Keygeek Keylin vs. Outemu Silent Grey
An in-depth look at the Keygeek Keylin and the Outemu Silent Grey switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When selecting a mechanical keyboard switch, the choice between the Keygeek Keylin and the Outemu Silent Grey presents a fascinating juxtaposition of tactile and linear experiences. The Keylin, renowned for its premium typing experience, features advanced molds from Keygeek that provide smooth keystrokes and rich acoustics, making it an ideal choice for gamers and typists who crave uninterrupted speed and fluidity. On the other hand, the Outemu Silent Grey switches offer a unique blend of tactile feedback and quiet operation, characterized by a pronounced bump and a smooth keystroke, catering to those who desire a satisfying typing experience without disturbing their surroundings. While both switches have compelling traits—one prioritizing smoothness and the other emphasizing tactile satisfaction—it's essential to dig a little deeper into their offerings, so you can make the best decision tailored to your specific typing needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
38g
Actuation force
50g
Bottom-out force
48g
Bottom-out force
65g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.60 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
The housing materials of the Keygeek Keylin and the Outemu Silent Grey switches present a fascinating contrast that reflects their distinctive sound profiles and tactile experiences. The Keylin utilizes a nylon top housing, contributing to a deeper, fuller sound due to nylon's softer texture, which absorbs sound effectively and prevents high-pitched resonance. This results in a more muted auditory feedback, making the Keylin suitable for users who prioritize a subdued typing experience. In contrast, the Silent Grey features a polycarbonate top housing that promotes a sharper, higher-pitched sound. Since polycarbonate is a stiffer plastic, it enhances resonance and clarity, allowing for a more defined auditory experience. This difference in top materials suggests that users looking for pronounced audio feedback might prefer the Silent Grey, while those wanting a softer, more subdued sound could opt for the Keylin.
When examining the bottom housing, both the Keylin and the Silent Grey switch employ nylon material, which contributes a consistent deeper sound profile characteristic of nylon's absorption properties. This similarity means that regardless of the top housing material, the overall typing feel is influenced by the nylon housing in the lower part of the switch. Users can expect a cohesive sound experience while typing on either switch, as the nylon bottom housing offers the same dampened effect that enhances the user’s experience of fullness. Hence, even with the differences in top housing materials, both switches exhibit a unified sound profile at the point of bottoming out due to their shared nylon construction in the bottom.
Ultimately, the interplay between the top and bottom housing materials in both switches offers a comprehensive typing experience. The contrasting characteristics of the Keylin’s nylon top and the Silent Grey’s polycarbonate top create distinct auditory effects upon key release, with the Keylin favoring soft, muted sounds and the Silent Grey providing clarity and brightness. Yet, the commonality in their nylon bottom housings serves as a sort of equalizer, ensuring that both switches deliver a deep sound profile during key presses. Therefore, while users may prefer one over the other based on sound preferences, they will still find a shared tactile quality attributable to the nylon used in both models’ bottoms. This allows for unique customization based on personal typing style while still reaping the benefits of nylon's acoustic properties.
Weight
The Keygeek Keylin linear switch and the Outemu Silent Grey tactile switch present compelling differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Keylin boasts an actuation force of 38 grams and a bottom out force of 48 grams, categorizing it as a light switch, ideal for users seeking a comfortable typing experience over extended periods or during prolonged gaming sessions. In contrast, the Outemu Silent Grey features a heavier actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 65 grams, which offers a more substantial push feel, appealing to those who prefer a firmer response while typing. Consequently, the Keylin is the lighter option, while the Silent Grey is the heavier choice, allowing users to select based on their preference for typing experience and comfort. Since the actuation and bottom out forces differ between these switches, users can expect distinctly different tactile feedback and keystroke dynamics, enhancing their overall keyboard experience.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Keygeek Keylin linear switch and the Outemu Silent Grey tactile switch, there is a distinct difference in their travel distances. The Keylin has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, making it the shorter option, while the Silent Grey features a 4.0 mm travel distance, which is more traditional and longer. This difference suggests that users who favor quicker, more responsive key presses may find the Keylin preferable due to its shorter travel distance, which can facilitate rapid keystrokes, particularly beneficial for gaming. On the other hand, those who enjoy a more pronounced keystroke feeling might appreciate the Silent Grey's extra depth, allowing for a more tactile and satisfying experience. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches hinges on personal preference regarding key travel distance and the desired typing or gaming experience.
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 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 Keylin linear switch is known for its rich acoustics that create a pleasantly resonant typing experience. This quality sets it apart from many other linear switches, as it offers a more engaging auditory feedback during typing. On the other hand, the Outemu Silent Grey tactile switch is designed specifically for quiet operation. It provides a subdued sound profile while still delivering a pronounced tactile bump, making it an excellent choice for those in quieter environments or for those who prefer a more discreet typing experience. Overall, the Keylin offers a more vibrant auditory quality, while the Silent Grey excels in its subdued nature.
When it comes to feel, the Keylin linear switch is celebrated for its exceptional smoothness throughout the keystroke, contributing to a fluid typing experience. The linear design means that there is no tactile bump, which can allow for rapid, consistent pressing without interruption. In contrast, the Silent Grey tactile switch features a distinct bump that adds a satisfying tactile feedback during use, providing a clear indication of actuation. This tactile element can enhance the typing experience for users who enjoy feeling their keypresses. The Keylin caters to those who favor smooth keystrokes, while the Silent Grey appeals to users who appreciate a tactile response.
In summary, both the Keygeek Keylin and Outemu Silent Grey switches offer unique experiences that cater to different preferences. The Keylin provides rich acoustics and smooth linearity, perfect for users who enjoy a lively and fluid keystroke. Meanwhile, the Silent Grey emphasizes a quiet but tactile experience, suitable for users who prefer a pronounced bump without the noise typically associated with tactile switches. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on whether you prioritize sound, feel, or a combination of both in your typing experience.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the Keygeek Keylin linear switch and the Outemu Silent Grey tactile switch ultimately depends on your typing preferences and the environment in which you'll be using your keyboard. If you prefer a lighter touch with smooth keystrokes and rich acoustics, the Keylin switch may be the perfect fit for you, providing a premium typing experience that’s enjoyable for extended use while being suitable for both gaming and general typing. On the other hand, if you appreciate the tactile feedback of a pronounced bump and require a quieter operation—ideal for shared workspaces or late-night gaming sessions—the Silent Grey switch's medium-heavy actuation force can offer you a satisfying and silent typing experience. By considering the sound profiles and tactile feedback of both options, you can make a more informed decision that aligns with your individual needs and preferences.
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