Cherry MX Black vs. Outemu Silent White
An in-depth look at the Cherry MX Black and the Outemu Silent White switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Cherry MX Black and Outemu Silent White mechanical keyboard switches, two linear switches stand out with unique characteristics. The MX Black is renowned for its classic textured smoothness, thanks to Cherry's Hyperglide tooling, which provides a deep sound profile when typing. On the other hand, the Silent White switch is characterized by a lack of distinctions. The MX Black switch offers a low-pitched, textured, and stiff typing experience, while the Silent White switch remains undefined in terms of its key attributes. Choosing between these switches ultimately depends on personal preference and typing style; 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
1.60 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.30 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
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The Cherry MX Black and the Outemu Silent White both utilize nylon in their bottom housings, which leads to a deeper and fuller sound profile due to the softer plastic's ability to absorb more sound. This results in a duller and rounder sound when typing on switches with nylon bottom housings. On the other hand, the Cherry MX Black features a nylon top housing, while the Outemu Silent White features a polycarbonate top housing. The polycarbonate top housing of the Silent White creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile compared to the MX Black. The translucency of polycarbonate also makes it ideal for switches with RGB lighting, adding an aesthetic appeal to the Silent White.
Despite both switches having nylon bottom housings, the Outemu Silent White and Cherry MX Black differ in their top housing materials, which significantly impacts the sound profile and typing experience. The MX Black's nylon top housing contributes to a deeper and fuller sound when typing, while the Silent White's polycarbonate top housing produces a more clear and resonant sound profile. The difference in the top housing material also affects the switch's aesthetics, as the translucent polycarbonate of the Silent White allows for RGB lighting, adding a visual element to the typing experience. Overall, the choice between nylon and polycarbonate top housing can result in distinct sound and feel characteristics for each switch.
When comparing the Cherry MX Black and the Outemu Silent White, it is evident that the choice of housing material, whether nylon or polycarbonate, plays a crucial role in determining the sound profile and typing experience of the switches. While both switches feature nylon bottom housings, which contribute to a deeper and fuller sound profile, the difference in the top housing material sets them apart. The Cherry MX Black's nylon top housing creates a duller and rounder sound, whereas the Silent White's polycarbonate top housing offers a sharper and crisper sound. Ultimately, the combination of bottom and top housing materials determines the overall sound and feel of each switch, making the choice between the two an essential factor for users seeking a specific typing experience.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Cherry MX Black linear switch and the Outemu Silent White linear switch, it is evident that the MX Black is heavier in both aspects. The MX Black has an actuation force of 60 grams and a bottom out force of 80 grams, making it a robust and heavy switch. In contrast, the Silent White has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams, providing a more medium-weight typing experience. The weight of a switch is crucial as it can impact how comfortable typing feels for the user. Some may prefer the lighter feel of the Silent White for extended periods of typing or gaming, while others may opt for the heavier and more substantial typing experience offered by the MX Black. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches comes down to personal preference and what weight of keypress feels most comfortable for the individual user.
Travel distance
The Cherry MX Black linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Outemu Silent White linear switch has a travel distance of 3.3 mm. In this case, the Outemu Silent White switch has a shorter travel distance compared to the Cherry MX Black switch. For those who prefer a more responsive feel and faster response times, the Outemu Silent White switch would be the better option due to its shorter travel distance. On the other hand, if you prefer a deeper key press with more resistance, the Cherry MX Black switch with its longer travel distance may be more suitable. Ultimately, both switches offer different travel distances to cater to individual preferences, and choosing between them depends on personal preference and typing style.
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 White 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 is known for its low-pitched and deep sound profile, providing a bass-heavy and mellow tone while typing. On the other hand, the Outemu Silent White linear switch's sound qualities are unknown. Keep in mind that the overall sound experience of a switch is influenced by various factors such as the keyboard's construction and the keycaps used.
In terms of feel, the Cherry MX Black linear switch is recognized for its textured and stiff qualities. The textured feel of these switches adds a noticeable friction while typing, which some users may appreciate for a tactile feedback experience. Additionally, the stiffness of the MX Black switch requires a higher amount of force to actuate and bottom out, enhancing the typing feedback for users who prefer a more resistant keypress. Unfortunately, the feel of the Outemu Silent White linear switch is not specified, so it's unclear how it compares in terms of texture and stiffness.
Overall, the Cherry MX Black linear switch offers a deep sound profile with a textured and stiff feel, appealing to users who enjoy a tactile and responsive typing experience. While the Outemu Silent White linear switch lacks specific information on sound and feel, it is important to consider personal preferences and typing habits when choosing between these two switches to ensure a satisfying keyboarding experience. Ultimately, if you prefer a similar low-pitched sound and textured, stiff feel, the Cherry MX Black linear switch may provide comparable results to the Outemu Silent White switch.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a heavier switch with a classic feel and sound, the Cherry MX Black linear switch would be a great choice for you. The MX Black offers a textured and stiff typing experience with a low-pitched sound profile. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter switch with a quieter typing experience, the Outemu Silent White linear switch might be the better option for you. The Silent White has a lower bottom out force and is silent during typing. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches will come down to your personal preference for key feel, sound, and force required for typing. Choose the switch that best suits your typing style and preferences.
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