Cherry MX Red vs. Outemu Gold
An in-depth look at the Cherry MX Red and the Outemu Gold switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Cherry MX Red and Outemu Gold stand out as popular options for different reasons. The 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 Gold is a clicky switch that provides a distinctive tactile feedback with each key press. If you prefer a smoother typing experience with minimal noise, the MX Red may be the right choice for you. However, if you enjoy a more pronounced tactile feedback and a satisfying click sound, the Gold switch could be a better fit. 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
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
The Cherry MX Red and Outemu Gold both feature nylon top housings, which provide a deep and full sound profile. The nylon material of the MX Red absorbs more sound than harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound when typing. On the other hand, the Gold's polycarbonate top housing creates a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile due to its stiffer nature. While both materials offer unique sound qualities, it ultimately comes down to personal preference in terms of the sound produced.
In terms of the bottom housing, both the Cherry MX Red and Outemu Gold utilize nylon, which again contributes to a deep and full sound profile. The softer nature of nylon allows for more sound absorption, creating a duller and rounder typing experience. With the bottom housing having a significant impact on the bottom-out sound and feel of a key press, both switches offer a similar tactile experience. While the materials are the same in this aspect, the overall typing experience may vary depending on other factors such as keycap material and switch design.
Overall, the choice between the Cherry MX Red and Outemu Gold ultimately comes down to personal preference and the desired sound profile. While both switches utilize nylon for their bottom housings, the Polycarbonate top housing of the Outemu Gold offers a sharper and crisper sound compared to the duller sound of the MX Red's nylon top housing. Whether you prefer a deeper, fuller sound profile or a sharper, higher-pitched sound, each switch has unique qualities that cater to different preferences in the mechanical keyboard community.
Weight
The Cherry MX Red linear switch and the Outemu Gold clicky switch both have an actuation force of 45 grams, making them equally responsive in terms of triggering a keystroke. However, when it comes to bottom out force, there is a difference between the two. The Cherry MX Red has no specified bottom out force, while the Outemu Gold has a bottom out force of 60 grams, which is considered medium. This means that the Outemu Gold switch provides a slightly heavier and more substantial typing experience compared to the Cherry MX Red. For those who prefer a lighter touch for extended typing or gaming sessions, the Cherry MX Red may be the better option. On the other hand, individuals who enjoy a stronger push feel may find the Outemu Gold clicky switch more satisfying. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The Cherry MX Red linear switch and the Outemu Gold clicky switch both have a travel distance of 4mm, making them equal in that aspect. This means that when you press down on a key with either of these switches, you will experience the same amount of travel distance. This similarity allows for a consistent typing experience across both switch types. Overall, the travel distance of both switches is optimal for those who prefer a moderate amount of keypress feedback without being too shallow or too deep.
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 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 it comes to sound, the Cherry MX Red linear switch is known for its thocky and low-pitched sound profile, exhibiting a deep and satisfying tone with each keystroke. On the other hand, the Outemu Gold clicky switch lacks specific sound descriptors in the provided information, but clicky switches generally produce a sharp and audible click when pressed. Depending on personal preference, the MX Red may be favored for its deeper and more bass-heavy sound compared to the potentially more noticeable click of the Gold switch.
In terms of feel, the Cherry MX Red switch is noted for its textured attribute, which implies a noticeable friction when pressed. This texture may provide a tactile sensation that some users prefer for enhanced feedback during typing. Unfortunately, there is no specific feel description provided for the Outemu Gold switch, but clicky switches often offer a tactile bump or click at the actuation point, providing a different type of tactile feedback compared to the linear MX Red switch.
Overall, while the Cherry MX Red linear switch offers a textured feel and a thocky, low-pitched sound profile, the specific qualities of the Outemu Gold clicky switch remain unknown. Depending on personal preferences for typing feel and sound, both switches may provide a satisfying typing experience. If a smoother, friction-free feel and a deeper, bass-heavy sound are desired, the MX Red switch may be the preferred choice. On the other hand, if a distinct tactile bump or click sound is preferred, the Gold switch could offer a unique typing experience. Ultimately, trying out both switches on different keyboards and keycap setups may be the best way to determine which one suits your typing style and preferences.
Conclusion
To sum up, when considering whether to choose the Cherry MX Red linear switch or the Outemu Gold clicky switch, you should opt for the MX Red if you prefer a slightly heftier feel and deeper sound profile for a robust typing experience. The MX Red is great for those who appreciate a satisfying auditory depth and responsiveness in their keystrokes. On the other hand, you might want to go with the Outemu Gold if you prefer a medium bottom out force of 60 grams. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on your personal preferences for typing feel and sound. Consider what aspects are most important to you in a keyboard switch and make your decision based on that.
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