Outemu Switches Guide: Detailed Review and Comparison
Keycaps 101
Posted by:
carson-rutz
Jul 5, 2024
Outemu switches are known for their affordability while mimicking the feel and compatibility of Cherry MX switches, a popular choice for budget-conscious mechanical keyboard enthusiasts. While they may not last as long or offer the same level of refinement as Cherry MX, Outemu switches provide solid performance for both gamers and typists. In this article, we'll analyze 7 best Outemu switches and help you determine which one is the best fit for your keyboard needs.
Outemu switches, manufactured by Dongguan Gaote Electronic Co., Ltd., are well-known for offering an affordable alternative to premium mechanical switches like Cherry MX. Designed as Cherry MX clones, Outemu mimics the performance and feel of the original, compatible with the same keycap mounts and PCB layouts. This makes them a practical choice for budget-friendly mechanical keyboards.
Available in various types, including linear, tactile, and clicky, Outemu switches cater to different user preferences. With multiple spring weights and actuation forces, they provide a versatile typing experience for gamers and typists alike. Despite being cost-effective, these switches maintain reliable performance, a popular option for those seeking value without sacrificing too much quality.
Linear Switches: These switches provide a smooth and uninterrupted press from top to bottom, ideal for gamers and typists who prefer a fast, responsive keystroke without tactile feedback.
Tactile Switches: Tactile switches offer a noticeable bump at the point of actuation, a great choice for typists who enjoy a bit of feedback with each keypress. This feature helps users know when a key has been activated, improving accuracy.
Clicky Switches: Clicky switches are perfect for users who appreciate clear sound and feedback. These are best suited for those who don’t mind the noise and want a more interactive typing experience.
Outemu also offers various switch collections, including Cherry MX clones named after colors, based directly on the original book of Outemu:
Regular Switches: These come in a wide range of colors like Blue, Red, Brown, Black, Green, Orange, Purple, Silver, Gold, Golden Pink, Sky, and Ocean switches, each providing a different actuation force and feedback style. They’re known for their durability, often rated for tens of millions of keystrokes. We will provide you a detailed review of some Outemu regular switches in the next part.
Low-Profile Switches: Available in colors such as Low-Profile Red, Brown, Black, and Blue, these switches offer a slim design with quicker actuation, a compact design that reduces travel distance, ideal for compact keyboards and fast typing.
Dust-proof Switches: Built to withstand harsh environments, dust-proof switches come in popular colors like Blue, Red, Brown, Black, Purple, Green, and Silver variants, providing extra durability and protection from debris.
ICE Switches: These switches feature transparent housing to enhance RGB lighting effects and come in unique colors like Ice Blue, Ice Clear, Ice Grey, Ice Purple, Ice Dark Purple, Ice Light Purple, Ice Teal, and Ice Click. They provide the same tactile or linear experience with an added aesthetic touch.
Silent Switches: Designed to minimize noise, these switches come in colors like Silent Cream Yellow, Lemon, Peach, Sky, White, Forest, Ocean, and Grey, offering a quieter mechanical experience without sacrificing feel.
GAOTE Switches: GAOTE switches are available in Black, Blue, Red, and Brown variants. These switches are a slightly tweaked version of the regular switches with improved overall smoothness and quality, offering excellent tactile feedback and durability.
Cream Switches: Smooth and quiet operation, Cream switches come in three colors including Cream Blue, Pink, and Cream Yellow. Not very popular, but it has excellent performance at an affordable price, with factory-lubed, dustproof brackets around the stem.
Milk Switches: These switches provide a quieter, more fluid typing experience. Available in variants like Milk Blue, Tea, and Milk Peach, they are perfect for users who want a low actuation force and noise-free operation.
Extra switches: A few unique variations like Outemu Transparent, Panda, Phoenix, JieRui, BaiLan, or TangMu, offer a wide range of options to suit various preferences.
Outemu Blue switches are a clicky, tactile option known for their distinctive sound and feedback, making them a common choice for users who enjoy audible keypresses.
Switch Type
Clicky
Actuation Force
60g
Bottom Out Force
65g
Pre Travel
2.2mm
Total Travel
4.0mm
Sound
High-pitched
Lifespan
50 million keystrokes
Typing Experience
Outemu Blue switches offer a smooth onset press, providing a pleasant typing experience with a tactile bump at actuation. However, on the offset press, there can be some noticeable scratchiness, which might become slightly irritating during long typing sessions.
