Cherry MX Purple RGB vs. Outemu Silent Green

Overview

When it comes to selecting a mechanical keyboard switch, the Cherry MX Purple RGB and the Outemu Silent Green present two distinct options, each catering to different typing preferences. The Cherry MX Purple RGB excels with its refined tactile experience, featuring a short, medium-strength bump that provides satisfying feedback with every keypress, making it an appealing choice for typists and gamers who enjoy tactile sensations. On the contrary, the Outemu Silent Green offers a linear experience, characterized by its smooth action without the tactile bump, making it a compelling option for those who prefer a quieter operation and a seamless typing flow. While the MX Purple RGB emphasizes a tactile feel to enhance feedback during usage, the Silent Green prioritizes silence and fluidity for distraction-free typing. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.

By the numbers

Cherry MX Purple RGB Tactile

Outemu Silent Green Linear

$6.19

$5.79 per 10

$3.10 per 10

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Housing materials

The Cherry MX Purple RGB and the Outemu Silent Green switches showcase distinct differences in their housing materials, which significantly influence their sound profiles and overall typing experiences. The Cherry MX Purple RGB utilizes nylon for both its top and bottom housings, noted for its softer nature. This choice contributes to a deeper, fuller sound profile, as nylon effectively absorbs impact noise, resulting in a more muted and rounded auditory response when typing. Conversely, the Outemu Silent Green switches adopt polycarbonate for both housings, material known for its rigidity. This stiffness allows the keys to produce a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile characterized by clarity and resonance, which is particularly advantageous in environments where auditory feedback is essential for precision.

While both the Cherry MX Purple RGB and Outemu Silent Green switches may offer different sound characteristics due to their opposing housing materials, they each serve distinct preferences for keyboard users. Users who gravitate towards the Cherry MX Purple RGB may appreciate the soft, contained auditory experience that nylon provides, making it ideal for quieter settings or extended typing sessions where sound fatigue could be a concern. In contrast, those who opt for the Outemu Silent Green might prioritize the crispness of the typing experience, enjoying the more pronounced acoustics that accompany polycarbonate. As a result, each switch caters to nuanced preferences that may significantly influence user satisfaction.

Lastly, when it comes to the bottom-out feel and sound, the differences in housing material become even more pronounced. The softer nylon of the Cherry MX Purple RGB allows for a cushioned landing that minimizes noise, whereas the polycarbonate structure of the Silent Green generates a sharper sound upon actuation. However, both switches can still achieve satisfactory results based on their respective housing materials—if a player or typist seeks a quieter, more subdued experience, they might still find satisfaction with the Silent Green’s design, albeit prone to a crisper auditory output. Ultimately, while the switches might create contrasting auditory experiences, the materials chosen reflect the desired outcome for their respective user bases.

Weight

The Cherry MX Purple RGB tactile switch and the Outemu Silent Green linear switch both feature an identical actuation force of 45 grams, meaning that they will offer a similar keystroke experience in terms of the force required to trigger a keystroke. This aspect makes both switches suitable for those who prefer a lighter typing feel, which can be advantageous for lengthy typing sessions or extended gaming marathons. However, when it comes to the bottom out force, the Outemu Silent Green has a specified force of 60 grams, while the bottom out force for the Cherry MX Purple RGB is unknown. This indicates that the Outemu switch provides a more substantial feel when fully pressed down, which may appeal to users who favor a heftier tactile experience. In summary, while both switches require the same force to actuate, the Outemu Silent Green is heavier due to its higher bottom out force, making it less ideal for those who prefer a lighter touch throughout their usage.

Travel distance

Both the Cherry MX Purple RGB tactile switch and the Outemu Silent Green linear switch have the same travel distance of 4 mm, which results in a similar feel when pressing down on a key. Since both switches exhibit identical travel distances, users can expect similar feedback and performance when typing or gaming. This consistency in travel distance ensures that whether you're using the MX Purple RGB or the Silent Green switch, the key feel will be alike, providing a comparable experience in terms of key actuation.

Price comparison

Typing experience

The Cherry MX Purple RGB tactile switch produces a distinct sound that is characteristic of a tactile switch, often described as a muted yet satisfying click or bump when activated. This sound is generally more noticeable during typing, providing auditory feedback that some users find rewarding. In contrast, the Outemu Silent Green linear switch is designed to minimize sound, achieving a near-silent operation when pressed. This makes the Silent Green a great choice for environments where noise may be a concern, such as offices or shared spaces. However, it's important to note that the sound of any mechanical switch can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard's plate material, the stability of the keycaps, and how the individual switch is mounted.

When it comes to feel, the Cherry MX Purple RGB offers a refined tactile feedback characterized by a short, medium-strength bump that provides a clear indication of actuation without being overly harsh. This tactile sensation helps guide typists and gamers alike, allowing for controlled keystrokes with a sense of precision. On the other hand, the Silent Green's linear switch design means it lacks any tactile bump, resulting in a smooth keystroke from top to bottom without interruption. This smoothness offers a fluid typing experience that many find appealing, especially for rapid key presses and gaming, where tactile feedback may not be a priority.

In summary, users can expect a notable difference between the Cherry MX Purple RGB and the Outemu Silent Green in terms of sound and feel. The MX Purple RGB provides a tactile response with audible feedback, while the Silent Green focuses on delivering a quiet, smooth linear experience. If you prefer pronounced tactile bumps and auditory cues, the Cherry MX Purple RGB is the better option. Conversely, if your preference leans towards a silent operation with a smooth feel, the Outemu Silent Green would serve you well. Ultimately, both switches cater to different user preferences, ensuring that mechanical keyboard enthusiasts can find the perfect fit for their typing style.

Conclusion

To conclude, your choice between the Cherry MX Purple RGB tactile switch and the Outemu Silent Green linear switch ultimately hinges on your personal preferences and intended use. If you’re someone who enjoys feedback while typing and appreciates the tactile bump, the Cherry MX Purple is an excellent option. Its responsive feel, developed with user input, makes it great for both typing and gaming scenarios where you want to feel each keystroke. Additionally, its RGB capabilities can enhance your setup visually, making it suitable for aesthetically-focused builds. On the other hand, if you prioritize a quieter experience—perhaps for shared workspaces or late-night gaming sessions—the Outemu Silent Green is a solid candidate. With its medium bottom out force, it provides a smoother, linear feel that eliminates the clicking sound, allowing for seamless typing without disturbing those around you. Ultimately, consider what elements—whether tactile feedback or sound dampening—are most important to you, and let those factors guide your decision.

Mentioned in this article

Cherry MX Purple RGB Tactile

$6.19

$5.79 per 10

Learn more

Outemu Silent Green Linear

$3.10 per 10

Learn more