. On the other hand, the Black switch utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, resulting in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. While the MX Red gives a duller and rounder sound, the Black switch offers a more clear and resonant sound, especially beneficial for switches with RGB lighting.
In terms of bottom housings, both the Cherry MX Red and Outemu Black switches share the same nylon material, leading to a deeper and fuller sound profile with a softer plastic that absorbs more sound. The impact of the bottom housing on the bottom-out sound and feel is therefore consistent across both switches, providing a similar tactile experience for users. While the top housing of the switch has a more significant impact on the sound when releasing a key, the shared nylon bottom housing ensures a consistent sound profile throughout the typing experience for both switches.
Overall, while the Cherry MX Red and Outemu Black switches have different top housing materials, their shared nylon bottom housing ensures a similar deep and full sound profile. Users can expect a consistent tactile experience from both switches due to the impact of the nylon material on the overall sound and feel. The choice between the switches might come down to personal preference for the type of sound profile desired, whether it be the duller and rounder sound of the MX Red or the sharper and crisper sound of the Outemu Black.
Weight
The Cherry MX Red linear switch has an actuation force of 45 grams, making it a lighter option compared to the Outemu Black linear switch, which has an actuation force of 65 grams. The Cherry MX Red switch does not have a specified bottom out force, while the Outemu Black switch has a bottom out force of 82 grams, making it heavier than the Cherry MX Red in this aspect. Those who prefer a lighter typing experience may lean towards the Cherry MX Red switch, as it requires less force to actuate. In contrast, those who enjoy a more substantial typing feel may opt for the Outemu Black switch with its heavier actuation and bottom out forces. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for typing feel and force requirements.
Travel distance
Both the Cherry MX Red and Outemu Black linear switches have a travel distance of 4 mm, making them equal in this aspect. This means that when you press down on a key with either switch, you will experience the same amount of travel distance. This similarity ensures that you will get consistent results in terms of key press feel and actuation. Ultimately, the travel distance for both switches is the same, providing a smooth and linear typing experience for users.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Cherry MX Red has an MSRP of $5.90 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the MX Red for $4.00.
The Outemu Black 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 Red switch is known for its deep and satisfying "thocky" sound profile, which is low-pitched and bass-heavy. This results in a pleasant auditory experience while typing. As for the Outemu Black switch, there isn't much information available on its sound profile, so it's difficult to make a direct comparison. However, it is important to note that the sound of a switch can be influenced by various factors such as the keyboard housing and keycaps used.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the Cherry MX Red switch is described as having a textured feel, which can provide a noticeable friction when pressed. Some users prefer this slight texture for a more tactile typing experience, while others may prefer a smoother feel. On the other hand, there isn't specific information available on the feel of the Outemu Black switch, making it challenging to compare it directly to the Cherry MX Red in this aspect.
In conclusion, the Cherry MX Red linear switch is known for its slightly heftier feel, deeper sound profile, and textured key feel, offering a robust and tactile typing experience. On the other hand, the information available on the Outemu Black switch is limited, so it is unclear how it compares in terms of sound and feel. Ultimately, choosing between these two switches will depend on personal preferences for typing feel and sound characteristics. However, given the similarities in both being linear switches, you can expect to achieve similar overall results in terms of smooth keystrokes and consistent actuation.
Conclusion
Bringing it all together, when deciding between the Cherry MX Red and Outemu Black linear switches, consider your preferences in terms of typing experience. If you prioritize a slightly heftier feel and deeper sound profile, the Cherry MX Red may be the better choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a heavier bottom out force and are not as concerned about sound, the Outemu Black switch could be a better fit. Ultimately, your decision should be based on what will provide you with the most comfortable and satisfying typing experience.
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