Durock Medium Tactile vs. Outemu Silent Green
An in-depth look at the Durock Medium Tactile and the Outemu Silent Green switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, the Durock Medium Tactile and the Outemu Silent Green stand out as unique options for different preferences. The Durock Medium Tactile is praised for its pronounced yet balanced tactility and jelly-like sound signature, making it a popular choice among tactile switch enthusiasts. On the other hand, the Outemu Silent Green offers a silent typing experience without sacrificing the smooth linear feel. While the Medium Tactile is categorized as 'Accented', 'Stepped', 'Mild', and 'Polished', the Silent Green does not fall into any specific category. Both switches have their own strengths and appeal to different preferences. 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
N/A
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
65g
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
In comparing the housing materials of the Durock Medium Tactile and the Outemu Silent Green, we can see some similarities in their polycarbonate top housings. Both switches utilize polycarbonate in their top housings, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to the stiffness of polycarbonate plastic, which leads to a more resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches that will be used with RGB lighting. However, where the Medium Tactile diverges is in its nylon bottom housing, which elicits a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer nature compared to the polycarbonate bottom housing of the Silent Green.
The differences in the bottom housing materials between the Durock Medium Tactile and the Outemu Silent Green play a significant role in the overall sound and feel of the switches. The nylon bottom housing of the Medium Tactile absorbs more sound than the polycarbonate bottom housing of the Silent Green, resulting in a duller and rounder sound profile. This means that when typing on the Medium Tactile, users can expect a different tactile and auditory experience compared to the Silent Green. However, both switches share the qualities of their polycarbonate top housings, creating a uniformity in the sharp and crisp sound profile produced when pressing down on the keys.
Overall, the choice between the Durock Medium Tactile and the Outemu Silent Green will come down to personal preference for sound and feel. The Medium Tactile offers a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its nylon bottom housing, while the Silent Green provides a sharper and crisper sound profile thanks to its polycarbonate bottom housing. Both switches share similar characteristics in their polycarbonate top housings, creating a uniformity in the sound profile when pressing down on the keys. Ultimately, users must decide which qualities they value most in a switch housing material to determine which switch best suits their typing preferences.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Durock Medium Tactile tactile switch and the Outemu Silent Green linear switch, it is evident that the Silent Green is lighter in both aspects. The Medium Tactile has an actuation force of None grams, making it easier to trigger keystrokes, while the Silent Green requires 45 grams of force. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Medium Tactile has a heavier 65-gram force compared to the 60 grams of the Silent Green. This means that while the Silent Green may be easier to actuate, the Medium Tactile provides a more substantial typing experience with a heavier bottom out force. Both switches offer a medium feel overall, but the Medium Tactile leans towards the heavier side, providing a more tactile typing experience for those who prefer it. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference, with lighter switches being more suitable for extended typing sessions, while heavier switches are better for those who enjoy a more pronounced key press.
Travel distance
The Durock Medium Tactile and the Outemu Silent Green switches both have a travel distance of 4 mm, making them equal in this aspect. This means that when pressing down on a key with either switch, the distance the switch travels from the top to the bottom will feel the same. Both switches offer a consistent travel distance that provides a satisfying typing experience for users. It is worth noting that having the same travel distance can result in similar typing performance and feedback for both switches. So, whether using the Durock Medium Tactile or the Outemu Silent Green, users can expect a similar key feel and travel distance while typing.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Durock Medium 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 Medium 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 Medium Tactile tactile switch is known for its jelly-like sound signature, providing a unique auditory experience. On the other hand, the sound profile of the Outemu Silent Green linear switch is not well-documented, so it is difficult to draw a direct comparison between the two switches. Keep in mind that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard layout and keycaps used.
When it comes to feel, the Durock Medium Tactile switch is described as having an accented, stepped, mild, and polished feel. This means that the switch offers a balance of tactility that is neither overwhelming nor subtle, providing a smooth and refined typing experience. The feel of the Outemu Silent Green switch is not specified, so it is unclear how it compares to the Medium Tactile in terms of keypress feedback and overall typing comfort.
Considering the available information, the Durock Medium Tactile tactile switch stands out for its unique jelly-like sound signature and balanced tactility, making it a popular choice for enthusiasts seeking a tactile typing experience. While the sound profile and feel of the Outemu Silent Green linear switch remain somewhat unknown, the Medium Tactile switch offers a clear advantage in terms of documented qualities. It is important to consider personal preferences and typing preferences when selecting a mechanical keyboard switch, as individual experiences may vary. If a similar typing experience to the Durock switch is desired, it may be advisable to explore other tactile switches with known characteristics.
Conclusion
To sum up, when considering whether to choose the Durock Medium Tactile tactile switch or the Outemu Silent Green linear switch, you should opt for the Durock Medium Tactile if you prefer a medium-heavy bottom out force and a balanced tactility with a jelly-like sound signature. This switch is ideal for those who enjoy an accented, stepped, mild, or polished feel. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium bottom out force and a silent typing experience, the Outemu Silent Green linear switch would be more suitable for you. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your preference for tactility, sound, and feel when it comes to mechanical keyboard switches.
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