Outemu Dustproof Brown vs. Outemu Purple
An in-depth look at the Outemu Dustproof Brown and the Outemu Purple switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Outemu Dustproof Brown and Outemu Purple are both popular choices among enthusiasts. The Dustproof Brown is a tactile switch that offers a comfortable typing experience with a slight tactile bump, making it great for typing and gaming. On the other hand, the Outemu Purple is also a tactile switch but offers a more pronounced tactile bump, providing a more satisfying clicky feedback. While both switches offer a tactile typing experience, the Dustproof Brown is known for its reliability and durability while the Purple is favored for its satisfying clicky feedback. 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
45g
Actuation force
50g
Bottom-out force
65g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
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
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The Outemu Dustproof Brown and Outemu Purple switches both feature polycarbonate top housing, creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This material is known for its stiffness, providing a clear and resonant sound quality. Both switches are aesthetically pleasing, especially for those who plan to use RGB lighting, as the translucency of polycarbonate allows for vibrant lighting effects. However, the housing material of the bottom differs between the two switches. The Dustproof Brown utilizes a nylon bottom housing, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer nature that absorbs more sound.
While the top housing of the Outemu Dustproof Brown and Outemu Purple switches are similar in their use of polycarbonate, the bottom housing distinguishes the two. The Dustproof Brown's nylon bottom housing creates a duller and rounder sound compared to the Purple's polycarbonate bottom housing. This difference in material impacts the overall sound experience when typing on the switches. The split in qualities between the top and bottom housings of a switch means that the bottom housing has more of an impact on the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing influences the sound when releasing a key.
Ultimately, the choice between the Outemu Dustproof Brown and Outemu Purple switches comes down to personal preference in sound profile. The Dustproof Brown's combination of polycarbonate top housing for a clear and resonant sound, paired with a nylon bottom housing for a deeper and fuller sound, may appeal to those seeking a balanced typing experience. On the other hand, the Purple switch offers consistency with polycarbonate housing throughout, providing a sharp and crisp sound profile. Both switches showcase the versatility of housing materials in influencing sound quality, catering to different preferences among mechanical keyboard enthusiasts.
Weight
The Outemu Dustproof Brown tactile switch has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams compared to the Outemu Purple tactile switch's actuation force of 50 grams. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Dustproof Brown requires a heavier force of 65 grams, while the Purple's bottom out force is unknown. This means that the Dustproof Brown provides a slightly lighter feel when initiating a keystroke, but requires a heavier force to fully press down compared to the Purple switch. Overall, the Dustproof Brown offers a medium-heavy typing experience, while the Purple switch's typing experience in terms of force requirements remains unknown.
Travel distance
Both the Outemu Dustproof Brown tactile switch and the Outemu Purple tactile switch have the same travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when you press down on a key featuring either of these switches, you will experience a similar distance traveled from the top to the bottom. The consistent travel distance of 4 mm for both switches ensures that users can expect a similar typing experience in terms of key travel. Therefore, whether you choose the Dustproof Brown or the Purple switch, you can expect to receive a consistent tactile feedback and keypress feel due to their identical travel distances.
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 Dustproof Brown and Purple.
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 Dustproof Brown tactile switch and the Outemu Purple tactile switch are both known for being relatively quiet compared to other mechanical switches. The Dustproof Brown is praised for its soft and subtle sound profile, making it ideal for those who prefer a quieter typing experience. On the other hand, the Purple switch also offers a quiet typing experience with a slightly more pronounced sound due to its tactile bump. Both switches are suitable for environments where noise level is a concern, providing a satisfying typing experience without causing too much disturbance.
As for the feel, the Outemu Dustproof Brown switch is well-regarded for its smooth tactile feedback. Typing on this switch gives a gentle bump at the actuation point, providing a satisfying typing experience without being too strenuous on the fingers. On the other hand, the Outemu Purple switch offers a more pronounced tactile bump, providing a more tactile feel during typing. This makes it a popular choice for those who enjoy a more tactile typing experience. Overall, both switches offer a comfortable typing experience, with the Dustproof Brown being smoother and the Purple providing a more pronounced tactile feedback.
In conclusion, the Outemu Dustproof Brown tactile switch and the Outemu Purple tactile switch both offer great options for those looking for a quieter typing experience. The Dustproof Brown switch provides a smoother feel with a quieter sound, making it ideal for those who prefer a more subtle typing experience. On the other hand, the Purple switch offers a more tactile feel with a slightly more pronounced sound, appealing to those who enjoy a more tactile typing experience. Whether you choose the Dustproof Brown or the Purple switch, you can expect a quality typing experience with either option.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Outemu Dustproof Brown tactile switch and the Outemu Purple tactile switch, it is important to consider your personal preferences and typing style. If you prefer a medium-heavy bottom out force and a tactile bump without added noise, the Dustproof Brown may be the better choice for you. On the other hand, if you enjoy a lighter typing experience without a noticeable bump and are not concerned about noise, the Purple switch could be the right fit. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches comes down to your individual preferences in terms of typing feel, sound, and bottom out force. By taking these factors into consideration, you can choose the switch that best suits your needs and enhances your typing experience.
Mentioned in this article