Compared to Cherry MX Blues, the Outemu Blues provide a somewhat lighter actuation force, but the overall feel is slightly less refined. Gateron Blues, in contrast, tend to feel smoother, but Outemu Blues are still a solid budget option.
Gaming Experience
When it comes to gaming, Outemu Blue switches provide reasonable responsiveness for casual gamers, though they may not be the best for fast-paced, competitive gaming. While quick and consistent presses feel responsive, slower keypresses can sometimes fail to register, less ideal for high-speed, precision-demanding games. In comparison, Cherry MX and Gateron Blues offer more consistent performance in gaming scenarios.
Noise Level
Outemu Blue switches are notably loud, producing a higher-pitched, rattling sound compared to Cherry MX Blues. The distinct click can be satisfying for users who enjoy audible feedback, but it might not be suitable for shared spaces like offices. Gateron Blues tend to have a smoother, quieter sound that is more suited for environments where noise is a concern.
Outemu Brown Switches
Outemu Brown switches are a tactile, non-clicky option designed for users who want feedback without the noise, suitable for both gaming and typing.
Switch Type
Tactile
Actuation Force
50g
Bottom Out Force
65g
Pre Travel
2.0mm
Total Travel
4.0mm
Sound
Deep sound
Lifespan
50 million keystrokes
Typing Experience
Outemu Brown switches provide a smooth typing experience with a distinct tactile bump at the actuation point, offering clear feedback without requiring too much force. The tactile feedback is more pronounced than in Gateron Browns but slightly less crisp than in Cherry MX Browns.
Comfortable for extended typing sessions, though the lack of stability during offset presses can lead to a slightly less consistent feel when typing near the key edges.
Gaming Experience
For gamers, Outemu Browns offer good responsiveness and feedback without needing an audible click, which can enhance immersion during gameplay. The tactile bump helps confirm keypresses, making these switches ideal for strategy and role-playing games that benefit from precise inputs. However, compared to Cherry MX Browns, they may feel slightly less reliable in high-paced, competitive gaming situations where consistency is critical.
Noise Level
Outemu Brown switches are significantly quieter than their clicky counterparts, such as the Outemu Blue or Cherry MX Blue switches. With a deeper, softer sound, they are well-suited for office environments or shared spaces where noise levels need to be kept low. Gateron Browns are slightly quieter overall, but Outemu Browns still perform well in noise-sensitive settings.
Outemu Red Switches
Outemu Red switches are linear switches recognized for their smooth and quiet performance, making them a favorite choice among gamers and typists who prefer silent and fast keystrokes.
Switch Type
Linear
Actuation Force
45g
Bottom Out Force
65g
Pre Travel
2.0mm
Total Travel
4.0mm
Sound
Quiet sound
Lifespan
50 million keystrokes
Typing Experience
Outemu Red switches offer a smooth, linear typing experience with no tactile bump, allowing for fluid keypresses. With 45g actuation force, these switches are light and easy to press, suitable for fast typists.
However, the lack of resistance can lead to occasional mistyping, particularly for those who prefer more tactile feedback. When compared to Cherry MX Reds, Outemu Reds feel slightly heavier, but the difference is minimal. Gateron Reds, on the other hand, offer a slightly smoother press.
Gaming Experience
Outemu Red switches perform well in gaming due to their fast and consistent actuation. The absence of a tactile bump allows for quick keypresses, ideal for fast-paced games where rapid reactions are essential.
The linear motion ensures that no additional force is required to reset the key, allowing for seamless and uninterrupted gameplay. While Cherry MX Reds are often seen as the gold standard for linear switches in gaming, Outemu provides a more affordable yet comparable experience, although Gateron Reds are known to be slightly smoother.
Noise Level
Outemu Red switches are much quieter compared to their tactile and clicky counterparts. Their linear actuation results in minimal noise, suitable for environments where silence is preferred, such as offices or shared spaces. The sound profile is softer than Cherry MX Reds and Gateron Reds, though still subtle enough for use in noise-sensitive areas.
Outemu Black switches
Outemu Black switches are linear switches famous for their high actuation force, designed for users who prefer stronger resistance and precise control during typing or gaming.
