Gateron Melodic vs. Outemu Silent Grey
An in-depth look at the Gateron Melodic and the Outemu Silent Grey switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Gateron Melodic and Outemu Silent Grey are two excellent options to consider. The Gateron Melodic is a clicky switch that is known for its buttery smoothness, resonant click sound, invigorating tactile feedback, and crunchy feel. On the other hand, the Outemu Silent Grey is a tactile switch that offers a quiet typing experience with a pronounced bump and smooth keystroke. So, if you are looking for a switch that provides a satisfyingly clicky sound and feedback, the Gateron Melodic may be the way to go. However, if you prefer a quieter typing experience with a strong tactile feel, the Outemu Silent Grey could be the better choice. 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
50g
Bottom-out force
60g
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
Stainless steel
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Gateron Melodic and the Outemu Silent Grey, it is clear that both switches utilize polycarbonate for their top housings. This choice results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to the stiffness of polycarbonate. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate allows for RGB lighting to shine through, enhancing the overall aesthetic of the switches. Therefore, in terms of sound and appearance, users can expect similar results from both switches when it comes to the top housing material.
However, where the two switches differ is in their choice of bottom housing material. The Gateron Melodic features a nylon bottom housing, known for eliciting a deeper and fuller sound profile. This is due to the softer nature of nylon, which absorbs more sound than harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. On the other hand, the Outemu Silent Grey also utilizes a nylon bottom housing, providing similar acoustic benefits to the Melodic. Therefore, users can expect a consistent typing experience in terms of sound when comparing the bottom housing materials of these switches.
When considering how the top and bottom housings impact the overall typing experience, it becomes apparent that the bottom housing has a greater influence on the bottom-out sound and feel of the switch, while the top housing affects the sound when releasing a key. Despite the differences in housing materials between the Gateron Melodic and the Outemu Silent Grey, the overall typing experience may not vary significantly, as both switches employ similar housing materials for both the top and bottom housings. Ultimately, the choice between these switches may come down to personal preferences in terms of sound profile, aesthetics, and typing feel.
Weight
When comparing the Gateron Melodic clicky switch and the Outemu Silent Grey tactile switch, it is evident that the actuation force and bottom out force play a key role in determining the typing experience. The Melodic clicky switch has an actuation force of None grams, making it lighter in terms of initial keypress, while the Silent Grey tactile switch requires 50 grams of force to actuate, providing a slightly heavier touch. In terms of bottom out force, the Melodic switch requires 60 grams to fully depress the key, whereas the Silent Grey switch requires 65 grams, making it slightly heavier in comparison. Both switches fall within the medium to medium-heavy range, offering a satisfying typing experience for different preferences. Those who prefer a lighter touch for extended typing sessions may lean towards the Melodic switch, while those who enjoy a more substantial typing feel may opt for the Silent Grey switch. Ultimately, the actuation and bottom out forces of each switch contribute to the overall typing experience, catering to a variety of typing preferences and needs.
Travel distance
The Gateron Melodic clicky switch and the Outemu Silent Grey tactile switch both have a travel distance of 4mm. This means that when pressing down on a key with either of these switches, you will feel the same distance of travel from the top to the bottom. In terms of travel distance, both switches offer a similar typing experience by providing the same amount of key travel. So, whether you choose the Melodic clicky switch or the Silent Grey tactile switch, you can expect to get consistent results in terms of distance traveled when typing.
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 Grey 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 switch offers a resonant and crunchy typing experience, where users can enjoy a higher-pitched sound profile with clean and sharp clicks reminiscent of walking on crisp autumn leaves. On the other hand, the Outemu Silent Grey switch is known for its quiet operation, providing a highly tactile typing experience without the loud clicky sound associated with traditional switches. Depending on personal preference, users can choose between the immersive auditory experience of the Melodic or the silent satisfaction of the Silent Grey switch.
In terms of feel, the Gateron Melodic switch boasts a buttery and invigorating typing sensation, with smooth and fluid keystrokes that offer a seamless and effortless typing experience. The pronounced feedback, moderate to firm actuation force, and snappy feel of the Melodic switch create an immersive typing sensation that enhances the overall typing experience. Conversely, there is limited information available on the tactile feel of the Outemu Silent Grey switch.
In conclusion, the Gateron Melodic clicky switch and the Outemu Silent Grey tactile switch offer contrasting experiences in terms of sound and feel. The Melodic switch provides a resonant and crunchy sound profile with a buttery and invigorating typing sensation, perfect for users who enjoy a tactile and immersive typing experience. On the other hand, the Silent Grey switch offers a quiet and highly tactile typing experience without the loud clicky sound, making it ideal for those seeking a silent yet satisfying typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on personal preferences for sound, feel, and typing experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, when it comes to choosing between the Gateron Melodic clicky switch and the Outemu Silent Grey tactile switch, it ultimately depends on your preferences for sound and feel. If you enjoy a resonant and crunchy sound profile with a buttery and invigorating typing experience, then the Gateron Melodic switch would be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a quiet and highly tactile typing experience with a pronounced bump and smooth keystroke, then the Outemu Silent Grey switch would be more suitable for your needs. Consider your preferences for sound and feel carefully before making your decision. Ultimately, both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different typing preferences.
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