Cherry MX Orange vs. Outemu Silent White
An in-depth look at the Cherry MX Orange and the Outemu Silent White switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the Cherry MX Orange and the Outemu Silent White offer two distinct options for users who favor linear switches. The Cherry MX Orange is renowned for its smooth, responsive feel, revived from the original MX Orange switches with enhancements to meet current demands, making it an excellent choice for gamers and typists seeking a reliable and satisfying keystroke experience. On the other hand, the Outemu Silent White is designed with noise reduction in mind, providing a quieter operation without sacrificing the linear characteristics that many players and writers appreciate. While the MX Orange boasts a proven lineage and a well-regarded reputation within the gaming community, the Silent White caters to those who require a more discreet typing experience—perfect for shared workspaces or quiet environments. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the ideal switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
55g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
N/A
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
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
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Cherry MX Orange and the Outemu Silent White switches, a clear distinction emerges in the composition of their top housings. The Cherry MX Orange features a nylon top housing, known for its ability to produce a deeper and fuller sound profile due to nylon's softer characteristics. In contrast, the Outemu Silent White utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, which offers a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile attributable to polycarbonate's stiffer material properties. This fundamental difference in housing material results in varied auditory experiences when typing, as nylon dampens sound, leading to a more muted sound quality, while polycarbonate enhances resonance, creating a crisper auditory feedback.
Despite the differing materials in their top housings, both switches share nylon as the composition of their bottom housings. This parallel allows both the Cherry MX Orange and the Outemu Silent White to achieve similar sound characteristics from their respective bottom housings. With the soft nylon present in both, users can expect a deeper and fuller sound when bottoming out a key. Therefore, while the auditory experience may diverge during key release, as influenced by the top housing material, the bottom-out sound is more consistent across both switch types. It emphasizes how the bottom housing plays a significant role in the tactile and acoustic response of the switches.
Ultimately, the distinctions in housing materials give each switch its unique character, with the Cherry MX Orange's nylon components contributing to a rounded sound profile and the Outemu Silent White's polycarbonate components enhancing clarity and brightness. This variance allows users to choose switches based not only on sound preferences but also on tactile feedback, as the differing top housings create contrasting sensory experiences. However, the shared nylon bottom housing ensures that both switches retain a satisfying bottom-out sound, illustrating how the combination of materials influences the overall user experience while still providing some common ground.
Weight
When comparing the Cherry MX Orange linear switch and the Outemu Silent White linear switch, there are notable differences in their actuation forces, while the bottom out force of the Cherry MX Orange remains unspecified. The Cherry MX Orange has an actuation force of 55 grams, which is heavier than the Outemu Silent White's actuation force of 45 grams. This means that users who prefer a more substantial typing experience may lean towards the MX Orange, as it requires more force to trigger a keystroke. On the other hand, the Outemu Silent White's lighter actuation force may appeal to those who favor prolonged typing sessions or gaming, as it allows for easier keystroke triggering. In terms of bottom out force, the Outemu Silent White has a specified value of 60 grams, indicating that it also provides a definitive feel when keys are fully pressed down. Overall, the Cherry MX Orange is the heavier option in terms of actuation force, making it potentially less ideal for extended use compared to the lighter Outemu Silent White, which offers a more accessible keystroke experience.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Cherry MX Orange and the Outemu Silent White linear switches, we find that the MX Orange has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Silent White measures 3.3 mm. This makes the MX Orange the longer option, appealing to those who prefer a more traditional feel with a deeper keypress, which can provide a satisfying tactile response. On the other hand, the Outemu Silent White, with its shorter travel distance, may be more suitable for gamers seeking faster response times and a more immediate actuation. While both switches offer linear characteristics, users will find distinct sensations based on their preferences for depth versus responsiveness, with the MX Orange providing a more pronounced feel compared to the shorter and quicker actuation of the Silent White.
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 White 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
When comparing the sound of the Cherry MX Orange and the Outemu Silent White linear switches, the MX Orange is known for its relatively quiet operation, making it suitable for shared workspaces or environments where noise might be a concern. On the other hand, the Silent White is also characterized by its muted sound profile, designed specifically to minimize audible feedback while typing. Both switches produce a subtle sound, allowing for a more discreet typing experience, though the exact sound will ultimately be influenced by the keyboard construction and keycap choice.
Regarding the feel, the Cherry MX Orange switch provides a smooth and linear typing experience, delivering consistent resistance throughout the key travel without any tactile bump or click sound. This creates a seamless flow when typing, which can be particularly appealing for users who value speed and smoothness. Similarly, the Silent White switch also offers a linear feel, ensuring that the actuation remains consistent across the key movement, thereby promoting fluid typing. With both switches focusing on linearity, users can expect a comparable typing experience in terms of key actuation.
In summary, both the Cherry MX Orange and the Outemu Silent White switches deliver a quiet sound profile, making them suitable for environments where noise is a consideration. They offer a linear typing experience that feels smooth without tactile feedback, appealing to those who appreciate uninterrupted key travel. While their specific traits may vary, users can anticipate similar overall performance in their typing endeavors, with both switches providing an optimal experience for those looking for linear and quiet options.
Conclusion
To conclude, when deciding between the Cherry MX Orange linear switch and the Outemu Silent White linear switch, it’s essential to consider your personal preferences and typing environment. If you prioritize a lightweight feel and smooth keystroke with minimal resistance, the MX Orange is an excellent choice, especially for fast-paced gaming or if you type extensively without fatigue. Its enhanced design from the original MX Orange switch ensures a satisfying experience, making it a great option for those who prefer an agile touch without the added concern of noise. Conversely, if you require a more substantial tactile feedback and are in a quieter workspace, the Outemu Silent White with its 60 grams of bottom-out force offers a balanced blend of responsiveness and sound dampening. This switch is particularly suitable if you share your workspace or simply prefer a quieter typing experience without compromising on performance. Ultimately, your choice should reflect your specific needs for sound, feel, and the type of work or gaming you engage in regularly.
Mentioned in this article
