Cherry MX Orange vs. Outemu Silent Grey
An in-depth look at the Cherry MX Orange and the Outemu Silent Grey switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Cherry MX Orange and Outemu Silent Grey present distinct characteristics that cater to different preferences in typing and gaming experiences. The Cherry MX Orange switch is a linear switch, revived from the original design and enhanced with MX2A generation features, making it ideal for users seeking a smooth and uninterrupted keystroke. Its linear nature provides a clean and fast response, appealing to gamers who prioritize rapid key presses without auditory distraction. In contrast, the Outemu Silent Grey switch is a tactile option, designed for those who appreciate a pronounced bump in their keystrokes while enjoying a quieter typing experience. With its smooth action and satisfying feedback, the Silent Grey caters well to typists and gamers alike who prefer a more deliberate interaction with their keyboard. Both switches have their merits; the Cherry MX Orange excels in rapidity and minimal noise, while the Outemu Silent Grey offers a tactile and silent alternative. 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
55g
Actuation force
50g
Bottom-out force
N/A
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
Nylon
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
When comparing the housing materials of the Cherry MX Orange and Outemu Silent Grey switches, we observe notable differences in the top housing that lead to distinct acoustic profiles. The Cherry MX Orange features a nylon top housing, which is known for its ability to absorb sound effectively due to its softer plastic composition. This absorption quality results in a deeper, fuller sound profile when typing, creating a warmer auditory experience. In contrast, the Outemu Silent Grey employs a polycarbonate top housing, which is a stiffer plastic that produces a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. This difference in material directly influences the overall sound experience, with the MX Orange providing a more subdued tonality compared to the more resonant and bright output of the Silent Grey.
On the other hand, both switches share a commonality in their bottom housing, with both the Cherry MX Orange and Outemu Silent Grey utilizing nylon. This shared material means that both switches will impart similar qualities when it comes to the feel and bottom-out sound during key presses. Nylon's softer plastic characteristic lends a deeper and fuller sound profile to the bottom housing, ensuring that the auditory signature remains consistent across both switches when a key is fully pressed. Consequently, while the top housing of each switch diverges in material and sound profile, the nylon bottom housing ensures that a fuller sound experience is felt at the key's bottom-out, giving both switches a level of acoustic cohesion.
In essence, the contrasting top housing materials of the Cherry MX Orange and Outemu Silent Grey create divergent sound profiles, while the shared use of nylon in their bottom housings converges their auditory signature when keys are bottomed out. The outcome is a blend of acoustic characteristics that reflect both the individual properties of each switch and their shared elements. Therefore, users can expect a combination of a deep, rich sound profile from the MX Orange alongside the sharpness of the Silent Grey's top housing, resulting in unique yet complementary typing experiences due to the intrinsic qualities of the materials used.
Weight
When comparing the Cherry MX Orange linear switch and the Outemu Silent Grey tactile switch, there are notable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces, which can significantly influence the typing experience. The Cherry MX Orange features an actuation force of 55 grams, while the Outemu Silent Grey requires a lighter 50 grams. This makes the Silent Grey switch the lighter option, potentially favored by users who prefer reduced fatigue during prolonged typing or gaming sessions. However, the bottom out force for the Cherry MX Orange is unknown, meaning we can't directly compare this aspect with the Silent Grey's bottom out force of 65 grams. The Silent Grey's medium-heavy bottom out might appeal to those who enjoy a more substantial tactile response. Overall, the differences in actuation force indicate that while both switches cater to distinct typing preferences, the Silent Grey is designed for a lighter touch during key presses, while the bottom out force of the Silent Grey suggests a heavier feel when keys are fully pressed.
Travel distance
The Cherry MX Orange linear switch and the Outemu Silent Grey tactile switch both boast a travel distance of 4 mm, indicating that when you press down on a key, the extent of movement is identical for both switches. This similarity means that users can expect comparable key feel and depth of actuation with either switch, which may enhance the overall typing experience for those who prioritize switch consistency. Thus, whether one opts for the MX Orange or the Silent Grey, the resulting travel distance will yield similar results in terms of key responsiveness and feedback.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Cherry MX Orange has an MSRP of $4.10 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the MX Orange for $3.89.
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
In terms of sound, the Cherry MX Orange switch produces a relatively quiet sonic profile, allowing for a more understated typing experience without unnecessary distraction. In contrast, the Outemu Silent Grey switch is designed specifically for a quiet operation, offering an even lower sound level while maintaining a tactile feedback characteristic. While the specific decibel levels are not provided, users can generally expect the Silent Grey to provide a more muted response, making it an excellent choice for quiet work environments or shared spaces. Ultimately, users should keep in mind that sound can also be influenced by the choice of keyboard construction, materials, and keycap profiles.
When it comes to feel, the Cherry MX Orange offers a smooth linear keystroke that glides without resistance, allowing for rapid typing and gaming without interruptions in tactile feedback. This switch is ideal for those who prioritize a consistent actuation without tactile bumps. On the other hand, the Outemu Silent Grey boasts a pronounced tactile bump that provides feedback upon actuation, enhancing the typing experience by making it more engaging and satisfying with each keystroke. While both switches offer enjoyable typing experiences, the fundamental difference lies in the presence of tactile feedback that the Silent Grey provides, distinguishing it for users who appreciate that sensation.
In conclusion, the Cherry MX Orange and Outemu Silent Grey switches cater to different preferences and priorities, especially concerning sound and feel. The MX Orange serves those looking for a smooth, linear typing experience with minimal noise, whereas the Silent Grey is tailored for users who value both a tactile response and a quieter operation. When selecting between them, consider your specific typing style and environment; ultimately, either switch will deliver a fulfilling keyboard experience, though their nuances will cater to different user inclinations.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the Cherry MX Orange linear switch and the Outemu Silent Grey tactile switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences and typing environment. If you prioritize a smooth, uninterrupted keystroke with minimal noise, the Cherry MX Orange is an excellent choice. This switch, known for its linear characteristics, allows for rapid key presses without any tactile bumps, making it ideal for gamers seeking speedy operations or for anyone who prefers a quieter workspace where noise is not a factor. On the other hand, if you appreciate a pronounced tactile feedback paired with a much quieter typing experience, the Outemu Silent Grey would likely serve you better. The medium-heavy actuation force and tactile bump make it a solid option for typists who enjoy a satisfying feel with each keystroke but want to keep noise levels down, which is particularly valuable in shared or quiet environments. In summary, your decision should align with whether you lean towards a smooth, silent actuation or a tactile, yet quiet experience.
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