Outemu Brown vs. Outemu Dustproof Brown
An in-depth look at the Outemu Brown and the Outemu Dustproof Brown switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Outemu Brown and Outemu Dustproof Brown both fall under the tactile switch category. The Outemu Brown switch is known for its tactile feedback and satisfying bump while typing, making it a popular choice for those who enjoy a tactile typing experience. On the other hand, the Outemu Dustproof Brown switch offers the same tactile feedback but with the added benefit of being more resilient to dust and debris, making it a great choice for those who want a lower maintenance keyboard 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
53g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
65g
Bottom-out force
65g
Pre-travel
1.20 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
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
Comparing the housing materials of the Outemu Brown and Outemu Dustproof Brown switches, both feature a polycarbonate top housing that contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is because polycarbonate is a relatively stiffer plastic, resulting in a more clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate allows for RGB lighting to shine through, making it ideal for those who want to customize their keyboard with colorful lighting effects. Therefore, in terms of sound profile and aesthetics, the top housing materials of these switches are very similar.
On the other hand, the bottom housing materials differ between the two switches, with the Brown featuring a nylon bottom housing and the Dustproof Brown also utilizing nylon material for its bottom housing. Nylon is known for creating a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to other plastics, as it is a softer material that absorbs more sound. This results in a duller and rounder sound when typing on switches with a nylon bottom housing. In this aspect, the housing materials of the Outemu Brown and Dustproof Brown switches are also similar, contributing to a consistent sound experience for users.
Ultimately, when using switches with different top and bottom housing materials, it is important to consider how each material affects the sound and feel of typing. The bottom housing will have a greater impact on the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing the keys, while the top housing will influence the sound when releasing a key. With both switches featuring polycarbonate top housings for a sharper sound profile and nylon bottom housings for a fuller sound, users can expect a balanced and pleasing typing experience regardless of the specific switch they choose.
Weight
The Outemu Brown tactile switch has an actuation force of 53 grams, making it slightly heavier than the Outemu Dustproof Brown tactile switch which has an actuation force of 45 grams. Both switches have the same bottom out force of 65 grams, which is considered medium-heavy. The difference in actuation force means that the Outemu Brown switch requires a bit more pressure to trigger a keystroke compared to the Dustproof Brown switch. This could lead to a slightly different typing experience for users who prefer a lighter or heavier touch. Overall, the Outemu Dustproof Brown switch may be more suitable for those who prefer a lighter actuation force, while the Outemu Brown switch may be preferred by those who prefer a slightly heavier actuation force for a more substantial typing experience.
Travel distance
Both the Outemu Brown tactile switch and the Outemu Dustproof Brown tactile switch have the same travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when pressing down on a key with either switch, you will experience the same distance traveled from the top to the bottom. The similarity in travel distance between the two switches allows for consistent typing experiences, with neither switch offering a shorter or longer distance than the other. In this case, users can expect similar results in terms of key travel and actuation, making it a matter of personal preference when choosing between the two 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 Brown and Dustproof 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
When it comes to sound, the Outemu Brown tactile switch and the Outemu Dustproof Brown tactile switch are known to have similar levels of noise when typing. Both switches produce a satisfying sound, with a subtle tactile bump that provides feedback while typing. However, the sound produced can also be influenced by the keyboard housing and keycaps being used.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, both the Outemu Brown and Outemu Dustproof Brown tactile switches offer a similar typing experience. They are known for their tactile feedback, providing a slight bump when the key actuates, giving typists a tactile response as they type. This tactile feel can enhance typing accuracy and speed, making the switches popular among enthusiasts and gamers alike.
In conclusion, the Outemu Brown tactile switch and the Outemu Dustproof Brown tactile switch share many of the same qualities in terms of sound and feel. Typists can expect a satisfying typing experience with both switches, thanks to their tactile feedback and pleasant sound while typing. Ultimately, choosing between the two switches may come down to personal preference and specific needs, but users can rest assured that they will receive a similar typing experience with either option.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Outemu Brown tactile switch and the Outemu Dustproof Brown tactile switch, consider your environment and preferences. If you are looking for a reliable switch with a medium-heavy bottom out force and do not require any specific features, the Outemu Brown tactile switch would be a solid choice. However, if you want the added benefit of dustproofing for a potentially longer lifespan and smoother experience, the Outemu Dustproof Brown tactile switch may be the better option for you. Ultimately, both switches offer similar characteristics with the main difference being the dustproof feature, so choose based on what suits your needs best.
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