Outemu Gold vs. Outemu Purple
An in-depth look at the Outemu Gold and the Outemu Purple switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, two popular options to consider are the Outemu Gold, a clicky switch, and the Outemu Purple, a tactile switch. The Gold switch is best known for its crisp and satisfying click sound, making it a favorite among those who enjoy the audible feedback while typing. On the other hand, the Purple switch is known for its tactile bump that provides a more pronounced tactile feedback without the noise associated with clicky switches. If you prefer a quieter typing experience with a tactile feel, the Purple switch might be the better option for you. 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
60g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
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
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The Outemu Gold and Outemu Purple switches both feature polycarbonate top housings, providing a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile that is clear and resonant due to the stiffness of the plastic. This makes them ideal for users looking to enhance their typing experience with a crisper sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate allows for RGB lighting to shine through, adding a visual appeal to the switches. With both switches utilizing the same material for their top housing, users can expect similar results in terms of sound profile and aesthetics.
However, where the two switches differ is in their bottom housing material. The Outemu Gold features a nylon bottom housing, which creates a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to the relatively softer plastic of nylon. This results in a switch that absorbs more sound, leading to a duller and rounder sound when typing. On the other hand, the Outemu Purple also utilizes a nylon bottom housing, showcasing similar characteristics in terms of sound profile and feel. Despite the difference in top housing material, the similar bottom housing material ensures that both switches offer a consistent typing experience.
Overall, the combination of polycarbonate top housing and nylon bottom housing in both the Outemu Gold and Outemu Purple switches creates a unique typing experience that balances sharp and crisp sound with deep and fuller tones. While the top housing influences the sound when releasing a key, the qualities of the bottom housing are more prominent during the bottom-out sound and feel. With both switches offering a distinct mix of materials in their housing, users can choose between the sharper sound profile of the Gold or the deeper tones of the Purple based on their preferences.
Weight
The Outemu Gold clicky switch has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams compared to the Outemu Purple tactile switch, which requires 50 grams of force to trigger a keystroke. Both switches have a medium actuation force, making them suitable for users who prefer a balance between typing effort and feedback. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Outemu Gold switch requires 60 grams, while the Outemu Purple's bottom out force is unknown. Both switches offer a different typing experience in terms of weight, with the Gold switch being lighter and the Purple switch potentially heavier. Users who prefer a more substantial typing experience may lean towards the Outemu Purple, while those who like to type for extended periods may find the lighter actuation force of the Outemu Gold more comfortable. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and typing style.
Travel distance
Both the Outemu Gold clicky switch and the Outemu Purple tactile switch have a travel distance of 4mm, making them equal in this aspect. This means that when you press down on a key using either of these switches, you will experience the same amount of travel distance before bottoming out. This provides a consistent typing experience for users who prefer either the clicky feedback of the Gold switch or the tactile feel of the Purple switch. Having the same travel distance ensures that regardless of which switch you choose, you will get similar results in terms of key travel.
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 Gold 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 Gold clicky switch is typically known for producing a sharp and satisfying click sound, similar to that of a typewriter. On the other hand, the Outemu Purple tactile switch is known for its quiet and subtle bump sound, providing a more subdued typing experience. Ultimately, the sound produced by both switches can be influenced by external factors such as the keyboard case and keycap material.
In terms of feel, the Outemu Gold clicky switch offers a tactile response with a noticeable bump upon actuation, providing a tactile feedback that can enhance typing accuracy. In contrast, the Outemu Purple tactile switch offers a smoother typing experience with a slight tactile bump, suitable for those who prefer a more gentle tactile feedback. Both switches offer a satisfying typing experience, but the Gold switch may be more preferred by users who enjoy a more pronounced tactile response.
Overall, the Outemu Gold clicky switch is known for its sharp click sound and prominent tactile feedback, while the Outemu Purple tactile switch offers a quieter typing experience with a subtle tactile bump. Depending on personal preferences for sound and feel, both switches can provide a great typing experience for newcomers to the world of mechanical keyboards. Ultimately, experimenting with different switches and finding the one that suits your typing style best is key to optimizing your mechanical keyboard setup.
Conclusion
To sum up, when considering whether to choose the Outemu Gold clicky switch or the Outemu Purple tactile switch, it's important to take into account your personal preferences and typing style. If you enjoy a more tactile typing experience with a medium bottom out force, the Outemu Gold clicky switch may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a switch with a lighter bottom out force and a more tactile feel, the Outemu Purple tactile switch could be the better option. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches will depend on whether you prioritize tactile feedback or bottom out force in your mechanical keyboard typing experience. Consider trying out both switches to see which one suits your typing style best.
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