Gateron Melodic vs. Outemu Silent Green
An in-depth look at the Gateron Melodic and the Outemu Silent Green switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Gateron Melodic clicky switch to the Outemu Silent Green linear switch, it is evident that they offer distinct typing experiences. The Gateron Melodic stands out for its advancements in the clicky switch category, providing users with a buttery, resonant, invigorating, and crunchy typing feel. On the other hand, the Outemu Silent Green is characterized by its silent operation, making it an ideal choice for those seeking a quieter typing experience. While the Gateron Melodic offers a satisfying clicky sound and tactile feedback, the Outemu Silent Green provides smooth and linear keystrokes without the noise. 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
60g
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
Stainless steel
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Gateron Melodic and the Outemu Silent Green, it is clear that both switches utilize polycarbonate for their top housings. This choice results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile for both switches. The use of polycarbonate's relatively stiffer plastic provides a clear and resonant sound, making it ideal for those who appreciate a more defined auditory experience. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate is advantageous for users who wish to incorporate RGB lighting into their setup, as it allows the light to shine through the housing.
However, where the two switches differ is in the material used for the bottom housing. The Gateron Melodic features a nylon bottom housing, which produces a deeper and fuller sound profile due to nylon's softer nature that absorbs more sound. This creates a duller and rounder sound compared to the sharper and crisper sound produced by the polycarbonate top housing. On the other hand, the Outemu Silent Green opts for a polycarbonate bottom housing, aligning with its top housing material. This choice ensures consistency in sound profile throughout the switch's design, maintaining the sharp and clear qualities characteristic of polycarbonate.
Overall, the housing materials of the Gateron Melodic and the Outemu Silent Green each bring unique characteristics to the switches. While both utilize polycarbonate for the top housing, providing a sharp and resonant sound, the choice of nylon for the Melodic's bottom housing adds a deeper and fuller sound profile. On the other hand, the Silent Green's decision to use polycarbonate for both top and bottom housings ensures a consistent sound experience. Depending on individual preferences for sound and feel, users can choose between the two switches based on their desired auditory and tactile experiences.
Weight
When comparing the Gateron Melodic clicky switch and the Outemu Silent Green linear switch, it is evident that the actuation force varies between the two. The Melodic clicky switch has a unique feature with an actuation force of None grams, making it different from the Silent Green's 45 grams. In terms of bottom out force, both switches share the same measurement of 60 grams, providing a medium level of resistance. The Melodic clicky switch offers a lighter actuation force without compromising on the bottom out force, suitable for those who prefer a lighter touch. On the other hand, the Outemu Silent Green linear switch provides a slightly heavier actuation force, catering to individuals who enjoy a more substantial typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference regarding actuation force and bottom out force, with the Melodic clicky switch offering a lighter touch and the Silent Green linear switch providing a more defined push feel.
Travel distance
Both the Gateron Melodic clicky switch and the Outemu Silent Green linear switch have the same travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when you press down on a key with either of these switches, you will experience a consistent travel distance from the top to the bottom. This similarity ensures that users will get similar results in terms of keypress feel and feedback. The equal travel distance of both switches makes them suitable for individuals who prefer a standard keypress experience without any significant differences in travel distance.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron Melodic has an MSRP of $6.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Melodic for $6.00.
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
When it comes to sound, the Gateron Melodic clicky switch offers a resonant and crunchy typing experience. With a higher-pitched sound profile and clean, sharp clicks, typing on the Melodic switch provides an immersive auditory experience reminiscent of walking on crunchy autumn leaves. On the other hand, the Outemu Silent Green linear switch does not have a specific sound profile mentioned, but it is known for being silent, making it a great choice for those who prefer a quieter typing experience.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the Gateron Melodic switch is often described as buttery and invigorating. Typing on these switches offers a smooth and fluid keystroke experience, with a seamless and effortless typing sensation. The pronounced feedback, moderate to firm actuation force, and snappy feel of the Melodic switch create an engaging and immersive typing experience. As for the Outemu Silent Green switch, there is no specific feel descriptor available, but due to its linear nature, it offers a consistent keystroke without the tactile bump or audible click typically found in other switch types.
Taking into consideration the available information, the Gateron Melodic clicky switch is renowned for its resonant and crunchy sound profile, as well as its buttery and invigorating feel. On the other hand, the Outemu Silent Green linear switch is known for its silent operation, making it ideal for those who prefer a quieter typing experience. While the specific details may differ between the two switches, ultimately, both switches offer quality performance in their respective categories, providing users with a satisfying typing experience based on their personal preferences.
Conclusion
To wrap up, when deciding between the Gateron Melodic clicky switch and the Outemu Silent Green linear switch, consider your preferences for sound and feel. If you enjoy a resonant and crunchy sound profile along with a buttery and invigorating typing experience, the Gateron Melodic may be the best choice for you. On the other hand, if you prioritize a silent typing experience without any specific sound or feel preferences, the Outemu Silent Green could be a suitable option. Ultimately, your decision should be based on what aspects of typing are most important to you and what kind of experience you want to have while using your mechanical keyboard.
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