Keygeek Keylin vs. Outemu Green
An in-depth look at the Keygeek Keylin and the Outemu Green switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboards, the choice of switch can significantly impact your typing experience, and two popular options to consider are the Keygeek Keylin and the Outemu Green. The Keylin switch, a linear type, is renowned for its premium typing experience, offering smooth keystrokes and rich acoustics that many users find appealing for both gaming and typing tasks. On the other hand, the Outemu Green is a clicky switch that is characterized by its tactile feedback and pronounced click sound, making it an excellent choice for those who enjoy an audible response with each keystroke and often prefer a nostalgic typing feel reminiscent of older keyboards. While the Keylin excels in providing a quieter and seamless experience, the Outemu Green stands out for its distinctive auditory feedback, catering to different user preferences. However, let’s dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
38g
Actuation force
65g
Bottom-out force
48g
Bottom-out force
80g
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
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 comparing the housing materials of the Keygeek Keylin and the Outemu Green switches, notable distinctions arise primarily from their top housing. The Keylin employs a nylon top housing, which is characterized by its softer plastic composition. This choice allows for a deeper and fuller sound profile while typing, as the nylon absorbs sound more effectively than harder materials. Consequently, users can expect a rounded auditory experience that complements the tactile feedback of the switch. In contrast, the Outemu Green features a polycarbonate top housing that leans towards sharper and crisper sound qualities. The stiffer nature of polycarbonate enhances clarity and resonance in the sound produced during key presses, resulting in an audible typing experience that many typists may prefer, especially in environments where clearer feedback is desired.
Interestingly, both the Keygeek Keylin and the Outemu Green switches share the same material for their bottom housing: nylon. This commonality ensures that the tactile characteristics and acoustic effects generated from the bottom of both switches are similar. The use of nylon for the bottom housing across both models contributes to a deeper and more substantial sound profile, irrespective of the differing materials in the top housings. Therefore, the experience of bottoming out when pressing a key will deliver a consistent sensation and auditory response for both switches, reinforcing a resonant typing experience that typists may find appealing.
Furthermore, the differences in the top housing materials ultimately dictate how each switch will perform in terms of sound when typing. While the nylon top of the Keylin absorbs sound and produces a duller profile, the polycarbonate top of the Green enhances resonance, leading to a crisper auditory feedback upon key release. However, when it comes to the bottom housing, both switches align in experience provided by nylon, giving users a familiar and deeper sound impact. Ultimately, the choice between transparency for RGB lighting and the type of auditory feedback desired (fuller versus crisper) becomes the deciding factors for users when opting between these two distinct switch styles.
Weight
When comparing the actuation and bottom out forces of the Keygeek Keylin linear switch and the Outemu Green clicky switch, a clear distinction emerges in their design philosophies. The Keylin features a relatively light actuation force of 38 grams and a bottom out force of 48 grams, making it an excellent choice for those who value a lighter typing experience, ideal for extended use during work or gaming sessions. In contrast, the Outemu Green switch demands a heavier actuation force of 65 grams and a bottom out force of 80 grams, catering to users who prefer a more substantial and tactile feedback while typing. As a result, the Keylin switch is notably lighter overall compared to the heavier Outemu Green. While both switches have different forces, the more significant difference lies in the preference for typing feel: those preferring lighter switches will gravitate toward the Keylin, while users seeking a sturdier push would benefit from the Outemu Green's heft.
Travel distance
The Keygeek Keylin linear switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Outemu Green clicky switch features a travel distance of 4 mm. This makes the Keylin the shorter option, offering a more responsive feel that gamers often prefer for quick key presses. On the other hand, the Outemu Green, with its longer 4.0 mm travel distance, provides a more traditional and deeper typing experience, which may be favored by those who enjoy a more substantial feedback with their keystrokes. Ultimately, if you're looking for a switch that allows for faster response times, the Keylin would be the better choice, whereas the Outemu Green caters to users who appreciate a greater depth in their key presses.
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 Green 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
The Keylin linear switch is known for its rich acoustics, which suggests a pleasant and refined sound profile that enhances the overall typing experience. In contrast, the Outemu Green clicky switch brings forth a pronounced click sound with each keystroke, providing audible feedback that many typists find satisfying. The sound output of a switch can also heavily depend on the specific keyboard it is installed in and the choice of keycaps, allowing for some versatility in how these switches can be experienced. Overall, the Keylin is likely to produce a more subdued, smooth sound while the Green offers clarity and distinctiveness.
When it comes to feel, the Keylin linear switch is celebrated for its exceptional smoothness, delivering a seamless typing experience that lacks tactile interruptions. This smooth action enhances rapid typing, making the switch ideal for users who prioritize fluid movement. On the other hand, the Outemu Green clicky switch offers a tactile bump with each actuation, providing a robust feedback sensation that can be satisfying for those who enjoy feeling the key engagements. While the Keylin emphasizes an uninterrupted flow, the Green focuses on a dynamic tactile feedback that adds a layer of engagement in typing.
In summary, both switches cater to different preferences within the mechanical keyboard community. The Keylin linear switch excels in providing a smooth and rich acoustic experience, making it a favorite for those who enjoy a quieter environment. Conversely, the Outemu Green presents a clicky and tactile experience that many typists appreciate for its feedback and sound signature. Depending on your preference for sound and feel, each switch offers unique characteristics that can enhance your typing experience differently.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the Keygeek Keylin linear switch and the Outemu Green clicky switch ultimately depends on your personal typing preferences and usage scenarios. If you prefer a lighter touch and a smooth, uninterrupted keystroke, the Keyin linear switch is a fantastic option for you. Its 48-gram actuation force makes it comfortable for extended typing sessions, allowing for a more effortless experience. Furthermore, its premium build and rich acoustics enhance the overall typing experience, making it ideal for both casual use and work-intensive tasks where precision is key. On the other hand, if you enjoy a more tactile and audible feedback while typing, the Outemu Green clicky switch might be better suited for you. With a heavier bottom out force of 80 grams, it provides a satisfying resistance that many typists find rewarding, as the distinctive click sound can also enhance your typing rhythm. Therefore, consider your typing style, sound preferences, and the weight of the switch when making your decision, as each switch serves a unique purpose that can greatly affect your overall typing experience.
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