Outemu Brown vs. Outemu Gold
An in-depth look at the Outemu Brown and the Outemu Gold switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, the Outemu Brown and Outemu Gold offer distinct experiences for users. The Outemu Brown is a tactile switch, known for its subtle bump feedback when pressed. This makes it a popular choice for typists who prefer a responsive feel without the audible click sound. On the other hand, the Outemu Gold is a clicky switch, providing a satisfying click sound with every keystroke. This switch is favored by those who enjoy the auditory feedback and precise typing experience it offers. 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
60g
Pre-travel
1.20 mm
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
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
The Outemu Brown and Outemu Gold switches both utilize polycarbonate for their top housings, which results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to polycarbonate being a relatively stiffer plastic that leads to a more clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches that plan to use RGB lighting. On the other hand, the bottom housings of both switches are made of nylon, which creates a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to polycarbonate. Nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound when typing.
While the top housings of both the Outemu Brown and Outemu Gold switches are made of polycarbonate, providing similar sound profiles, the nylon bottom housings differ between the two. The nylon bottom housing of the Brown switch elicits a deeper and fuller sound, while the Gold switch's nylon bottom housing absorbs more sound, creating a duller and rounder sound. This contrasting bottom housing material can significantly impact the typing experience and sound output of the switches. As a result, users may notice a difference in the overall sound profile and feel of each switch based on the materials used in their construction.
When pressing down on a switch, the qualities of the bottom housing play a significant role in the bottom-out sound and feel. The softer nylon material of the bottom housing can affect the overall typing experience, while the stiffer polycarbonate top housing may impact the sound when releasing a key. This split in housing materials between the top and bottom of the switch provides a unique blend of characteristics that can cater to different preferences in sound and feel. Overall, the choice between the Outemu Brown and Outemu Gold switches may come down to personal preference for the type of sound profile and tactile feel desired during typing.
Weight
When comparing the Outemu Brown tactile switch and the Outemu Gold clicky switch, it is evident that the Brown switch has a higher actuation force of 53 grams compared to the Gold switch's 45 grams. However, both switches have a similar bottom out force, with the Brown switch requiring 65 grams and the Gold switch requiring 60 grams. This means that while the Brown switch requires a heavier initial push to register a keypress, both switches provide a similar typing experience once the key is fully pressed. The Brown switch may be preferred by those who enjoy a slightly heavier actuation force for a more deliberate typing feel, while the Gold switch could be favored by those who prefer a lighter touch for extended typing sessions. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preference for actuation force and bottom out force.
Travel distance
The Outemu Brown tactile switch and the Outemu Gold clicky switch both have the same travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when you press down on a key using either of these switches, you will experience a similar amount of travel distance from the top to the bottom. While both switches offer the same travel distance, they provide different tactile and auditory feedback, with the Brown offering a tactile bump without an audible click, and the Gold providing both a tactile bump and a satisfying click sound. In terms of travel distance, however, both switches will give you a consistent typing experience with the same amount of movement required to actuate the key.
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 Gold.
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 Brown tactile switch is known for providing a subtle tactile bump without any audible click. This makes the Brown switch a popular choice for those who prefer a quieter typing experience. On the other hand, the Outemu Gold clicky switch is known for its distinct clicking sound with each key press. This audible feedback can be satisfying for many users who enjoy the sound of their typing.
When it comes to the feel of the switches, the Outemu Brown switch is typically described as smooth and offering a moderate tactile feel. This can provide a satisfying typing experience for those who enjoy a tactile bump without too much resistance. In contrast, the Outemu Gold switch is known for its sharp tactile bump and audible click, which can give a more pronounced tactile feedback compared to the Brown switch.
In conclusion, the Outemu Brown and Gold switches offer contrasting experiences in terms of sound and feel. The Brown switch provides a quiet and smooth typing experience with a moderate tactile bump, while the Gold switch offers a loud and clicky typing experience with a sharp tactile bump. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for sound and feel. If you enjoy the tactile bump but prefer a quieter typing experience, the Brown switch may be the better option for you. However, if you prefer a more pronounced tactile feedback and enjoy the clicky sound, the Gold switch would be the more suitable choice. Either way, both switches offer quality performance and durability, ensuring a satisfying typing experience for newcomers to the mechanical keyboard scene.
Conclusion
In closing, when it comes to choosing between the Outemu Brown tactile switch and the Outemu Gold clicky switch, the decision ultimately comes down to your personal preferences and typing style. If you prefer a slightly heavier bottom out force and a tactile feedback without the audible click, then the Outemu Brown switch would be a good choice for you. On the other hand, if you enjoy a lighter bottom out force and a more audible click sound with each keystroke, then the Outemu Gold switch would be more suited to your liking. Consider how you prefer the sound and feel of your keyboard switches, and make your decision based on that. Ultimately, both switches offer a unique typing experience, so choose the one that best fits your typing style.
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