Cherry MX Red vs. Outemu Purple
An in-depth look at the Cherry MX Red and the Outemu Purple switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Cherry MX Red and Outemu Purple are popular choices with distinct characteristics. The Cherry MX Red is a linear switch that is well-known for its slightly heftier feel and deeper sound profile, providing a robust typing experience that combines responsiveness with a satisfying auditory depth. On the other hand, the Outemu Purple is a tactile switch, although not as widely recognized, it offers a unique typing experience. The Purple switch does not have a specific standout feature. The MX Red is categorized as 'Thocky', 'Low-pitched', and 'Textured', while the Purple switch does not have any specific categorization. If you prefer a linear switch with a more pronounced tactile feedback, the Cherry MX Red may be the way to go. 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
2.00 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
The Cherry MX Red and Outemu Purple both have top housings that play a significant role in the overall sound profile of the switch. The MX Red's nylon top housing creates a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer plastic that absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. In contrast, the Purple's polycarbonate top housing produces a sharper and crisper sound profile because polycarbonate is a stiffer plastic that leads to a more clear and resonant sound. While the MX Red's nylon top housing focuses on creating a softer and more muffled sound, the Purple's polycarbonate top housing aims for a clearer and more vibrant sound, catering to different preferences.
On the other hand, both the MX Red and Outemu Purple feature bottom housings made of nylon, which have similar effects on sound profile. The nylon bottom housing in both switches helps create a deeper and fuller sound profile by absorbing more sound compared to harder plastics. This results in a duller and rounder sound that is consistent across both switches. Therefore, in terms of bottom housing material, users can expect similar sound characteristics and typing experiences when using either the Cherry MX Red or the Outemu Purple switches.
Overall, the differences in housing materials between the Cherry MX Red and Outemu Purple switches result in contrasting sound profiles. The combination of a softer nylon top housing in the MX Red and a stiffer polycarbonate top housing in the Purple creates noticeable differences in sound characteristics, with the MX Red offering a mellower sound and the Purple providing a sharper and crisper sound. While both switches share a common nylon bottom housing that contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile, the top housing material plays a significant role in determining the overall sound experience when typing on these switches.
Weight
The Cherry MX Red linear switch is lighter in terms of actuation force compared to the Outemu Purple tactile switch, with 45 grams required to trigger a keystroke compared to the Purple's 50 grams. However, both switches have an unknown bottom out force. For those who prefer a lighter touch, the Cherry MX Red may be the preferred option as it requires less force to actuate, making it ideal for extended typing or gaming sessions. On the other hand, those who prefer a more substantial typing experience may lean towards the Outemu Purple with its slightly heavier actuation force. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preference for key weight and typing feel.
Travel distance
Both the Cherry MX Red linear switch and the Outemu Purple tactile switch have a travel distance of 4mm, making them equal in terms of the distance the switch travels from the top to the bottom. When pressing down on a key with either of these switches, you can expect a similar feel and feedback due to their identical travel distances. This means that whether you choose the Cherry MX Red or the Outemu Purple switch, you'll experience a consistent key press experience in terms of travel distance.
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 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 Red linear switch is known for its thocky and low-pitched sound profile, offering a deep and satisfying auditory experience. This sound profile is often described as a soft "thud" or a bass-heavy tone that can be quite soothing during long typing sessions. On the other hand, the Outemu Purple tactile switch's sound characteristics are unknown at this time, so it is difficult to directly compare the two switches in this aspect. However, it is important to note that the sound produced by a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard's construction and the type of keycaps used.
In terms of feel, the Cherry MX Red switch is known for its slightly textured feel, providing users with a tactile feedback that can enhance typing accuracy and comfort. The subtle texture of the switch can be preferred by some users who enjoy a bit of friction when typing, while others may prefer a smoother and more friction-free typing experience. On the other hand, the feel of the Outemu Purple switch is currently unknown, making it challenging to make a direct comparison between the two switches in terms of their tactile feel. It is essential for users to consider their personal preferences for typing feel when choosing between these switches.
Overall, while the Cherry MX Red linear switch offers a slightly heftier feel and a deeper, thocky sound profile, the characteristics of the Outemu Purple tactile switch remain unknown at this time. Both switches have their own unique qualities that can cater to different preferences in terms of sound and feel. Ultimately, users should consider their individual typing preferences, whether they prioritize a smoother typing experience or enjoy a more textured feel, when making a decision between these two switches. Additionally, experimenting with different keyboards and keycap combinations can also have a significant impact on the overall typing experience, ensuring that users can achieve their desired feel and sound when using mechanical keyboards.
Conclusion
In conclusion, if you are looking for a linear switch with a slightly heftier feel and deeper sound profile, the Cherry MX Red switch would be a great choice for you. The MX Red offers a robust typing experience that combines responsiveness with a satisfying auditory depth. On the other hand, if you prefer a tactile switch with a different feel and sound profile, the Outemu Purple switch might be more to your liking. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preferences in terms of typing experience, sound, and feel. It's important to try out different switches to see which one suits you best.
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