Outemu Green vs. Outemu Purple
An in-depth look at the Outemu Green and the Outemu Purple switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Outemu Green and Outemu Purple offer distinct typing experiences. The Outemu Green is a clicky switch, providing a satisfying audible click with each key press. This switch is best suited for those who enjoy a tactile and audible typing feedback, making it ideal for typists who prefer a more traditional mechanical keyboard feel. On the other hand, the Outemu Purple is a tactile switch, offering a subtle bump in the key press without the added noise of a clicky switch. This switch is perfect for those who desire a quieter typing experience while still enjoying the tactile 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
65g
Actuation force
50g
Bottom-out force
80g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
2.20 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
Both the Outemu Green and Outemu Purple switches feature polycarbonate top housings, which produce a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The relatively stiffer nature of polycarbonate leads to a more clear and resonant sound in both switches. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches that incorporate RGB lighting. Despite these similarities, the nylon bottom housings of the switches differ slightly in terms of sound profile. The Green's nylon bottom housing elicits a deeper and fuller sound, while the Purple's nylon bottom housing creates a duller and rounder sound due to its softer nature and sound absorption properties.
While the top housings of both the Outemu Green and Outemu Purple switches are made of polycarbonate, their bottom housings are constructed from nylon. This difference results in distinct sound profiles for each switch. Typing on the Green switch will produce a sound that is deeper and fuller, thanks to the softer nature of nylon and its ability to absorb more sound. Conversely, typing on the Purple switch will result in a duller and rounder sound, as the nylon bottom housing absorbs sound differently than the nylon bottom housing of the Green switch.
Overall, the combination of polycarbonate top housing and nylon bottom housing in both the Outemu Green and Outemu Purple switches provide unique sound profiles that cater to different preferences. The split qualities between the top and bottom housings create a dynamic typing experience, allowing users to feel the impact of the bottom housing on the bottom-out sound and feel, while also experiencing the influence of the top housing on the sound when releasing a key. Despite these differences, the material composition of both switches ultimately results in satisfying typing experiences tailored to individual sound and feel preferences.
Weight
The actuation force and bottom out force of the Outemu Green clicky switch and the Outemu Purple tactile switch have notable differences. The Outemu Green has a heavier actuation force of 65 grams compared to the Purple's lighter 50 grams. Additionally, the Green has a heavier bottom out force of 80 grams, whereas the bottom out force of the Purple is unknown. Those who prefer a more substantial typing experience may lean towards the Outemu Green due to its heavier forces, while individuals who value lighter switches for longer typing sessions or gaming may find the Outemu Purple more suitable. Despite these differences, both switches offer unique benefits in terms of actuation and bottom out forces for varied user preferences.
Travel distance
Both the Outemu Green clicky switch and the Outemu Purple tactile switch have the same travel distance of 4mm. This means that when you press down on a key with either of these switches, you will experience the same amount of travel from the top to the bottom. While the Green switch provides a clicky sound and tactile feedback, the Purple switch offers a smoother and quieter typing experience. However, in terms of travel distance, both switches offer identical results, making them equally suitable for those who prefer a standard key travel distance.
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 Green 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 Green clicky switch is known for producing a loud and satisfying click with each keystroke, making it ideal for those who enjoy auditory feedback while typing. On the other hand, the Outemu Purple tactile switch is known for its quiet operation, providing a more subtle typing experience for those who prefer a less noisy keyboard. Ultimately, the sound produced by a switch is also influenced by other factors such as the keyboard's construction and keycap materials.
In terms of feel, the Outemu Green switch offers a tactile bump that provides feedback as the key is actuated, with a clicky feedback at the bottom of the keystroke. This can be satisfying for typists who prefer a more pronounced tactile response. Conversely, the Outemu Purple switch offers a smooth and consistent keystroke without the audible click, allowing for a quieter typing experience while still providing tactile feedback. The feel of a switch is a personal preference, with some users preferring a more pronounced bump while others prefer a smoother keystroke.
In conclusion, the Outemu Green clicky switch and the Outemu Purple tactile switch offer different sound and feel characteristics to cater to a variety of preferences. Those who enjoy a loud and tactile typing experience may prefer the Green switch, while those who prioritize a quieter and smoother typing experience may opt for the Purple switch. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for sound, feel, and typing experience.
Conclusion
In summary, when considering whether to choose the Outemu Green clicky switch or the Outemu Purple tactile switch, you should opt for the Green if you prefer a heavier bottom out force of 80 grams and enjoy the loud clicky sound that it produces. The Green switch is best known for its clicky feedback and tactile feel. On the other hand, the Purple switch would be a better choice if you prefer a switch with no specified bottom out force and a tactile bump without the loud clicky sound. The Purple switch is best known for its tactile feedback and smooth keypress. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your preferences for key feel, sound, and actuation force.
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