Outemu Blue vs. Outemu Brown
An in-depth look at the Outemu Blue and the Outemu Brown switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, two popular options to consider are the Outemu Blue, a clicky switch, and the Outemu Brown, a tactile switch. The Outemu Blue switch is best known for its satisfying click sound with every key press, making it ideal for those who enjoy auditory feedback while typing or gaming. On the other hand, the Outemu Brown switch offers a subtle tactile bump without the loud click, providing a quieter typing experience while still offering tactile feedback. While the Blue switch is categorized as a clicky switch, the Brown switch is categorized as a tactile switch. 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
50g
Actuation force
53g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
65g
Pre-travel
2.20 mm
Pre-travel
1.20 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Standard
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
When comparing the Outemu Blue and Outemu Brown housing materials, both switches feature a polycarbonate top housing which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to its relatively stiffer plastic composition. This results in a more clear and resonant sound that is especially beneficial for switches intended for use with RGB lighting. The nylon bottom housing on both switches, however, offers a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon is known for being a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound that can enhance the overall typing experience.
While both the Blue and Brown switches share the same polycarbonate top housing, the difference in their nylon bottom housing highlights their unique sound profiles. The Blue switch, with its nylon bottom housing, provides a deeper and fuller sound profile while the Brown switch, with its own nylon bottom housing, offers a similar acoustic experience. This difference in bottom housing material can have an impact on the bottom-out sound and feel, where the softer nylon material absorbs more sound compared to the stiffer polycarbonate top housing. Overall, both switches offer a combination of housing materials that contribute to their distinct sound profiles and tactile feedback.
Despite the differences in their bottom housing materials, the use of polycarbonate in the top housing of both the Outemu Blue and Brown switches ensures a consistent sharp, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The translucency of polycarbonate is not only aesthetically pleasing but also helps to enhance the sound quality, making it an ideal material choice for switches intended for use with RGB lighting. Whether typing on the Blue or Brown switch, the polycarbonate top housing plays a significant role in the overall sound experience, while the nylon bottom housing adds a unique depth and fullness to the typing sound.
Weight
When comparing the Outemu Blue clicky switch and the Outemu Brown tactile switch, it is evident that they differ in terms of actuation force and bottom out force. The Blue switch has a lighter actuation force of 50 grams, making it easier to trigger keystrokes compared to the Brown switch, which has an actuation force of 53 grams. However, the bottom out force for the Brown switch is 65 grams, indicating a heavier typing experience when fully pressed down, while the bottom out force for the Blue switch is unknown. For those who prefer a lighter typing experience and less finger fatigue during extended use, the Outemu Blue switch would be the preferred choice. On the other hand, for users who enjoy a more substantial key press and a tactile feedback response, the Outemu Brown switch would be the better option. Ultimately, the actuation force and bottom out force play a significant role in determining the typing feel and experience for users of mechanical keyboards.
Travel distance
Both the Outemu Blue clicky switch and the Outemu Brown tactile switch have the same travel distance of 4 mm, making them equally responsive and satisfying to type on. This similarity means that users can expect a consistent typing experience regardless of which switch they choose. The 4 mm travel distance ensures that both switches offer a sufficient amount of feedback and key travel for comfortable typing. Overall, whether you prefer the clicky feedback of the Outemu Blue switch or the tactile bump of the Outemu Brown switch, you can trust that both will provide a satisfying typing experience with their identical travel distances.
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 Blue and Brown.
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 Blue clicky switch is best known for its loud clicky sound, which is often compared to typewriters. On the other hand, the Outemu Brown tactile switch is best known for its quieter bump when pressed, providing a more subtle typing experience. In terms of sound, the Blue switch produces a satisfying click with each keystroke, while the Brown switch offers a more subdued typing experience that is less likely to disturb others.
When it comes to feel, the Outemu Blue switch offers a tactile bump and audible click with each press, giving users a sense of assurance that the key has been registered. In contrast, the Outemu Brown switch provides a tactile bump without the audible click, offering a quieter typing experience while still giving users feedback on key presses. Overall, the Blue switch is known for its clicky feel, while the Brown switch is preferred by those who prefer a quieter typing experience with tactile feedback.
In conclusion, the Outemu Blue clicky switch is ideal for those who enjoy a loud and tactile typing experience, while the Outemu Brown tactile switch is more suitable for users who prefer a quieter typing experience with tactile feedback. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for sound and feel, as both switches offer a satisfying typing experience with their own unique qualities.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the Outemu Blue clicky switch and the Outemu Brown tactile switch, it ultimately comes down to your preference for typing experience. If you enjoy a clicky and tactile feedback with no bottom out force, then the Outemu Blue switch would be the better option for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-heavy bottom out force with a tactile bump but without the loud clicky sound, then the Outemu Brown switch would be more suitable. Consider your typing style, noise tolerance, and desired tactility when making your decision between these two switches. Ultimately, both switches offer unique characteristics that can enhance your typing experience based on your individual preferences.
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