Outemu Dustproof Red vs. Gateron Weightlessness
An in-depth look at the Outemu Dustproof Red and the Gateron Weightlessness switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing mechanical keyboard switches, the Outemu Dustproof Red and the Gateron Weightlessness represent two distinct options that cater to different typing preferences. The Dustproof Red, a linear switch, is often favored for its smooth keystrokes, providing a seamless typing experience without any tactile feedback or audible click, ideal for gamers or those who prefer minimal distraction. On the other hand, the Gateron Weightlessness switch is renowned for its tactile feel, offering a subtle to moderate bump that engages typists while maintaining a balanced sound profile; it's an excellent choice for users who appreciate a bit of feedback without the noise. While each switch has its merits—whether you lean towards the quiet and straightforward approach of the Dustproof Red or the gentle tactile response of the Weightlessness—it's essential to dig deeper into their specific characteristics and performance to determine which switch best suits your personal typing style and needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
50g
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.40 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
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 Dustproof Red and Gateron Weightlessness mechanical switches exhibit distinct characteristics in their top housing materials that significantly influence their auditory profiles. The Outemu Dustproof Red features a polycarbonate top housing, which is known for producing a sharper and higher-pitched sound due to the material's stiffness. This quality not only enhances the clarity of the sound produced when the key is released but also complements RGB lighting setups due to polycarbonate's translucence. In contrast, the Gateron Weightlessness uses a nylon top housing, which produces a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon, being a softer plastic, absorbs more sound, leading to a duller and rounder acoustic experience. Consequently, while the Dustproof Red projects a more resonant and bright sound, the Weightlessness offers a warmer and more muted tone with its nylon composition.
When examining the bottom housing of both switches, similarities emerge as both utilize nylon materials. For both the Outemu Dustproof Red and the Gateron Weightlessness, the nylon bottom housing contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile that is characteristic of nylon. This shared material choice results in a consistent tactile experience regarding bottom-out sounds and feels, reinforcing that these qualities stem from the bottom housing rather than the top. Despite the differences in the top housings, the nylon bottom contributes to a unified sensation when the switches are fully pressed down, ensuring that users experience a similar feel from both switches despite their top housing differences.
Overall, the impact of the different top housing materials on sound profiles creates a varied typing experience for the Outemu Dustproof Red and Gateron Weightlessness. While the two switches produce contrasting auditory signatures—one being brighter and the other warmer—they can achieve a consistent tactile feedback thanks to their nylon bottom housings. This combination highlights how the choice of materials in switch design can significantly influence not only the sound but also the overall typing experience, offering enthusiasts options that cater to personal preferences while still maintaining a cohesive bottom-out feeling. Whether one prefers a more vibrant pop or a smoother thud, the balance of materials ensures that both switches can satisfy diverse typing styles.
Weight
When comparing the Outemu Dustproof Red linear switch to the Gateron Weightlessness tactile switch, we observe notable differences in their actuation force. The Outemu Dustproof Red requires an actuation force of 45 grams, making it the lighter option, which can be advantageous for extended typing sessions or gaming due to reduced finger fatigue. In contrast, the Gateron Weightlessness has a slightly heavier actuation force of 50 grams, potentially offering a more substantial feel during typing. However, the bottom out force for the Gateron Weightlessness is unknown, making it difficult to provide a complete comparison in that regard. The Dustproof Red's bottom out force is measured at 60 grams, indicating that it requires more resistance to fully depress the key. Overall, those who prefer a lighter switch for longer use may find the Outemu Dustproof Red more suitable, while those who enjoy a heavier feel might lean towards the Gateron Weightlessness, assuming the bottom out force aligns with their preferences.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Outemu Dustproof Red linear switch and the Gateron Weightlessness tactile switch, there is a notable difference. The Outemu Dustproof Red features a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Gateron Weightlessness has a shorter travel distance of 3.4 mm. For those who favor a more responsive feel, the shorter travel distance of the Weightlessness may be preferable, as it can lead to faster actuation times that are especially beneficial for gaming. Conversely, the Dustproof Red, with its traditional 4 mm travel distance, offers a more substantial key feel, which some users may find more satisfying and less abrupt. Thus, users must consider their personal preferences when choosing between these two switches: for a quick response, the Weightlessness is the ideal choice, while for deeper feedback, the Dustproof Red is the way to go.
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 Dustproof Red 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 it comes to sound, the Outemu Dustproof Red linear switch creates a more muted auditory experience. Linear switches are characterized by their smooth operation without distinct sound feedback during keypresses. In contrast, the Gateron Weightlessness tactile switch offers a subtle to moderate tactile sound that complements its tactile feel, giving it a balanced acoustic profile. However, it's important to note that the overall sound produced by either switch can vary depending on the keyboard's construction and the choice of keycaps.
In terms of feel, the Outemu Dustproof Red switch provides a smooth typing experience, typical of linear switches, which do not have any tactile bump but allow for uninterrupted key travel. On the other hand, the Gateron Weightlessness tactile switch introduces a subtle tactile feedback that enhances the typing experience without being overly pronounced. This combination of a tactile sensation and smooth actuation can offer a different kind of responsiveness compared to the linear feel of the Dustproof Red.
In conclusion, the Outemu Dustproof Red linear switch and the Gateron Weightlessness tactile switch cater to different preferences within the mechanical keyboard community. For those who enjoy a smooth and quiet operation, the Dustproof Red would be suitable, while those who appreciate tactile feedback will find the Weightlessness switch more appealing. While they present different auditory and tactile experiences, each type can still deliver satisfying performance depending on your personal typing style and preferences.
Conclusion
To conclude, when deciding between the Outemu Dustproof Red linear switch and the Gateron Weightlessness tactile switch, consider your specific preferences and typing needs. If you favor a smooth, uninterrupted keystroke with a medium-level actuation force, then the Dustproof Red would be a solid choice. Its robustness lends itself well to gaming and typing scenarios where rapid key presses are common, allowing for a comfortable experience without too much resistance. On the other hand, if you appreciate a subtle tactile feedback that enhances your typing experience without overwhelming you, the Gateron Weightlessness is ideal. These switches provide a balanced sound profile and a tactile bump that makes each keystroke feel satisfying without being overtly loud or demanding. Thus, if you thrive on a quieter, more nuanced typing experience, especially for lengthy writing sessions, the Weightlessness will cater perfectly to that need. Ultimately, your choice should reflect the type of usage you anticipate—whether it's the direct, fluid motion of the Dustproof Red or the gentle tactile responsiveness of the Weightlessness.
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