Durock Light Tactile vs. Outemu Silent White
An in-depth look at the Durock Light Tactile and the Outemu Silent White switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between the Durock Light Tactile and the Outemu Silent White mechanical keyboard switches, you'll find yourself faced with a notable contrast in their key characteristics. The Light Tactile switch from Durock is favored for its gentle tactility, offering a softer and more polished typing experience compared to other tactile switches. On the other hand, the Outemu Silent White is known for its linear design, providing a smooth and consistent keystroke without the tactile bump. While the Light Tactile switch is praised for its angelic tactility and subdued sound, the Silent White switch offers a silent typing experience. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these 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
1.60 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.30 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
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Durock Light Tactile and the Outemu Silent White, both switches feature a polycarbonate top housing. This material contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to its stiffness. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate allows for RGB lighting to shine through, making it an excellent choice for users looking to customize their keyboard lighting. The use of polycarbonate in both switches ensures that users can expect similar sound qualities and aesthetic benefits when using either of these switches.
On the other hand, the Light Tactile and the Silent White differ in their bottom housing materials. The Light Tactile utilizes a nylon bottom housing, which results in a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing. Nylon is known for absorbing more sound than harder plastics, creating a duller and rounder sound. Meanwhile, the Silent White also features a nylon bottom housing, offering users a similar typing experience with a focus on producing a softer and more muted sound. Overall, the bottom housing materials of these switches provide a unique tactile feel and sound experience for users to enjoy.
When considering the impact of the top and bottom housing materials on the overall typing experience, it becomes evident that the Durock Light Tactile and Outemu Silent White incorporate different qualities into their design. The bottom housing of a switch influences the bottom-out sound and feel when keys are pressed, while the top housing affects the sound when keys are released. By understanding how these different housing materials interact with one another, users can choose a switch that best suits their preferences for sound profile, tactility, and overall typing experience.
Weight
The actuation force and bottom out force of the Durock Light Tactile tactile switch and the Outemu Silent White linear switch both play a crucial role in determining the typing experience. The Light Tactile switch has a slightly heavier actuation force at 52 grams compared to the Silent White's 45 grams, making it require a bit more force to activate a key. However, when it comes to bottoming out, the Light Tactile switch also has a higher force at 67 grams compared to the Silent White's 60 grams. This means that while the Light Tactile switch may require more force to type on, it also provides a more substantial typing experience with a higher bottom out force. On the other hand, the Silent White switch offers a lighter actuation force and bottom out force, making it better suited for those who prefer a lighter typing experience for longer periods of time. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference, with some gravitating towards the heavier actuation and bottom out forces of the Light Tactile switch, while others may prefer the lighter touch of the Silent White switch.
Travel distance
The Durock Light Tactile switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Outemu Silent White switch has a travel distance of 3.3 mm. This means that the Light Tactile has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Silent White switch. The difference may not seem significant, but it can affect the feel and responsiveness of the keys. Gamers who prefer faster response times may opt for the Silent White switch with its shorter travel distance, while those who enjoy a more substantial keypress may prefer the Light Tactile switch. Both switches offer different typing experiences due to their varying travel distances, so it ultimately comes down to personal preference.
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 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
When it comes to sound, the Durock Light Tactile switch offers a neutral sound profile that is suitable for a wide range of users, making it a versatile option for both beginners and advanced users. The gentle tactility of the switch also contributes to a jelly-like sound signature, providing a unique typing experience. On the other hand, information regarding the sound profile of the Outemu Silent White switch is not available, making it difficult to directly compare the two in this aspect.
In terms of feel, the Durock Light Tactile switch is known for its mild tactility, offering a gentle typing experience that falls within a safe, middle-ground zone. Additionally, the switch is described as polished, providing a smooth and refined finish that results in reduced friction and smooth key travel. While the tactile aspect of the Light Tactile switch is highlighted, details about the feel of the Outemu Silent White switch are unknown, making it challenging to draw a direct comparison in this regard.
Overall, the Durock Light Tactile switch stands out for its gentle tactility, neutral sound profile, and polished feel, making it a favorable option for those seeking a comfortable and versatile typing experience. In contrast, information about the Outemu Silent White switch is limited, making it harder to fully assess its subjective qualities in comparison to the Light Tactile switch. For similar results to the Light Tactile switch, users may consider exploring other tactile switches with comparable sound profiles and feel characteristics.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Durock Light Tactile and the Outemu Silent White switches, you should consider the following factors. If you prefer a gentler and more unique tactile experience with a medium-heavy bottom out force and a jelly-like sound signature, the Durock Light Tactile switch would be a great choice for you. On the other hand, if you are looking for a linear switch with a lighter bottom out force and a neutral sound profile, the Outemu Silent White switch might be more suitable for your needs. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preferences in terms of tactility, sound, and feel.
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