Cherry MX Brown vs. Outemu Blue
An in-depth look at the Cherry MX Brown and the Outemu Blue switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Cherry MX Brown and the Outemu Blue mechanical keyboard switches, one can immediately identify their distinct characteristics. The Cherry MX Brown is renowned for its subtlety, providing a light typing experience with gentle tactility and subdued audio feedback. On the other hand, the Outemu Blue is known for its clicky nature, offering a satisfying tactile response and audible click with each keystroke. While the MX Brown is categorized as textured, bassy, and low-pitched, the Blue does not fall into any specific category. Choosing between these switches depends on personal preference and typing style - whether you prefer a quieter, more tactile typing experience with the Cherry MX Brown or a louder, more pronounced response with the Outemu Blue. 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
45g
Actuation force
50g
Bottom-out force
55g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.20 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
No
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Nylon
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The Cherry MX Brown and Outemu Blue switches differ in their top housing materials, with the MX Brown featuring a nylon top housing and the Blue featuring a polycarbonate top housing. Nylon is known for producing a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer nature, which absorbs more sound than harder plastics. In contrast, polycarbonate creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile because of its stiffer composition. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it particularly well-suited for switches with RGB lighting, while nylon is a classic choice for switch housing material.
On the other hand, both the Cherry MX Brown and Outemu Blue switches share a nylon bottom housing, which contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile in typing. The softer nature of nylon absorbs more sound compared to harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound when typing on these switches. This similarity in bottom housing material suggests that users can expect similar sound and typing experiences when using either the MX Brown or the Blue switches. The bottom housing's impact on the bottom-out sound and feel of the switch is crucial for users who prioritize the tactile feedback during typing.
When considering the impact of housing materials on switch performance, it is important to note that differences in top and bottom housing materials can lead to varying sound profiles and typing experiences. The qualities of each housing material are divided between the top and bottom of the switch, with the bottom housing affecting the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing influencing the sound when releasing a key. This split in housing materials highlights the importance of selecting switches that align with individual preferences for sound, feel, and overall typing experience. Ultimately, whether using the Cherry MX Brown with its nylon top and bottom housing or the Outemu Blue with its polycarbonate top and nylon bottom housing, users can expect distinct sound profiles and typing sensations based on the materials used in each switch.
Weight
The Cherry MX Brown tactile switch has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams compared to the Outemu Blue clicky switch's 50 grams. This means that the MX Brown may be more suitable for those who prefer a lighter touch when typing or gaming. However, when it comes to the bottom out force, the MX Brown requires 55 grams, while the bottom out force for the Blue switch is unknown. This could result in a more substantial typing experience with the MX Brown, as it requires more force to fully press the keys. Ultimately, the MX Brown offers a balance between actuation and bottom out forces, making it a versatile option for users who want a tactile typing experience without exerting too much force.
Travel distance
The Cherry MX Brown tactile switch and the Outemu Blue clicky switch both have a travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when pressing down on a key with either of these switches, you will feel the same amount of travel distance. Despite having the same travel distance, the Cherry MX Brown switch is known for its tactile feedback, while the Outemu Blue switch is recognized for its clicky sound. Both switches offer a satisfying typing experience, with the MX Brown providing a smoother feel and the Outemu Blue offering a more audible typing experience. Overall, the travel distance of these switches is equal, but the tactile and auditory feedback they provide differs.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
For 10 switches, the Cherry MX Brown comes in at $4.00, whereas the Outemu Blue comes in at $3.10.
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
The Cherry MX Brown switch stands out for its subtle tactile feedback and relatively quiet operation, making it a popular choice for those who prefer a more discreet typing experience. The low-pitched and bassy sound profile of the MX Brown adds to the overall smooth and refined feel of these switches. On the other hand, the Outemu Blue clicky switch offers a more pronounced tactile bump and audible click with each keystroke, providing a more tactile and auditory typing experience. The clicky sound of the Blue switch may be appealing to users who enjoy a more audible feedback while typing. When it comes to feel, the MX Brown is known for its textured keystrokes, which can provide a sense of feedback without being too aggressive. In contrast, the feel of the Outemu Blue switch is unknown, but typically clicky switches tend to have a more pronounced and tactile feel.
Overall, the Cherry MX Brown switch offers a more subtle and refined typing experience with a bassy sound profile, while the Outemu Blue clicky switch provides a more pronounced tactile feedback and audible click. Depending on personal preferences for typing feel and sound, both switches offer distinct qualities that cater to different preferences. Whether you choose the Cherry MX Brown for its subtle tactility or the Outemu Blue for its clicky feedback, both switches are designed to enhance your typing experience based on your individual preferences. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will come down to personal preference in terms of sound, feel, and overall typing experience.
Conclusion
In closing, when choosing between Cherry MX Brown tactile switches and Outemu Blue clicky switches, consider the typing experience you prefer. If you value a subtle and light tactile feedback with minimal noise, the MX Brown switches are a great choice. On the other hand, if you enjoy a more pronounced tactile response and audible click sound with each keystroke, the Outemu Blue switches may be more suited to your preference. Ultimately, your decision should be based on whether you prioritize a quieter, more tactile typing experience (MX Brown) or a louder, more clicky typing experience (Outemu Blue). Choose the switch that aligns best with your typing style and preferences.
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