Keygeek Keygeek Raw vs. Outemu Silent Grey
An in-depth look at the Keygeek Keygeek Raw and the Outemu Silent Grey switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
The Keygeek Raw and Outemu Silent Grey are two mechanical keyboard switches with distinct characteristics that cater to different preferences. The Keygeek Raw is a linear switch known for its unique material blend of Nylon, UMPE, and Silicon, providing a creamy yet lightweight feel right out of the box. With a slightly textured touch and the option to hand-lube for enthusiasts, it offers a subtle and mild typing experience. On the other hand, the Outemu Silent Grey is a tactile switch that prioritizes quietness and tactile feedback. With a pronounced bump and smooth keystroke, it is perfect for those seeking a satisfying and silent typing experience. Choosing between these switches ultimately depends on whether you prefer a smooth and lightweight feel or a quiet and tactile typing experience. 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
N/A
Actuation force
50g
Bottom-out force
57.5g
Bottom-out force
65g
Pre-travel
1.40 mm
Pre-travel
1.60 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
No
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Nylon & UPE blend
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
UMPE & Si blend
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
22mm single-stage spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
In comparing the Keygeek Raw and Outemu Silent Grey housing materials, both switches feature unique blends exclusive to their brand. The Keygeek Raw utilizes a Nylon & UPE blend for the top housing and a UMPE & Si blend for the bottom housing, while the Outemu Silent Grey uses polycarbonate for the top housing and nylon for the bottom housing. The polycarbonate top housing of the Silent Grey creates a crisper and higher-pitched sound profile, ideal for those looking for a sharper typing experience. On the other hand, the nylon bottom housing of the Silent Grey produces a deeper and fuller sound, making it a more suitable option for users who prefer a softer typing feel.
Despite their differences, both switches offer distinct advantages based on their housing materials. The Keygeek Raw's Nylon & UPE blend top housing provides a unique typing experience that is not easily replicated by other switches, while the Outemu Silent Grey's polycarbonate top housing offers a clear and resonant sound profile perfect for RGB lighting setups. Additionally, the Keygeek Raw's UMPE & Si blend bottom housing and the Silent Grey's nylon bottom housing each contribute to the overall sound and feel of the switch, with the bottom housing affecting the bottom-out sound and feel while the top housing influences the sound upon key release.
Overall, the choice between the Keygeek Raw and Outemu Silent Grey housing materials ultimately comes down to personal preference and desired typing experience. Whether you prefer the sharp and crisp sound of polycarbonate or the deeper and fuller sound of nylon, both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences. By understanding how each housing material impacts the overall sound and feel of the switch, users can make an informed decision based on their specific typing preferences and needs.
Weight
In comparing the Keygeek Raw linear switch and the Outemu Silent Grey tactile switch, it is evident that the actuation force and bottom out force play a significant role in determining the typing experience. The Keygeek Raw has an actuation force of None grams, making it a lighter option compared to the Outemu Silent Grey which has a 50-gram actuation force. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Keygeek Raw requires 57.5 grams, while the Outemu Silent Grey is slightly heavier at 65 grams. This means that the Keygeek Raw provides a lighter typing experience overall, suitable for extended typing sessions or gaming. On the other hand, the Outemu Silent Grey offers a stronger push feel, creating a more substantial typing experience for those who prefer a heavier force. Both switches fall within the medium to medium-heavy force range, ensuring that users will get similar results in terms of performance and feel, depending on their personal preferences for actuation and bottom out forces. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will come down to individual typing preferences and the desired typing experience.
Travel distance
The Keygeek Keygeek Raw linear switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm, which is shorter than the 4 mm travel distance of the Outemu Silent Grey tactile switch. The Keygeek Raw offers a quicker response time, making it ideal for gamers who prioritize speed and agility. On the other hand, the Outemu Silent Grey provides a more substantial depth when pressing down on the keys, which may be preferable for those who enjoy a more tactile typing experience. Both switches have their own advantages based on their travel distances, catering to different preferences in typing style. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on whether you value a shorter travel distance for quick responses or a longer travel distance for a more satisfying key press.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Keygeek Keygeek Raw has an MSRP of $5.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Keygeek Raw for $3.51.
The Outemu Silent Grey 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 Keygeek Keygeek Raw linear switch is known for its neutral sound profile, making it suitable for a wide range of users and environments. On the other hand, the Outemu Silent Grey tactile switch is designed to offer a quiet typing experience, perfect for those who prefer a more subtle sound while typing. It's important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard and keycaps being used.
When it comes to feel, the Keygeek Keygeek Raw linear switch provides a slightly textured feel right out of the box, offering a unique and enjoyable typing experience. With a blend of Nylon, UMPE, and Silicon, these switches offer a lightweight yet creamy feel that is ideal for enthusiasts who prefer to hand-lube their switches. On the other hand, the Outemu Silent Grey tactile switch is known for its highly tactile typing experience, featuring a pronounced bump and a smooth keystroke. This makes it a great option for those seeking a satisfying and quiet typing experience.
Overall, both the Keygeek Keygeek Raw linear switch and the Outemu Silent Grey tactile switch offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences. While the Keygeek Raw provides a neutral sound profile and a slightly textured feel, the Outemu Silent Grey offers a quiet typing experience with a highly tactile feel. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on personal preference and the specific typing experience you're looking to achieve. Rest assured, both switches are high-quality options that will deliver satisfying results.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a unique, creamy yet lightweight typing experience that allows for hand-lubing, the Keygeek Raw linear switch would be a great choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a quiet and highly tactile typing experience with a pronounced bump, the Outemu Silent Grey tactile switch would be the better option. Consider your preference for actuation force, sound profile, and typing feel when making your decision between these two switches. Ultimately, both switches offer distinct characteristics tailored to different preferences, so choose the one that best suits your typing style and needs.
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