In the world of mechanical keyboards, switches are a vital aspect that greatly influences a user’s typing or gaming experience. When it comes to choosing between keyboard switches, two brands that often come into discussion are Outemu and Gateron.
Overview: Outemu and Gateron
Outemu and Gateron, both Chinese companies, have made a name for themselves in the keyboard switch market for their affordability and performance. Modeled after the popular Cherry MX series, these two brands provide users with a range of options to cater to their specific needs.
Outemu: The Budget-Friendly Contender
Known for its budget-friendly appeal, Outemu offers four different colors of switches catering to various requirements. One of Outemu’s strong points is its tactile typing experience, especially with the blue-clicky version, which has become quite popular among users.
While they can develop a shaky feel over time, making them less ideal for long-term use or intense gaming sessions, many appreciate the crisp and loud sounds that come with each keystroke. With 12 versions available offering short travel distances (2-4mm), Outemu enhances sensitivity when registering keystrokes.
Gateron: The Durable Performer
On the other hand, Gateron is popular for its durability and lower actuation force compared to Outemu. Offering six different color options and eight versions ranging from linear to tactile to clicky, Gateron appeals to a wide array of preferences.
Gateron switches are celebrated for their smooth feel making them an excellent choice for both gaming and development purposes. They are often praised as some of the best duplicates of Cherry MX switches.
Performance Comparison: Actuation Force and Durability
When it comes down to actuation force – the pressure required while pressing keys – Gateron takes the upper hand with a wider range (35g – 80g) compared to Outemu (50g – 65g). This broader spectrum allows users more flexibility in choosing their preferred typing feel.
Durability is another area where Gateron shines brighter than Outemu, designed to withstand up to 50 million keystrokes which translates roughly into 195 years! This makes them an ideal choice for active gamers who require robustness in their gear.
Understanding the Color Options
Firstly, let’s delve a bit deeper into what these color options mean. Both Outemu and Gateron offer a variety of switch colors, each designed for a different use-case. For example, Gateron’s red switches are linear, meaning they require a consistent force throughout the keypress making them ideal for gaming. On the other hand, Outemu’s blue switches are clicky and tactile, providing noticeable feedback with each keystroke which is often favored by typists.
Sound: A Key Factor
For many keyboard enthusiasts, the sound that each keystroke makes can greatly impact their overall typing or gaming experience. As noted earlier, Outemu switches are known for their crisp and loud sounds especially the blue-clicky ones. They provide an audible ‘click’ with each press that some users find satisfying. Meanwhile, Gateron switches have a more muted sound profile compared to Outemu which may be more appealing to those who prefer a quieter workspace or gaming environment.
Availability and Accessibility
Another factor worth considering when comparing these two brands is their availability and accessibility in different regions. While both brands are widely available online, Gateron switches generally tend to be easier to obtain than Outemu in many parts of the world. This could potentially influence your choice if you’re planning on purchasing or replacing switches frequently.
Ease of Installation
If you’re someone who enjoys tinkering with your mechanical keyboard setup or are planning on swapping out switches regularly, ease of installation might be an important factor for you. Both Outemu and Gateron switches are user-friendly in this regard, but do remember that the process requires some patience and delicacy!
FAQs about Outemu vs Gateron
Which is better: Outemu or Gateron?
While it largely depends on personal preference and specific needs, generally speaking, Gateron is considered superior due to its smoother typing experience and better durability than Outemu.
I’m on a budget. Should I choose Outemu?
Outemu is known for its budget-friendly appeal so it would indeed be a good option to choose a budget Outemu switch if you’re watching your spending.
I’m new to mechanical keyboards. Which one should I get?
If you’re just venturing into the world of mechanical keyboards, you might want to start with something cheaper like an Outemu switch-based keyboard. However, if budget isn’t an issue, then trying out Gateron for its smoother typing experience could be worth it!
Are there any differences in sound between these two brands?
Yes! Outemu switches are known for their crisp and loud sounds while Gateron switches tend to have a more muted sound profile.
Final Verdict: Quality and Price Considerations
Although both brands offer good value in their own right, generally speaking, Gateron is considered superior due to its smoother typing experience and better durability than Outemu.
However, if you’re on a tight budget or just venturing into the world of mechanical keyboards, you might want to give Outemu a try first given its lower cost.
Remember though that whatever your decision may be; it should resonate with your personal preference and needs. If you’re still unsure about which switch suits you best or how they feel like under your fingertips; perhaps it’s time to get adventurous by swapping out some switches on your keyboard!
In conclusion, whether you’re opting for an immersive gaming experience or looking for softer creams for coding marathons, there’s no right or wrong answer here. At the end of the day, it boils down to individual preferences and comfort level. Happy Typing!