Keygeek Keylin vs. Outemu Gold
An in-depth look at the Keygeek Keylin and the Outemu Gold switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to selecting the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, the choice often boils down to personal preference and typing style. The Keygeek Keylin, a linear switch, is renowned for its smooth keystrokes and rich acoustic feedback, making it an ideal choice for those who prioritize a seamless and quiet typing experience. Its new molds contribute to a premium feel, making long typing sessions less fatiguing. In contrast, the Outemu Gold is a clicky switch that offers distinct auditory feedback with each keystroke, catering to users who enjoy a more tactile and engaging typing experience. This switch can be particularly satisfying for typists who appreciate that audible confirmation of their input. While both switches serve different preferences—smooth versus tactile—they each bring unique benefits to the table. 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
45g
Bottom-out force
48g
Bottom-out force
60g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
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 examining the housing materials of the Keygeek Keylin and the Outemu Gold, a clear distinction emerges in the choice of top housing materials. The Keylin utilizes nylon for its top housing, celebrated for its softer texture, which produces a deeper and fuller sound profile. This softness allows nylon to absorb more sound, resulting in a more muted auditory experience when typing. In contrast, the Outemu Gold opts for polycarbonate in its top housing, which introduces a sharper and crisper sound profile due to the material's stiffness. The inherent translucency of polycarbonate not only enhances the clarity of the sound produced but also makes it particularly appealing for users who wish to accentuate RGB lighting effects. Thus, while both switches aim to create distinct auditory experiences, they achieve these through their differing material properties in the top housing.
Both the Keylin and Outemu Gold share a commonality in their choice of bottom housing material, as both utilize nylon. This consistency means that typing on either switch results in a similar experience regarding the bottom-out sound and feel, highlighting the qualities of nylon that contribute to a deeper and fuller sound profile. The nylon bottom housing absorbs sound effectively, imparting a characteristic roundness that defines the overall typing experience for both switches. This shared material for the bottom housing ensures that regardless of the differences found in the top housing, the fundamental auditory characteristics will align closely when bottoming out on either switch.
Ultimately, the varying materials used in the top housing significantly shape the acoustic signature of each switch, demonstrating how crucial the choice of materials can be in creating distinct typing experiences. Despite the differences in sound production between the nylon top of the Keylin and the polycarbonate top of the Outemu Gold, the uniformity found in their nylon bottom housings provides a dependable baseline experience. Users can expect a consistent deeper sound when bottoming out, while the top housing variation allows for personal preference in terms of sound clarity and resonance. Therefore, while the Keylin and Gold diverge in certain aspects, their material choices create a dynamic balance, resulting in unique yet interconnected typing experiences.
Weight
When comparing the Keygeek Keylin linear switch and the Outemu Gold clicky switch, there are notable differences in both actuation and bottom out forces. The Keylin switch features a lighter actuation force of 38 grams and a bottom out force of 48 grams, making it easier on the fingers, which is ideal for users who type for extended periods or engage in long gaming sessions. In contrast, the Outemu Gold switch has a heavier actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams, offering a more substantial typing experience for those who prefer a stronger push feel. This means that while the Keylin is better suited for those who prioritize comfort and reduced fatigue, the Outemu Gold caters to users looking for more tactile feedback and resistance. Overall, if weight is a critical factor in your decision, the Keylin switch is the lighter choice, whereas the Outemu Gold is the heavier option.
Travel distance
The Keygeek Keylin linear switch features a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Outemu Gold clicky switch has a slightly longer travel distance of 4 mm. This difference impacts the overall feel and responsiveness of each switch; the Keylin's shorter travel distance may provide a snappier and more responsive experience, which is particularly appealing to gamers who favor quick keystrokes. In contrast, the Outemu Gold's longer travel distance tends to offer a more substantial key press, which can give users a satisfying tactile feedback that some prefer for typing. Ultimately, those seeking a faster response will likely lean towards the Keylin, while users who enjoy a deeper key press may find the Gold more to their liking.
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 Gold 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 Keylin linear switch produces rich acoustics that enhance the overall typing experience. While specifics about the Outemu Gold clicky switch's sound are not detailed, clicky switches typically characterize themselves with a distinct and audible click at actuation, which provides an auditory feedback that many typists and gamers appreciate. It's worth noting that the sound profile of any switch can vary significantly depending on the keyboard construction and the keycap materials, so users may find varying levels of satisfaction with either switch in practical use.
When it comes to feel, the Keylin linear switch is celebrated for its exceptional smoothness, which can create a seamless and effortless typing experience. This general smoothness and lack of tactile bumps make it ideal for users who favor a fluid key press. In contrast, the Outemu Gold clicky switch, being a clicky type, is expected to provide a tactile bump followed by an audible click, creating a more engaging interaction that many find satisfying. While the Keylin aims for a smooth and linear response, the Gold offers a pronounced feedback that can make typing more enjoyable for those who prefer a tactile experience.
Overall, both the Keygeek Keylin linear switch and the Outemu Gold clicky switch cater to different preferences and styles of typing. The Keylin excels with a premium quality experience characterized by its rich sound and smooth feel, while the Gold adds a layer of tactile and auditory feedback that can be compelling for those who enjoy clicky switches. Depending on the user's priorities—be it smoothness and quiet operation or tactile and clicky feedback—either option can fulfill specific desires, making the choice ultimately subjective to the user's preferences.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the Keygeek Keylin linear switch and the Outemu Gold clicky switch ultimately depends on your personal typing preferences and intended usage. If you appreciate a lighter touch and seek a smooth, quiet typing experience, the Keylin linear switch may be your go-to choice. Its 48-gram bottom-out force makes it an excellent option for extended typing sessions, as it reduces finger fatigue while providing a premium feel with its rich acoustics. On the other hand, if you enjoy tactile feedback and the characteristic auditory response of clicky switches, the Outemu Gold is likely to suit you better. With a 60-gram bottom-out force, it offers a firmer feel that can enhance typing accuracy and the satisfaction that comes with each keystroke. In essence, if you prefer a subtle and smooth typing experience, lean towards the Keylin; if the sound and tactile feedback of a clicky switch excite you, then the Outemu Gold would be the right fit for your setup.
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