Outemu Purple vs. Outemu Tom
An in-depth look at the Outemu Purple and the Outemu Tom switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, the Outemu Purple and Outemu Tom are both popular options to consider. The Purple switch is a tactile switch while the Tom switch is also tactile. The Purple switch is best known for its smooth and satisfying tactile feedback, making it ideal for typists who enjoy a more pronounced feel with each keypress. On the other hand, the Tom switch is favored for its quiet operation and precise actuation, perfect for those who prefer a more subtle typing experience. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches will come down to personal preference and typing style; 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
55g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.20 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.30 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
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 housing materials of the Outemu Purple and the Outemu Tom switches are quite similar, as both feature polycarbonate top housings. This material creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile, making it ideal for switches intended for RGB lighting. However, where they differ is in their bottom housings. The Purple features a nylon bottom housing, which results in a deeper and fuller sound profile due to nylon's softer nature and ability to absorb more sound. On the other hand, the Tom also uses a nylon bottom housing, providing a similar typing experience with a duller and rounder sound compared to the polycarbonate top housing.
Despite having the same polycarbonate top housing, the Outemu Purple and Outemu Tom switches showcase their differences through their respective bottom housings. While both switches offer a sharp and clear sound profile thanks to the polycarbonate material, the Purple's use of a nylon bottom housing enhances the typing experience with a deeper and fuller sound. This contrast can be attributed to the material's softer nature, which absorbs more sound and creates a duller tone. On the other hand, the Tom's nylon bottom housing provides a similar typing feel, ensuring consistency in performance between the two switches.
In summary, the top and bottom housings of the Outemu Purple and Outemu Tom switches have distinct characteristics that contribute to their overall sound profiles. The polycarbonate top housing offers a crisp and resonant sound, with the nylon bottom housing in the Purple emphasizing a deeper and fuller typing experience. Both switches provide a unique typing feel, where the qualities of the bottom housing have more of an impact on the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing influences the sound when releasing a key. Ultimately, these differences allow for individual preferences in choosing between the two switches based on desired sound and typing experience.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force of the Outemu Purple tactile switch and the Outemu Tom tactile switch, it is evident that the Tom requires a slightly heavier force to trigger a keystroke at 55 grams, compared to the Purple's 50 grams. However, both switches have an unknown bottom out force, so it is uncertain which one requires more pressure to fully press down. In terms of weight preferences, those who enjoy a lighter typing experience may lean towards the Outemu Purple, as it requires a lighter actuation force. On the other hand, individuals who prefer a more substantial typing feel may opt for the Outemu Tom with its slightly heavier actuation force. Overall, both switches offer unique qualities in terms of actuation force, catering to different preferences for typing or gaming experiences.
Travel distance
Comparing the travel distance of the Outemu Purple tactile switch and the Outemu Tom tactile switch, the Purple has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Tom has a travel distance of 3.3 mm. The Purple offers a slightly longer travel distance, which may appeal to those who prefer a more substantial key press feel. On the other hand, the Tom provides a slightly shorter travel distance, which can lead to faster response times and may be preferred by gamers. Both switches fall within the traditional range of travel distances, with the Purple being on the longer side and the Tom being on the shorter side. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for key press feel and response time.
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 Tom.
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 Purple tactile switch is often praised for its quiet and smooth operation, making it a suitable option for those who prefer a more subtle typing experience. On the other hand, the Outemu Tom tactile switch is known for its crisp and audible click sound, which can provide a satisfying feedback for users who enjoy a more pronounced typing sound. It is important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard's construction and the type of keycaps used.
In terms of feel, the Outemu Purple switch is often said to offer a light and responsive typing experience, with a tactile bump that is gentle and easy on the fingers. In contrast, the Outemu Tom switch provides a more pronounced tactile bump and a firmer typing feel, which can be preferred by users who appreciate a more tactile feedback while typing. Both switches offer a satisfying typing experience, but the choice between the two ultimately depends on personal preference and typing style.
Overall, the Outemu Purple and Outemu Tom tactile switches offer distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the Purple switch provides a quieter and smoother typing experience, the Tom switch offers a more audible click and a firmer tactile feel. Ultimately, determining the best switch for you will depend on your personal preferences in sound and typing feel. It's important to try out both switches if possible to see which one aligns best with your typing style.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the Outemu Purple and Outemu Tom tactile switches, consider the specific qualities that each switch offers. If you prioritize a switch with a lighter bottom out force and are looking for a switch that is best known for a specific feature, the Outemu Purple tactile switch may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a switch with a different bottom out force and have different preferences for sound and feel, the Outemu Tom tactile switch might be more suitable for your needs. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches will depend on your personal preferences and what you value most in a mechanical keyboard switch.
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