Outemu Black vs. Outemu Silent Grey
An in-depth look at the Outemu Black and the Outemu Silent Grey switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between the Outemu Black and the Outemu Silent Grey mechanical keyboard switches, there are some key differences to consider. The Outemu Black is a linear switch, offering a smooth keystroke without any tactile feedback. On the other hand, the Outemu Silent Grey is a tactile switch, providing a quiet and highly tactile typing experience with a pronounced bump. While the Black may be preferred for its straightforward and consistent feel, the Silent Grey is perfect for those who enjoy a satisfying tactile response without the noise. 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
50g
Bottom-out force
82g
Bottom-out force
65g
Pre-travel
2.50 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
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
Both the Outemu Black and the Outemu Silent Grey switches share the same polycarbonate top housing material, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to its stiffness. This material allows for a clear and resonant sound, making it ideal for switches that want to emphasize sound quality. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it perfect for switches that utilize RGB lighting, adding a visually appealing element to the overall design.
Where the two switches differ is in their bottom housing material, with the Outemu Black featuring a nylon bottom housing and the Outemu Silent Grey also utilizing nylon for its bottom housing. Typing on switches with nylon housing elicits a deeper and fuller sound profile, as nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound than harder plastics. This creates a duller and rounder sound, which can provide a different typing experience compared to switches with stiffer bottom housing materials.
Overall, the combination of polycarbonate top housing and nylon bottom housing in both the Outemu Black and the Outemu Silent Grey switches offer a balance of sharp, crisp sound profiles with deeper, fuller tones. The differences in the bottom housing may slightly alter the typing experience, with the bottom-out sound and feel impacted by the material used. However, the overall sound and feel of the switches will be quite similar due to the shared polycarbonate top housing material.
Weight
In comparing the Outemu Black linear switch to the Outemu Silent Grey tactile switch, it is clear that the Black switch is the heavier option. The Outemu Black has an actuation force of 65 grams and a bottom out force of 82 grams, making it a heavier switch overall. In contrast, the Outemu Silent Grey has an actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 65 grams, making it a lighter option compared to the Black switch. The actuation force for the Black switch is higher, providing a more substantial typing experience, while the Silent Grey offers a lighter touch, allowing for longer typing sessions without fatigue. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will come down to personal preference - whether one prefers a heavier or lighter typing experience. Both switches offer different levels of resistance which can cater to a variety of typing preferences.
Travel distance
The Outemu Black linear switch and the Outemu Silent Grey tactile switch both have the same travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when pressing down on a key with either switch, you will feel the same amount of travel distance before reaching the bottom. Both switches offer a consistent feel and feedback during typing or gaming sessions. Overall, the travel distance of these switches is equal, making them suitable options for those who prefer a standard keypress experience.
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 Grey.
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 not having any specific sound characteristics, making it a quieter option compared to clicky switches. On the other hand, the Outemu Silent Grey tactile switch is designed to provide a quiet typing experience while still offering a tactile feedback with a pronounced bump. This makes the Silent Grey switch suitable for users who appreciate feedback but prefer a quieter typing environment.
When it comes to feel, the Outemu Black switch is known for its smooth keystrokes without the tactile bump, offering a consistent linear feel with every press. In contrast, the Outemu Silent Grey switch provides a tactile feedback with a noticeable bump in each keystroke, giving users a more satisfying typing experience with the added benefit of reduced noise.
Overall, if you prefer a linear switch with a quieter typing experience, the Outemu Black switch would be a suitable choice. However, if you are someone who enjoys a tactile bump in their keystrokes but still wants a quieter option, the Outemu Silent Grey switch would be the better option for you. Ultimately, both switches offer different qualities in terms of sound and feel, allowing users to choose based on their personal preferences.
Conclusion
Ultimately, when choosing between the Outemu Black linear switch and the Outemu Silent Grey tactile switch, it all comes down to your personal preference and typing style. If you prefer a heavier bottom out force and a linear typing experience with no tactile bump, then the Outemu Black switch may be the better option for you. However, if you are looking for a quieter typing experience with a medium-heavy bottom out force and a pronounced tactile bump, then the Outemu Silent Grey switch would be the ideal choice. Consider your typing habits, noise sensitivity, and preference for tactile feedback when making your decision. Both switches have their own unique qualities and it ultimately depends on what you prioritize in a keyboard switch.
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