Cherry MX Black vs. Outemu Silent Green
An in-depth look at the Cherry MX Black and the Outemu Silent Green switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Cherry MX Black and Outemu Silent Green mechanical keyboard switches, it is important to note that both are linear switches. The Cherry MX Black is best known for its smooth and textured feel, as well as its low-pitched and stiff characteristics. On the other hand, the Outemu Silent Green does not have a specific standout feature in terms of sound or feel. If you are looking for a switch with a classic smoothness and deep sound profile, the Cherry MX Black may be the ideal choice for you. 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
60g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
80g
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
No
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
pom
Top housing material
Nylon
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
In comparing the Cherry MX Black and Outemu Silent Green housing materials, we can see that the MX Black utilizes a nylon top and bottom housing, while the Silent Green utilizes a polycarbonate top and bottom housing. While both materials have their own unique sound profiles, with nylon creating a deeper and fuller sound and polycarbonate creating a sharper and crisper sound, they both offer distinct advantages. The nylon housing of the MX Black provides a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. In contrast, the polycarbonate housing of the Silent Green is a stiffer plastic that leads to a clear and resonant sound profile. Overall, the choice between the two will come down to personal preference in sound and feel.
One important factor to consider when comparing the housing materials is their impact on the overall typing experience. The nylon bottom housing of the MX Black will influence the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing down on a key, providing a deeper and fuller sound profile. On the other hand, the polycarbonate bottom housing of the Silent Green will contribute to a sharper and crisper sound when bottoming out a key. This difference in bottom housing materials can greatly affect the overall typing experience and the sound feedback that users will experience while typing on these switches.
While the top and bottom housing materials of the Cherry MX Black and Outemu Silent Green differ, the impact each has on the overall sound and feel of the switches should not be underestimated. The top housing material, whether it be nylon or polycarbonate, will have a significant impact on the sound when releasing a key, while the bottom housing material will influence the sound and feel when pressing down on a key. As a result, users can expect a different typing experience between the two switches, with the MX Black offering a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its nylon housing and the Silent Green providing a sharper and crisper sound profile thanks to its polycarbonate housing. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on individual preferences for sound and typing feel.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Cherry MX Black linear switch and the Outemu Silent Green linear switch, it is evident that there are noticeable differences. The Cherry MX Black has a heavier actuation force of 60 grams and a bottom out force of 80 grams, making it a more substantial typing experience for those who prefer a stronger push feel. On the other hand, the Outemu Silent Green has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams, providing a smoother and slightly easier typing experience. The Cherry MX Black switch would be more suitable for users who prefer a heavier typing feel, while the Outemu Silent Green switch would be ideal for those who prefer a lighter touch and smoother keystrokes. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches would depend on personal preference for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
Both the Cherry MX Black linear switch and the Outemu Silent Green linear switch have a travel distance of 4 mm, making them equal in this aspect. When pressing down on a key with either of these switches, you will experience the same amount of travel distance as the key is pressed from the top to the bottom. This means that whether you opt for the Cherry MX Black or the Outemu Silent Green, you can expect similar results in terms of the distance the switch travels when activated. This makes them both great options for those looking for a linear switch with a consistent and familiar travel distance.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
For 10 switches, the Cherry MX Black comes in at $4.00, whereas the Outemu Silent Green comes in at $3.10.
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 Cherry MX Black linear switch offers a low-pitched profile that gives off a deep and satisfying sound when typing. On the other hand, the sound profile of the Outemu Silent Green linear switch is unknown, so it is difficult to make a direct comparison between the two in this aspect. However, it is important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard housing and keycaps used.
Moving on to feel, the Cherry MX Black switch is known for its textured feel, providing users with a tactile feedback that some may find appealing. Additionally, these switches are considered stiff, requiring a higher amount of force to actuate and bottom-out compared to other switches. On the contrary, the feel of the Outemu Silent Green linear switch is unspecified, making it challenging to contrast with the MX Black in this regard. Nonetheless, it is essential to consider personal preferences when it comes to the feel of a switch, as some users may prefer a smoother typing experience while others may enjoy the tactile feedback provided by textured switches.
Overall, while the Cherry MX Black linear switch and the Outemu Silent Green linear switch may differ in sound and feel based on the available information, it is important to consider individual preferences when selecting a mechanical keyboard switch. Both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different typing styles and preferences, so experimenting with different switches is key to finding the perfect fit for your typing needs. If both switches offer similar sound and feel characteristics, you can expect to achieve comparable results in terms of typing experience.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Cherry MX Black linear switch and the Outemu Silent Green linear switch, consider your preference for bottom out force. If you prefer a heavier switch with a bottom out force of 80 grams, the MX Black may be the better choice for you. The MX Black also offers a textured and stiff feel, along with a low-pitched sound profile. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium bottom out force of 60 grams and are looking for a silent typing experience, the Silent Green may be more suitable. Keep in mind that the Silent Green lacks distinctive characteristics in terms of sound and feel compared to the MX Black. Ultimately, your preference for bottom out force and typing experience will guide you in choosing the switch that best suits your needs.
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