Outemu Dustproof Brown vs. Outemu Red
An in-depth look at the Outemu Dustproof Brown and the Outemu Red switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Outemu Dustproof Brown and the Outemu Red both offer unique experiences for users. The Dustproof Brown is a tactile switch, providing a satisfying feedback with each keystroke, making it ideal for those who enjoy feeling a tactile bump when typing. On the other hand, the Outemu Red is a linear switch, offering a smooth and consistent keystroke without any tactile feedback, perfect for gamers or those who prefer a more fluid typing experience. While the Dustproof Brown may be preferred for its tactile feel, the Red is favored for its smooth keystrokes. 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
46g
Bottom-out force
65g
Bottom-out force
62g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.10 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
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
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The Outemu Dustproof Brown and Outemu Red both feature a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to its stiffness. This material is especially useful for switches intended for use with RGB lighting, thanks to its translucency. On the other hand, the two switches differ in their bottom housing material, with the Dustproof Brown utilizing nylon. The nylon bottom housing of the Dustproof Brown elicits a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to the Red, as nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound.
Despite their similarities in top housing material, the Outemu Dustproof Brown and Outemu Red offer distinct typing experiences due to their differing bottom housing materials. While the Dustproof Brown's nylon bottom housing delivers a deeper and fuller sound, the Red's bottom housing also made of nylon creates a similar effect. Users can expect a softer, more muted sound when typing on switches with nylon bottom housings, as the material absorbs more sound than stiffer plastics. This difference in housing materials plays a significant role in shaping the overall sound and feel of each switch.
When it comes to the impact of housing materials on typing experience, the Outemu Dustproof Brown and Outemu Red showcase how the choice of materials can influence the sound and feel of a switch. The split between top and bottom housings means that each material brings unique qualities to the typing experience. While the bottom housing affects the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing down on a key, the top housing has more of an impact on the sound when releasing a key. Ultimately, the combination of polycarbonate and nylon in the Dustproof Brown and Red switches contributes to their distinct sound profiles and typing experiences.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Outemu Dustproof Brown tactile switch and the Outemu Red linear switch, we can see that the Dustproof Brown has a slightly lighter actuation force of 45 grams compared to the Red's 46 grams. However, the Dustproof Brown also has a heavier bottom out force of 65 grams, while the Red has a lighter bottom out force of 62 grams. Overall, the Dustproof Brown has a more substantial typing experience with its medium-heavy bottom out force, while the Red provides a slightly lighter touch with a medium bottom out force. For those who prefer a lighter typing experience for longer periods of time, the Outemu Red switch may be the better option. Conversely, those who prefer a stronger push feel may prefer the Outemu Dustproof Brown switch for a more substantial typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for actuation and bottom out force.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the Outemu Dustproof Brown tactile switch and the Outemu Red linear switch is the same, with both having a travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when pressing down on a key with either switch, users can expect similar results in terms of the distance the switch travels from the top to the bottom. In terms of comparing and contrasting the two switches, they both offer a consistent and tactile feel, making them suitable choices for different preferences when it comes to typing and gaming. Their equal travel distance ensures that users will have a consistent experience regardless of which switch they choose.
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 Red.
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
Sound-wise, the Outemu Dustproof Brown tactile switch is often praised for its quiet operation compared to other tactile switches. On the other hand, the Outemu Red linear switch is also known for its minimal sound output, making it a popular choice for those seeking a silent typing experience. Both switches offer a stealthy typing solution, with the sound being further influenced by the overall keyboard setup including the keycap material and board construction.
When it comes to the feel, the Outemu Dustproof Brown tactile switch is admired for its tactile bump that provides a satisfying feedback to the typist. On the contrary, the Outemu Red linear switch offers a smoother keystroke without the tactile bump, resulting in a more consistent and linear typing experience. While personal preference plays a significant role in determining the preferred feel, both switches offer distinct characteristics that cater to different typing styles.
Overall, both the Outemu Dustproof Brown tactile switch and the Outemu Red linear switch have their own unique qualities that make them appealing choices for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts. Whether you prioritize a quiet typing experience with tactile feedback or a smooth linear feel, both switches deliver reliable performance. It ultimately comes down to personal preference and typing style when choosing between these two switches. Alternatively, if you prefer one quality over the other, you may find similar results in terms of sound and feel with either switch.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the Outemu Dustproof Brown tactile switch and the Outemu Red linear switch, it ultimately comes down to your personal preferences and typing style. If you prefer a tactile feedback and a slightly heavier bottom out force, the Dustproof Brown switch may be the better option for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a smoother keystroke and a lighter bottom out force, the Red switch might be more suitable. Consider your typing habits, whether you prefer a tactile bump or a linear feel, and the level of noise you are comfortable with when making your decision. Ultimately, both switches offer their own advantages, so it's important to choose the one that aligns best with your preferences.
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