Switch Type
Linear
Actuation Force
65g
Bottom Out Force
80g
Pre Travel
2.0mm
Total Travel
4.0mm
Sound
Lower than the Blue switch
Lifespan
50 million keystrokes
Typing Experience
Outemu Black switches provide a smooth, uninterrupted typing experience without any tactile feedback. With an actuation force of around 65g, they offer more resistance compared to the lighter Red switches, suitable for users who want a firm, controlled typing feel. The higher resistance helps prevent accidental keypresses, which can be ideal for specific areas of keyboards to prevent misclicks of important keys.
Compared to Cherry MX Black switches, Outemu Blacks feel slightly heavier, while Gateron Black switches tend to offer a smoother, less resistant keystroke.
Gaming Experience
For gaming, Outemu Black switches excel at providing consistent and accurate keypresses. Their linear nature ensures no tactile bump, which allows for quicker and more predictable keystrokes during fast-paced gameplay. However, the heavier actuation force may cause some fatigue for gamers during extended sessions.
Compared to Cherry MX Blacks, Outemu Blacks feel slightly stiffer, but they offer similar durability and performance. Gateron Blacks, conversely, are often preferred by gamers for their smoother feel and slightly lower actuation force. If you’re curious to dive deeper into the specifics and how they perform in various setups, check out the beginner's guide to Outemu Black Switches.
Noise Level
Outemu Black switches are quiet, similar to other linear switches like Outemu Reds and Cherry MX Blacks. Since there is no tactile bump or click, the noise level is minimal, making these switches suitable for quiet environments such as offices or shared spaces. Gateron Blacks are comparable in noise level, but they may have a slightly smoother sound profile due to their less resistant keystroke.
Outemu Silver Switches
Outemu Silver switches are designed for speed and responsiveness, making them a great choice for gamers and fast typists alike.
Switch Type
Linear
Actuation Force
45g
Bottom Out Force
60g
Pre Travel
2.0mm
Total Travel
4.0mm
Sound
Quiet sound
Lifespan
50 million keystrokes
Typing Experience
Outemu Silver switches provide a noticeably lighter typing experience compared to the Black version. While both are linear switches, Silver switches require significantly less force to press, at just 45g that is ideal for users who prioritize speed and efficiency.
The keypresses feel fast and fluid, which enhances typing efficiency, though some may find them too light for tasks that demand more deliberate keystrokes. Compared to Cherry MX and Gateron Silver switches, Outemu switches offer a similar smoothness but at a more budget-friendly price point.
Gaming Experience
These switches shine in gaming environments due to their quick actuation and short pre-travel distance of 2.0mm. Outemu Silvers delivers fast, consistent inputs, which can provide a competitive edge in fast-paced games where split-second reactions are crucial.
In comparison to Cherry MX Speed Silver and Gateron Silver switches, Outemu Silvers perform similarly in terms of speed but may feel slightly less refined in terms of key stability.
Noise Level
Outemu Silver switches are relatively quiet, lacking the tactile bump or click of other switch types. The linear nature keeps the sound to a minimum, suitable for quieter environments like shared workspaces. Compared to Cherry MX and Gateron Silver switches, Outemu Silvers have a similar quiet profile, though the sound may vary slightly depending on the keyboard build.
Outemu Purple Switches
Outemu Purple switches are tactile switches notorious for offering a satisfying keystroke with quiet and subtle feedback, introduced as an improved version of Brown, ideal for users who prefer a tactile feel without the noise of clicky switches.
Switch Type
Tactile
Actuation Force
50g
Bottom Out Force
62g
Pre Travel
2.0mm
Total Travel
4.0mm
Sound
Deep sound
Lifespan
50 million keystrokes
Typing Experience
Outemu Purple switches provide a balanced typing experience with a pronounced tactile bump at the actuation point. The tactile feedback is more noticeable than in Outemu Browns, delivering a smooth and responsive feel that allows for precise, quick typing. With 50g actuation force, they offer enough resistance to prevent accidental keypresses while still being comfortable for longer typing sessions.
Gaming Experience
Outemu Purple switches provide a responsive and comfortable experience. The tactile feedback helps gamers feel confident with each keypress, offering a solid sense of control in fast-paced scenarios.
