Outemu Brown vs. Outemu Tom
An in-depth look at the Outemu Brown and the Outemu Tom switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options to consider are the Outemu Brown and the Outemu Tom. The Outemu Brown switch is a tactile switch, known for its smooth and responsive keystrokes. On the other hand, the Outemu Tom switch is also a tactile switch, offering a similar typing experience. While both switches provide a satisfying tactile feedback, the Brown switch is often favored for its slightly lighter actuation force, making it a great choice for typists who prefer a lighter touch. 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
55g
Bottom-out force
65g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
1.20 mm
Pre-travel
2.20 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.30 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
In comparing the housing materials of the Outemu Brown and the Outemu Tom switches, it is evident that both switches share the same polycarbonate top housing. This material contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to its stiff nature, creating clear and resonant tones. Furthermore, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches intended for use with RGB lighting. However, when it comes to the bottom housing, the Brown features a nylon material while the Tom also utilizes nylon. This classic switch housing material provides a deeper and fuller sound profile by absorbing more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder tone.
Despite the similarities in the top polycarbonate housing of the Outemu Brown and the Outemu Tom switches, the differences lie in their bottom housing materials. The nylon bottom housing of both switches contrasts with the stiffer polycarbonate top, offering a different tactile and auditory experience. While the nylon material absorbs sound and produces a deeper tone, the polycarbonate contributes to a sharper and crisper sound profile. This split in housing materials means that each switch will offer a unique combination of qualities, with the bottom housing affecting the bottom-out sound and feel while the top housing influences the sound when releasing a key.
In conclusion, while the Outemu Brown and Outemu Tom switches share a polycarbonate top housing that creates a distinct sound profile, their nylon bottom housings provide a contrasting auditory experience. The nylon material absorbs sound and results in a fuller tone, while the polycarbonate material enhances sharpness and clarity. The division of housing materials between the top and bottom of the switches allows for a nuanced typing experience, with the bottom housing impacting the feel of key presses and the top housing influencing the sound produced. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on individual preferences for sound and tactile feedback during typing.
Weight
The Outemu Brown tactile switch has a slightly lighter actuation force of 53 grams compared to the Outemu Tom tactile switch with an actuation force of 55 grams. However, the Outemu Brown has a heavier bottom out force of 65 grams, while the bottom out force of the Outemu Tom is unknown. This makes the Outemu Brown more suitable for those who prefer a slighter touch for typing or gaming, while the Outemu Tom may be preferred by individuals who prefer a heavier typing experience. Both switches offer a tactile feel, but the difference in actuation and bottom out forces provides a distinct typing experience for users to choose from.
Travel distance
The Outemu Brown tactile switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Outemu Tom tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.3 mm. This means that the Outemu Brown has a longer travel distance compared to the Outemu Tom. The Brown's 4 mm travel distance provides a more traditional feel, offering a deeper press when typing. On the other hand, the Tom's 3.3 mm travel distance is slightly shallower, making it a preferred choice for gamers looking for faster response times. Both switches will provide tactile feedback when pressed, but the slight difference in travel distance may affect the overall typing experience. Ultimately, choosing between the two switches depends on personal preference regarding travel distance and typing feel.
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 Tom.
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 often favored for its quiet sound profile, making it a popular choice for those who prefer a more subtle typing experience. On the other hand, the Outemu Tom tactile switch is known for its slightly louder sound, providing a bit more auditory feedback with each keystroke. When it comes to feel, the Brown switch offers a smooth tactile bump that is subtle yet satisfying, while the Tom switch provides a more pronounced tactile feedback, giving users a more tactile typing experience. Overall, both switches offer a tactile typing experience, but the Brown switch is preferred for its quieter sound and softer tactile feel, while the Tom switch is chosen for its louder sound and more pronounced tactile feedback. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches comes down to personal preference in terms of sound and feel.
Conclusion
To sum up, when it comes to choosing between the Outemu Brown tactile switch and the Outemu Tom tactile switch, you should consider a few key factors. If you prefer a medium-heavy bottom out force of 65 grams and are looking for a switch that is best known for a tactile bump sensation, then the Outemu Brown switch would be a good choice for you. However, if you prefer a switch with a bottom out force of None grams and are looking for a unique feel that falls somewhere between linear and tactile, then the Outemu Tom switch might be more suited to your preferences. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches will come down to your personal preferences in terms of feel, sound, and the type of typing experience you are looking for.
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