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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 and gaming experience.
Cherry switches, manufactured by Cherry GmbH, are among the most well-established mechanical keyboard switches globally. They have earned a reputation for their exceptional build quality, longevity, and consistent performance, making them a preferred choice for enthusiasts, gamers, and professionals.
Cherry offers several series of switches, each with its own unique characteristics, include: Cherry MX Red, Brown, Blue, Black, Green, Clear, Cherry MX Silent Red, and Cherry MX Silent Black.
Pretty many, right? But how are they different? This Cherry MX switch comparison will truly give you clear insights about each Cherry switch.
While Cherry is the "old man" in the world of mechanical switches, Outemu has newly entered the race a few years back.
Outemu switches are manufactured by the Chinese company Outemu. They are available in different variants, including Blue, Red, Brown, Black, and more.
Compared to Cherry, Outemu switches are offered at lower cost. Even so, they still deliver an enjoyable typing experience with options for linear, tactile, and clicky feedback. For mechanical keyboard enthusiasts, Outemu switches offer a cost-effective choice to enjoy a tactile and responsive typing experience.
If you want to learn more about these budget-friendly switches, our guide of Outemu switches will help you.
So we've walked you through some basics of Cherry and Outemu switches. Here is a summary table for a better grasp.
| Outemu Switches | Cherry MX Switches | |
| Origin | China | Germany |
| Number of versions | 12 versions | 14 versions |
| Price range | $7.99 - $15.99/20pcs | $16.99 - $18.99/20pcs |
| Average lifespan | 20 - 50 million keystrokes | 50 million keystrokes |
| Consistency | Low | High |
| Availability | Low | High |
Outemu Vs Cherry: The winner is the legendary Cherry MX
The design at the bottom of Cherry MX is extremely precise, hence all of their switches are very stable, except that the Blue clicky switch is wobbly in nature. Thanks to the firm bottom, the tactility of the Cherry switches in general is crispy and sharp.
On the other hand, the tactility of Outemu switches is nice. However, the keys are a little bit shaky, because there is extra space at the bottom - may be due to cost-saving. In addition, the off-center keys are even scratchier than the center keys.
Outemu Vs Cherry: Once again, the Cherry MX goes and takes the crown
As we have mentioned the precise design of Cherry MX switches, that precision allows all the presses on the keyboard to be stable and consistent.
In contrast, there is a lack of consistency between the off-center and center keys of Outemu switches. Moreover, the shakiness among the keys cannot result in the desired stability as the Cherry MX. It is also worth noticing that many users responded there are some issues caused by the switches after using them for a while.
Outemu Vs Cherry: No surprise! Cherry MX switches have better sound quality than the Outemu
Overall, the Outemu switches have a louder sound or higher pitch than the Cherry MX switches. This can be seen in almost clicky and tactile versions. In the linear versions, the sound of Outemu is deeper or more metallic, which may be annoying to some. This might be due to the quality of the material or the design. That is why we think the winner is Cherry MX as they have a more luxurious and sophisticated sound.
However, some respond that they prefer Outemu’sound to the Cherry MX despite the fact that it sounds cheaper. For example, the Outemu Blue sound may be so high and noisy for some people so they pick Cherry MX. But, there are people who truly enjoy that ‘noise’ as they think it is fun.
Of course, sound is something very personal. So, we recommend you take a look at those videos we have included for a preview.
Are you looking to experience the sound of Outemu and Cherry MX switches? Look no further. Watch this video right away!
Outemu Vs Cherry: The winner must be Cherry MX, you know. We pay that much anyway.
Being the world leader in switch technology, it’s easy to get why the durability of Cherry MX is way higher than Outemu. Whereas Outemu’s users sometime respond that the keys got into problems after a while, Cherry MX’s users feel very confident in the durability of their mechanical keyboard.
Moreover, the longevity of Cherry MX is double that of Outemu. Lab test shows that Cherry MX can be used up to 100 million keystrokes - except for the Blue line, which is a very long time.
Outemu Vs Cherry: The only aspect that Cherry MX cannot beat Outemu, is price.
Outemu Browns are cheaper than Cherry MX Browns, as they are made in China by a less reputable brand. They can be found in many budget keyboards or bought individually for personal builds.
Cherry MX Browns are more expensive, as they are made in Germany by the original manufacturer of mechanical switches. They are more widely available and compatible with most keycaps and hot-swap boards.
