Outemu Brown vs. Kailh Plum
An in-depth look at the Outemu Brown and the Kailh Plum switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Outemu Brown and Kailh Plum offer unique experiences for tactile switch enthusiasts. The Outemu Brown switch is best known for its refined tactile feedback, providing a satisfying typing experience without being too loud. On the other hand, the Kailh Plum switch stands out for its hefty feel and distinct lack of a pronounced tactile bump, offering a more subtle tactile sensation compared to other tactile switches. While the Brown switch is categorized as light, the Plum switch falls into the categories of neutral, mild, and stepped. Each switch has its own strengths and characteristics that may appeal to different users depending on their preferences. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can decide on the best switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
53g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
65g
Bottom-out force
70g
Pre-travel
1.20 mm
Pre-travel
1.70 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
No
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
Both the Outemu Brown and Kailh Plum switches feature polycarbonate top housings, which create a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to the relatively stiff nature of polycarbonate, which leads to a more clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it especially useful for switches intended for use with RGB lighting. However, while both switches share this common material for their top housings, the qualities of the sound profile may vary slightly due to other factors such as the shape and design of the housing.
On the other hand, both switches also utilize nylon for their bottom housings, which results in a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing. Nylon is known for its ability to absorb sound more than harder plastics, creating a duller and rounder sound. The use of nylon in the bottom housing of the switches helps to enhance the typing experience by providing a softer sound when bottoming out the keys. Despite the similarities in bottom housing material, there may still be differences in the overall typing experience between the two switches due to additional factors such as spring weight and keycap material.
Overall, the combination of polycarbonate top housing and nylon bottom housing in both the Outemu Brown and Kailh Plum switches creates a unique typing experience for users. While the polycarbonate top housing contributes to a clear and resonant sound profile with a sharper tone, the nylon bottom housing adds depth and fullness to the sound when typing. The differences in material properties between the top and bottom housings of these switches allow for a varied and nuanced typing experience, making them popular choices among mechanical keyboard enthusiasts.
Weight
The Outemu Brown tactile switch and the Kailh Plum tactile switch have slightly different actuation and bottom out forces. The Outemu Brown has an actuation force of 53 grams and a bottom out force of 65 grams, making it a medium-heavy switch. On the other hand, the Kailh Plum has an unknown actuation force but a bottom out force of 70 grams, also falling into the medium-heavy category. The actuation force of the Brown is known, while the Plum's is not, making it a bit unclear how they compare in terms of initial force needed to trigger a keystroke. However, both switches have a similar bottom out force, making them equally heavy in terms of the force needed to press a key all the way down. For those who prefer a lighter touch, the Outemu Brown may be the better choice, while those who prefer a heavier feel may lean towards the Kailh Plum. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference in terms of typing experience and comfort.
Travel distance
The Outemu Brown tactile switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Kailh Plum tactile switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm. Both switches fall within the conventional range for travel distance, with the Brown having a slightly longer distance. Gamers may prefer the shorter travel distance of the Plum switch for quicker response times, while those who prefer a more substantial keypress may opt for the longer travel distance of the Brown switch. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for keypress depth and responsiveness.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
For 10 switches, the Outemu Brown comes in at $3.10, whereas the Kailh Plum comes in at $6.25.
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
In terms of sound, the Outemu Brown tactile switch and the Kailh Plum tactile switch offer different experiences. The Brown switch, known for its quiet operation, provides a subtle and smooth sound profile. On the other hand, the Plum switch offers a neutral sound profile that is moderate in both actuation force and volume. Depending on your preference, the Brown switch may be more suitable for a quieter typing experience, while the Plum switch might be better if you enjoy a slightly more audible feedback while typing.
When it comes to feel, the Outemu Brown tactile switch and the Kailh Plum tactile switch also diverge in their characteristics. The Brown switch is often described as having a subtle tactile bump with a gentle overall feel, providing a smooth typing experience. In contrast, the Plum switch features a unique heaviness without a significant tactile bump, offering a more distinct typing sensation. Additionally, the Plum switch is said to have a stepped feel, providing a two-stage keystroke experience with some pre-travel and post-travel sensations. Depending on your preference for key feel, the Brown switch may offer a softer and more consistent typing experience, while the Plum switch provides a heavier and more distinctive feel.
Overall, while both the Outemu Brown tactile switch and the Kailh Plum tactile switch offer unique characteristics in terms of sound and feel, they cater to different preferences. If you prefer a quieter typing experience with a subtle tactile bump, the Outemu Brown switch might be the better choice. However, if you enjoy a heavier key feel with a more distinct typing sensation and a neutral sound profile, the Kailh Plum switch could be more suitable for you. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches will depend on your personal preferences for sound, feel, and typing experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Outemu Brown tactile switch and the Kailh Plum tactile switch, consider the factors that are most important to you. If you prefer a switch with a slightly lighter bottom out force and a more traditional tactile bump, the Outemu Brown may be the better choice for you. On the other hand, if you are looking for a switch with a unique feel that combines a medium-heavy bottom out force with a muted tactile bump, the Kailh Plum switch may be the way to go. Ultimately, both switches offer a different typing experience, so it's important to decide based on your personal preferences and needs.
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