Outemu Purple vs. Gateron Weightlessness

Overview

When it comes to choosing mechanical keyboard switches, the Outemu Purple and Gateron Weightlessness offer distinct tactile experiences that cater to different typing preferences. The Outemu Purple, though lacking a definitive hallmark feature, is known for its reliable performance and moderate actuation force, which makes it a solid option for everyday typing and gaming alike. On the other hand, the Gateron Weightlessness switches are celebrated for their subtle to moderate tactile feel, delivering a satisfying feedback without being too overwhelming, while their balanced sound profile adds to the overall typing experience. Both switches are designed to enhance tactile feedback, but they differ in terms of sound and feel, appealing to users who may prioritize one aspect over the other. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the right switch for you.

By the numbers

Outemu Purple Tactile

Gateron Weightlessness Tactile

$3.10 per 10

$6.10

$5.50 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

When comparing the housing materials of the Outemu Purple and the Gateron Weightlessness switches, a clear contrast emerges in the composition of their top housings. The Outemu Purple features a polycarbonate top housing, which contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to the stiffness of the material. In contrast, the Gateron Weightlessness utilizes a nylon top housing, known for its ability to produce a deeper and fuller sound profile because of the material's softer nature, which absorbs more sound. This distinctive difference highlights how the choice of material significantly influences the auditory experience when typing on these switches. For those seeking a crisper sound, the polycarbonate of the Purple would be ideal, while users looking for a warmer and rounder audio profile would find the Weightlessness more to their liking.

When examining the bottom housings of both switches, an interesting parallel emerges: both the Outemu Purple and Gateron Weightlessness employ nylon for their bottom housings. This shared material means that both switches will deliver a similar sound profile when the key is pressed down, as nylon is known for providing a deeper and fuller sensation while typing. Given that the bottom housing heavily influences the bottom-out sound and feel, users should expect a consistent experience in this regard, regardless of the differences in the top housing materials. As a result, the presence of nylon in the bottoms results in comparable tactile experiences when bottoming out the key.

Ultimately, these differences and similarities paint a richer picture of how switch housing materials affect the typing experience. While the Outemu Purple's polycarbonate top housing provides a unique high-end clarity, the Gateron Weightlessness’s nylon top dampens the sound profile for a more muted experience. However, with both sharing nylon in the bottom housing, they offer a common ground in terms of the bottom-out sound and feel, creating a balance of auditory perceptions between the two. Thus, users can appreciate nuanced auditory characteristics specific to each switch while also enjoying a shared tactile experience.

Weight

The Outemu Purple tactile switch and the Gateron Weightlessness tactile switch both feature an actuation force of 50 grams, indicating that users will experience similar resistance when pressing down to trigger a keystroke. However, the bottom out force for both switches remains unspecified, making it challenging to compare fully how they feel when pressed down completely. Since both switches share the same actuation force, users can expect a comparable typing experience regarding the effort needed to engage each keystroke. As for weight preference, neither switch can be classified as lighter or heavier compared to the other, since both have the same actuation specification, leading to a potentially similar experience for those who type for long durations.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distance of the Outemu Purple tactile switch and the Gateron Weightlessness tactile switch, there is a notable difference between the two. The Outemu Purple has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Gateron Weightlessness measures at 3.4 mm. This makes the Outemu Purple the longer of the two options, offering a more pronounced depth when pressed. In contrast, the Gateron Weightlessness, with its shorter travel distance, may provide quicker response times, appealing to gamers who prefer a more responsive feel. Ultimately, if you enjoy a tactile switch that delivers a hearty depth in each keystroke, the Outemu Purple is the better choice, whereas the Gateron Weightlessness caters to those who favor a snappier feel with its more shallow actuation.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound, the Outemu Purple switch is relatively quiet with a shift towards a more muted acoustic profile, making it suitable for environments where noise is a concern. In contrast, the Gateron Weightlessness switch offers a balanced sound profile that complements its tactile characteristics, presenting a mildly audible feedback when actuated. While both switches aim to maintain a pleasant auditory experience, the Gateron Weightlessness has a slight edge in providing a more balanced sound that may appeal to users who appreciate a bit more auditory stimulation in their typing experience.

When discussing feel, the Outemu Purple is characterized by its unique tactile bump, which helps provide a distinct feedback during typing, although it doesn't stand out as an especially strong tactile response. The Gateron Weightlessness, on the other hand, delivers a subtle to moderate tactile feel that is more refined, allowing for a satisfying experience without feeling overwhelming. This difference can significantly impact the typing experience, with the Weightlessness being more accommodating for those who prefer a gentle tactile feedback.

In summary, while both Outemu Purple and Gateron Weightlessness switches have their merits, the choice between them ultimately hinges on personal preferences for sound and feel. The Purple offers a quieter experience with a uniquely tactile signature, whereas the Weightlessness provides a balanced sound and a refined tactile response. Users can expect a satisfying typing experience from either switch, though the nuances in sound and feel will cater to different typing styles and environments.

Conclusion

To conclude, when deciding between the Outemu Purple tactile switch and the Gateron Weightlessness tactile switch, it’s essential to consider your typing preferences and the environment in which you’ll use the keyboard. If you value a balanced sound profile and a tactile experience that offers a subtle to moderate feedback, the Gateron Weightlessness switch may be the better choice for you, especially if you want something that enhances both typing comfort and acoustic enjoyment. On the other hand, if you prefer a switch that feels distinct and provides a unique tactile experience, the Outemu Purple might align more closely with your needs, particularly if you're looking for a switch that emphasizes tactile feedback. Ultimately, you should consider how each switch aligns with your preferences for feel, sound, and overall typing experience, which will help you create a setup that enhances your productivity and enjoyment while typing.

Mentioned in this article

Outemu Purple Tactile

$3.10 per 10

Learn more

Gateron Weightlessness Tactile

$6.10

$5.50 per 10

Learn more