Outemu Brown vs. SP-Star Duck
An in-depth look at the Outemu Brown and the SP-Star Duck switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to comparing the Outemu Brown and the SP-Star Duck mechanical keyboard switches, they both fall under the tactile switch category but offer slightly different typing experiences. The Brown switch is best known for its undefined tactile bump, making it categorized as a switch with a moderate tactility. On the other hand, the Duck switch is praised for its subtle tactile typing experience, with a gentle bump that provides a clean and crispy sound profile. If you prefer a more pronounced tactile feedback, the Outemu Brown switch might be the better choice for you. However, if you're looking for a smoother and more refined typing experience, the SP-Star Duck switch could be the ideal option. 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
N/A
Bottom-out force
65g
Bottom-out force
58g
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
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Gold plated
Housing materials
The Outemu Brown and the SP-Star Duck both feature polycarbonate top housings, which create a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is because polycarbonate is a relatively stiff plastic that leads to a clear and resonant sound. Aesthetically, the translucency of polycarbonate is especially useful for switches that plan to use RGB lighting. However, the Brown's nylon bottom housing provides a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer nature, absorbing more sound than harder plastics. On the other hand, the Duck's polycarbonate bottom housing maintains the sharp and crisp sound profile typical of polycarbonate material.
In terms of sound profile, the Outemu Brown and SP-Star Duck both offer distinct characteristics based on their housing materials. The Brown's mix of polycarbonate and nylon creates a balance between the sharpness of polycarbonate in the top housing and the depth of nylon in the bottom housing. Conversely, the Duck's consistent use of polycarbonate in both the top and bottom housing results in a more uniform sound profile with a sharper, higher-pitched tone throughout. The choice between the two may come down to personal preference for sound and feel when typing.
Overall, while the Outemu Brown and SP-Star Duck differ slightly in their housing materials, they both provide quality sound profiles that cater to different preferences. The split qualities between the top and bottom housing in the Brown offer a unique typing experience with a mix of sharpness and depth. In contrast, the Duck's consistent use of polycarbonate maintains a clear and resonant sound profile from keypress to release. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for sound, feel, and aesthetics.
Weight
The Outemu Brown tactile switch and the SP-Star Duck tactile switch have different actuation and bottom out forces. The Outemu Brown has a heavier actuation force of 53 grams compared to the Duck, which has an unknown actuation force. However, the Duck has a lighter bottom out force of 58 grams, while the Brown has a heavier bottom out force of 65 grams. This means that the Outemu Brown is heavier in both actuation and bottom out forces, providing a more substantial typing experience with a stronger push feel. On the other hand, the SP-Star Duck is lighter in both forces, making it easier for longer typing sessions or gaming sessions. Depending on personal preference, some may prefer the lighter actuation and bottom out forces of the Duck, while others may prefer the heavier forces of the Outemu Brown for a more tactile typing experience.
Travel distance
Both the Outemu Brown and SP-Star Duck tactile switches have a travel distance of 4 mm, making them equal in this aspect. This means that when pressing down on a key equipped with either switch, users will experience the same amount of travel distance from the top to the bottom. This can result in a similar typing experience regardless of which switch is chosen. Overall, both switches offer a consistent and satisfying tactile feedback for users, making them a popular choice for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The SP-Star Duck has an MSRP of $5.80 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Duck for $5.40.
The Outemu Brown comes in at $3.10 per 10 switches.
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 is known for a neutral sound profile, meaning it has a moderate actuation force requirement and produces a moderate sound level that is suitable for various typing environments. On the other hand, the SP-Star Duck tactile switch is described as having a clean and crispy sound profile, providing a subtle tactile typing experience that is pleasing to the ear. Overall, both switches offer pleasant sound characteristics, with the Duck switch leaning towards a more refined and gentle typing experience.
In terms of feel, the Outemu Brown tactile switch does not have specific descriptors provided in the information. However, the SP-Star Duck tactile switch is known for its mild, buttery, and polished feel. The mild characteristic suggests a gentle typing sensation, while the buttery quality indicates a smooth and fluid keystroke experience. Additionally, the polished attribute implies a refined finish that results in a sleek typing feel with reduced friction and smooth key travel. With these qualities, the Duck switch offers a comfortable and approachable typing experience that falls within a safe middle-ground zone.
When considering all available information, both the Outemu Brown and SP-Star Duck tactile switches offer unique qualities that cater to different typing preferences. While the Brown switch provides a neutral sound profile and a feel that remains unspecified in this context, the Duck switch stands out for its clean and crispy sound, along with a gentle, buttery, and polished feel that ensures a smooth and refined typing experience. Ultimately, choosing between these switches will depend on personal preference for sound, feel, and typing style, but rest assured that you will get similar satisfying results in terms of quality and performance with either option.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a tactile switch with a medium bottom out force, the Outemu Brown switches may be the right choice for you. They offer a medium-heavy typing experience and are known for their versatile usage in various settings. On the other hand, if you prefer a more subtle tactile typing experience with a medium bottom out force, the SP-Star Duck switches might be more suitable. These switches provide a gentle tactility and a clean, crispy sound profile, making them ideal for both beginners and advanced users. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preference for typing feel and sound output.
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