Outemu Black vs. Outemu Silent Green
An in-depth look at the Outemu Black and the Outemu Silent Green switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the Outemu Black and Outemu Silent Green both offer unique qualities suited for different preferences. The Outemu Black is a linear switch with a smooth keystroke, making it ideal for fast typists and gamers who prefer consistent actuation without tactile feedback. On the other hand, the Outemu Silent Green is also a linear switch but is designed to reduce noise levels, making it a more suitable option for those working in quiet environments or shared spaces. 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
65g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
82g
Bottom-out force
60g
Pre-travel
2.50 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 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
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Outemu Black and Outemu Silent Green switches, both switches feature polycarbonate top housings. This material is known for creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to its stiffness. In terms of aesthetics, polycarbonate's translucency is ideal for switches with RGB lighting. However, the Black switch uses a nylon bottom housing, which results in a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to the Silent Green's polycarbonate bottom housing. The softer nylon material absorbs more sound, leading to a duller and rounder sound overall.
Despite the differences in bottom housing materials, both the Black and Silent Green switches share the same polycarbonate top housing characteristics. These similarities mean that users can expect a consistent sound profile when typing on either switch. The impact of the bottom housing material will be felt during the bottom-out sound and feel, while the qualities of the top housing material will affect the sound when a key is released. While the Black switch offers a deeper sound profile due to its nylon bottom housing, the Silent Green switch's polycarbonate bottom housing creates a sharper and crisper sound.
In conclusion, the choice between the Outemu Black and Outemu Silent Green switches comes down to personal preference regarding sound profile. The Black switch offers a deeper and fuller sound due to its nylon bottom housing, while the Silent Green switch provides a sharper and crisper sound with its polycarbonate bottom housing. Both switches share the qualities of a polycarbonate top housing, resulting in similar sound profiles when typing. Ultimately, users should consider their preferred sound profile and typing experience when deciding between these two switches.
Weight
Comparing the Outemu Black linear switch to the Outemu Silent Green linear switch, it is evident that the actuation and bottom out forces vary significantly between the two. The Outemu Black switch has a heavier actuation force of 65 grams and a bottom out force of 82 grams, providing a more substantial typing experience. In contrast, the Outemu Silent Green switch offers a lighter actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams, making it more suitable for longer typing sessions or gaming. While the Outemu Black switch is heavier and requires more force to actuate and bottom out, the Outemu Silent Green switch is lighter and offers a smoother typing experience with less resistance. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on the individual's preference for a heavier or lighter typing feel.
Travel distance
The Outemu Black and Outemu Silent Green linear switches both have a travel distance of 4 mm, making them equal in this aspect. When comparing the travel distance of these switches, it is evident that both offer the same amount of key travel, providing a consistent typing experience. Users can expect similar results in terms of key feel and responsiveness when using either switch. Overall, the travel distance of both the Outemu Black and Outemu Silent Green switches is the same, ensuring a familiar typing experience regardless of the choice between the two.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
In this case, both switches are $3.10. As such, price can't serve as a tiebreaker when choosing between the Black and Silent Green.
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
The Outemu Black linear switch is known for its quiet operation with no audible click or tactile bump, making it suitable for environments where noise may be a concern. On the other hand, the Outemu Silent Green linear switch is designed specifically to reduce noise levels compared to traditional mechanical switches. With a unique dampening system, the Silent Green switch provides a quieter typing experience while still maintaining a smooth linear feel.
In terms of sound, the Outemu Black switch is known for its quiet and consistent acoustics, providing a smooth typing experience without any distracting noises. In contrast, the Outemu Silent Green switch is designed to have an even quieter operation, minimizing the sound of key presses for a more discreet typing experience. However, it is important to note that the sound of a switch can be influenced by various factors such as the keyboard construction and keycap material.
When it comes to feel, the Outemu Black switch offers a smooth linear actuation with no tactile feedback, allowing for quick and precise keystrokes. On the other hand, the Outemu Silent Green switch provides a similar linear feel but with the added benefit of a dampened key press, resulting in a softer typing experience. Both switches are designed to provide a comfortable and reliable typing experience, with the choice between the two depending on whether noise reduction is a priority.
In conclusion, the Outemu Black and Outemu Silent Green switches offer different sound and feel qualities, catering to the preferences of users who prioritize noise levels during typing. While the Black switch provides a quiet and consistent typing experience, the Silent Green switch takes it a step further by reducing the sound of key presses. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for sound and feel in a mechanical keyboard.
Conclusion
Ultimately, when deciding between the Outemu Black linear switch and the Outemu Silent Green linear switch, you should consider your preference for force required to bottom out the key. If you prefer a heavier key press, the Outemu Black with its 82-gram bottom out force may be more suitable for you. However, if you prefer a lighter touch, the Outemu Silent Green with its 60-gram bottom out force may be the better choice. Additionally, consider your preference for sound and feel when typing, as these switches have different characteristics in these aspects as well. Overall, the decision between these two switches ultimately comes down to your personal preferences in key press force, sound, and feel.
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