Outemu Dustproof Purple vs. Outemu Gold
An in-depth look at the Outemu Dustproof Purple and the Outemu Gold switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboards, the choice of switches can significantly impact your typing experience, with each option offering unique characteristics that cater to different preferences. The Outemu Dustproof Purple switch, known for its tactile feedback, provides a satisfying bump during key presses, making it an ideal choice for users who enjoy a more tactile response without excessive noise. On the other hand, the Outemu Gold switch is recognized for its clicky nature, delivering an audible click with each keystroke that many typists find satisfying and motivating. While the Dustproof Purple may be perfect for those who prefer a quieter yet tactile experience, the Gold’s clicky feedback appeals to users who thrive on sound and tactile confirmation with each press. 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
55g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
65g
Bottom-out force
60g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.80 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
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The Outemu Dustproof Purple and Outemu Gold switches share a key similarity in the materials used for their top housing, both featuring polycarbonate. This choice of material contributes to a crisp and sharp sound profile attributed to polycarbonate's stiffness, which resonates clearly. The translucency of the polycarbonate housing not only enhances aesthetic appeal but also makes it an ideal choice for keyboards designed with RGB lighting, as it allows for vibrant illumination. Given that both switches utilize the same top housing material, users can expect similar results in terms of sound clarity and lighting effects when these switches are integrated into a keyboard setup.
While the top housings of both the Dustproof Purple and Gold are identical in composition, they diverge in their bottom housings. Both switches employ nylon for their bottom housing, which has unique acoustic characteristics. Nylon as a material is known for its ability to absorb sound effectively, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing. This softness contrasts with the stiffer polycarbonate of the top housing, leading to a product that offers a well-rounded auditory experience. Therefore, even though the top components are the same, the nylon bottom provides a softer touch and a rounded sound, which balances out the sharper tones produced by the top housing.
In summary, while the Outemu Dustproof Purple and Outemu Gold switches utilize the same polycarbonate for their top housing—resulting in a consistent and clear sound profile—they both feature nylon in the bottom housing, creating a synergy that enhances the overall typing experience. The combination of a crisp sound and a deeper, fuller auditory personality allows users to enjoy a nuanced feel when typing, as each housing contributes distinctly to the switch's acoustic capabilities. Despite the differences in bottom housing, the overall effects—sharp sounds upon key release and a fuller response upon bottoming out—result in a cohesive and enjoyable typing experience across both switch types.
Weight
When comparing the Outemu Dustproof Purple tactile switch to the Outemu Gold clicky switch, notable differences emerge in both actuation and bottom out forces. The Dustproof Purple features an actuation force of 55 grams and a bottom out force of 65 grams, indicating a medium-heavy push that may provide a more substantial typing experience for those who appreciate tactile feedback. In contrast, the Outemu Gold switch has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams and a slightly lower bottom out force of 60 grams, categorizing it as a medium switch. As a result, the Gold is the lighter option, making it potentially more comfortable for extended typing sessions. While both switches offer distinct end-user experiences, the Dustproof Purple may be preferable for those seeking a firmer touch, while the Gold caters to users who favor a softer keystroke. Overall, while both switches have different force specifications, users will experience a distinctly different feel depending on their choice.
Travel distance
Both the Outemu Dustproof Purple tactile switch and the Outemu Gold clicky switch have identical travel distances of 4 mm. This means that users will experience the same keycap movement when pressing either switch, resulting in a similar feel and feedback during typing or gaming. Because both switches have the same travel distance, you can expect consistent results in terms of key actuation and responsiveness, allowing for a comparable typing experience across both switch types.
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 Purple and Gold.
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
The Outemu Dustproof Purple switch and the Outemu Gold switch each have unique sound characteristics that can significantly impact the typing experience. The Dustproof Purple is known for its subdued acoustic profile, creating a more muted typing experience that many users find appealing in quieter environments. In contrast, the Gold switch produces a more pronounced click, delivering a sharper and more distinct sound with each keystroke. However, the acoustic results can also vary based on factors such as the choice of keyboard and keycaps, making each switch's true sound potential somewhat subjective and dependent on the overall setup.
When it comes to the tactile feel of the switches, the Dustproof Purple switch offers a specific tactile experience that is designed to provide subtle feedback during typing, allowing users to sense key actuation without overwhelming force. The Outemu Gold switch, on the other hand, offers a more pronounced tactile bump and click, creating a satisfying and responsive feel that can enhance typing accuracy for those who enjoy a more interactive experience. As users have different preferences regarding key feel, both switches cater to distinct types of tactile enjoyment, whether one prefers a gentle tactile response or a stronger, more audible feedback.
In summary, the Outemu Dustproof Purple and Gold switches present different auditory and tactile experiences, appealing to various preferences among mechanical keyboard enthusiasts. While the Dustproof Purple leans towards a muted and subtle sound profile with a gentle tactile feel, the Gold switch stands out with its crisp click and more pronounced tactile feedback. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on individual preferences regarding sound and tactility, but both can deliver satisfying performances for their respective fans.
Conclusion
To sum up, choosing between the Outemu Dustproof Purple tactile switch and the Outemu Gold clicky switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences and typing style. If you enjoy the feel of a medium-heavy switch and appreciate a tactile bump with a bit of resistance, the Dustproof Purple is an excellent option for you. Its 65-gram bottom-out force can provide satisfying feedback, making it well-suited for typing long documents or engaging in intense gaming sessions where you need to feel your key presses. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter touch with an overall medium feel, the Outemu Gold could be more suitable. With its 60-gram bottom-out force, it offers a softer experience, which may appeal to those who type quickly or need to multi-task frequently. Additionally, if you enjoy the audible click of a switch, the Gold may be more gratifying, while the Dustproof Purple may provide a quieter experience that some users find beneficial in shared workspaces. Ultimately, it’s essential to consider your typing habits, environment, and sound preferences when making your choice, ensuring that your selected switch aligns with your unique needs.
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