Cherry MX Black vs. Outemu Silent Grey
An in-depth look at the Cherry MX Black and the Outemu Silent Grey switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options to consider are the Cherry MX Black and the Outemu Silent Grey. The Cherry MX Black is a linear switch known for its classic textured smoothness and deep sound profile while typing. On the other hand, the Outemu Silent Grey is a tactile switch that offers a quiet and highly tactile typing experience with a pronounced bump and smooth keystroke. If you prefer a low-pitched and stiff feel, the Cherry MX Black may be the best choice for you. However, if you're looking for something satisfying and silent with a tactile feedback, the Outemu Silent Grey could be the better option. 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
50g
Bottom-out force
80g
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
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
Nylon
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Cherry MX Black and the Outemu Silent Grey, it is evident that both switches use nylon for the bottom housing. This means that typing on both switches will elicit a similar deep and full sound profile due to the softer nature of nylon plastic, which absorbs more sound than harder plastics. The bottom housing's impact on the bottom-out sound and feel will be consistent across both switches, providing a consistent typing experience in terms of sound and tactile feedback.
However, when it comes to the top housing, the Cherry MX Black uses nylon while the Outemu Silent Grey uses polycarbonate. The nylon top housing of the MX Black creates a duller and rounder sound profile, while the polycarbonate top housing of the Silent Grey results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. Additionally, the clear polycarbonate housing allows for RGB lighting, making the Silent Grey more visually appealing for those who prefer customizable lighting effects. This difference in top housing material highlights how the material used can significantly impact the sound and aesthetic qualities of a switch.
Overall, the Cherry MX Black and Outemu Silent Grey switches demonstrate how the choice of housing material can greatly influence the typing experience. While both switches feature nylon bottom housings for a consistent sound profile and tactile feedback, the different top housing materials lead to distinct sound profiles and visual aesthetics. Whether you prefer the deeper and fuller sound of nylon or the sharper and crisper sound of polycarbonate, the housing material plays a crucial role in shaping the overall performance and feel of a mechanical switch.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Cherry MX Black linear switch and the Outemu Silent Grey tactile switch, there are noticeable differences worth considering. The Cherry MX Black has a heavier actuation force of 60 grams and a bottom out force of 80 grams, providing a solid and substantial typing experience. In contrast, the Outemu Silent Grey has a lighter actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 65 grams, offering a slightly easier typing experience. Those who prefer a lighter touch may opt for the Outemu Silent Grey, allowing for longer typing sessions without fatigue. On the other hand, individuals who prefer a more pronounced push may lean towards the Cherry MX Black for a more substantial feel. Both switches have their strengths, with the Cherry MX Black offering a heavier option and the Outemu Silent Grey providing a lighter alternative for different preferences.
Travel distance
Both the Cherry MX Black linear switch and the Outemu Silent Grey tactile switch have the same travel distance of 4 mm. This means that both switches offer a similar experience in terms of key press depth, resulting in consistent performance regardless of which switch you choose. In terms of travel distance, neither switch is shorter or longer than the other, making them both suitable options for those who prefer a standard key press depth. Ultimately, whether you choose the Cherry MX Black or the Outemu Silent Grey will come down to personal preference based on factors other than 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 Grey 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 comparing the subjective qualities of the Cherry MX Black linear switch and the Outemu Silent Grey tactile switch, we can see notable differences in both sound and feel. The MX Black offers a low-pitched sound profile with a classic textured smoothness, providing a deep and satisfying typing experience. In contrast, the Silent Grey delivers a quiet typing experience with a pronounced bump and smooth keystroke, making it ideal for those who prefer a tactile and silent option. While the MX Black is described as textured and stiff, the Silent Grey's specific feel qualities are unknown.
Overall, when considering the sound and feel of these switches, it is evident that they cater to different preferences. The MX Black excels in providing a deep and textured typing experience, while the Outemu Silent Grey offers a quiet and tactile alternative. Depending on whether you prioritize sound, feel, or a combination of both, you can choose the switch that best suits your needs. Additionally, keep in mind that the overall typing experience will also be influenced by other factors such as keyboard construction and keycaps used. Ultimately, while each switch offers unique characteristics, both options promise a high-quality typing experience for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a heavy linear switch with a deep sound profile and a textured, stiff feel, the Cherry MX Black switches would be a great choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-heavy tactile switch with a quiet typing experience, pronounced bump, and smooth keystroke, the Outemu Silent Grey switches would be the better option. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches comes down to your personal preferences in terms of typing experience, sound profile, and tactile feedback. Consider what features are most important to you when selecting the perfect switch for your mechanical keyboard.
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