Keygeek Keylin vs. Outemu Silver
An in-depth look at the Keygeek Keylin and the Outemu Silver switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, enthusiasts often find themselves weighing the options between different linear switches, each offering unique characteristics tailored to various preferences. The Keygeek Keylin is lauded for its premium typing experience, featuring new molds that enhance acoustics and provide exceptional smoothness—making it an excellent choice for those who prioritize a satisfying and quieter keystroke. In contrast, the Outemu Silver, while less renowned, has gained traction for its performance in competitive gaming environments, offering a quick response time and a lightweight feel to foster rapid keypresses. With both switches falling under the linear category, they share a similar feel but cater to different user needs: the Keylin favors typing comfort and sound quality, whereas the Silver targets speed and agility. 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
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 Keygeek Keylin and the Outemu Silver switches exhibit notable differences in the materials used for their top housings, which significantly affects their sound profiles. The Keylin employs a nylon top housing, known for its ability to produce a deeper and fuller sound. This quality stems from nylon being a softer plastic, which effectively absorbs sound waves, leading to a duller and rounder auditory experience. In contrast, the Outemu Silver utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, which is a stiffer material that generates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. The inherent properties of polycarbonate enhance the clarity and resonance of the sound profile, allowing it to shine especially in RGB lighting scenarios due to its translucency. As a result, while both switches provide unique auditory experiences, they cater to different preferences in sound quality—with the Keylin favoring a muffled warmth and the Silver leaning towards a bright, clear tone.
On the other hand, both the Keylin and Outemu Silver employ nylon for their bottom housings, creating a common ground in their sound characteristics for this component. The use of nylon in the bottom housing contributes to a similar auditory experience by delivering that deeper and fuller sound profile characteristic of nylon. Given that the bottom housing plays a more significant role in the bottom-out sound and tactile feedback during key presses, this shared material means users can expect consistent performance and feel in that regard regardless of the top housing differences. This duality presents an interesting blend where the switches can meet in the middle in terms of tactile feel while diverging in acoustic signature based on their respective top materials.
When assessing the overall sound experience of the Keygeek Keylin and the Outemu Silver, it becomes clear that the combination of housing materials creates distinct sound profiles. While they share nylon for the bottom housing, which fosters a rich bottom-out sound, the contrasting top housings create a balance based on the user’s needs. The Keylin is ideal for users seeking a warmer, more subdued typing experience, while the Outemu Silver can appeal to those who prefer a more pronounced and crisp feedback with enhanced clarity. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will hinge upon personal preference for sound and tactile feedback while benefiting from the similarities that nylon provides in the bottom housing.
Weight
When comparing the Keygeek Keylin linear switch to the Outemu Silver linear switch, we find notable differences in both actuation force and bottom out force. The Keylin switch features a lighter actuation force of 38 grams and a bottom out force of 48 grams, making it more suitable for users who prioritize comfort during extended typing sessions or gaming marathons. In contrast, the Outemu Silver switches have a heavier actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 65 grams, providing a more substantial feel which some users may prefer for a more tactile typing experience. Overall, the Keylin is the lighter option, while the Outemu Silver is the heavier choice, catering to different preferences for those seeking either a more effortless keypress or a more resistive, deliberate push.
Travel distance
The Keygeek Keylin linear switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Outemu Silver linear switch features a travel distance of 4 mm. This makes the Keylin the shorter option and the Silver the longer one. Users who favor a more responsive feel may prefer the Keylin's shorter travel distance, as it allows for quicker actuation, which can be beneficial for gaming. In contrast, those who appreciate a more substantial depth in their keystrokes might lean towards the Outemu Silver, which offers a traditional travel distance that delivers a more pronounced tactile experience. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on individual preferences for responsiveness versus depth.
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 Silver 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 comparing the sound profile of the Keygeek Keylin linear switch to the Outemu Silver linear switch, the Keylin excels with its rich acoustics, offering a more pleasing auditory experience that enhances typing enjoyment. It is designed to strike a balance between being perceptible without being intrusive, which makes it a solid choice for a quiet working environment or gaming setup. On the other hand, the Outemu Silver does not have specified sound characteristics, which leaves its acoustic qualities relatively unknown. However, it’s important to remember that the sound produced by any switch can also be influenced by the keyboard's construction and the material of the keycaps used.
In terms of feel, the Keylin switch is celebrated for its exceptional smoothness, providing a fluid typing experience that many enthusiasts seek. The switches are engineered to minimize friction and ensure that each keystroke feels consistent and satisfying. Conversely, the feel of the Outemu Silver switch is not specifically characterized, so we cannot make a direct comparison. This lack of information means potential users may need to test this switch to fully understand its tactile feedback and overall typing experience.
In conclusion, while the Keygeek Keylin linear switch stands out for its rich sound and smooth feel, the Outemu Silver linear switch lacks defined acoustic and tactile qualities in the provided information. This means that while users can expect an enjoyable experience with the Keylin due to its premium design, the experience with the Silver might vary significantly based on individual preferences and testing. Ultimately, if you're looking for a reliable typing experience with distinct acoustic and tactile feedback, the Keylin is likely the better choice, while the Silver may require personal exploration to assess its offerings.
Conclusion
To conclude, when choosing between the Keygeek Keylin linear switch and the Outemu Silver linear switch, it ultimately depends on your personal preferences for typing feel and key actuation force. If you prefer a lighter key press that provides a smooth and premium typing experience, the Keylin with its 48-gram bottom-out force would be the ideal choice for you. This switch is designed to deliver exceptional acoustics and a satisfying feel, making it great for long typing sessions or gaming where rapid key presses are beneficial. On the other hand, if you like a bit more resistance and find that a heavier switch suits your typing style better, then the Outemu Silver, with its 65-gram bottom-out force, may be more appropriate. Although it may not have the same premium features as the Keylin, it can provide a more deliberate keystroke that some users find preferable for both gaming and typing tasks. Ultimately, consider what aspects are most important to you—lightness and smoothness versus a heavier and more resilient feel—before making your decision.
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