Keygeek Keylin vs. Outemu Silent White
An in-depth look at the Keygeek Keylin and the Outemu Silent White switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the ideal mechanical keyboard switch, the Keygeek Keylin and Outemu Silent White both present appealing options for users seeking a linear typing experience. The Keylin stands out for its premium build quality, featuring new molds from Keygeek that contribute to a typing experience characterized by rich acoustics and exceptional smoothness, making it an excellent choice for those prioritizing sound and feel. On the other hand, the Outemu Silent White offers a quieter operation, perfect for environments where noise levels matter, such as shared offices or late-night gaming sessions. While both switches cater to linear preferences, the Keylin emphasizes acoustics and smoothness, while the Silent White focuses on minimizing noise. 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
1.60 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.30 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
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
21mm single-stage spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Keygeek Keylin and the Outemu Silent White, one can observe a notable contrast in the composition of the top housings. The Keylin utilizes nylon as its top housing material, which is known for its ability to produce a deeper and fuller sound profile. This quality is attributed to nylon's relatively soft nature, which tends to absorb sound, resulting in a duller and rounder auditory experience. In contrast, the Silent White features polycarbonate as its top housing material. Polycarbonate is a stiffer plastic, providing sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profiles when typing, thanks to its ability to resonate more clearly. For enthusiasts looking for RGB lighting effects, the translucent nature of the polycarbonate also enhances visual aesthetics, allowing for a more vibrant display compared to the more opaque nylon housing of the Keylin.
However, both switches share a commonality in their bottom housing material, which is nylon for both the Keylin and the Silent White. This mutual use of nylon in the bottom housing signifies that users can expect a similar tactile experience when bottoming out with either switch, as nylon's characteristics lead to a deeper and fuller sound profile irrespective of the top housing materials. This consistency suggests that while the auditory experience during key release may vary between the two switches due to their differing top housing materials, the sound and feel produced at the key's lowest point will remain consistent and comparable.
Overall, the Keygeek Keylin and the Outemu Silent White illustrate how variations in housing materials can impact the auditory characteristics of mechanical switches. The contrast between the soft nylon used in the Keylin’s top housing and the stiff polycarbonate in the Silent White introduces differing sound profiles, while the shared nylon bottom housing fosters a common tactile feel during bottom-out moments. Thus, users may appreciate the enhanced clarity of the Silent White during releases, while still enjoying the deep and full feedback from both switches when pressed down, showcasing how both switches can offer unique yet complementary experiences.
Weight
The Keygeek Keylin linear switch and the Outemu Silent White linear switch exhibit notable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces, catering to diverse user preferences. The Keylin switch features a lighter actuation force of 38 grams and a bottom out force of 48 grams, making it suitable for those seeking a more effortless typing experience, especially during extended typing sessions or gaming. In contrast, the Outemu Silent White switch has a higher actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams, which provides a more substantial feel and feedback, appealing to users who prefer a firmer key press. Consequently, the Keylin switch is lighter overall, while the Silent White is heavier, thus offering distinct tactile experiences based on force preferences. For users who prioritize weightlessness and sustained comfort, the Keylin would be ideal, while those who enjoy a more pronounced tactile response might opt for the Silent White.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Keygeek Keylin linear switch and the Outemu Silent White linear switch, we find that the Keylin has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Silent White has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.3 mm. This means that the Keylin switch offers a more pronounced depth, catering to users who prefer a more tactile experience with their key presses. On the other hand, the Silent White switch, with its shorter travel distance, may appeal to gamers or those seeking quicker response times. Thus, if you prioritize a more responsive feel during gaming or typing, the Silent White would be the better choice, while the Keylin would be preferable for those who enjoy a deeper keystroke.
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 White 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 Keygeek Keylin linear switch is known for delivering a premium typing experience with rich acoustics, which suggests that it produces a pleasant and full-bodied sound during key presses. This can make typing on a keyboard equipped with these switches feel more engaging and satisfying. On the other hand, the Outemu Silent White linear switch does not have specific sound characteristics noted, which leaves its acoustic profile somewhat ambiguous. However, it's important to remember that the overall sound output will also depend on other factors such as the choice of keyboard plate, case material, and keycap design, so both switches can produce varying sounds in different setups.
When it comes to the tactile feel, the Keylin switch is praised for its exceptional smoothness, indicating a buttery operation that minimizes any friction or unwanted resistance during typing. This results in a satisfying experience for users who appreciate a consistently smooth keypress without any interruptions. The Silent White linear switch lacks qualitative descriptors regarding its feel, making it difficult to provide a direct comparison. However, if it is constructed to a standard similar to other linear switches, a smooth operation is likely, but the specific attributes giving it a unique feel remain unknown.
Overall, the Keygeek Keylin switch stands out for its rich sound and exceptional smoothness, making it a strong choice for those seeking a premium typing experience. In contrast, the Outemu Silent White linear switch's characteristics remain less defined, especially regarding its sound and feel. For newcomers unsure which switch to choose, the Keylin provides a clearer and more pleasant typing experience, while the Silent White leaves room for exploration but without concrete details to guide the decision. If the feel is generally similar, you may achieve comparable smoothness, but the absence of specific sound qualities for the Silent White makes it harder to predict its overall performance and satisfaction.
Conclusion
In summary, choosing between the Keygeek Keylin linear switch and the Outemu Silent White linear switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences and typing needs. If you favor a lighter touch and are looking for a smooth and premium typing experience with rich acoustics, the Keylin is the way to go. Its 48-gram bottom-out force makes it ideal for extended typing sessions or gaming, where quick responsiveness and less finger fatigue are priorities. On the other hand, if you prefer a firmer keypress and don't mind a bit more resistance, the Silent White with its 60-gram bottom out force could be your best bet. This switch might not have distinct features tying it to sound or feel, but it can provide a satisfying typing experience for those who like a more deliberate press. Additionally, if you're in an environment where noise is a concern, the Silent White may offer a slight advantage in terms of reducing keystroke sound, even without being specifically designed for quiet operation. Thus, align your choice with the tactile satisfaction, actuation force, and sound profile that you value most in your mechanical keyboard experience.
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