Outemu Brown vs. Gateron Weightlessness
An in-depth look at the Outemu Brown and the Gateron Weightlessness switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Outemu Brown and Gateron Weightlessness switches offer distinct tactile experiences that cater to different preferences among typists and gamers alike. The Outemu Brown switch is celebrated for its balanced tactile feedback, providing a satisfying bump that signals key activation without the audible click associated with other tactile switches, making it a great choice for those who prefer a quieter typing experience. In contrast, the Gateron Weightlessness delivers a subtle to moderate tactile feel, allowing for a smooth typing experience while balancing sound and touch feedback. This switch’s unique sound profile enhances the typing experience without being overly loud, appealing to those who enjoy a more serene atmosphere. Both switches serve their purpose well, but they cater to different user preferences, with the Outemu Brown emphasizing a soft tactile response and the Gateron Weightlessness promising a more controllable feedback sensation. 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
50g
Bottom-out force
65g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
1.20 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.40 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
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
22mm double-staged spring
Housing materials
The Outemu Brown and Gateron Weightlessness switches feature distinct materials in their top housings, contributing to contrasting sound profiles. The Outemu Brown is constructed with a polycarbonate top housing, which is known for its stiff structure that produces a sharper, higher-pitched sound. This quality not only enhances the clarity and resonance of the sound profile but also makes the switch visually appealing, particularly when paired with RGB lighting due to the translucence of polycarbonate. On the other hand, Gateron Weightlessness employs a nylon top housing, recognized for its softer composition. This characteristic allows it to absorb sound more effectively, resulting in a deeper and fuller audio experience when typing. Therefore, while the Outemu Brown provides a crisp, bright sound, the Gateron Weightlessness offers a rounder and more muted sound signature.
Conversely, the bottom housings of both switches share the same material: nylon. This uniformity means that both the Outemu Brown and Gateron Weightlessness will provide similar deep and full sound profiles due to the sound-absorbing qualities of nylon plastic. During use, the tactile feedback and auditory sensations derived from the bottom housing will considerably shape the overall experience with both switches, as the bottom landing contributes significantly to the bottom-out feel and sound. This shared nylon feature ensures that users can expect a level of consistency in the performance aspects associated with the bottom housing, regardless of the differences in their respective top housings.
Overall, the combination of materials in the Outemu Brown and Gateron Weightlessness showcases how housing material can influence the sound character and typing experience of each switch. While they diverge in their top housing materials—one being polycarbonate and the other nylon—the similarities in their bottom housing material help to create a more cohesive sound profile during key presses. In essence, the Outemu Brown switch will deliver a brighter tone during a release due to its polycarbonate top, whereas the Gateron Weightlessness will provide a more subdued exit due to its nylon top. Together, these differences and similarities create a diverse range of auditory experiences that can cater to different user preferences in mechanical keyboards.
Weight
When comparing the Outemu Brown tactile switch and the Gateron Weightlessness tactile switch, we find distinct differences in their actuation forces. The Outemu Brown features an actuation force of 53 grams, while the Gateron Weightlessness has a slightly lighter actuation force of 50 grams. This difference indicates that the Weightlessness switch may be more suitable for users seeking a lighter touch, potentially enhancing comfort during extended typing or gaming sessions. In terms of bottom out force, the Outemu Brown has a measurable bottom out force of 65 grams, which suggests a more substantial tactile feedback that some users prefer for a satisfying typing experience. Conversely, the Gateron Weightlessness does not provide a specified bottom out force, leaving that aspect unknown. Consequently, while both switches deliver a tactile experience, the Outemu Brown offers a heavier push feel overall, ideal for those who favor a more pronounced keypress, while the Weightlessness caters to those seeking a lighter actuation for comfort.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Outemu Brown tactile switch and the Gateron Weightlessness tactile switch, a noticeable difference emerges. The Outemu Brown features a travel distance of 4 mm, making it the longer option, while the Gateron Weightlessness has a shorter travel distance of 3.4 mm. This difference affects the overall feel and responsiveness of each switch; the Outemu Brown offers a more substantial depth, which can provide a more satisfying tactile feedback for those who enjoy a hearty typing experience. In contrast, the Gateron Weightlessness, with its shorter travel distance, may cater to gamers and those who prefer quicker response times. Thus, your choice between these switches should reflect your personal preference for depth versus speed.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron Weightlessness has an MSRP of $6.10 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Weightlessness for $5.50.
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 comparing the Outemu Brown tactile switch to the Gateron Weightlessness tactile switch in terms of sound, the Brown's audio profile remains largely unspecified, which can vary based on the keyboard assembly and individual preferences. On the other hand, the Gateron Weightlessness switches deliver a balanced sound profile that complements their tactile characteristics. This suggests that while both switches may create a diverse audio experience dependent on their environments, the Weightlessness switch promotes a more harmonious acoustic atmosphere, ideal for users seeking a satisfying auditory feedback during typing.
Regarding feel, the Outemu Brown switch's tactile experience is also unspecified, leaving the perception of its feedback open to user interpretation. In contrast, the Gateron Weightlessness switches offer a subtle to moderate tactile feel, providing a pleasant and noticeable bump while typing without being overwhelming. This tactile quality ensures a responsive experience, allowing typists to feel the actuation without excessive strain, potentially making the Weightlessness a more appealing option for those who prefer a clearly defined tactile response.
In conclusion, while the Outemu Brown switches lack detailed descriptions for both sound and feel, the Gateron Weightlessness switches present a more defined experience with their balanced sound profile and moderate tactile feedback. For users focused on the tactile quality of their switches, the Weightlessness may provide an edge, particularly for those who enjoy a noticeable yet comfortable typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will revolve around personal preference, as each offers unique traits that can cater to different typing styles and atmospheres.
Conclusion
To conclude, when deciding between the Outemu Brown tactile switch and the Gateron Weightlessness tactile switch, it's essential to consider your typing preferences and gaming needs. If you prefer a medium-heavy switch with a definitive tactile bump and a bit more resistance, the Outemu Brown would likely serve you well. This switch is ideal for typists who enjoy the assurance of feeling a deliberate actuation and may appreciate the satisfying feedback that accompanies each keystroke. On the other hand, if you lean towards a lighter feel and appreciate a more subtle tactile response, the Gateron Weightlessness could be your go-to choice. With its unique characteristics and balanced sound profile, it offers a pleasant typing experience without the heaviness that comes with other switches. Ultimately, your choice should reflect whether you prioritize the solid feedback of Browns for typing or the nuanced, smoother experience provided by the Weightlessness switches for possibly both gaming and typing.
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