Outemu Brown vs. Gateron Type L

Overview

When looking for a mechanical keyboard switch, it's essential to consider factors such as tactility and sound profile. The Outemu Brown switch is a popular choice among typists for its tactile feedback, making it easier to feel when a keypress is registered. On the other hand, the Gateron Type L switch, known for its inclusion in Sillyworks' "Project Rehash," stands out for its linear feel and light actuation force of 45g. This switch offers a quieter and smoother typing experience, ideal for those who prefer a more subtle keypress. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.

By the numbers

Outemu Brown Tactile

Gateron Type L Linear

$3.10 per 10

$4.70 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

Comparing the housing materials of the Outemu Brown and the Gateron Type L, we see that both switches use nylon for their bottom housing. This choice results in a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing on these switches. Nylon's softer plastic absorbs more sound than harder plastics, leading to a duller and rounder sound overall. Therefore, both switches provide a similar typing experience in terms of sound and feel due to their shared bottom housing material.

On the other hand, the Outemu Brown uses a polycarbonate top housing, while the Gateron Type L features a nylon top housing. The polycarbonate top housing of the Brown creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to polycarbonate being a stiffer plastic, resulting in a more clear and resonant sound. In contrast, the nylon top housing of the Type L elicits a deeper sound profile, as nylon's softer plastic absorbs more sound. Therefore, the sound produced by typing on these switches will differ significantly based on the material used in their top housing.

When considering how the top and bottom housings of a switch impact its sound and feel, we can see that the bottom housing has a more significant effect on the bottom-out sound and feel when a key is pressed. The softer plastic of the nylon bottom housing in both the Outemu Brown and Gateron Type L contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing. On the other hand, the top housing material plays a more prominent role in the sound produced when releasing a key. Thus, the choice of housing material for each part of the switch can greatly influence the overall typing experience.

Weight

When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Outemu Brown tactile switch and the Gateron Type L linear switch, it is evident that the Type L is the lighter option in terms of force. The Outemu Brown has a medium-heavy actuation force of 53 grams and bottom out force of 65 grams, providing a more substantial typing experience for those who prefer a stronger push feel. On the other hand, the Gateron Type L offers a lighter typing experience with an actuation force of 38 grams and bottom out force of 45 grams, making it ideal for longer typing sessions or extended gaming periods. Both switches serve different preferences, with the Outemu Brown catering to users who enjoy a heavier feel, while the Gateron Type L appeals to those who prefer a lighter touch. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches comes down to personal preference and typing style.

Travel distance

Both the Outemu Brown tactile switch and the Gateron Type L linear switch 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 feel the same amount of distance traveled from the top to the bottom. This similarity in travel distance ensures that users will experience a consistent typing feel and response regardless of which switch they choose. So, in terms of the travel distance, both the Outemu Brown tactile switch and the Gateron Type L linear switch offer a comparable typing experience.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound, the Outemu Brown switch is often described as having a softer and more subtle sound profile compared to other tactile switches. On the other hand, the Gateron Type L linear switch is known for producing a more subdued sound when pressed. This means that both switches offer a quieter typing experience, making them suitable for environments where noise levels need to be kept to a minimum. However, it's important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard housing and keycaps used.

Moving on to feel, the Outemu Brown switch is known for providing a tactile bump during key presses, offering a more pronounced feedback compared to linear switches. Unfortunately, the specific feel of the Brown switch is not described in the provided information. On the other hand, the Gateron Type L linear switch is praised for its feathery and easy-to-press feel, requiring minimal force to activate the keys. This light actuation force reduces finger fatigue and enhances the typing experience, making it a popular choice for gamers, students, and professionals alike.

In conclusion, both the Outemu Brown tactile switch and the Gateron Type L linear switch offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences and typing styles. While the Brown switch may provide a more tactile feedback during typing, the Type L switch excels in offering a lighter and more effortless typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will come down to personal preference and the specific requirements of the user. It's important to test out both switches on a keyboard to determine which one best suits your needs.

Conclusion

In closing, when deciding between the Outemu Brown tactile switch and the Gateron Type L linear switch, you should consider your preferences for typing feel and sound. If you prefer a switch with a slightly heavier bottom out force and a tactile bump for feedback, the Outemu Brown would be a suitable choice. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter switch with a linear feel and a quieter sound profile, the Gateron Type L may be more to your liking. Ultimately, your decision should be based on what feels most comfortable and enjoyable for your typing experience.

Mentioned in this article

Outemu Brown Tactile

$3.10 per 10

Learn more

Gateron Type L Linear

$4.70 per 10

Learn more