The Guide To Outemu Switches: A Good Alternative?

Have you ever imagined what makes every mechanical keyboard feel different when typing? It's the mechanical switches that give these keyboards a distinct click sound. The intensity, actuation force, keystroke movement, and tactility depend on these switches. And currently Cherry MX, Outemu, Kailh, Razer, Roccat, and Logitech are popular brands producing these mechanical switches.

A gaming mechanical keyboard relies on its switches to register key presses. However, they generally contribute a significant chunk to the price tag of a gaming keyboard. Considering the price/performance ratio of Outemu switches, they are prevalent in the budget category. In this article, we will explore its types and characteristics. Let's begin!

1. What Are Outemu Switches?

After the patent owned by the only mechanical switch manufacturer, “Cherry MX,” expired in 2014, the race to build better mechanical switches started. Outemu switches are a lineup of budget-friendly keyboard components manufactured by Dongguan Gaote Electronics Co., LTD. They have an extensive category of mechanical keyboard switches that are broader than any other manufacturer has to offer.

2. The Outemu Switches Lineup

The lineup of Outemu mechanical switches comes in the typical clicky, tactile, and linear types. However, their variety goes beyond just these three categories. Here is the list of all the broad categories of switches that Outemu has to offer:

1. Regular Switches

2. Low-Profile Switches

3. Dust-proof Switches

4. ICE Switches

5. Silent Switches

6. GAOTE Switches

7. Cream Switches

8. Milk Switches

Like every switch manufacturer, Outemu also uses Red, Blue, Black, Brown, etc colors to differentiate between switches. However, Outemu has a broader lineup than any other manufacturer, with distinct general categories and specific products within each category. Let's explore all of them:

Outemu Regular Switches: Budget-Friendly with Performance

The Outemu regular switches are gaming products' most common mechanical keyboard switches. They come in various colors indicating actuation force, bottom-out force, and travel distance. However, the bottom-out distance for all the switches is 4mm. Most gaming keyboards feature these regular switches.

Outemu Low-Profile Switches: For the Slim Keyboards

Mechanical Keyboards with a low height require slim switches to maintain their thickness and feel. They are generally tricky to manufacture and have a lower 3mm bottom-out distance than regular Outemu mechanical switches. The manufacturing complexity leads to a higher price tag. Here are its types:

Outemu Dust-Proof Switches: Industrial and Construction Environment

In a dusty environment, there is always a potential for dust to enter mechanical components and cause damage. Mechanical keyboards are also susceptible to wear and tear generated by dusty environmental conditions. Outemu offers excellent dust-proof switch options for blue-collar jobs that require rugged products with a 4mm bottom-out distance.

Outemu ICE Switches: High-End Mechanical Switches

These are top-of-the-line 4mm bottom out, designed for high-end mechanical switches. They have a unique ICE housing that works excellent for light transmission. RGB penetration through the housing is vibrant and clear. They have better tactility and smoothness compared to regular Outemu switches.

Outemu Silent Switches: For Libraries and Cabin Workspace

Are you seeking a quiet keyboard? Outemu Silent switches are the way to go. They provide minimal noise, making them ideal for libraries, late-night typing sessions, or even streaming without disturbing others.

Internal dampeners and unique housing designs reduce the click to a "thock" with each keystroke. There are amazing colors associated with the Outemu silent switches. Have a look at the table below to observe the differences:

Outemu GAOTE Switches: Ramped Up Regular Outemu Switches

Gaote is the original manufacturer of the Outemu switches. The manufacturer uses the prefix to indicate a higher quality premium version of the regular switches with better smoothening and activity. If you want a near-to Cherry MX experience with budget-friendly choices, then GAOTE is the best. The bottom-out of the GAOTE switch is 4mm.

Outemu Cream Switches - Pre-Lubed and Dust-Proof

As the name suggests, they are smooth as cream. The softness is primarily due to their pre-lubed enclosure, which becomes long-lasting owing to the dust-proof design. Gaming keyboard wholesale providers can directly purchase them from the manufacturer. However, they are rarely available on e-commerce websites.

Outemu Milk Switches - Enhanced version of Cream Switches

They are smoother with thock sound and translucent housing for RGB lowers. At a similar price to Outemu Cream Swithces, they are budget-friendly and worth a try!

3. Are Outemu Switches Good?

The performance and sales graph of Outemu switches indicates their quality. Outemu offers various products, targeting audiences demanding high-end or budget-friendly options. Gaming keyboard wholesale distributors love the switches mainly due to their availability and GAOTE manufacturing capability. Let's look at these switches' pros and cons to judge their performance truly.

The Upsides of Choosing Outemu Switches

● Comprehensive options in Premium, High-End, and Budget Category

● Offers Pre-Lubed and Dust-Proof Options for Gamers

● Excellent Silent Category Options

● High Manufacturer's Production Capability

● Experienced with Tried and Tested “Cherry MX” Design

Challenges of Outemu Switches

● Regular Switches Subpar to Competition

● Loads of Options can Confuse Buyers

● Not All Types are Readily Available on Marketplaces

4. Choosing The Right Outemu Switches

Picking the best Outemu switch is a process. A high-end gaming mechanical keyboard like MEETION MK005BT features blue mechanical switch options that are tactile and suitable for most gamers. However, a hot-swappable mechanical switch keyboard like MEETION MK007 PRO can offer replaceability, opening new horizons for Outemu switch options. Let's break down the decision-making process into steps to help our readers pick the best one.

1. Decide what your environment demands. Do you need a quiet, loud, tactile, dust-proof, or durable switch? Based on that, pick the category.

2. Buy a Mechanical Switch Tester to get the feel of actuation force and distance-associated mechanism. Select the switch that feels the best and observe its specs.

3. Find those specs in this blog's list of Outemu switches.

4. Count the number of switches you need.

5. Place your order and prep your hot-swappable keyboard for the new switches.

6. Use proper tools and preferably ground yourself before working.

7. Ensure a clean and good lighting environment to work in.

8. Proceed with caution.

5. Conclusion

The blog was about Outemu switches and their categories. After reviewing the list and number of options, there is no better option than Outemu. Their comprehensive library and unique features make them stand out from others. High-end mechanical keyboards like the MEETION MK005BT use the Outemu Blue switches for tactility, ensuring the best feedback for gamers. Consider buying a keyboard with hot-swappable switches and try Outemu switches yourself.

We hope you find the right switch for your mechanical gaming keyboard. Visit the MEETION website for a complete lineup of Mechanical gaming keyboards with Outemu switches.