Keygeek Keylin vs. Outemu Blue
An in-depth look at the Keygeek Keylin and the Outemu Blue switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the choice often comes down to personal preference and typing style, and two popular options are the Keygeek Keylin and the Outemu Blue switches. The Keygun Keylin, a linear switch, is celebrated for its smooth keypresses and premium feel, thanks in part to innovative mold designs that enhance acoustics and typing fluidity. This switch is ideal for users seeking a quiet and uninterrupted typing experience, making it particularly suitable for those who value speed and precision, such as gamers or programmers. In contrast, the Outemu Blue is a clicky switch that delivers tactile feedback and an audible click with every keystroke, appealing to typists who enjoy the satisfying sound and response of their keyboard. While the Keylin emphasizes smoothness and a quieter typing experience, the Outemu Blue caters to those who thrive on auditory and tactile feedback. Ultimately, the choice between these switches boils down to individual preferences for either a seamless experience or a more pronounced, clicky sensation. 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
38g
Actuation force
50g
Bottom-out force
48g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.20 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
UPE
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
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
21mm single-stage spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Keygeek Keylin and the Outemu Blue switches, we observe notable differences in their top housing materials, which significantly influence the auditory experiences of each switch. The Keylin features a nylon top housing, well-regarded for its ability to produce a deeper, fuller sound profile. This characteristic arises from nylon's softer composition, which absorbs sound waves more efficiently than harder plastics, resulting in a sound that is both round and muted. Conversely, the Outemu Blue utilizes a polycarbonate top housing. Known for its stiffness, polycarbonate yields a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile, enhancing the clarity and resonance of each keystroke. Thus, while both switches serve the purpose of delivering an auditory feedback through their housing materials, the Keylin offers a warmer, more subdued sound, whereas the Outemu Blue delivers a crisper, more pronounced auditory experience.
Interestingly, when we turn our attention to the bottom housings of both switches, we discover that they share a common material: nylon. This similarity means that in terms of sound dampening and tactile feedback when bottoming out, both the Keylin and Outemu Blue will produce a similar experience. The softer quality of the nylon used in both bottom housings absorbs sound, resulting in a duller, fuller sound profile that enhances the user experience during key presses. This shared characteristic of the bottom housing ensures that both switches will exhibit a comparable "bottom-out" feel, reinforcing a consistent tactile experience for typists who prioritize smooth keystrokes over auditory sharpness.
In terms of overall performance, the interaction between the different housing materials indicates that the Keylin and Outemu Blue switches will present a unique blend of sound characteristics. While the Keylin's combination of nylon top and bottom housings leads to a coherent, rounded sound profile throughout the typing experience, the Outemu Blue's polycarbonate top adds a distinct sharpness that contrasts with the soft qualities imparted by its nylon bottom. Consequently, users may favor one switch over the other depending on their preference for sound clarity or warmth. The resulting auditory experience is thus a product of both the top and bottom housing materials, making the choice between the Keygeek Keylin and the Outemu Blue a matter of personal taste amidst their functional similarities.
Weight
The Keygeek Keylin linear switch and the Outemu Blue clicky switch differ significantly in their actuation forces. The Keylin boasts an actuation force of just 38 grams, making it a lighter option that enhances comfort for extended typing sessions, whether at work or during long gaming marathons. In contrast, the Outemu Blue requires a heavier actuation force of 50 grams, catering to those who prefer a more substantial feel when typing. Additionally, while the Keylin has a bottom out force of 48 grams, providing a clear tactile feedback when the key is fully pressed down, the bottom out force for the Outemu Blue is not specified. This lack of data makes it challenging to compare their bottoming out experience directly. Ultimately, if you lean towards lighter typing experiences, the Keylin is your best bet, while the Outemu Blue is ideal for those who appreciate a more resistant push with each keystroke.
Travel distance
The Keygeek Keylin linear switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Outemu Blue clicky switch features a longer travel distance of 4 mm. This difference means that the Keylin will offer a more responsive feel due to its shorter distance, appealing to gamers who favor quicker actuation for enhanced performance. In contrast, the Outemu Blue's 4 mm travel distance provides a more traditional typing experience, giving a deeper and more satisfying feedback that some users prefer. Ultimately, if responsiveness is your priority, the Keylin is the better choice, while the Outemu Blue is ideal for those who appreciate a more substantial keypress.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Keygeek Keylin has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Keylin for $3.29.
The Outemu Blue 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
When it comes to sound, the Keygeek Keylin linear switch is renowned for delivering a premium typing experience characterized by rich acoustics. This smoothness in operation contributes to a subtly pleasant auditory environment, making typing enjoyable without being overly intrusive. In contrast, the Outemu Blue clicky switch is known for producing a distinct and sharp clicking sound with each keypress, providing auditory feedback that many typists find satisfying and engaging. However, it’s important to note that the overall sound profile of both switches can be heavily influenced by the choice of keyboard and keycaps.
In terms of feel, the Keylin linear switch stands out for its exceptional smoothness, ensuring that each keypress feels fluid and seamless without any tactile bumps or resistance. This creates a very consistent experience, ideal for users who prioritize speed and uninterrupted keystrokes. On the other hand, the Outemu Blue clicky switch offers a very different tactile experience; it features a noticeable bump that provides feedback with each press, which many users appreciate as it can enhance typing accuracy and rhythm. This combined with the clicky sound can make it more engaging for those who enjoy the sensation of tactile feedback while they type.
Overall, the Keygeek Keylin linear switch and the Outemu Blue clicky switch each offer distinct experiences that cater to different preferences. The Keylin prioritizes smoothness and acoustics, while the Blue switch is all about tactile feedback and a pronounced click sound. For users who prefer a quiet and smooth typing experience, the Keylin would be ideal, while those who thrive on audible and tactile feedback would likely gravitate toward the Blue. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches boils down to personal preference, making it crucial to consider what typing experience you seek.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the Keygeek Keylin linear switch and the Outemu Blue clicky switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences and typing style. If you lean towards a smooth, quiet typing experience with a lighter force—thanks to the Keylin's 48 grams bottom out force—you'll appreciate the premium acoustics and exceptional smoothness that these switches deliver. They are an excellent choice for both typing and gaming, especially if you find satisfaction in seamless keystrokes without the distraction of click sounds. On the other hand, if you enjoy an audible feedback with a distinct click while typing, the Outemu Blue switches would be more appropriate for you. Clicky switches can enhance the tactile engagement during typing, providing a satisfying auditory and physical response with every keystroke. They might be ideal for typists who love the sound of their craft and can tolerate a heavier actuation force. Ultimately, selecting between these switches hinges on whether you prioritize sound and feedback or smoothness and silence in your typing experience.
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