Durock Light Tactile vs. Outemu Silent Green
An in-depth look at the Durock Light Tactile and the Outemu Silent Green switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Durock Light Tactile and the Outemu Silent Green offer unique experiences for users. The Light Tactile switch from Durock stands out for its gentle and angelic tactility, providing a softer touch compared to other tactile switches on the market. In addition, the jelly-like sound signature adds to the typing experience, making it a popular choice for those seeking a polished and mild tactile feedback. On the other hand, the Outemu Silent Green offers a linear switch experience without any specific standout features. While the Light Tactile switch is ideal for those who appreciate a softer tactile feel, the Silent Green may appeal to users looking for a straightforward linear switch. 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
52g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
67g
Bottom-out force
60g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
pom
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Durock Light Tactile and the Outemu Silent Green, it is clear that both switches utilize polycarbonate in their top housings. This material choice results in a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile for both switches, making them ideal for users who prefer a crisper typing experience. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate allows for RGB lighting compatibility, adding a visually appealing element to these switches.
However, where the Light Tactile diverges is in its use of nylon for the bottom housing, which creates a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to the Silent Green's polycarbonate bottom housing. The softer nature of nylon absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound quality. This difference in bottom housing material may impact the overall typing experience, with the Light Tactile offering a potentially more satisfying tactile feedback compared to the Silent Green.
In terms of tactile feedback and sound production, the housing materials play a crucial role in defining the typing experience of both switches. While the top housing primarily influences the sound when a key is released, the bottom housing has a greater impact on the bottom-out sound and feel when a key is pressed. Therefore, the combination of polycarbonate and nylon in the Light Tactile offers a unique blend of characteristics that cater to users seeking a balance between crisp sound feedback and deep tactile response, while the Silent Green's consistent use of polycarbonate delivers a more uniform sound profile throughout the typing process.
Weight
In comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Durock Light Tactile tactile switch and the Outemu Silent Green linear switch, it is evident that the Light Tactile is the heavier of the two with an actuation force of 52 grams and a bottom out force of 67 grams, whereas the Silent Green is lighter with an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams. Despite the difference in weight, both switches fall within the medium range. Those who prefer a lighter touch may opt for the Silent Green for prolonged typing or gaming sessions, while others who enjoy a stronger push feel may lean towards the Light Tactile for a more substantial typing experience. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches depends on personal preference regarding actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Durock Light Tactile tactile switch and the Outemu Silent Green linear switch, it is apparent that both switches have the same travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when pressing down on a key fitted with either of these switches, you will experience a similar distance traveled from the top to the bottom. Therefore, in terms of travel distance, both the Durock Light Tactile and the Outemu Silent Green switches offer the same tactile feedback and performance. Although they may differ in other aspects, such as actuation force or sound, when it comes to travel distance, users can expect a consistent experience from either switch.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Durock Light Tactile has an MSRP of $5.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Light Tactile for $4.25.
The Outemu Silent 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
In terms of sound, the Durock Light Tactile switch provides a neutral sound profile, making it suitable for a variety of users and settings. On the other hand, the sound profile of the Outemu Silent Green switch is unknown, so it is difficult to compare the two in this aspect. Keep in mind that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard it is mounted on and the keycaps used.
When it comes to feel, the Durock Light Tactile switch offers a mild and polished typing experience, with a gentle tactility that is comfortable for most users. The smooth and refined finish of the switch ensures a sleek typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel. Unfortunately, information about the feel of the Outemu Silent Green switch is not available, making it challenging to compare the two switches in this regard.
In conclusion, the Durock Light Tactile and Outemu Silent Green switches offer different qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the Light Tactile switch is praised for its gentle tactility and neutral sound profile, the information regarding the Silent Green switch is limited. If sound and feel are important factors for you, opting for the Durock Light Tactile switch may provide a more predictable and satisfying typing experience. However, if more information about the Silent Green switch becomes available, you may be able to make a more informed decision between the two.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Durock Light Tactile and the Outemu Silent Green switches, consider the following guidelines. If you prefer a medium-heavy bottom out force and enjoy a gentle, angelic tactility with a jelly-like sound signature, the Durock Light Tactile switch is the way to go. This switch provides a pleasant typing experience with a moderate actuation force requirement and a neutral sound profile, suitable for various purposes. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium bottom out force and a linear switch without any tactile feedback, the Outemu Silent Green switch may be more to your liking. Ultimately, your choice should be based on your preference for tactility and sound in a mechanical keyboard switch.
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