Although they have a slightly longer actuation distance than linear switches, they still perform well for most gaming applications. Uncertain if the subtle tactility of Outemu Purple switches suits your needs? Dive deeper into their intricacies and explore comparisons with other tactile switches in the complete review of Outemu purple switches.
Noise Level
Outemu Purple switches are quieter than clicky switches like Cherry MX Blues or Gateron Greens. They offer a tactile bump without the audible click, suitable for quieter environments such as offices or shared spaces. This low noise level makes them a good choice for users who want the tactile feel of mechanical switches without the disruptive sound.
Outemu Sky Switches
Outemu Sky switches are tactile switches that provide a comfortable typing experience with subtle feedback, making them a great choice for users who appreciate a balance between tactile feel and smoothness.
Switch Type
Tactile
Actuation Force
62/68g
Bottom Out Force
N/A
Pre Travel
2.0mm
Total Travel
4.0mm
Sound
Deep sound
Lifespan
50 million keystrokes
Typing Experience
Outemu Sky switches offer a firm and satisfying typing experience, thanks to their very tactile bump with a higher actuation force of around 62 - 68g, providing clear feedback with each keypress. It is also considered an upgrade to the Brown switch in almost every aspect.
Although the tactility is less pronounced than Cherry MX Brown switches, it is more distinct compared to Gateron Browns. This makes them a good option for typists who prefer a solid tactile response without too much resistance.
Gaming Experience
In gaming, Outemu Sky switches perform well, offering responsive and accurate keypresses. The tactile feedback is helpful for gamers who like to feel the actuation point, ensuring precise inputs in fast-paced games.
While not as fast as linear switches, the smoothness and tactility of the Outemu Sky switches can still provide a consistent gaming experience, especially in strategy or role-playing games.
Noise Level
Outemu Sky switches produce a soft sound when pressed, with the tactile bump providing subtle auditory feedback. The noise level is comparable to Cherry MX and Gateron Brown switches, suitable for use in most environments, including offices or shared spaces, without being too disruptive.
Outemu switches deliver a satisfying blend of affordability, variety, and performance, making them a compelling option for mechanical keyboard lovers:
Affordability: A major benefit of Outemu switches is their cost-effectiveness. They are commonly used in budget mechanical keyboards, making them an excellent option for a wide range of users, including gamers, typists, and those new to mechanical keyboards.
Variety of options: Outemu switches offer a diverse selection, including clicky, tactile, and linear types. This variety enables users to select the switch that aligns with their specific preferences, whether they prioritize responsiveness, feedback, or smooth keypresses.
RGB compatibility: Many Outemu switches are designed to work with RGB lighting, adding a customizable and visually appealing aspect to the keyboard. This feature allows users to enhance their setup with colorful lighting options.
Typing experience: Users often praise the tactile and responsive typing experience provided by Outemu switches. They are ideal for those who appreciate clear feedback and precision, a reliable choice for both typing tasks and casual gaming.
Outemu Switches Cons
Although Outemu switches provide a strong value proposition, they come with certain trade-offs that users should consider:
Build quality: Outemu switches are often considered to have lower build quality compared to premium brands like Cherry MX and Gateron. Over time, this can lead to inconsistent keypresses and less overall stability.
Durability: Rated for around 50 million keystrokes, Outemu switches have a shorter lifespan than higher-end switches, which can handle 100 million keystrokes or more. This may be a concern for heavy users.
Key feel: Some users find the key feel of Outemu switches to be less refined, with noticeable wobble when pressed off-center. This can affect the overall typing experience, especially for those who prefer more stable switches.
In summary, Outemu switches are a solid option if you're looking for an affordable mechanical keyboard with various switch types to choose from. They offer decent performance and customization options, particularly with RGB lighting compatibility. However, the build quality and durability may not match that of more premium switches, so it's important to weigh your needs and preferences before making a decision.
Which is the Best Outemu Switch for you?
Linear
Tactile
Clicky
Normal - Loud
Low - Silent
Not heavy
Heavy
Outemu Blue
✔
Very Loud
✔
Outemu Red
✔
Silent
✔
Outemu Brown
✔
✔
Outemu Black
✔
Low
✔
Outemu Silver
✔
Very Loud
✔
You could get a general idea with the above table, now let’s find out which one will be right for you in terms of typing and gaming.
