Outemu Lime (V3) vs. Kailh Sage

Overview

When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Outemu Lime and Kailh Sage are two popular options with distinct characteristics. The Lime switches are recognized for their lightweight nature, approachable tactility, and silence. These switches provide a feathery light typing experience combined with a subtle touch of tactility, making them ideal for tactile enthusiasts. On the other hand, the Sage switches offer a distinctly clicky typing experience. They have a heavier weight and deliver a refreshingly sharp clickiness. While the Lime switches focus on providing a polished and muted typing experience, the Sage switches aim to invigorate with their sharp and crunchy feel. Each switch has its own unique charm, and deciding between the two ultimately comes down to personal preferences. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best determine the switch that suits your specific needs.

By the numbers

Outemu Lime (V3) Tactile

Kailh Sage Clicky

$3.40 per 10

$6.25 per 10

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Housing materials

The housing materials of the Outemu Lime and Kailh Sage switches exhibit some notable similarities and differences. Both switches utilize nylon as their bottom housing material, contributing to a deep and full sound profile. Nylon's softness enables it to absorb more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. Therefore, users can expect similar sound characteristics when typing on both the Lime and Sage switches due to their shared bottom housing material.

However, the top housing materials of the Lime and Sage switches set them apart in terms of sound and aesthetics. The Lime features a nylon top housing, which further enhances its deeper and fuller sound profile. In contrast, the Sage employs a polycarbonate top housing, resulting in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. Additionally, the polycarbonate top housing of the Sage is translucent, making it more suitable for RGB lighting installations. Therefore, those seeking a switch with a clearer and more resonant sound, along with visual customization options, may opt for the Kailh Sage.

When considering the experience of pressing down and releasing a key, the bottom and top housing materials play distinct roles. For both the Lime and Sage switches, the bottom housing has a larger influence on the bottom-out sound and feel, as it directly impacts the keypress. Conversely, the top housing will primarily affect the sound produced when releasing a key. This differentiation highlights how the choice of housing materials in a switch can contribute to specific aspects of the typing or gaming experience.

In conclusion, while the nylon bottom housing of the Outemu Lime and Kailh Sage switches yields similar deep and full sound profiles, the differences in their top housing materials result in contrasting sound profiles and aesthetic options. The Lime's nylon top housing provides a softer and fuller sound, while the Sage's polycarbonate top housing offers a sharper and crisper sound with the added benefit of translucency for RGB lighting. Understanding the role of the housing materials in the bottom-out sound and the sound upon key release can aid users in selecting the switch that best suits their preferences and typing style.

Weight

When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Outemu Lime tactile switch and the Kailh Sage clicky switch, there are noticeable differences between the two. The Lime has a relatively light actuation force of 35 grams, making it easier to trigger a keystroke without much effort. On the other hand, the Sage's actuation force is unavailable, but it can be inferred that it is heavier than the Lime due to its medium-heavy bottom out force of 70 grams.

In terms of bottom out force, the Lime requires 45 grams of force to fully press down on the key. This is slightly heavier than the actuation force, providing a slight resistance when fully depressing the key. In contrast, the Sage has a bottom out force matching its actuation force of 70 grams, suggesting a consistent resistance throughout the keystroke.

Considering weight as a factor, those who prefer a lighter typing experience may lean towards the Lime switch. With its lower actuation and bottom out forces, it allows for longer periods of comfortable typing without causing excessive fatigue. This lighter touch is also well-suited for those who use their keyboards for extended work hours or prolonged gaming sessions.

On the other hand, the Sage switch offers a more substantial typing experience for those who prefer a stronger push feel. With its higher actuation and bottom out forces, it provides a greater level of resistance and feedback, creating a more tactile and robust keystroke. This can be appealing to individuals who seek a more satisfying and pronounced typing sensation.

Ultimately, the choice between the Lime and Sage switches depends on personal preference and typing style. Both switches offer their own unique benefits, whether it be lighter and effortless typing or a more substantial and tactile experience. However, it is worth noting that both switches can achieve similar results in terms of actuation and bottom out forces, albeit with different weight distributions.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distance of the Outemu Lime tactile switch and the Kailh Sage clicky switch, it is clear that the Lime has a shorter travel distance of 3.3 mm, whereas the Sage has a longer travel distance of 3.6 mm. These distances may seem minor, but they can have a significant impact on the typing or gaming experience. The Lime's shorter travel distance may appeal to gamers who prioritize faster response times. The reduced distance allows for quicker key presses, which can be advantageous in competitive gaming scenarios. On the other hand, the Sage's longer travel distance might be preferred by individuals who enjoy a more substantial feeling when pressing down on keys. The additional depth can provide a sense of satisfaction and prevent the keys from feeling too abrupt. Ultimately, the choice between the Lime and Sage switches depends on personal preference and the desired typing or gaming experience.

Price comparison

Typing experience

The Outemu Lime tactile switch and the Kailh Sage clicky switch each have their own unique qualities when it comes to sound and feel. In terms of sound, the Lime switch is described as having a neutral and muted sound profile. This means that it provides a moderate sound level and produces a softer and quieter sound compared to regular mechanical switches. On the other hand, the Sage switch is known for its crunchy sound, resembling the sound of stepping on piles of crisp and crunchy autumn leaves.

When it comes to feel, the Lime switch offers a mild, feathery, subtle, and polished typing experience. The mild feel of the switch provides a gentle typing experience, while the feathery characteristic makes it exceptionally light to press, reducing finger fatigue. The subtle resistance and lack of resonant sound make it suitable for shared spaces. Additionally, the polished finish of the switch ensures smooth and refined key travel. In contrast, the Sage switch offers an invigorating and sharp tactile feel. It provides pronounced feedback, a moderate to firm actuation force, and a snappy and reactive sensation, giving users an immersive typing experience.

Considering the available information, it is clear that the Lime switch is lightweight and offers an approachable tactility along with a neutral and muted sound profile. It provides a feathery and polished typing experience, making it suitable for tactile fans who prefer a light and quiet typing experience. On the other hand, the Sage switch offers a distinct clicky typing experience with a heavier weight and a sharp, crunchy sound. It provides an invigorating and sharp tactile feel, creating an immersive typing sensation.

In conclusion, the Outemu Lime tactile switch and the Kailh Sage clicky switch provide different subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Lime switch offers a lightweight, feathery, and polished typing experience with a neutral and muted sound profile. On the other hand, the Sage switch provides a distinct clicky typing experience with a heavier weight, a sharp tactile feel, and a crunchy sound. Depending on personal preferences, both these switches offer unique options for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts.

Conclusion

To sum up, if you are looking for a unique and lightweight typing experience with a touch of tactility, the Outemu Lime tactile switch is the way to go. With a bottom out force of 45 grams, these switches offer a feathery light typing experience that reduces finger fatigue and strain. Additionally, they feature a gentle resistance and a subtle, polished feel, making them suitable for extended typing sessions and shared spaces. The Lime switches are also silenced, producing a softer and quieter sound compared to regular switches. On the other hand, if you prefer a distinct clicky typing experience with a heavier feel, the Kailh Sage clicky switch is the better choice. With a bottom out force of 70 grams, these switches offer an invigorating typing sensation with a sharp tactile bump and pronounced feedback. The Sage switches have a refreshingly sharp clickiness that resembles stepping on crisp autumn leaves. Ultimately, the decision between the Lime and Sage switches boils down to personal preference based on the desired typing experience, sound profile, and key feel.

Mentioned in this article

Outemu Lime (V3) Tactile

$3.40 per 10

Learn more

Kailh Sage Clicky

$6.25 per 10

Learn more