Outemu Blue vs. Outemu Silent Grey
An in-depth look at the Outemu Blue and the Outemu Silent Grey switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between the Outemu Blue and Outemu Silent Grey mechanical keyboard switches, there are a few key differences to consider. The Outemu Blue switch is well-known for its clicky sound, providing a satisfying auditory feedback with each key press. On the other hand, the Outemu Silent Grey switch offers a quieter typing experience while still providing a tactile bump for a more pronounced keystroke feel. If you enjoy a clicky switch and don't mind the noise, the Outemu Blue might be the way to go. However, if you prefer a quieter typing experience with tactile feedback, the Outemu Silent Grey switch could be the better option. 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
50g
Actuation force
50g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
65g
Pre-travel
2.20 mm
Pre-travel
1.60 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
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
The Outemu Blue and Outemu Silent Grey switches both use polycarbonate for their top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This material is known for its stiffness, leading to a more resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches meant to be used with RGB lighting. On the other hand, the nylon bottom housing of both switches delivers a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon is softer and absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound compared to polycarbonate.
Despite the similarities in housing materials between the Outemu Blue and Outemu Silent Grey switches, there are subtle differences in the sound profiles they produce. The Blue switch may have a slightly sharper and crisper sound due to its polycarbonate top housing, while the Silent Grey switch might offer a slightly duller and rounder sound because of its nylon bottom housing. These nuances in sound can affect the overall typing experience for users who prefer a specific sound profile. However, both switches ultimately provide a satisfying typing experience with their combination of different housing materials.
When comparing the housing materials of the Outemu Blue and Outemu Silent Grey switches, it is important to note that the qualities of each material are distributed between the top and bottom housing of the switch. The bottom housing plays a significant role in the bottom-out sound and feel when typing, while the top housing has more influence on the sound when releasing a key. This division of housing materials allows for a balance of characteristics in the overall typing experience, with the combination of polycarbonate and nylon contributing to the unique sound profiles of each switch.
Weight
The Outemu Blue clicky switch and the Outemu Silent Grey tactile switch both have an actuation force of 50 grams, making them equally light in terms of force required to trigger a keystroke. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Outemu Blue has an unknown measurement, while the Outemu Silent Grey requires 65 grams, which is considered medium-heavy. This means that the Silent Grey switch will provide a more substantial typing experience for those who prefer a stronger push feel. In terms of weight preference, the lighter actuation force of the Blue switch may be more suitable for long typing sessions or extended gaming sessions, while the heavier bottom out force of the Silent Grey switch may be preferred by those looking for a more substantial typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for typing feel and force requirements.
Travel distance
Both the Outemu Blue clicky switch and the Outemu Silent Grey tactile switch have the same travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when you press down on a key with either of these switches, you will experience the same amount of distance traveled from the top to the bottom. This makes the typing experience consistent between the two switches, as you will get similar results in terms of how far you need to press down to actuate the key. Overall, both the Outemu Blue clicky switch and the Outemu Silent Grey tactile switch offer the same travel distance, providing users with a familiar and comfortable typing 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 Blue 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 Blue clicky switch is well-known for its loud and crisp click sound, making it a popular choice for those who enjoy the audible feedback while typing. On the other hand, the Outemu Silent Grey tactile switch is designed to provide a quiet typing experience, with a tactile bump that is felt more than heard. This makes the Silent Grey ideal for environments where noise is a concern, such as offices or shared spaces.
In terms of feel, the Blue switch provides a tactile feedback with each key press, giving typists a satisfying sense of actuation. The Silent Grey switch, on the other hand, offers a more subtle tactile bump that is still noticeable but quieter compared to the Blue switch. Typists who prefer a quieter and more refined typing experience may find the Silent Grey switch to be more to their liking.
Overall, while the Outemu Blue clicky switch and the Outemu Silent Grey tactile switch offer different sound and feel experiences, both switches provide a quality typing experience depending on personal preference. If you enjoy a loud and clicky typing experience, the Blue switch may be the better choice for you. However, if you prefer a quieter and more tactile typing experience, the Silent Grey switch would be a more suitable option. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will come down to individual preference in terms of sound and feel.
Conclusion
To sum up, when considering whether to choose the Outemu Blue clicky switch or the Outemu Silent Grey tactile switch, it ultimately comes down to your personal preferences and needs. If you prioritize a loud and clicky typing experience with no bottom out force, the Outemu Blue switch would be the better choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a quiet and tactile typing experience with a medium-heavy bottom out force, the Outemu Silent Grey switch would be more suitable. Both switches offer distinct features that cater to different preferences, so it's important to consider what you value most in a mechanical keyboard switch. Ultimately, the decision between the two comes down to your specific typing style and what kind of typing experience you aim to achieve.
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