Even though Cherry MX is the first brand and its products are of top quality, some people decide to go for other brands, which include Outemu. The major reason is that their price is much lower. Take the Blue Clicky switches as an example. A pack of 10 Cherry MX switches will be $10 while you can get 20 Outemu switches for $12.
Outemu Vs Cherry: Cherry MX switches come first thanks to its rich history.
When comparing the availability of Outemu and Cherry MX switches, it's evident that Cherry MX switches offer a wider range of options. Cherry MX switches have become an industry standard, offering 7 different switch types to cater to various preferences, not mention to a few limited-edition models.
On the contrary, Outemu switches are confined to the standard red, blue, and brown variants, limiting the variety of options available to users.
You see, Cherry is overall superior to Outemu in many ways. Cherry switches are a good choice for people who frequently use mechanical keyboards at fast speeds for tasks like coding and gaming.
If you are short of money, Outemu switches offer more cost-effective features. As they are not very durable and will be ideal for typists using keyboards with medium and low frequencies.
Most buyers will typically be unable to distinguish between these switches and may even favor the Outemu switches based only on price, feel and sound.
Ultimately, the decision comes down to personal tastes and preferences. For further insights, check out a detailed comparison of each product with its counterparts in the next part.
When it comes to tactile switches for mechanical keyboards, both Outemu Brown and Cherry MX Browns have their distinct features. Let's take a closer look at what sets them apart in terms of typing experience and performance.
Specs comparison
| Outemu Brown Switches
|
Cherry MX Brown Switches
|
|
| Switch type | Tactile | Tactile |
| Pre Travel | 2.0mm | 2.0mm |
| Total Travel | 4.0mm | 4.0mm |
| Actuation force | 50g | 55g |
| Bottom Out Force | 65g | 60g |
| Lifespan | 50 million keystrokes | Over 100 million keystrokes |
| Sound | Quiet | Quiet |
| Price | $0.37/pcs | $1.05/pcs |
Both switches have a similar actuation force of 55g and a key travel distance of 2mm to 4mm. However, Outemu Browns have a shorter lifespan of 40 to 50 million keystrokes, while Cherry MX Browns can last up to 100 million keystrokes.
Typing Experience
Outemu Browns have a stiffer spring and a smoother feel than Cherry MX Browns. They also have a more noticeable tactile bump that peaks at 1.2mm at 53g. Some users may prefer the smoother and more tactile Outemu Browns, while others may find them too heavy or mushy.
Gaming Performance
Both switches are suitable for gaming, as they offer a balance between responsiveness and accuracy. However, some gamers may prefer the lighter and more consistent Cherry MX Browns, while others may enjoy the deeper and louder Outemu Browns.
Sound
Browns produce a low-medium sound that is slightly deeper than Cherry MX Browns. They are not as quiet as linear switches, but they are not as noisy as clicky switches either. They can be used in most environments without disturbing others too much.
To sum up, both Outemu Brown and Cherry MX Brown switches are suitable for a wide range of users. But if you prefer a more solid typing experience, you can't go wrong with Outemu Brown switches. Alternatively, pick Cherry MX Brown switches if you want to rest your fingers during extended typing sessions.
Still unsure which one is best for you? Move to the following video. It will clear all your confusion and lead you to the right choice.
If you are looking for a clicky switch for your mechanical keyboard, you might be wondering how Outemu Blue switches compare to Cherry MX Blue switches.
Specs comparison
| Outemu Blue Switches
|
Cherry MX Blue Switches
|
|
| Switch type | Clicky | Clicky |
| Pre Travel | 2.2mm | 2.2mm |
| Total Travel | 4.0mm | 4.0mm |
| Actuation force | 60g | 60g |
| Bottom Out Force | N/A | 60g |
| Lifespan | 50 million keystrokes | Over 100 million keystrokes |
| Sound | Loud | Loud |
| Price | $0.47/pcs | $1.07/pcs |
Typing Experience
Outemu Blues have a larger and more evident tactile bump than Cherry MX Blues. They also have a scratchier feel and a higher-pitched click. However, their unique flair comes with a touch of scratchiness and a higher-pitched click, which might not be everyone's cup of tea.
Some users find them a bit too heavy or inconsistent. Moreover, sometimes keys won’t register if pressed Outemu Blues slowly.
Gaming Performance
Both switches are not ideal for gaming, as they are loud, heavy, and prone to accidental presses. However, some gamers may enjoy the tactile feedback and the audible click of the switches. Outemu Blues may be slightly more suitable for gaming than Cherry MX Blues, as they have a shorter actuation point of 1.9mm compared to 2.2mm.
