Outemu Green vs. Outemu Red
An in-depth look at the Outemu Green and the Outemu Red switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Outemu Green and Outemu Red are two popular choices with distinct characteristics. The Outemu Green switch is known for its tactile feedback and audible click, making it a favorite among typists who enjoy the satisfying sound and feel of each keystroke. On the other hand, the Outemu Red switch is a linear switch that offers a smooth keystroke without the tactile bump or audible click, ideal for gamers who favor quick and quiet keypresses. While the Green switch is great for those who prefer a tactile typing experience, the Red switch is perfect for gamers looking for a quiet and precise switch. 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
65g
Actuation force
46g
Bottom-out force
80g
Bottom-out force
62g
Pre-travel
2.20 mm
Pre-travel
2.10 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
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
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The Outemu Green and Outemu Red switches both feature polycarbonate top housings, which contribute to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to the stiffness of polycarbonate, which creates a clearer and more resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches that will be used with RGB lighting. In contrast, the nylon bottom housings of both switches produce a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon's softer nature absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound overall.
While both the Outemu Green and Outemu Red switches share similar top and bottom housing materials, the difference in sound profile comes from the nature of these materials. The stiffer polycarbonate top housing of both switches creates a more pronounced sound when a key is released, while the softer nylon bottom housing contributes to the sound when a key is pressed down. This division of qualities between the top and bottom housings allows for a well-rounded sound experience when typing on either switch. Additionally, the clear nature of polycarbonate in the top housing of both switches allows for enhanced aesthetics when using RGB lighting.
In conclusion, the Outemu Green and Outemu Red switches offer distinct sound profiles due to the combination of polycarbonate and nylon housing materials. While both switches have polycarbonate top housings for a sharp and clear sound, the nylon bottom housings create a deeper and fuller sound experience. The division of qualities between the top and bottom housings ensures that both switches deliver a unique typing experience, with the Outemu Green showcasing a sharper sound when releasing a key, and the Outemu Red providing a deeper sound when pressing down on a key.
Weight
The Outemu Green clicky switch has a higher actuation force of 65 grams compared to the Outemu Red linear switch with an actuation force of 46 grams. This means that the Green switch requires more force to trigger a keystroke. On the other hand, the bottom out force of the Green switch is also higher at 80 grams, while the Red switch bottoms out at 62 grams. Therefore, the Green switch is heavier both in terms of actuation and bottom out force, providing a more substantial typing experience. In contrast, the Red switch is lighter, making it more suitable for those who prefer a lighter typing feel for longer typing sessions. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference in terms of actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The Outemu Green clicky switch and the Outemu Red linear switch both have a travel distance of 4 mm, making them equal in this aspect. When comparing the two, they both provide the same level of key travel distance, allowing for a consistent typing experience. Whether using the Outemu Green clicky switch or the Outemu Red linear switch, users can expect similar results in terms of key travel distance. This similarity ensures that regardless of the switch type chosen, users can enjoy a comfortable typing experience with the same key response.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
In this case, both switches are $3.10. As such, price can't serve as a tiebreaker when choosing between the Green and Red.
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 Green clicky switch is known for its loud clicky sound, similar to that of the popular Cherry MX Blue switch. On the other hand, the Outemu Red linear switch is known for its quiet and smooth operation, making it a good choice for those who prefer a more subtle typing experience. It's important to consider that the sound of a switch is also affected by the keyboard case and keycaps used.
In terms of feel, the Outemu Green clicky switch provides a tactile bump and audible click at the point of actuation, offering a satisfying typing experience for those who enjoy tactile feedback. Conversely, the Outemu Red linear switch provides a smooth keystroke without any tactile bump, ideal for fast typists and gamers who prefer a linear feel. The feel of a switch is subjective and ultimately depends on the user's personal preference.
In conclusion, the Outemu Green clicky switch and the Outemu Red linear switch offer distinct sound and feel characteristics, catering to different preferences in typing. If you enjoy a loud and tactile typing experience, the Green switch may be the better choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a quiet and smooth typing experience, the Red switch would be a more suitable option. Both switches offer reliable performance and durability, ensuring a satisfying typing experience for newcomers to the mechanical keyboard world.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Outemu Green clicky switch and the Outemu Red linear switch, it is important to consider your personal preferences and typing habits. If you enjoy a heavier typing experience and prefer a tactile and clicky feedback, the Outemu Green switch may be the better choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter typing experience and value a smooth and linear response, the Outemu Red switch could be the more suitable option. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches comes down to your individual typing style and what feels most comfortable for you. Consider trying out both switches if possible to see which one you prefer before making a decision.
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