Cherry MX Purple RGB vs. Outemu Silent Grey
An in-depth look at the Cherry MX Purple RGB and the Outemu Silent Grey switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the choice often comes down to personal preference, especially between options like the Cherry MX Purple RGB and the Outemu Silent Grey. The MX Purple RGB is celebrated for its refined tactile feedback, featuring a medium-strength bump that provides a satisfying typing experience, making it ideal for gamers and typists who appreciate a responsive feel without excessive noise. In contrast, the Outemu Silent Grey switches prioritize a quieter typing experience while still delivering a pronounced tactile bump, catering to those who work in shared spaces or prefer a more subdued auditory environment. While both switches offer a tactile experience that enhances typing pleasure, the Cherry MX Purple RGB leans towards an energetic typing experience, while the Outemu Silent Grey excels in noise-sensitive settings. However, let’s dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
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 Purple RGB and the Outemu Silent Grey, a notable difference emerges between their top housing materials. The MX Purple RGB incorporates nylon in its top housing, a well-established material known for its ability to create a deeper, fuller sound profile. This softness allows the nylon to absorb sound more effectively, resulting in a muted, rounded acoustic when typing. In contrast, the Silent Grey utilizes polycarbonate in its top housing, a stiffer plastic that produces a sharper, higher-pitched, and more resonant sound profile. Thus, while both switches aim to provide unique auditory experiences, the MX Purple RGB leans towards a warm sound while the Silent Grey offers a clearer and more vibrant sound.
However, the bottom housings present a different conundrum as both switches utilize nylon material. As a classic switch housing material, nylon contributes to a deeper, fuller sound profile in both the MX Purple RGB and the Silent Grey. The consistent use of nylon in the bottom housing gives both switches a similar acoustic characteristic; the properties of the nylon enhance the overall typing feel and sound when bottoms are engaged. Given that sound absorption is a key feature of nylon, it ensures that both switches can deliver a pleasantly muted sound when pressing down on them, fostering a more tactile typing experience.
Considering the impact that the different materials of the top and bottom housings have on overall performance, it becomes evident that while the switches might vary in specific auditory qualities, there are complementary aspects to their designs. The MX Purple RGB’s nylon top housing works synergistically with its nylon bottom housing, creating a distinctive sound profile characterized by warmth and depth. Simultaneously, the Silent Grey’s polycarbonate top enhances its resonant, crisp sound while being supported by the nylon bottom, which maintains some continuity in the audio experience. Ultimately, regardless of the differences in their top housing materials, the shared nylon in the bottom housing ensures that both switches will yield satisfying outcomes, appealing to different preferences in sound and typing feel.
Weight
When comparing the Cherry MX Purple RGB tactile switch and the Outemu Silent Grey tactile switch, we see notable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Cherry MX Purple RGB has an actuation force of 45 grams, while the Outemu Silent Grey requires a slightly heavier actuation force of 50 grams. This makes the Cherry MX switch lighter, which may appeal to users seeking a more comfortable typing experience for extended periods, such as during long work hours or gaming sessions. However, the bottom out force for the Cherry MX Purple RGB is unavailable, while the Silent Grey has a defined bottom out force of 65 grams, categorized as medium-heavy. This heavier bottom out force may provide a more substantial feel to some users. Therefore, while both switches offer a tactile feel, the Cherry MX Purple allows for a lighter actuation, whereas the Outemu Silent Grey provides more resistance both at the actuation and bottom out stages, catering to those who prefer a more robust typing experience.
Travel distance
The Cherry MX Purple RGB tactile switch and the Outemu Silent Grey tactile switch both have an identical travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when pressed, each switch travels the same distance from the top to the bottom, providing a consistent tactile feedback experience. As a result, users seeking a tactile switch with a specific travel distance will find that both switches will yield similar results in terms of key feel and response. Therefore, whether opting for the Cherry MX Purple RGB or the Outemu Silent Grey, users can expect the same tactile travel distance, ensuring a comparable typing experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Cherry MX Purple RGB has an MSRP of $6.19 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the MX Purple RGB for $5.79.
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
When it comes to sound, the Cherry MX Purple RGB switches have a relatively moderate sound profile with a soft thock upon bottoming out, offering a satisfying auditory response without being overly loud. This makes them suitable for office environments or shared spaces where noise can be an issue. In contrast, the Outemu Silent Grey switches are designed to deliver a quiet typing experience, with dampened keystrokes that minimize noise. This is particularly beneficial for users who prefer a discreet typing setup, such as during late-night work sessions or in shared living spaces. Overall, while both switches aim for a less disruptive auditory footprint, the MX Purple RGB provides a more noticeable sound while the Silent Grey focuses on silence.
In terms of feel, the Cherry MX Purple RGB switch boasts a refined tactile experience characterized by a short and medium-strength bump. This tactile feedback is designed to offer a satisfying confirmation of keystrokes without being overly pronounced, resulting in a balance between typing comfort and responsiveness. On the other hand, the Outemu Silent Grey switch features a more pronounced bump, delivering a highly tactile experience that many users find satisfying and engaging. The smooth keystroke further enhances its appeal, allowing for fluid typing while still offering clear tactile feedback. While the MX Purple RGB offers a subtler bump, the Silent Grey provides a more defined tactile sensation, catering to users who appreciate a stronger tactile element in their typing experience.
In conclusion, while both the Cherry MX Purple RGB switches and the Outemu Silent Grey switches cater to tactile enthusiasts, they excel in different areas. The MX Purple RGB offers a moderate sound profile and a refined tactile experience, making it ideal for users who want a balance of sound and feedback. Meanwhile, the Silent Grey prioritizes a quiet and highly tactile experience, appealing to those who desire a satisfying yet discrete typing sensation. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on personal preferences regarding sound and tactile feedback, but both can deliver satisfying results in their own right.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the Cherry MX Purple RGB tactile switch and the Outemu Silent Grey tactile switch ultimately depends on your specific typing preferences and environment. If you value a refined tactile experience with a smooth keystroke and you're an enthusiast looking for a switch that delivers medium-strength feedback with a satisfying, albeit audible, click, then the Cherry MX Purple RGB is an excellent option for you. This switch is ideal for those who enjoy a pronounced tactile bump and don’t mind a bit of sound while typing, making it perfect for a gaming setup or a workspace where a little noise is acceptable. On the other hand, if you require a quieter typing experience without sacrificing tactility, the Outemu Silent Grey is your go-to choice. With a medium-heavy bottom-out force and a design focused on reducing sound, this switch provides a pronounced tactile feedback while being ideal for shared spaces, such as an office or a library. Therefore, think about your typing style and the settings in which you will be using the keyboard to make the best choice for your needs.
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