Cherry MX Brown vs. Outemu Brown
An in-depth look at the Cherry MX Brown and the Outemu Brown switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to comparing the Cherry MX Brown and the Outemu Brown mechanical keyboard switches, it's important to understand the key differences between the two. The Cherry MX Brown switch is renowned for its subtlety, providing a light typing experience with gentle tactility and quiet audio feedback. On the other hand, the Outemu Brown switch doesn't have a specific standout feature, but it offers a similar tactile typing experience. If you're looking for a switch that is textured, bassy, and low-pitched, the Cherry MX Brown may be the way to go. 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
53g
Bottom-out force
55g
Bottom-out force
65g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.20 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
No
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
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 the Outemu Brown both feature nylon bottom housings, which result in a similar deep and full sound profile when typing. The softness of the nylon material in both switches helps to absorb sound, creating a duller and rounder sound compared to harder plastics. This similarity in housing material suggests that users can expect a comparable typing experience in terms of sound and feel when using either switch.
However, the Cherry MX Brown utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, which differs from the nylon top housing of the Outemu Brown. The polycarbonate material in the Cherry MX Brown creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. Its stiffness leads to a more clear and resonant sound, making it ideal for switches with RGB lighting due to its translucency. In contrast, the Outemu Brown's nylon top housing may provide a slightly different sound experience, with a softer and more muffled quality compared to the sharper sound of polycarbonate.
Overall, the differences in top housing material between the Cherry MX Brown and the Outemu Brown result in varying sound profiles when typing. While both switches share a common nylon bottom housing, the Cherry MX Brown's polycarbonate top housing produces a clearer and more resonant sound, especially when paired with RGB lighting. On the other hand, the Outemu Brown's nylon top housing creates a softer and potentially more muted sound. These distinctions in housing materials allow users to choose a switch that best suits their preferences for sound and typing feel.
Weight
The Cherry MX Brown tactile switch has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams compared to the Outemu Brown tactile switch's heavier actuation force of 53 grams. Similarly, the Cherry MX Brown has a lower bottom out force of 55 grams, while the Outemu Brown has a higher bottom out force of 65 grams. This means that the Cherry MX Brown switch provides a lighter typing experience overall, making it more suitable for those who prefer typing for extended periods without fatigue. In contrast, the Outemu Brown switch offers a more substantial and tactile typing feel due to its heavier actuation and bottom out forces. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches comes down to personal preference in terms of typing experience and the desired level of force feedback.
Travel distance
The Cherry MX Brown tactile switch and the Outemu Brown tactile switch both have a travel distance of 4 mm, making them equal in that aspect. This means that when you press down on a key with either of these switches, you will experience a similar amount of travel distance from the top to the bottom. This can result in a similar typing experience and tactile feedback from both switches. Therefore, whether you choose the Cherry MX Brown or the Outemu Brown, you can expect to get comparable results in terms of travel distance.
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 Brown 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
When it comes to sound, the Cherry MX Brown switches are known for their bassy and low-pitched characteristics, providing a deeper and richer tone during key presses. On the other hand, the Outemu Brown switches do not have any specific descriptors for sound quality. Keep in mind that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard and keycaps being used.
In terms of feel, the Cherry MX Brown switches are often described as textured, offering a noticeable friction when pressed. Some users appreciate this tactile feedback, while others may prefer a smoother typing experience. However, there is no specific information available for the feel of the Outemu Brown switches.
Overall, the Cherry MX Brown switches are known for their subtle tactility, gentle typing experience, bassy sound profile, and textured feel. While the Outemu Brown switches may offer similar qualities due to their similar tactile nature, the specific details regarding sound and feel are not provided. As a newcomer, if you enjoy the subtlety and gentle feedback of Cherry MX Brown switches, you may find a similar experience with Outemu Brown switches. Remember to consider your personal preferences and typing style when choosing between these two switch options.
Conclusion
To sum up, when considering whether to choose the Cherry MX Brown tactile switch or the Outemu Brown tactile switch, it ultimately comes down to your personal preferences and typing style. If you prefer a lighter typing experience with subtle tactility and subdued audio feedback, the Cherry MX Brown may be the better option for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a slightly heavier typing experience with a medium-heavy bottom out force, the Outemu Brown switch could be more suited to your liking. Both switches have their own unique features and characteristics, so it's important to consider what matters most to you in a mechanical keyboard switch before making your decision. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on what feels most comfortable and enjoyable for you while typing.
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