Outemu Red vs. Jerrzi Violet

Overview

When choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch, both the Outemu Red and the Jerrzi Violet offer unique features tailored to different preferences and typing styles. The Outemu Red is a linear switch that provides a smooth key press without any tactile feedback, making it ideal for users who favor a quieter and uninterrupted typing experience; it's especially appealing to gamers seeking rapid key presses. In contrast, the Jerrzi Violet switch, characterized as a tactile switch, offers a gentle tactile bump that enhances feedback with each key press, creating a satisfying sensation that many typists appreciate. The Violet switches are also recognized for their pleasantly poppy tactile feel and neutral sound profile, striking a balance between feedback and noise, appealing to those who enjoy a more engaged typing experience. Ultimately, your choice will hinge on whether you value a silent, smooth key press or the gratifying tactile response. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.

By the numbers

Outemu Red Linear

Jerrzi Violet Tactile

$3.10 per 10

$2.79

$2.30 per 10

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Housing materials

Both the Outemu Red and the Jerrzi Violet switches employ polycarbonate for their top housing, resulting in a distinctly sharp, high-pitched, and crisp sound profile. The innate stiffness of polycarbonate allows for a clear and resonant audio experience, making both switches advantageous for users who appreciate a pronounced auditory feedback when typing. Furthermore, the translucency of polycarbonate enhances its compatibility with RGB lighting, enabling a more vibrant and visually appealing look when illuminated. With similar material choices for the top housing, users can expect comparable sound profiles between the two switches, leading to a consistent performance in terms of typographical clarity and aesthetic appeal.

When it comes to the bottom housing, both the Outemu Red and Jerrzi Violet utilize nylon, a material known for its sound-dampening properties. This softer plastic inherently produces a deeper and fuller sound profile, characterized by a duller and rounder auditory experience. This qualitative difference in the bottom housing results in distinctive feel and sound characteristics when a key is depressed and bottomed out. Since the nylon contributes to the overall sound quality by absorbing noise rather than amplifying it, users will experience a noticeable contrast to the crispness produced by the polycarbonate housing above. Thus, while both switches share a similar top housing material, the nylon bottom housing in each contributes to their overall sound dynamics in complementary ways.

In summary, the combination of polycarbonate top housing and nylon bottom housing in both the Outemu Red and Jerrzi Violet switches creates a balanced auditory experience where the unique attributes of each material can be appreciated. The polycarbonate layer enhances the upper echelon of the sound profile, providing the crispness, while the nylon mitigates that with a fuller, deeper sound at the base. This synergy allows users to enjoy a well-rounded typing experience that blends clarity with warmth, evidencing the effectiveness of combining different housing materials. Consequently, despite being constructed from the same materials, the switches still offer a rich typing experience that showcases the strengths of their individual components.

Weight

The Outemu Red linear switch and the Jerrzi Violet tactile switch exhibit some similarities and differences in their actuation forces. The Outemu Red has an actuation force of 46 grams, which is slightly heavier than the Jerrzi Violet's actuation force of 45 grams. This means that while both switches are fairly lightweight, the Red may be marginally more demanding to press. The bottom out force of the Outemu Red is recorded at 62 grams, which indicates a tangible resistance when pressing the key all the way down. In contrast, the bottom out force for the Violet is currently unavailable, making it difficult to draw direct comparisons on that front. Overall, the Outemu Red is the heavier switch regarding both actuation and bottom out forces, which may appeal to users who prefer a more substantial typing experience, while the Jerrzi Violet’s slightly lighter actuation force could cater to those who seek a gentler touch for long typing sessions.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distances of the Outemu Red linear switch and the Jerrzi Violet tactile switch, the Outemu Red features a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Jerrzi Violet has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.7 mm. This difference indicates that the Red switch offers a more traditional feel with its longer travel distance, which some users might prefer for its hearty depth and tactile feedback. In contrast, the Violet's shorter travel distance may appeal to gamers or those looking for quicker response times, as it allows for faster key actuation. Ultimately, if you favor a switch that provides a more pronounced sensation when typing or gaming, the Outemu Red would be the better choice. Conversely, if you prefer a snappier and more responsive experience, the Jerrzi Violet would suit your needs better.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound, the Outemu Red linear switch is known for its relatively quiet operation, making it suitable for environments where noise is a concern. In contrast, the Jerrzi Violet tactile switch features a neutral sound signature that strikes a balance between audible feedback and discreetness. This neutrality allows it to be versatile, functioning well in both home and office settings without drawing too much attention. Overall, while the Outemu Red tend to be quieter, the Violet provides a balanced sound that can enhance the typing experience without being intrusive.

In terms of feel, the Outemu Red linear switch is characterized by a smooth keystroke without any tactile feedback, providing an uninterrupted typing experience. On the other hand, the Jerrzi Violet tactile switch offers a gentle tactile bump, delivering a stepped feel that allows typists to appreciate a subtle sensation during actuation. This tactile feedback can improve typing accuracy and satisfaction for users who prefer a bit of feedback in their keystrokes. While the Red emphasizes a smooth and linear action, the Violet caters to those who appreciate the nuances of tactile feedback but remains mild, ensuring comfortable use.

In summary, both the Outemu Red and Jerrzi Violet switches each offer distinct characteristics that cater to different preferences in sound and feel. The Outemu Red excels in providing a quiet and smooth typing experience, ideal for those who prefer linear actions, while the Jerrzi Violet combines gentle tactile feedback with a neutral sound profile, appealing to typists who enjoy a more interactive experience. Ultimately, the choice between these switches hinges on individual preferences regarding sound and the tactile sensation one desires during typing.

Conclusion

To conclude, when deciding between the Outemu Red linear switch and the Jerrzi Violet tactile switch, your preferences and typing style will play a crucial role. If you prefer a smoother, more linear feel where the keystrokes flow seamlessly without any tactile bump, the Outemu Red, with its medium bottom-out force of 62 grams, may be the better option for you. This switch is ideal for fast-paced gaming or for typists who enjoy the simplicity of consistent key presses. On the other hand, if you appreciate a tactile experience that offers a gentle yet noticeable feedback with a satisfying pop, the Jerrzi Violet switch would be a suitable choice. Its stepped tactile design allows you to feel a distinct point of actuation, providing an engaging typing experience that balances enjoyment and comfort. Furthermore, with its neutral sound profile, the Violet switch is versatile enough to be used in a variety of settings without being distracting, making it a great option for both office use and casual typing. Ultimately, your personal preference for tactile feedback versus smoothness will guide your final selection between these two distinct switches.

Mentioned in this article

Outemu Red Linear

$3.10 per 10

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Jerrzi Violet Tactile

$2.79

$2.30 per 10

Learn more