Outemu Blue vs. Gateron Zero Degree 0°
An in-depth look at the Outemu Blue and the Gateron Zero Degree 0° switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Outemu Blue and Gateron Zero Degree 0° offer two distinct typing experiences. The Outemu Blue switch is revered for its clicky feedback, making it satisfyingly tactile with each key press. On the other hand, the Gateron Zero Degree 0° is a linear switch known for its ultra-smooth keystrokes and silent operation, making it ideal for those who prefer a quieter typing experience. Both switches have their own unique strengths and appeal to different preferences - the Blue for its tactile response and the Zero Degree 0° for its smoothness and quiet operation. 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
45g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
2.20 mm
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Standard
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
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
20mm extended spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Outemu Blue and the Gateron Zero Degree 0°, it is clear that they both utilize polycarbonate for the top housing. This material provides a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to its stiffness, making it ideal for switches with RGB lighting. However, the difference may lie in the nylon bottom housing of the Blue versus the Zero Degree 0°. The Blue's nylon bottom housing offers a deeper and fuller sound profile thanks to its softness, while the Zero Degree 0°'s nylon bottom housing absorbs more sound for a duller and rounder sound. This contrast in bottom housing materials may result in a difference in typing experience between the two switches.
Despite the differences in bottom housing materials, both the Outemu Blue and the Gateron Zero Degree 0° share the benefits of having polycarbonate top housings. The use of polycarbonate in the top housing creates a distinct sound profile that is sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate allows for RGB lighting to shine through, adding a visually pleasing element to the switches. Although the nylon bottom housings may affect the overall sound profile and typing experience differently, the shared polycarbonate top housing ensures that users can expect similar results in terms of sound quality and aesthetics.
In terms of functionality, the differences in housing materials between the Outemu Blue and the Gateron Zero Degree 0° can impact the overall typing experience. The nylon bottom housing of the Blue offers a deeper sound profile, while the nylon bottom housing of the Zero Degree 0° absorbs more sound for a rounder sound. These differences may be noticeable when pressing down on the switches, as the bottom housing has a more significant impact on the bottom-out sound and feel. Conversely, the top housing, made of polycarbonate in both switches, will have a greater influence on the sound when releasing a key. Ultimately, users may prefer one switch over the other based on personal preferences for sound profiles and typing feel.
Weight
The Outemu Blue clicky switch has a slightly higher actuation force of 50 grams compared to the Gateron Zero Degree 0° linear switch, which has an actuation force of 45 grams. Both switches have an unknown bottom out force. In terms of weight, the Gateron Zero Degree 0° linear switch is lighter, making it ideal for those who prefer a lighter typing experience for extended periods of time. The Outemu Blue clicky switch, on the other hand, offers a slightly heavier actuation force for a more substantial typing feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for actuation force and bottom out force.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the Outemu Blue clicky switch is 4 mm, while the Gateron Zero Degree 0° linear switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm. In terms of comparison, the Blue switch has a slightly longer travel distance than the Zero Degree 0° switch, making it the longer option. While both switches fall within the traditional range of travel distances, the slight difference may be noticeable to some users. Those who prefer a more responsive feel may lean towards the Gateron switch with its shorter travel distance, while those who enjoy a more substantial key press may opt for the Outemu switch. Ultimately, the choice between the two will come down to personal preference and typing style.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron Zero Degree 0° has an MSRP of $6.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Zero Degree 0° for $5.50.
The Outemu Blue comes in at $3.10 per 10 switches.
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 Blue clicky switch is known for its distinct clicky sound that is satisfyingly loud and tactile. On the other hand, the Gateron Zero Degree 0° linear switch is celebrated for its silent typing experience thanks to its innovative design that absorbs sound and reduces noise. While the Blue switch offers a loud and tactile typing experience, the Zero Degree 0° switch provides a quieter and softer typing feel, making it ideal for environments where noise level is a concern.
In terms of feel, the Outemu Blue clicky switch is recognized for its tactile bump and audible click, providing a satisfying feedback with each keystroke. Meanwhile, the Gateron Zero Degree 0° linear switch delivers a smooth and stable typing experience with its self-padding design and dual-rail structure. The Zero Degree 0° switch offers a soft and elastic feel that enhances typing comfort and reduces fatigue, making it a preferred choice for those who prioritize typing smoothness and stability.
Overall, the Outemu Blue clicky switch and the Gateron Zero Degree 0° linear switch offer contrasting typing experiences in terms of sound and feel. While the Blue switch excels in providing a loud and tactile typing experience, the Zero Degree 0° switch offers a quieter and smoother typing feel. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on individual preferences for sound, feel, and typing comfort. Both switches can provide excellent typing experiences, but with distinct characteristics catering to different preferences.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the Outemu Blue clicky switch and the Gateron Zero Degree 0° linear switch, it ultimately comes down to your preferences and typing style. If you enjoy a clicky and tactile typing experience with no bottom out force, then the Outemu Blue switch may be the best choice for you. On the other hand, if you are looking for a smooth and silent typing experience with Gateron's innovative Zero Degree 0° linear switch, offering stability and noise reduction, then the Zero Degree 0° switch is the way to go. Consider how you like your keyboard switches to sound and feel, and make your decision based on that. Ultimately, the choice is yours to make based on what aligns best with your typing preferences.
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