Sound
Outemu Blues produce a loud, rattle-y, and high-pitched sound that is louder than Cherry MX Blues. Their volume is music to the ears of some, but beware! They are not recommended for quiet environments or shared spaces, as they can be very annoying to others. They can be used in noisy environments or with headphones, but they may still be too loud for some people.
In verdict, we would say that the Cherry MX switch will be your best bet with its premium durability for heavy typing or programming. However, Outemu Blue switches will never let you down if you are a budget-conscious gamer or typist.
Watch the video below to see how Outemu Blue and Cherry MX Blue switches actually function in use.
Linear switches of Outemu and Red may get you confused with some of the same features. If you’ve decided to go for a linear, you should compare Outemu Red vs Cherry MX Red to find the right one.
Specs comparison
| Outemu Red Switches
|
Cherry MX Red Switches
|
|
| Switch type | Linear | Linear |
| Pre Travel | 2.0mm | 2.0mm |
| Total Travel | 4.0mm | 4.0mm |
| Actuation force | 45g | 45g |
| Bottom Out Force | 62g | 60g |
| Lifespan | 50 million keystrokes | Over 100 million keystrokes |
| Sound | Quiet ((no tactile bump) | Quiet ((no tactile bump) |
| Price | $0.5/pcs | $1.3/pcs |
Outemu Red and Cherry MX Red switches are nearly identical in their technical specifications. Understandably, the Outemu Red is a kind of linear Cherry MX Red clone switch.
The force curves of the two are fairly comparable. You will get the same typing experience using these two switches: smooth, consistent, and effortless, making them well-suited for fast typing tasks.
Outemu Red switch is more prone to wobbling and scratches than the Cherry MX switch, making it underestimated in quality and stability. Therefore, Cherry Red would be more suitable for gaming than Outemu Red.
Both of them offer a highly fluid noise-free typing experience that is perfect for quiet environments. However, if you pay close attention you will notice that the Cherry MX Red's sound is a bit lower-pitched than the Outemu.
However, Outemu Red undoubtedly provides us with a great deal and the MX Red is not really worth the additional cost. If you need more assurance for reliability, MX Red is still the winner.
We bet you still need more reviews of these two Red switches. So, watch the video below to find the right one for your tastes.
Yes, however, they are better in some aspects, such as affordability, without compromising any of the standout features included in the Cherry MX switches.
Yes, Cherry MX switches and Outemu switches have the same MX-style design, meaning they have the same cross-shaped stem. Thus, they fit standard MX-style keyboard keycaps and keyboard PCBs.
It all depends on personal preference and typing style. Cherry MX Reds are suitable for those who need a completely noise-free typing environment. The Outemu Reds also offer near-silent typing, but at an affordable price.
The better option will vary from person to person. If you desire tactile feedback without the click sound, Outemu Browns could be a good fit for a smooth typing experience. If you place a high priority on consistency in quality, Cherry MX Browns will be a must-have.
The choice is ultimately up to you. Outemu Blues is suitable for regular use if you like the clicky sound. But if you are a programmer, the Cherry MX switch should be on your desk for heavy use.
Cherry MX switches are considered to be more durable than Outemu thanks to its reliable high-quality build that can withstand heavy use.
Outemu Blue is louder and higher-pitched than Cherry MX Blue.
Outemu Brown is often louder than Cherry MX Brown.
Outemu Red is a near-silent switch while Cherry MX Red produces no noise.
Yes, you can replace Outemu switches with Cherry switches since they are Cherry MX clones with very small differences between them.
In general, Cherry MX switches have a better quality than Outemu. But, there are some lines from Outemu that are really awesome, even on par with Cherry MX. They are Outemu Brown switches, Outemu Black switches and Outemu Red switches.
You can find them on Amazon, eBay, drop.com, flashquark.com, or mechanicalkeyboards.com
You can buy Cherry MX on Amazon, mechanicalkeyboards.com, or Walmart.
Between Outemu switches Vs Cherry MX switches, Cherry MX is the winner in terms of quality. However, Outemu switches offer a much lower price with a decent quality that can save your pocket. Despite being a clone, Outemu switches have their selling points in addition to the price, for example, transparent housing for LED keyboards or a unique tactile-linear Brown switch.
After going through this comparison, you may feel more at ease giving out decisions. Maybe you will go for Cherry MX for long time use. Maybe you will choose the Outemu Blue switches because of their price and their very loud sound. Or, maybe you will choose both Outemu Vs Cherry, all on one keyboard.
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