Outemu vs Cherry MX Switches: Which One Should You Choose?

Amazed by the benefits offered by a mechanical keyboard, you finally decide to buy one for your needs. You browse the top models available in the market but are still determining when it comes down to the choice of mechanical switches. Two names must have caught your attention, i.e., Cherry MX switches and Outemu switches. The former is a German giant and the epitome of quality for a long time, while the other is a Chinese brand that seems to conquer the market with its budget-friendly options. So which one should you go for? Well, there is more to the debate than just simple differences. In this article, we will be diving deep into the individual pros and cons of these switches and their suitability per your keyboarding needs.

Outemu Switches

The unique selling point of Outemu switches is that they are a budget-friendly alternative. It is a handy benefit, as getting a quality mechanical keyboard without breaking your pocket is no less than a challenge these days. And Outemu switches offer various variants, which will be discussed below.

Different Types of Outemu Switches

While most Outemu switches are clones of Cherry MX counterparts, some of their variants are their specialties. The regular Outemu switches include blue, brown, red, black, and silver variants with different actuation forces and travel distances. Other variants include low-profile, dust-proof, ice, and silent switches. For example, dust-proof switches prevent fine particles from getting inside the switch, while Ice switches provide pleasing tactile feedback and clicky sounds.

Popular Outemu Switch Keyboards

Meetion MK007PRO

A hot-swappable mechanical gaming keyboard is no less than a treat for passionate users. Equipped with Outemu blue switches, the Meetion mechanical keyboard MK007PRO boasts a beautiful ergonomic design. The hot-swappable function ensures easy plugging and key-shaft replacement to extend the service life. It also presents an opportunity to try out new switches as you like.

Meetion MK600MX

Meetion MK600MX is a popular mechanical keyboard with Outemu blue and red switches. This rainbow-backlit keyboard is specially designed for passionate gamers, and gives off crisp sounds and pleasing feedback from Outemu switches.

Cherry MX Switches

Cherry MX switches are the finest quality mechanical switches from a German brand. They are highly reliable, more durable, and boast longer life spans. Their rated keystrokes are generally higher in the range of 100 million keystrokes, while other competitors offer 50 million. It is worth mentioning that these switches prove to be heavy on the pocket owing to the reputation of the brand and exceptional quality.

Different types of Cherry MX switches

Various kinds of Cherry MX switches are available in the market. The most popular are red, silver, black, brown, and blue switches. Red and black are designed for gaming, while blue is for typing. Moreover, the silver switch is best for a speedy response. Other variants include silent switches and low-profile switches.

Popular Cherry MX Keyboard

Cherry MX Board 3.0S

Cherry MX board 3.0S is a customizable high-performance gaming keyboard with numerous outstanding features. This full-size keyboard has an N-key rollover and palm rest for a comfortable experience. The most significant selling point is the possibility of customizing its Cherry MX switches, lighting, and color, making it your unique keyboard.

Outemu vs Cherry MX Switches: A Side-by-Side Comparison

Tactility: The tactility of switches refers to the crispy and sharp sound that gives off pleasing feedback when typing or gaming. From this point of view, Cherry MX is the standout winner. They have a precise and firm bottom design to reduce the presence of any wobbly feedback. On the other hand, Outemu switches have extra space at the bottom to save some cost, making them slightly shaky and unstable.

Sound: Although the sound of switches varies with their design (clicky, tactile, or linear), Outemu switches tend to sound louder than their Cherry MX counterparts. But Cherry MX switches feel more luxurious and premium. Since the likeness of certain sounds is a purely subjective matter, we recommend you try out both before making a decision.

Affordability: From a budget point of view, Outemu switches are the clear winners by a fair margin. Although Cherry MX is readily available and compatible with most keyboards, they are heavy on the pocket. Instead, Outemu is relatively affordable and provides performance similar to a Cherry MX. So, if you are on a budget and want to enjoy fine switches, no doubt Outemu is your best bet.

Availability: Since Cherry MX is an established brand, it is readily available. It also offers variants as many as Outemu. Outemu, on the other hand, has switches for enthusiasts and entry-level switches for an average user. Both mainly provide the standard brown, blue, and red variants. But both Cherry MX and Outemu switches can cater to the diverse needs of a passionate typist or gamer easily.

Which Switch Type is Right for You?

Nowadays there are many different switch types available in the market, all with a different feel and sound, so it can be hard to narrow down which is the best for you. Usually it all boils down to personal preference.

Casual Users: If you are a casual user just starting out using mechanical keyboards, you may opt for Outemu switches as they won’t be too heavy on your budget. Moreover, when compared to Cherry MX switches, the typing or gaming experience will feel similar for beginners as they are not too demanding in their approach.

Passionate Gamer: If you are a passionate gamer, the last thing you want is a wobbly or shaky keystroke. Competitive gaming requires pinpoint accuracy and responsiveness so Cherry MX may be your best choice. On the other hand, Outemu produces louder sounds, which can be very pleasing for some gaming enthusiasts. So, the final decision depends upon your preferences.

Typing Enthusiast: Since the preferences of a typist are highly subjective, you can not announce a clear winner here. Outemu browns feel stiffer and smoother than their Cherry counterparts. But Outemu doesn’t offer longer life as their rated keystrokes are generally lesser than Cherry MX, which means a difference of 40 to 50 million keystrokes. It is an essential factor, as typing requires repetitive and frequent stroking.

Conclusion

So, which switch wins the battle for the best mechanical switch? There is no doubt Cherry MX is the standout winner in terms of quality and longevity, but Outemu switches perform incredibly well from a price-to-performance aspect. So, it all comes down to your requirements, preferences, and budget.

If you are still deciding which switch to choose, hot-swappable keyboards like Meetion mechanical keyboard MK007 PRO can be your best bet. In this way, you can get a feel of both types of switches and then decide upon your experience. The goal is to make an informed decision so that your decision does not go to waste.