Cherry MX Red vs. Outemu Blue
An in-depth look at the Cherry MX Red and the Outemu Blue switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Cherry MX Red and Outemu Blue are popular choices with distinct characteristics. The Cherry MX Red is a linear 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 Blue is a clicky switch that provides a tactile bump and audible click with each keystroke. The MX Red is categorized as 'Thocky', 'Low-pitched', 'Textured', while the Blue does not have any specific categories. Depending on your preference for a quieter, smoother typing experience or a more tactile and audible feedback, you may find either switch appealing. 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
50g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
N/A
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
In comparing the housing materials of the Cherry MX Red and the Outemu Blue, it is evident that they both utilize nylon for their bottom housing. This choice results in a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing, as nylon is known for its ability to absorb sound and create a duller and rounder sound. This similarity suggests that users can expect a similar typing experience in terms of sound and feel when using switches with either Cherry MX Red or Outemu Blue bottom housings.
However, the top housing materials of the two switches differ, with the MX Red featuring a nylon top housing and the Blue utilizing polycarbonate. The use of polycarbonate in the Blue's top housing creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to its relatively stiffer nature. In contrast, the nylon top housing of the MX Red offers a deeper and fuller sound profile, thanks to its softer plastic composition. This distinction in top housing material highlights a key difference in sound experience between the Cherry MX Red and the Outemu Blue switches.
Overall, the choice of housing material in switches plays a significant role in the sound and feel of typing. While both the Cherry MX Red and Outemu Blue switches share a nylon bottom housing for deeper and fuller sound, their contrasting top housing materials lead to distinct sound profiles. Whether a user prefers a sharp and resonant sound (polycarbonate) or a duller and rounder sound (nylon), the housing materials of switches can greatly impact the overall typing experience.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Cherry MX Red linear switch and the Outemu Blue clicky switch, it is evident that the MX Red requires a lighter actuation force of 45 grams compared to the Blue's actuation force of 50 grams. This means that the MX Red may be more suited for those who prefer a lighter touch when typing or gaming. In terms of bottom out force, both switches have an unknown value, but it is likely that the MX Red may also have a lighter bottom out force compared to the Blue. Ultimately, individuals who enjoy a lighter typing experience may lean towards the MX Red, while those who prefer a more substantial push feel may opt for the Outemu Blue.
Travel distance
The Cherry MX Red linear switch and the Outemu Blue clicky switch both have a travel distance of 4 mm, meaning that they both offer a similar key feel in terms of how far the switch travels from the top to the bottom. This makes them both suitable for users who prefer a consistent typing experience. While the MX Red is known for its smooth and quiet keystrokes, the Outemu Blue provides a tactile bump and an audible click with each press. Both switches offer a different typing experience to cater to individual preferences, with the MX Red being shorter and the Outemu Blue being longer in terms of travel distance. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will come down to personal preference for typing style and sound feedback.
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 Blue 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
In comparing the sound qualities of the Cherry MX Red linear switch and the Outemu Blue clicky switch, it is evident that the MX Red produces a deeper, more low-pitched sound profile known as thocky. This sound is characterized by a satisfying thud or knock when the keys are pressed and released, providing a robust auditory experience. On the other hand, specific sound characteristics of the Outemu Blue switch are not provided. It is important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard's construction and the type of keycaps used.
When considering the feel of the two switches, the Cherry MX Red is known for its textured or slightly scratchy feel when pressed. This tactile feedback can enhance the typing experience for some users, providing a sense of control and precision. However, the specific feel of the Outemu Blue switch is not described, leaving it unknown how it compares in terms of tactile feedback and overall typing experience.
Overall, while the Cherry MX Red linear switch offers a deeper, low-pitched sound profile and a textured feel that some users may prefer, the specific sound and feel qualities of the Outemu Blue clicky switch remain unknown. Therefore, if you are looking for a switch with similar sound and feel characteristics to the Cherry MX Red, it may be advisable to opt for another linear switch with known qualities to ensure a comparable experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a smooth and quiet typing experience with a slightly heavier feel, then the Cherry MX Red linear switch would be a great choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a clicky and tactile typing experience with a lighter touch, then the Outemu Blue clicky switch would be more suitable for your needs. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches comes down to personal preference in terms of sound, feel, and typing style. Whether you choose the MX Red or the Blue, both switches offer their own unique strengths and cater to different preferences in the mechanical keyboard community.
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