Outemu Purple vs. Outemu Red
An in-depth look at the Outemu Purple and the Outemu Red switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When exploring the world of mechanical keyboards, the choice of switches plays a pivotal role in shaping your typing experience. The Outemu Purple switch, recognized for its tactile feedback, offers a pronounced bump during keypresses that many typists appreciate for its satisfying response and enhanced accuracy. In contrast, the Outemu Red switch features a smooth, linear design that appeals to gamers and fast typists who favor a light, uninterrupted keystroke without any tactile resistance. While the Purple switch provides a sensory cue that can improve typing precision, the Red switch allows for rapid key presses, making it ideal for quick gameplay scenarios. Each switch has its distinct advantages based on individual preferences and use cases; 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
50g
Actuation force
46g
Bottom-out force
N/A
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
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The Outemu Purple and Outemu Red switches exhibit a notable similarity in their top housing materials, as both utilize polycarbonate. This common choice results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile, attributed to polycarbonate's stiffer nature. The translucency of polycarbonate also enhances its appeal for RGB lighting setups, effectively allowing the illumination to pass through and contribute to the overall aesthetic. Consequently, users can expect a comparable auditory experience regarding the top housing of both switches, making them suitable choices for those who prioritize a bright sound and vibrant lighting.
In contrast, the bottom housings of the Outemu Purple and Outemu Red switches utilize nylon, another point of similarity that influences the overall performance and sound profile. With nylon as the bottom housing material, both switches produce a deeper, fuller sound due to nylon's softer nature, which absorbs more sound waves compared to harder plastics. This material choice significantly affects the bottom-out sound and feel, enhancing the tactile experience when typing. As a result, users can anticipate a rich auditory experience grounded in the inherent qualities of nylon, regardless of their choice between the two switches.
By examining the construction of both switches, it is evident that the Outemu Purple and Outemu Red employ the same materials for both the top and bottom housings. By combining polycarbonate and nylon, these switches yield a balanced sound profile that capitalizes on the strengths of each material. While the polycarbonate top contributes to a bright and resonant release sound, the nylon bottom ensures a satisfying and full bottom-out experience. Thus, users can enjoy a consistent auditory profile, blending the sharpness of the top housing with the warmth of the bottom, resulting in a harmonious and versatile typing experience across both switches.
Weight
The Outemu Purple tactile switch and the Outemu Red linear switch present different characteristics in terms of actuation force and bottom out force that cater to varying preferences among users. The Purple switch has an actuation force of 50 grams, while the Red switch features a lighter actuation force of 46 grams, making the Red the preferred choice for those who favor a lighter touch, ideal for lengthy typing sessions and extended gaming. However, the Purple's bottom out force remains unknown, whereas the Red's bottom out force is specified at 62 grams, indicating a more substantial feel when the switch is fully pressed down. This means that while users of the Purple switch may experience a tactile feedback at the actuation point, the Red's firmer bottom out might provide more resistance, which is appreciated by those who prefer a more robust typing experience. Although the actuation forces differ, both switches are designed to provide a distinct feel with their unique force characteristics, appealing to different user preferences for comfort and typing sensation.
Travel distance
The Outemu Purple tactile switch and the Outemu Red linear switch have identical travel distances of 4 mm, meaning both switches move the same distance when pressed from the top to the bottom. This similarity in travel distance allows users to expect similar actuation experiences between the two switches; however, they differ in terms of tactile feedback, as the Purple provides a noticeable bump during actuation, while the Red offers a smooth, uninterrupted keystroke. Therefore, while the travel distances are equal, the overall typing experience will feel distinct due to the 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 Purple 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
When considering the sound produced by mechanical keyboard switches, the Outemu Purple tactile switch tends to have a softer, muted thock that provides a pleasant, understated acoustic feedback suitable for quieter environments. In contrast, the Outemu Red linear switch is generally quieter due to its design, which lacks a tactile bump. It results in a smooth and unobtrusive keystroke, making it ideal for users who prefer a more low-profile sound during typing or gaming sessions. However, it’s important to note that the overall sound experience can be influenced by the board and keycap choices, meaning that the acoustic characteristics may vary between setups.
Turning to the tactile feel of each switch, the Outemu Purple offers a noticeable tactile bump, delivering a discernible feedback that can help typists know when a key has been actuated. This feature is particularly advantageous for those who enjoy the tactile sensation of a switch under their fingers. On the other hand, the Outemu Red switch is smooth and linear throughout the keypress, providing a consistent feel without any tactile feedback. This smoothness can be appealing for gamers who prefer rapid key presses without the interruption of a tactile bump, allowing for faster and potentially more fluid actions during gameplay.
In summation, the primary distinctions between the Outemu Purple and Red switches lie in their sound profiles and tactile feedback. The Purple provides a softer sound with a tactile bump, while the Red offers a quieter, uninterrupted linear feel. Depending on your typing style or gaming preferences, each switch can cater to different needs, but both options will deliver satisfying results in their respective categories. Ultimately, the choice between the two should align with personal preferences for sound and feel.
Conclusion
To conclude, when choosing between the Outemu Purple tactile switch and the Outemu Red linear switch, your decision ultimately hinges on your specific preferences for typing and gaming experiences. If you enjoy a noticeable bump during actuation that enhances tactile feedback, especially for typing, the Outemu Purple switch would be a suitable choice. It provides a satisfying tactile response that can improve typing accuracy and is often preferred by those who favor a more engaged and dynamic feel. Conversely, if you are looking for a smooth and uninterrupted keystroke experience, particularly for gaming, the Outemu Red linear switch would be the better option. Its linear nature means there are no tactile bumps, allowing for rapid key presses without obstruction, which is advantageous in fast-paced gaming scenarios. Additionally, if you prefer a quieter typing experience, the Red switch is generally quieter than its Purple counterpart. Ultimately, consider your primary use case—typing versus gaming—and your preferences for tactile feedback and sound to guide your choice between these two switches.
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