Bsun Olive vs. Outemu Silent Grey
An in-depth look at the Bsun Olive and the Outemu Silent Grey switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
The Bsun Olive and the Outemu Silent Grey are both tactile switches, but they offer unique features that cater to different preferences. The Bsun Olive is known for its all-POM housings that deliver a resonant, deep sound, paired with pronounced tactile feedback and a sharp bottom-out. This switch is perfect for users looking for an invigorating and snappy typing experience. On the other hand, the Outemu Silent Grey switch provides a quiet and highly tactile typing experience, with a pronounced bump and smooth keystroke. This switch is ideal for those who prefer a satisfying and silent typing experience. 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
50g
Bottom-out force
65g
Bottom-out force
65g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.60 mm
Total travel
3.40 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
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Bsuns Olive and the Outemu Silent Grey provide unique sound profiles due to their different compositions. The POM top housing of the Olive results in a deeper and relatively muted sound, while the polycarbonate top housing of the Silent Grey produces a sharper and higher-pitched sound. This difference in sound profile can greatly impact the typing experience for users who prefer a specific sound quality from their keyboard switches. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate in the Silent Grey allows for RGB lighting, making it a visually appealing option for those looking to customize their keyboard aesthetics.
In terms of the bottom housing materials, the POM bottom housing of the Olive and the nylon bottom housing of the Silent Grey offer contrasting sound profiles as well. The POM bottom housing creates a deeper and more muted sound, while the nylon bottom housing elicits a fuller and rounder sound. The softer nature of nylon absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller sound profile compared to the sharper sound produced by the POM bottom housing. These differences in sound characteristics can cater to the preferences of users looking for specific typing experiences.
While the top and bottom housing materials of the Olive and Silent Grey differ in composition and resulting sound profiles, they each play a crucial role in determining the overall sound and feel of the switches. The bottom housing material has a more significant impact on the bottom-out sound and feel when the key is pressed, while the top housing material influences the sound when the key is released. Despite their differences, both switches offer unique sound profiles that cater to different preferences, making them suitable choices for users seeking specific typing experiences. Ultimately, the choice between the POM and polycarbonate housings, as well as the POM and nylon bottom housings, will depend on individual preferences for sound and typing feel.
Weight
In comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Bsun Olive tactile switch and the Outemu Silent Grey tactile switch, we can see that both switches have a bottom out force of 65 grams, making them equal in that regard. However, the Olive has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams, while the Silent Grey has a slightly heavier actuation force of 50 grams. This means that the Olive would provide a lighter typing experience, which may be preferred for longer typing sessions or gaming. On the other hand, the Silent Grey would offer a stronger push feel, giving users a more substantial typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches would depend on personal preferences for actuation force and bottom out force.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the Bsun Olive tactile switch is 3.4 mm, while the Outemu Silent Grey tactile switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. This makes the Outemu Silent Grey the longer of the two switches. In comparison, the Olive switch has a slightly shorter travel distance. Depending on personal preference, some users may prefer the shorter travel distance of the Olive switch for faster response times, especially in gaming scenarios. Others may prefer the longer travel distance of the Outemu switch for a more substantial and tactile feel when typing. Ultimately, both switches offer a different experience due to their travel distance, but both can provide satisfactory results based on individual preferences.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Bsun Olive has an MSRP of $5.80 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Olive for $4.70.
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 Bsun Olive tactile switch is known for its resonant and deep sound, setting it apart from other switches. On the other hand, the Outemu Silent Grey tactile switch offers a quiet typing experience, making it suitable for those who prefer a silent environment. The sound produced by these switches can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard and keycaps used.
When it comes to feel, the Bsun Olive tactile switch is described as providing an invigorating and sharp tactile feedback, creating a satisfying typing sensation without being overwhelming. In contrast, the specific feel of the Outemu Silent Grey tactile switch is not specified. It's important to note that the tactile feel of a switch greatly impacts the overall typing experience, and preferences may vary among individuals.
Overall, the Bsun Olive tactile switch offers a unique combination of pronounced tactile feedback and a resonant sound, making it a popular choice for those seeking a tactile and satisfying typing experience. On the other hand, the Outemu Silent Grey tactile switch provides a quieter typing experience with a pronounced bump and smooth keystroke. Depending on your personal preferences for sound and feel, both of these switches can offer a rewarding typing experience.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Bsun Olive tactile switch and the Outemu Silent Grey tactile switch, you should go for the Bsun Olive if you want a switch with pronounced tactile feedback, a deep sound profile, and a sharp bottom-out feel. The Olive switch offers an invigorating typing experience with a medium-weight actuation force that is not too heavy. On the other hand, if you are looking for a silent and highly tactile typing experience, the Outemu Silent Grey switch is the way to go. It provides a quiet keystroke with a noticeable bump and smooth actuation. Ultimately, your choice will depend on whether you prioritize a satisfying sound and feel with the Olive switch or a silent yet tactile experience with the Silent Grey switch. Both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences, so consider your typing style and environment when making your decision.
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