Best Outemu Switch For Gaming
The first one is definitely the Outemu Black switch. With that much praise we had for it, there is nothing more to say about its awesomeness for the gaming experience. Or, you could choose its enhanced version, the Outemu Silver switch, if the heavy force is not your cup of tea.
Then, if you prefer tactile to linear, why don’t you check out the Outemu Brown switch. Its extreme smoothness and noticeably bumpy response may satisfy you.
Best Outemu Switch For Typing
The silent Outemu Red switch will be perfect for working in the office. It’s smooth. It’s not noisy at all. It’s also not heavy so you can type for a long time without tiring your hands.
In case a ‘click, click, click’ fun sound is what makes you happy, the Outemu Blue switch will be definitely a go. Moreover, that ‘click, click, click’ sound could help you reduce mistakes when typing. Well, there is a reason why it becomes a best seller of Outemu and even some say that it is Outemu’s best option.
Find a switch that is suitable for both gaming and typing? … We excitedly shout out to you the honorable Outemu Brown switches. The sound is clear and the feedback is bouncy so you can know where exactly you are on the keyboard. Moreover, it is so smooth for a tactile switch that makes it perfect for dancing with your fingertips.
Favorite Mechanical Keyboards with Outemu Switches
We suggest you check out those keyboards. They have good reviews from the keyboard fans.
VicTsing Mechanical Gaming Keyboard
Special features:
Outemu Blue switches
RGB backlit features with 16.8 million color options and adjustable brightness.
96-key rollover
Durability with a 50-million-keystroke life span
The VicTsing Mechanical Gaming Keyboard, which features tactile and clicky Outemu Blue switches, provides a gratifying and responsive typing experience, making it a popular option for people who like tactile and aural feedback when typing or gaming.
The VicTsing keyboard with Outemu switches offers exceptional value for consumers looking for a dependable and cost-conscious mechanical keyboard solution because of its affordable price point, configurable RGB backlighting, and durable structure.
Moreover, its RGB backlighting offers 16.8 million color options and adjustable brightness, adding a customizable visual element. With a 96-key rollover and durable construction rated for 50 million keystrokes, this keyboard is both practical and reliable for everyday use. Despite its affordable price, the keyboard's build quality and features make it an attractive option for gamers and typists seeking value and functionality.
The Motospeed CK101 Mechanical RGB Keyboard has the Outemu Red switches, which offers a smooth, linear keypress preferred by both typists and gamers, contributing to the keyboard's strong and responsive typing experience. Users can adapt their arrangement to their tastes because of the RGB backlighting's adaptability.
The Motospeed CK101 is a standout choice for individuals looking for a top-notch mechanical keyboard because of its price and dependability, as well as the durable Outemu switches.
With customizable RGB backlighting and 14 lighting effect combinations, users can tailor the visual setup to their preferences. The full N-key rollover ensures accurate inputs during gaming, while the keyboard’s solid construction adds durability at an affordable price.
Redragon K552 Kumara
Special features:
Outemu Red switches
Customize RGB lighting
Full N-key rollover
Affordable price
With Outemu Blue switches, the Redragon K552 Kumara offers a tactile and satisfying typing experience that both gamers and typists will appreciate. The metal construction of the K552 Kumara, which gives it durability, makes it a well-known product. The Redragon K552 Kumara is a good candidate for individuals looking for a high-quality mechanical keyboard because of its affordability and dependable Outemu switches.
Additionally, the K552's compact design with full N-key rollover, customizable RGB lighting, and adjustable rear feet enhance user comfort and personalization, making it a strong contender for those seeking a budget-friendly mechanical gaming keyboard with a focus on performance and portability.
Redragon K582 SURARA RGB LED Backlit Mechanical Gaming Keyboard
Special features:
Outemu Red switches or Outemu Blue switches
6 backlit themes and 18 backlit models
N-key rollover
Durability with a solid base
Wide compatibility
In contrast to Redragon K552 Kumara, the Redragon K582 SURARA RGB LED Backlit Mechanical Gaming Keyboard uses Outemu Brown switches, providing a tactile yet quiet typing experience that is perfect for both typing and gaming. The RGB backlighting gives the system a colorful touch and enables customers to adjust it to their tastes. Moreover, this keyboard balances style and functionality by utilizing anti-ghosting technology and a robust design.
