Outemu Black vs. Outemu Dustproof Green
An in-depth look at the Outemu Black and the Outemu Dustproof Green switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboards, the choice of switch can significantly impact your typing experience. The Outemu Black, a linear switch, offers a smooth, uninterrupted keystroke that many gamers and typists appreciate for its consistency and speed, making it an ideal choice for those who prioritize quick response times in fast-paced scenarios. In contrast, the Outemu Dustproof Green, a clicky switch, provides tactile feedback with an audible click that enhances the typing experience for users who enjoy a more dynamic interaction with their keyboard, making it a preferred option for typists who relish the sensation of each keystroke. While both switches cater to different preferences—smooth performance versus tactile feedback—each has its own strengths that can align with your specific needs. 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
65g
Bottom-out force
82g
Bottom-out force
80g
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
The Outemu Black and Dustproof Green switches share a commonality in their top housing material, which is polycarbonate. This choice of material contributes significantly to the acoustic properties of both switches. The polycarbonate top of each switch provides a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to its stiffness and translucency. This similar construction enables users to expect a clear and resonant sound that is particularly advantageous for those who utilize RGB lighting, as the transparency allows for vibrant illumination. Thus, users can anticipate an equivalent auditory experience from both the Black and Dustproof Green switches when it comes to their top housing.
While the top housings of both switches are identical, their bottom housings present a noteworthy contrast. The Black switch utilizes a nylon bottom housing, which is known for its ability to create a deeper and fuller sound profile. This characteristic stems from nylon's softer composition, allowing it to absorb more sound compared to its harder plastic counterparts. By contrast, the Dustproof Green switch also employs a nylon bottom housing, maintaining the same acoustic qualities and resulting in a similar, rounder sound when typing. As a result, while the aesthetic and top-end sound attributes may be distinguished, the overall auditory experience remains consistent, rooted in the characteristics provided by their respective bottom housings.
Ultimately, the combination of materials in both switches leads to a cohesive typing experience that balances the effects of the top and bottom housings. With both the Outemu Black and Dustproof Green featuring polycarbonate tops and nylon bottoms, users can expect a harmonious blend of sound qualities. The polycarbonate top enhances the clarity and brightness of the sound when keys are released, while the nylon bottom deepens the acoustic profile during key presses. This interplay creates a unified sound experience, ensuring that despite any visual or branding distinctions, performance remains consistent across both switch types. Therefore, users will enjoy similar typing dynamics and acoustic responses, reinforcing their choice based on preference rather than significant differences in material construction.
Weight
The Outemu Black linear switch and the Outemu Dustproof Green clicky switch have comparable actuation forces, both requiring 65 grams to trigger a keystroke. However, the bottom out forces differ slightly, with the Black switch bottoming out at 82 grams and the Green switch at 80 grams. This means that while both switches have the same actuation feel, the Black switch exhibits a heavier bottom out, offering a more substantial resistance when pressed all the way down. Consequently, while the actuation force is identical, the overall typing experience can feel a bit heavier with the Black switch due to its higher bottom out force. For users who prefer a lighter typing experience, the Dustproof Green is the better choice, providing a slightly softer feel as it bottoms out. In summary, if a substantial typing experience is sought, the Outemu Black may be preferable, but for longer typing sessions or gaming where less resistance is desired, the Dustproof Green would be more suitable.
Travel distance
Both the Outemu Black linear switch and the Outemu Dustproof Green clicky switch have a travel distance of 4 mm, meaning they provide the same distance feel when pressed. This similarity ensures that users can expect comparable key travel sensations across both switch types, regardless of their different actuation mechanisms. As a result, whether one prefers the smooth action of the Black switch or the tactile feedback of the Green switch, the overall experience in terms of travel will be identical, offering consistency in 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 Dustproof Green.
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 Outemu Black linear switch offers a completely muted typing experience, making it ideal for users who prefer a quieter workspace. There are no audible clicks or distinct sounds that characterize the keystrokes, allowing for discreet typing sessions. In contrast, the Outemu Dustproof Green clicky switch delivers a pronounced auditory feedback with a distinct click sound upon actuation. This noise not only enhances the gaming or typing experience for those who enjoy tactile feedback but also serves as an audible indicator that a key has been successfully pressed. This difference in sound can greatly influence your overall typing or gaming experience, depending on your personal preferences.
In terms of feel, the Outemu Black linear switch is characterized by its smooth and consistent keystroke. With no tactile bump or auditory feedback, it lends itself to long sessions of typing or gaming without any interruptions from tactile resistance. It glides effortlessly from top to bottom, providing a streamlined experience. On the other hand, the Outemu Dustproof Green switch has a tactile bump that gives users a notable resistance just before the key bottoms out, creating a satisfying feel. This tactile response can enhance typing accuracy, as users receive both a physical and auditory cue with each keypress.
In conclusion, the choice between the Outemu Black linear and the Outemu Dustproof Green clicky switches ultimately hinges on personal preference regarding sound and feel. If you value a quiet environment and prefer a smooth keystroke, the Black is your best bet. Conversely, if you enjoy the engagement of a clicky sound and tactile feedback that can improve your typing experience, the Dustproof Green is more suitable. Understanding these qualities will help newcomers make an informed choice that aligns with their typing style and environment.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the Outemu Black linear switch and the Outemu Dustproof Green clicky switch should hinge on your typing preferences and usage scenarios. If you prefer a heavier switch that provides a smooth and uninterrupted keystroke for gaming or typing tasks that require swift actions, the Outemu Black might serve you best. Its linear nature means you won’t experience any tactile feedback or noise, making it an excellent choice for quiet environments or late-night gaming sessions. On the other hand, if you enjoy a tactile experience and the audible click of a switch when you type, the Outemu Dustproof Green is the way to go. This switch offers tactile feedback, which many find satisfying and helps with typing accuracy. Its clicky sound can also enhance your focus and engagement while using your keyboard. Therefore, your ultimate choice should reflect whether you value the smooth, quiet operation of linear switches or the tactile and audible feedback that clicky switches provide.
Mentioned in this article
