Durock Medium Tactile vs. Outemu Silent White
An in-depth look at the Durock Medium Tactile and the Outemu Silent White switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between the Durock Medium Tactile, a tactile switch, and the Outemu Silent White, a linear switch, each has its own unique characteristics that cater to different preferences. The Durock medium tactile stands out 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 white is known for its silent operation. While the medium tactile is categorized as accented, stepped, mild, and polished, the silent white does not fall into any specific category. Both switches offer distinct advantages, making the choice between the two a matter of personal preference. However, let's delve 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
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 Medium Tactile and the Outemu Silent White, both switches feature polycarbonate top housings that create a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is attributed to the stiffness of polycarbonate, which contributes to a clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches designed for RGB lighting. However, where the two switches differ is in their nylon bottom housings. The Medium Tactile's nylon bottom housing produces a deeper and fuller sound profile due to nylon's softer nature, which absorbs more sound compared to harder plastics. This results in a duller and rounder sound when typing on the Medium Tactile switch.
The similarities between the two switches lie in the properties of their polycarbonate top housings, which both contribute to a sharp and clear sound profile. However, the differences become evident when examining their nylon bottom housings. While the Medium Tactile's nylon bottom housing produces a deeper and fuller sound profile, the Outemu Silent White's nylon bottom housing likely offers a similar effect. Both switches benefit from the characteristics of nylon, with its softer nature contributing to a more muffled and rounded sound compared to harder plastics. This allows for a unique typing experience with each switch, influenced by the combination of top and bottom housing materials.
In terms of typing experience, the separate top and bottom housing materials play a significant role in the overall sound and feel of the switches. The qualities of the bottom housing material, whether nylon for the Medium Tactile or Silent White, will impact the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing down on a key. On the other hand, the qualities of the top housing material, which is polycarbonate for both switches, will influence the sound when releasing a key. This division of characteristics creates a nuanced typing experience with distinct tactile and auditory feedback for each switch.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Durock Medium Tactile tactile switch and the Outemu Silent White linear switch, there are some notable differences. The Durock Medium Tactile has an actuation force of None grams, making it light in this aspect, while the Outemu Silent White has an actuation force of 45 grams. However, both switches have a bottom out force of 60-65 grams, placing them in the medium range. For those who prefer a lighter touch, the Outemu Silent White would be the better choice, as it requires less force to trigger a keystroke. On the other hand, the Durock Medium Tactile offers a slightly heavier actuation force, providing a more substantial typing experience for those who prefer a bit more resistance. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches would come down to personal preference and typing style.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Durock Medium Tactile switch and the Outemu Silent White switch, we can see that the Medium Tactile has a longer travel distance of 4 mm compared to the Silent White's 3.3 mm. The Medium Tactile offers a more traditional typing experience with a slightly deeper press, while the Silent White provides a quicker response time due to its shorter travel distance. Gamers who prioritize speed and responsiveness may prefer the Outemu Silent White, while those who enjoy a more deliberate keystroke may lean towards the Durock Medium Tactile. Both switches offer unique typing experiences based on their travel distances, so choosing between the two ultimately depends on individual preferences for key feel and response time.
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 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
The Durock Medium Tactile switch is known for its balanced tactility and jelly-like sound signature, providing a satisfying typing experience for those who enjoy a pronounced tactile bump. On the other hand, the Outemu Silent White switch lacks specific information on its tactile feel, making it difficult to compare directly in terms of feel. When it comes to sound, the Medium Tactile switch is noted for its unique jelly-like sound, while the Silent White switch's sound profile remains unknown.
Overall, if you are looking for a tactile switch with a balanced tactility and a distinct sound profile, the Durock Medium Tactile switch would be a suitable choice. On the other hand, if you prefer a silent typing experience and are willing to sacrifice specific tactile feedback, the Outemu Silent White switch could be a viable option. Both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences, so ultimately, the choice between them would depend on your personal preference for typing feel and sound.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Durock Medium Tactile switch and the Outemu Silent White switch, consider the qualities that are most important to you. If you prefer a medium-heavy bottom out force with a pronounced yet balanced tactility and a unique jelly-like sound signature, then the Durock Medium Tactile switch may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium bottom out force with a silent operation and a linear feel, then the Outemu Silent White switch may better suit your preferences. Whether you prioritize tactility and sound or prefer a silent and linear typing experience, ultimately, the best switch for you will depend on your personal preferences and typing style.
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