Gateron CM vs. Outemu Silent White
An in-depth look at the Gateron CM and the Outemu Silent White switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Gateron CM and the Outemu Silent White offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences. The Gateron CM switch, a linear switch, stands out for its full nylon housing and exceptional factory lube job, providing a rich and smooth typing experience with a bouncy feel thanks to its dual-staged spring. Known for its 'Buttery', 'Bassy', 'Polished', and 'Thocky' characteristics, the CM switch offers a low-pitched, creamy, and frictionless typing sensation. On the other hand, the Outemu Silent White switch, also a linear switch, lacks a standout feature but is categorized as a silent switch. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
55g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Bottom-out force
60g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.60 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.30 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
pom
Top housing material
Nylon
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Dual-staged 20mm lengthened gold-plated spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Gateron CM and the Outemu Silent White switches, the most significant difference lies in their top housing material. The CM utilizes nylon for its top housing, which creates a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer plastic properties. On the other hand, the Silent White features a polycarbonate top housing, resulting in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This contrast in sound characteristics is attributed to the difference in stiffness between nylon and polycarbonate, with nylon absorbing more sound and creating a rounder sound compared to the resonant qualities of polycarbonate.
However, when it comes to the bottom housing of both switches, they share the same nylon material. This material choice for the bottom housing leads to a similar deep and full sound profile for both switches. The softness of the nylon plastic absorbs sound effectively, resulting in a duller and rounder sound when typing on either the Gateron CM or the Outemu Silent White. This similarity in bottom housing material showcases how certain housing materials can contribute to consistent sound qualities across different switches, even when other components may differ.
Overall, the choice of housing materials for mechanical switches plays a crucial role in determining the sound profile and typing experience. While the Gateron CM and the Outemu Silent White switches both aim to provide a smooth and quiet typing experience, the use of different top housing materials results in distinct sound characteristics. The nylon top housing of the CM creates a deeper and duller sound, while the polycarbonate top housing of the Silent White produces a sharper and crisper sound. Despite this difference, the shared nylon bottom housing ensures a consistent deep and full sound profile, demonstrating how housing materials can impact the overall typing feel and sound of mechanical switches.
Weight
When comparing the Gateron CM linear switch and the Outemu Silent White linear switch, we see a difference in actuation force and bottom out force. The Gateron CM has a higher actuation force of 55 grams and bottom out force of 63.5 grams, making it a medium-heavy switch. In contrast, the Outemu Silent White has a lower actuation force of 45 grams and bottom out force of 60 grams, which is medium. This means that the Gateron CM requires a bit more force to trigger a keystroke and fully press down compared to the Outemu Silent White. For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the Outemu Silent White would be the better option, allowing for longer typing sessions without fatigue. On the other hand, the Gateron CM provides a more substantial typing experience with its heavier forces, making it suitable for those who prefer a stronger push feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches would depend on personal preference for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The Gateron CM linear switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Outemu Silent White linear switch has a travel distance of 3.3 mm. In this case, the Silent White has a slightly shorter travel distance compared to the CM. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances that are becoming more popular, especially among gamers looking for faster response times. Those who prefer a more responsive feel may lean towards the Outemu Silent White switch with its slightly shorter travel distance. However, for users who appreciate a bit more depth and tactile feedback when typing, the Gateron CM switch with its slightly longer travel distance may be the preferred choice. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will come down to personal preference for travel distance and key feel.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron CM has an MSRP of $4.80 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the CM for $4.25.
The Outemu Silent White comes in at $3.10 per 10 switches.
Here at Milktooth, we offer the best prices on switches (on average, 27% lower the competition). In addition, we offer free shipping on orders over $49.00. We also offer free returns and exchanges, so you can shop with guaranteed satisfaction.
That said, while price is an important piece of the puzzle, our opinion is that you should ultimately pick the option that most suits your unique preferences since you’ll be using these switches for years to come. In other words, finding something perfect for you is, in our view, the most important criteria.
Typing experience
In terms of sound, the Gateron CM linear switch offers a bassy, thocky, and low-pitched sound profile, providing a deeper and richer auditory experience during key presses. On the other hand, the Outemu Silent White linear switch does not have any specific sound descriptors available, making it more difficult to compare the two in this aspect. When it comes to feel, the Gateron CM is known for its buttery, polished, creamy, and frictionless typing experience, boasting a smooth and fluid keystroke sensation that maximizes typing efficiency and comfort. Unfortunately, there is no information available on the specific feel qualities of the Outemu Silent White switch, making it challenging to make a direct comparison in this category.
Overall, the Gateron CM linear switch stands out for its unique nylon housing, rich sound signature, and smooth typing experience facilitated by a dual-staged spring design and factory lube job. While the subjective qualities of the Outemu Silent White linear switch remain unknown, if you enjoy the characteristics of the Gateron CM switch, you may also appreciate the Outemu Silent White switch for potentially similar results in sound and feel. Ultimately, personal preference and typing style will play a significant role in determining which switch is the best fit for you.
Conclusion
In summary, when considering whether to choose the Gateron CM linear switch or the Outemu Silent White linear switch, it ultimately comes down to personal preference and what you prioritize in a keyboard switch. If you value a bouncy typing experience with a rich and deep sound profile, along with a smooth and effortless keystroke, then the Gateron CM linear switch may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium bottom out force with a silent operation and do not mind sacrificing some of the unique characteristics of the CM switch, then the Outemu Silent White linear switch might be more suitable for your typing preferences. Ultimately, both switches have their strengths and it's important to consider what features matter most to you when selecting the ideal mechanical keyboard switch for your needs.
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