Outemu Black vs. Outemu Purple
An in-depth look at the Outemu Black and the Outemu Purple switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options are the Outemu Black, a linear switch, and the Outemu Purple, a tactile switch. The Outemu Black switch is known for its smooth and consistent keystrokes, making it ideal for fast typists or gamers looking for a precise and linear feel. On the other hand, the Outemu Purple switch offers a tactile bump that provides feedback with each keystroke, appealing to those who prefer a more tactile typing experience. Each switch has its own unique characteristics that cater to different preferences and typing styles. 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
2.00 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
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 Outemu Purple switches both utilize polycarbonate for their top housing, which results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The stiffer nature of polycarbonate contributes to a more clear and resonant sound, making it an ideal material for those looking to enhance their typing experience with RGB lighting. On the other hand, the nylon bottom housing of both switches produces a deeper and fuller sound profile, thanks to its softer nature that absorbs more sound compared to harder plastics.
While both switches share similar top and bottom housing materials, the difference lies in how these materials affect the overall typing experience. The nylon bottom housing of the Black and Purple switches contributes to a duller and rounder bottom-out sound, while the polycarbonate top housing adds a sharp and crisp sound when releasing a key. This combination of materials creates a unique tactile response that caters to different preferences among mechanical keyboard enthusiasts.
In conclusion, the Outemu Black and Outemu Purple switches offer a blend of polycarbonate and nylon housing materials that provide a balance of sharpness and depth in their sound profiles. While the top housings enhance the overall sound when typing, the bottom housings play a significant role in the bottom-out sound and feel of the keys. Whether you prefer a sharper, crisper sound or a deeper, fuller tone, both switches offer a unique typing experience that caters to various preferences in mechanical keyboards.
Weight
In comparing the Outemu Black linear switch to the Outemu Purple tactile switch, it is evident that the Black switch has a heavier actuation force of 65 grams compared to the Purple switch's lighter actuation force of 50 grams. Additionally, the Black switch also has a heavier bottom out force of 82 grams, while the bottom out force for the Purple switch is unknown. The actuation force is crucial as it determines the force needed to trigger a keystroke, while the bottom out force measures the force required to press the key all the way down. Some users may prefer the lighter actuation force of the Purple switch for extended typing or gaming sessions, while others may opt for the heavier actuation force of the Black switch for a more substantial typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preferences for typing feel and force requirements.
Travel distance
The Outemu Black linear switch and the Outemu Purple tactile switch both have a travel distance of 4 mm, making their travel distances equal. When comparing and contrasting the two switches, it is evident that they offer the same tactile feedback and actuation force, but differ in the way the feedback is delivered. The Black switch provides a smooth linear feel, while the Purple switch offers a tactile bump to give users more feedback when typing. Despite these differences, the travel distance remains the same for both switches, ensuring that users will experience similar results in terms of keypress distance. Overall, the Outemu Black and Outemu Purple switches provide a consistent travel distance of 4 mm, making them suitable options for users looking for reliable key switches.
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 Purple.
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 known for its smooth and consistent keystrokes, resulting in a quiet typing experience with minimal sound. On the other hand, the Outemu Purple tactile switch is known for providing a satisfying tactile bump upon actuation, which leads to a more audible typing sound compared to the Black switch. The sound produced by both switches can also be influenced by the type of keyboard and keycaps used, so it is essential to consider these factors when choosing between the two.
When it comes to the feel of the switches, the Outemu Black linear switch offers a consistent and linear typing experience without the tactile feedback found in the Purple switch. This makes the Black switch ideal for fast typists or gamers who prefer smooth keystrokes. Conversely, the Outemu Purple tactile switch provides a tactile bump that provides feedback to the user upon actuation, offering a more satisfying typing experience for those who prefer a more tactile feel while typing.
In conclusion, the Outemu Black linear switch and Outemu Purple tactile switch offer distinct characteristics in terms of sound and feel. The Black switch provides a quiet and smooth typing experience, while the Purple switch offers a more audible typing sound with a tactile feedback. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on personal preference in sound, feel, and typing style. Nonetheless, both switches are excellent options for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts, and you can expect similar quality in terms of durability and performance from both switches.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the Outemu Black linear switch and the Outemu Purple tactile switch, you should consider factors such as your typing preferences and environment. If you prefer a heavier actuation force and a linear switch for a smoother typing experience, the Outemu Black switch may be the better option for you. On the other hand, if you enjoy a tactile feedback with a lighter actuation force and a bump in the keystroke, the Outemu Purple switch could be the ideal choice. Ultimately, it comes down to personal preference and what feels most comfortable for your typing style. Consider trying out both switches to see which one suits your needs best.
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