Outemu Switches: Are They Good?

Mechanical keyboard are the top favorite for gamers, programmers, and writers alike. The satisfactory sound, crisp keycap slide, and fast response time are just some of the factors that make them the go-to product for every person with a computer. The main component that differentiates a mechanical keyboard from any other type of keyboard is a mechanical switch. While many manufacturers produce mechanical switches, Outemu remains the best budget mechanical switch for gaming keyboards.

The characteristics of the switch dictate the performance of a keyboard and its affordability. As a user, it's vital to understand what makes an Outemu switch reliable, durable, affordable, and robust. To comprehend what Outemu switches are, their types, and how they affect gaming and productivity, continue reading the article.

What are Keyboard Switches?

Mechanical keyboards thrive on switches. It is like a button that tells the computer to register a specific alphabet, number, symbol, or function that the user wants. Ultra-thin keyboards like the MEETION MK80 Keyboard Switches feature mechanical switches. It fits in a slim, full-size, 75%, or any other layout and design keyboard. They are complex mechanical devices that consist of multiple parts. Here are the components and their purpose:

● Housing: It is the part of the assembly that holds all the features together. And its quality plays an important role in the stability and durability of the switch.

● Stem: Whenever a user presses a key, the keycap moves straightly without wobbling. The stem directs the movement depending on the quality and tolerance. It guides everything in a uni-directional motion.

● Spring: It is the component that determines the strength required to initiate a key press. The spring also works to bring the key back to its initial position.

● Contacts: These are conductors that signal to the computer that the keypress from the user is confirmed so that the computer can receive the electric signal to recognize the keypress.

● Leaf: The leaf separates the contacts and moves with the stem.

What are Outemu Switches?

Many manufacturers are currently producing mechanical switches for keyboards. Outemu is among the highly respected brands due to their quality and affordability. Users consider Outemu Blue switches the best performers among all the available colors. But what are these colors, and what do they represent? More on that is coming later on.

Types of Outemu Switches

The three broad categories that differentiate between types of mechanical switches are Linear, Tactile, and Clicky. These types give the user insight into the feel, sound, force requirement, and feedback. Let's see what each of them indicate:

● Linear Outemu Switches

If you are a gamer or typist who prefers fast response time and smooth motion, linear Outemu switches are for you. They require the most minor force to actuation/triggering of a keypress. Manufacturers typically refer to it as a regular Red Outemu switch.

● Tactile Outemu Switches

These regular Outemu brown color switches are more tactile, with solid feedback for users who want the reassurance of a keypress. Their actuation force is higher, and the bump is noticeable just before registering a keypress.

● Clicky Outemu Switches

In our experience, Outemu exceeds expectations with its blue switches. The loud click and satisfactory bump at an actuation force lower than a liner switch make it ideal for gamers and typical alike. Therefore most keyboard manufacturer prefer using blue Outemu switches for their superior specifications.

Various Categories of Outemu Switches

Dongguan Gaote Electronics Co., LTD (Outemu) produces a wide range of switches that other manufacturers rarely produce. Based on unique characteristics, there are eight categories. Here is a small description of each one:

● Regular Switches: These are the switches we mentioned earlier. It is the most common design in mechanical keyboards. They are available in red, blue, brown, black, green, purple, silver, orange, orange, gold, golden pink, sky and ocean color.

● Low-Profile Switches: These switches are for keyboards with slim dimensions. Outemu LP switches are excellent for low-height constraint keyboard design.

● Dust-Proof Switches: For an industrial environment where dust is an integral part of work, having a long-term functioning keyboard switch is risky. In such scenarios, these switches have dedicated designs to prevent fine particles from entering and damaging the switch.

● ICE Switches: These are the best switches that Outemu produces. Their reputation as enthusiast-level switches is observable by their sharp response time, clicky nature, and solid recovery.

● Silent Switches: Sometimes, there are environments where the clicky keyboard can cause disturbance to the neighboring co-worker. Silent switches are loved by streamers who cannot afford clicky noise during their live streams. This is why Outemu's production of top-notch silent switches has garnered a considerable following among users.

● GAOTE Switches: These switches from Outemu are of premium quality and are specifically designed for elite devices to deliver exceptional smoothness and performance, with the name including the prefix of the manufacturer.

● Cream Switches: If you aim for a switch that performs exceptionally, providing smooth movements and a dustproof structure, then cream switches are for you. It is one of the best Outemu switches.

● Milk Switches: Their design targets whisper quietness and no distinct sound. It may feel mushy due to its silent operation, but it is meant to give a fair-sized tactile bump. And the switches are very quiet, with no distinct sound.

How to Choose the Right Outemu Switches for Your Needs

It might seem overwhelming to see so many choices. However, there is a straightforward approach to selecting the best switch for you. Here are some of the tips that can help our readers in decision-making:

1. Go for an Outemu Switch tester kit to test out all the possible types that you want to try.

2. Decide whether you like clicky, linear, or tactile types of switches.

3. If your work environment is dusty, go for dust-proof or cream Outemu switches.

4. As a gamer, pick a linear type switch and decide how much actuation force suits you using the tester kit.

5. If you own a hot-swappable keyboard, look for a three or five-pin Outemu switch compatible with the device.

Which Outemu Switch is Best for Gaming?  

When it comes to gaming, choosing the right mechanical switch can greatly enhance your gaming experience. Outemu is a well-known name in mechanical switches and offers a range of options to cater to different gaming preferences. One of the popular choices amongst gamers are the Outemu Blue switches. The Outemu Blue switches are known for their distinctive tactile feedback and "clicking" sound, which provides a satisfying typing experience. The tactile feel and "clicking" sound help players press keys with precision and feedback, making it ideal for game genres that rely on quick reactions and fast keystroke input.

On the other hand, if you prefer quieter switches, Outemu Red switches may be best for you. Outemu Red switches offer smooth, linear action without any tactile bumps or clicks. This type of switch is often favored by gamers who prefer quieter keyboards, as it allows for stealthy keystroke operation while providing a consistent responsive feel. For those looking for a balance between tactile feel and smoothness, the Outemu Brown switches are a great choice. Less tactile than the blue switches, the Outemu brown switches provide gentle feedback that is beneficial for gamers who need to strike a balance between typing and gaming functionality. Additionally, Outemu switches are known for their durability, ensuring longevity even during heavy gaming use. They are designed to withstand millions of keystrokes, making them a solid choice for avid gamers who are looking for a switch that can handle intense gaming.

In short, the best Outemu switch for gaming depends on personal preference and gaming style. Whether you prioritize the acoustic feedback of a blue switch, the smoothness of a red switch, or the balance of a brown switch, Outemu offers switches that will both enhance your gaming performance and provide a satisfying keystroke experience.

Read more： Outemu vs Cherry MX Switches: Which One Should You Choose

Conclusion

There is a vast collection of switches that Dongguan Gaote Electronics Co., LTD (Outemu). The choices range from affordable to premium flagship products for high-end devices like the MEETION MK005BT Keyboard Switches with Outemu Blue Switches. Whether you want a mushy, clicky, tactile, noisy, silent, lubricated, dust-proof, or smooth movement switch, Outemu has all the options. It's hardly possible for a user to not find their favorite switch under the Outemu lineup.