Durock Light Tactile vs. Outemu Silver
An in-depth look at the Durock Light Tactile and the Outemu Silver switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options to consider are the Durock light tactile and the Outemu silver. The light tactile switch from Durock stands out for its gentle tactility, offering a smooth typing experience with a unique jelly-like sound signature. On the other hand, the Outemu silver switch is known for its linear feel without any tactile bump. While the light tactile switch is categorized as neutral, mild, and polished, the silver switch does not fall into any specific category. Choosing between these switches ultimately comes down to personal preference and typing style. However, let's dive a bit deeper beyond general statements so you can best decide on the right switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
52g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
67g
Bottom-out force
65g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.60 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
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The Durock Light Tactile and Outemu Silver both feature polycarbonate top housings, which result in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to polycarbonate's stiffness, which enhances clarity and resonance in sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches that incorporate RGB lighting for a visually appealing experience. Both switches offer similar sound profiles and aesthetics with their polycarbonate top housings.
However, when it comes to the bottom housing material, the Light Tactile utilizes nylon, while the Silver also incorporates nylon. Nylon bottom housings lead to a deeper and fuller sound profile, as this softer plastic absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. Despite both switches using the same nylon material for their bottom housings, the impact on the overall sound and feel may differ based on the design and configuration of the switches.
Ultimately, the differences in housing materials between the Durock Light Tactile and the Outemu Silver play a significant role in their overall sound profile and typing experience. While both switches share a polycarbonate top housing for a clear and resonant sound, the use of nylon in the bottom housing sets them apart in terms of depth and fullness in sound. Understanding how each housing material contributes to the overall typing experience can help users choose the switch that best suits their preferences and needs.
Weight
The Durock Light Tactile tactile switch has a slightly heavier actuation force of 52 grams compared to the Outemu Silver linear switch with an actuation force of 45 grams. Both switches have a similar bottom out force, with the Light Tactile at 67 grams and the Silver at 65 grams. This means that while the Outemu Silver switch may feel slightly lighter to the touch when initiating a keystroke, both switches will provide a similar level of resistance when fully pressed down. Those who prefer a lighter actuation force may lean towards the Outemu Silver switch, while those who enjoy a slightly heavier touch may prefer the Durock Light Tactile switch for a more substantial typing experience.
Travel distance
Both the Durock Light Tactile tactile switch and the Outemu Silver linear switch have a travel distance of 4 mm, making them equal in this aspect. When compared to switches with longer travel distances, such as the Cherry MX Blue which has a travel distance of 4 mm, these two switches provide a shorter typing experience. This shorter travel distance can result in quicker actuation and less finger fatigue over extended periods of typing or gaming. Overall, both the Durock Light Tactile and the Outemu Silver switches offer a similar tactile experience due to their equal travel distances.
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 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
In terms of sound, the Durock Light Tactile switch provides a neutral sound profile that is suitable for a variety of users, whether they are beginners or advanced enthusiasts. This switch offers a moderate actuation force requirement and a moderate sound level, making it versatile for different environments. On the other hand, the Outemu Silver switch's sound profile is unknown, so it is difficult to compare directly. However, it is important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard and keycaps being used.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the Durock Light Tactile switch offers a mild typing experience that is gentle on the fingers. This switch falls in a safe, middle-ground zone in terms of its tactile feedback and sound, making it approachable to a wide range of users. Additionally, the Light Tactile switch is described as polished, providing a smooth and refined typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel. In contrast, the feel of the Outemu Silver switch is unknown, making it challenging to provide a direct comparison in terms of typing experience.
Overall, the Durock Light Tactile switch stands out for its gentle tactility and angelic typing experience with a jelly-like sound signature. This switch is suitable for users looking for a softer tactile feedback and a polished typing feel. On the other hand, the Outemu Silver switch's qualities remain undisclosed, so it is difficult to provide a comprehensive comparison. If the Outemu Silver switch is similar to the Durock Light Tactile switch in terms of sound and feel, users can expect to achieve comparable results in terms of typing experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the Durock Light Tactile tactile switch and the Outemu Silver linear switch, consider the type of typing experience you prefer. If you enjoy a gentle and angelic tactility with a jelly-like sound signature, the Light Tactile might be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a smooth and linear typing experience without any tactile bump, the Silver switch could be more suitable. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preference for tactility and sound when typing on your mechanical keyboard.
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