In addition, the K582's durable construction with a sturdy base, full N-key rollover, and the option of Outemu Blue or Red switches ensure reliable performance and accurate keystrokes, making it a suitable option for demanding gamers and enthusiasts.
T-Dagger Bora TGK-313 Ice Blue Mechanical Keyboard
Special features:
Outemu Blue switches
Full key non-conflict
Durability with 50 million keystrokes
The T-Dagger Bora TGK-313 Ice Blue Mechanical Keyboard has Outemu Blue switches, which offer a tactile and audibly pleasant typing experience that is favored by both typists and gamers. The setting is visually stunning thanks to the vivid ice-blue illumination. Plus, the TGK-313 ensures endurance and comfort throughout prolonged typing or gaming sessions thanks to its robust construction and ergonomic design.
Besides, its TKL layout and detachable cable provide flexibility for gamers, a suitable choice for those seeking a reliable and feature-rich mechanical keyboard.
FAQs
Are Outemu Switches better than Cherry?
Outemu switches are typically more affordable, catering to a broader user base. Nonetheless, some individuals may perceive Cherry switches as providing a more seamless and reliable typing experience. The choice between Outemu and Cherry switches hinges on personal preference and the intended application.
Are Outemu Switches better than Gateron?
While Outemu excels in providing budget-friendly alternatives to Cherry switches, Gateron offers superior quality in various aspects. Consider aspects such as your budget limitations and your preferred typing experience to make the right choice for your unique requirements.
Do Cherry MX Keycaps fit on Outemu Switches?
Yes, they do, as Outemu Switches’ design is based on the Cherry MX. However, you should check on the specific version so the keycaps can fit well without problems.
Can I replace Outemu with Cherry?
Yes, you can. But, we advise you to check the pin, mount, and compatibility carefully before making the final decision.
Do Razer keycaps work on Outemu switches?
Because the Razer keycaps are compatible with Cherry MX. Hence, those can work on Ouetemu switches, which are dupes of Cherry MX.
What should I choose between Outemu Red and Outemu Brown switches?
They are both providing a smooth typing experience with light force. However, Outemu Red Switches are silent linear switches, whereas Outemu Brown ones have a clear sound that goes with a tactile bumpy feeling. So, you should choose based on your preferences of sound and typing feedback.
Final Thoughts
In terms of durability and quality, Outemu switches are not as good as Cherry MX or Gateron. However, given the price is a very small number, Outemu is the most similar to the other two brands in terms of quality. It is, for sure, way better than other switches at the same price range on the market.
So, for your wallet and for your keyboard, we highly recommend you to have a try at the Outemu switches if you think its offerings meet your needs.
Outemu switches are known for their affordability while mimicking the feel and compatibility of Cherry MX switches, a popular choice for budget-conscious mechanical keyboard enthusiasts. While they may not last as long or offer the same level of refinement as Cherry MX, Outemu switches provide solid performance for both gamers and typists. In this article, […]
In comparing Outemu vs Gateron switches, both brands offer budget-friendly alternatives to Cherry MX switches with notable differences. Outemu switches are typically louder and offer a more tactile feel, while Gateron switches are smoother and quieter. Both provide various switch types, feel, and sound, but Gateron’s smoother performance often appeals to gamers, while Outemu’s tactile […]
Mechanical keyboard switches are the crown jewel of any typist or gamer's keyboard. A laptop's flimsy rubber dome membrane just doesn't cut it when it comes to the feel of mechanical switches. To the average computer user, mechanical keyboard switches are structures that register keystrokes when you press the keycaps on a mechanical keyboard. Unlike […]
Outemu Orange switches have been around the switch market for a long time but there is not much discussion about them. As they have been introduced as an upgrade version of Outemu Brown switches, you may wonder how good those new Outemu Orange switches are, especially if you are fond of those famous Brown switches. […]
Stuck between Outemu vs Cherry MX switches? While Cherry MX boasts a long-standing reputation and premium price, Outemu is gaining ground with its affordable yet quality offerings. In this post, we'll delve deep into the intricate differences, pros, and cons of these renowned switch brands, guiding you toward an informed decision for your ultimate typing […]