Outemu Black vs. Outemu Blue
An in-depth look at the Outemu Black and the Outemu Blue switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Outemu Black and Outemu Blue offer unique experiences for different types of users. The Outemu Black is a linear switch, known for its smooth keystrokes without any tactile bump or audible click. This makes it ideal for users who prefer a quieter typing experience and for tasks that require a steady and consistent keystroke. On the other hand, the Outemu Blue is a clicky switch, characterized by a tactile bump and an audible click with each keystroke. This switch is favored by users who enjoy the satisfying feedback and sound while typing, making it great for gaming or typing-intensive tasks. 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
65g
Actuation force
50g
Bottom-out force
82g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
2.50 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
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Outemu Black and Outemu Blue switches, it is evident that both switches utilize polycarbonate for their top housings. This results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile, thanks to the stiff nature of polycarbonate. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches with RGB lighting. However, when it comes to the bottom housing material, the Outemu Black uses nylon while the Outemu Blue also utilizes nylon. Typing on switches with nylon bottom housings produces a deeper and fuller sound profile, as nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, creating a duller and rounder sound.
Despite the shared polycarbonate top housing, the key difference between the Outemu Black and Outemu Blue switches lies in their nylon bottom housings. While both switches deliver a unique sound profile thanks to the stiff polycarbonate top housing, the Outemu Black offers a sharper and crisper sound due to its nylon bottom housing, which absorbs more sound compared to harder plastics. On the other hand, the Outemu Blue's nylon bottom housing contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile, creating a different typing experience. Therefore, the choice between the two switches may come down to personal preference in terms of sound and feel.
When examining how the housing materials of the Outemu Black and Outemu Blue switches impact their performance, it's important to consider the division of qualities between the top and bottom housings. The bottom housing material affects the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing down on a key, with nylon providing a deeper and fuller sound in both switches. Conversely, the top housing material plays a significant role in the sound produced when releasing a key, with polycarbonate contributing to a sharper and crisper sound profile in both switches. Ultimately, the combination of housing materials in each switch results in a unique typing experience, catering to different preferences in sound and feel.
Weight
The Outemu Black linear switch has a heavier actuation force and bottom out force compared to the Outemu Blue clicky switch. The Black requires 65 grams of force to actuate a keystroke and 82 grams to bottom out, making it a heavier option. In contrast, the Blue only requires 50 grams of force to actuate a keystroke, with the bottom out force being unknown. This makes the Blue switch lighter in terms of actuation force. Choosing between the two would depend on personal preference and typing style. Those who prefer a lighter typing experience may opt for the Blue switch, allowing them to type for longer periods without fatigue. Meanwhile, those who prefer a more substantial typing feel may prefer the heavier actuation force of the Black switch. Ultimately, the weight of the keys can greatly impact the typing experience, so it's important to consider which force is best suited to your needs.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Outemu Black linear switch and the Outemu Blue clicky switch, both switches have an equal travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when you press down on a key with either switch, you will experience the same distance of travel from the top to the bottom. Both switches provide a consistent tactile feel and response in terms of travel distance. Whether you choose the Black or Blue switch, you can expect similar results in terms of key travel distance.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
In this case, both switches are $3.10. As such, price can't serve as a tiebreaker when choosing between the Black and Blue.
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
The Outemu Black linear switch is often favored for its quiet and smooth keystrokes, making it a popular choice for those who prefer a more understated typing experience. On the other hand, the Outemu Blue clicky switch is known for its loud and tactile feedback, providing a satisfying click with each key press. The sound of the Blue switch is notably more prominent and can add a satisfying auditory element to typing sessions. When it comes to feel, the Black switch is praised for its consistent linear action with no tactile bump, offering a consistent and seamless typing experience. In contrast, the Blue switch provides a noticeable tactile bump and audible click, giving users a tactile response with each keystroke. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will come down to personal preference in terms of sound and feel, with the Black switch offering a quieter and smoother typing experience while the Blue switch provides a more tactile and audible feedback.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Outemu Black linear switch and the Outemu Blue clicky switch, it ultimately comes down to your personal preferences and typing habits. If you prefer a heavier key press and a smoother typing experience without any audible feedback, then the Outemu Black switch may be the better choice for you. On the other hand, if you enjoy the tactile and audible click feedback with every key press, then the Outemu Blue switch would be more suitable. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches will depend on whether you prioritize typing feel and sound or prefer a smooth and linear typing experience.
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