Cherry MX Brown vs. Outemu Silent White
An in-depth look at the Cherry MX Brown and the Outemu Silent White switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Cherry MX Brown and the Outemu Silent White offer unique typing experiences. The Cherry MX Brown is a tactile switch that is best known for its subtlety, providing a light typing experience with gentle tactility and subdued audio feedback. On the other hand, the Outemu Silent White is a linear switch that lacks any particular standout feature. The MX Brown is categorized as 'Textured', 'Bassy', 'Low-pitched', while the Silent White is uncategorized. Choosing between these switches ultimately comes down to 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
45g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
55g
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
In comparing the housing materials of the Cherry MX Brown and Outemu Silent White switches, we can see that the MX Brown features a nylon top housing, which creates a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer plastic that absorbs more sound. On the other hand, the Silent White utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, resulting in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The aesthetic difference in the housings is also notable, as the polycarbonate top housing of the Silent White allows for RGB lighting to shine through, creating a visually appealing experience.
When it comes to the bottom housings of these switches, both the MX Brown and the Silent White use nylon material. This consistent use of nylon in the bottom housing contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile, as the softer plastic absorbs more sound, leading to a duller and rounder sound. Despite the similarities in the bottom housing material, the overall sound experience of typing on these switches may vary due to the different top housing materials used. The combination of materials in the Cherry MX Brown and Silent White switches demonstrates how the choice of housing material can impact the overall sound and feel of a mechanical keyboard.
Ultimately, the contrasting top housing materials of nylon in the MX Brown and polycarbonate in the Silent White highlight the varying sound profiles that can be achieved through material selection. While both switches use nylon for their bottom housings, the different top housing materials play a significant role in the overall sound experience of typing on these switches. Whether you prefer the deeper, fuller sound of the MX Brown with its nylon top housing, or the sharper, crisper sound of the Silent White with its polycarbonate top housing, the choice of housing material can greatly enhance the typing experience on a mechanical keyboard.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Cherry MX Brown tactile switch and the Outemu Silent White linear switch, we can see that both switches have the same actuation force of 45 grams, meaning that you will get a similar typing experience in terms of triggering a keystroke. However, when it comes to the bottom out force, the Cherry MX Brown has a lighter 55-gram bottom out force compared to the heavier 60-gram bottom out force of the Outemu Silent White. This means that the Cherry MX Brown may feel slightly lighter and more comfortable for extended typing sessions, while the Outemu Silent White may provide a more substantial typing experience with a stronger push feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches may come down to personal preference in terms of desired force and typing experience.
Travel distance
The Cherry MX Brown tactile switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, making it the longer option compared to the Outemu Silent White linear switch, which has a travel distance of 3.3 mm. The MX Brown offers a bit more depth when pressing down on the key, which may be preferred by some users who enjoy a more substantial typing experience. On the other hand, the Silent White switch provides a slightly shorter travel distance, which can result in faster response times, making it a popular choice among gamers. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for travel distance and typing feel. Both switches offer quality performance, so regardless of the difference in travel distance, users can expect a satisfying typing experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
For 10 switches, the Cherry MX Brown 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 Brown switch offers a bassy and low-pitched typing experience, providing a deeper and richer sound profile during key presses. On the other hand, the Outemu Silent White switch does not have any specific sound descriptors available. However, it is important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by the keyboard's construction and the keycaps used.
Moving on to the feel, the Cherry MX Brown switch is known for its textured typing experience. This means that users may feel a noticeable friction when pressing the keys, offering a tactile sensation that some may prefer for a more engaging typing experience. Unfortunately, there is no available information on the specific feel of the Outemu Silent White switch.
In conclusion, if you are looking for a subtle and tactile typing experience with a bassy sound profile, the Cherry MX Brown switch may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you are interested in a silent typing experience with a linear switch but want to have a feel similar to a Cherry MX Brown, you may get similar results with the Outemu Silent White switch. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches will depend on your personal preferences for sound, feel, and typing experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between Cherry MX Brown tactile switches and Outemu Silent White linear switches, you should choose the MX Brown if you prefer a medium-light typing experience with gentle tactility and subdued audio feedback. These switches are great for users who enjoy a more subtle typing experience. On the other hand, you should opt for the Outemu Silent White if you prefer a medium typing force with a linear feel and silent operation. These switches are ideal for users who prioritize a quiet keyboard without sacrificing typing performance. Ultimately, the decision between these switches comes down to personal preference in terms of typing feel and sound profile.
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