Outemu Blue vs. Outemu Silent White
An in-depth look at the Outemu Blue and the Outemu Silent White switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, two popular options to consider are the Outemu Blue, a clicky switch, and the Outemu Silent White, a linear switch. The Outemu Blue switch is best known for its satisfying clicky sound and tactile feedback, making it a favorite among typists and gamers who enjoy the audible and tactile response. On the other hand, the Outemu Silent White switch is best known for its smooth and quiet keystrokes, offering a more discreet typing experience suitable for shared workspaces or late-night gaming sessions. While the Blue switch is ideal for those who appreciate the audible click and tactile feel, the Silent White switch caters to users looking for a more subtle 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
50g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
60g
Pre-travel
2.20 mm
Pre-travel
1.60 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.30 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
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Outemu Blue and Outemu Silent White switches share similarities in their polycarbonate top housing. Both switches utilize polycarbonate, which results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The stiffness of polycarbonate contributes to a clear and resonant sound, making it an ideal material for switches intended for use with RGB lighting. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate enhances the visual appeal of the switches. With the top housing being the same for both switches, users can expect similar sound profiles and aesthetic benefits.
On the other hand, the nylon bottom housing of the Outemu Blue and Outemu Silent White switches imparts a different sound experience. Nylon, known for its softer nature, produces a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing. The absorption properties of nylon lead to a duller and rounder sound, creating a unique typing experience compared to switches with harder plastic bottom housings. Despite the different bottom housing materials, both switches offer a distinct sound profile that can appeal to users seeking a specific typing experience.
The division of qualities between the top and bottom housings of a switch plays a significant role in the overall typing experience. The bottom housing affects the bottom-out sound and feel when a key is pressed, emphasizing the importance of the material used in this component. Conversely, the top housing primarily influences the sound produced when a key is released. This distinction highlights the importance of considering the balance between top and bottom housing materials in switch design to achieve the desired sound and feel for different typing preferences.
Weight
When comparing the Outemu Blue clicky switch and the Outemu Silent White linear switch, we can see that the Blue switch has a heavier actuation force of 50 grams compared to the Silent White's 45 grams. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Silent White switch has a higher force of 60 grams, while the Blue switch's bottom out force is unknown. This means that the Silent White switch requires a lighter touch to activate a keystroke but a heavier force to bottom out, providing a more consistent typing experience. In contrast, the Blue switch offers a more tactile typing experience with a higher actuation force but may lack information on the bottom out force. Depending on personal preference, some may prefer the lighter actuation force of the Silent White for longer typing sessions, while others may appreciate the heavier actuation force of the Blue for a more substantial typing feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual typing preferences and the desired typing experience.
Travel distance
The Outemu Blue clicky switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, which is considered a more traditional distance. On the other hand, the Outemu Silent White linear switch has a shorter travel distance of 3.3 mm. Gamers often prefer shorter travel distances for quicker response times, making the Outemu Silent White a favorable choice for gaming. However, some may find the shorter distance to be too abrupt, in which case the Outemu Blue clicky switch with the longer travel distance might be a better option for a more substantial key press feel. Ultimately, choosing between the two switches depends on personal preference and the desired typing or gaming 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 White.
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 renowned for its satisfying audible click, providing a tactile and audible feedback with each key press. On the other hand, the Outemu Silent White linear switch is known for its quiet operation, making it ideal for environments where noise level is a concern. The Blue switch offers a distinct and crisp tactile bump while typing, which can enhance the typing experience and provide a sense of responsiveness. In contrast, the Silent White switch provides a smooth and consistent keystroke without any tactile feedback, allowing for a more linear and uninterrupted typing experience.
When it comes to the sound produced by these switches, the Blue switch will create a noticeable click sound with each press, which some users find satisfying and reminiscent of traditional mechanical keyboards. Conversely, the Silent White switch is designed to minimize sound, offering a silent typing experience that is ideal for shared workspaces or quieter environments. It is important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard's construction and the type of keycaps used.
In terms of feel, the Blue switch offers a tactile and responsive typing experience with a pronounced click, giving users a sense of feedback and confirmation with each keystroke. On the other hand, the Silent White switch provides a smooth and consistent keystroke without any tactile bump, allowing for a more fluid and uninterrupted typing experience. Whether you prefer the audible feedback and tactile bump of the Blue switch or the silent operation and linear feel of the Silent White switch will ultimately depend on your personal preferences and typing style.
In conclusion, the Outemu Blue clicky switch and the Outemu Silent White linear switch offer distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Blue switch provides a satisfying audible click and tactile bump, while the Silent White switch offers a quiet and smooth typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on whether you prioritize audible feedback and tactile response or prefer a quieter and more linear typing experience. Both switches are excellent options within the Outemu lineup, and users can expect a high level of quality and performance regardless of their selection.
Conclusion
To sum up, when it comes to choosing between the Outemu Blue clicky switch and the Outemu Silent White linear switch, it all comes down to your personal preferences and needs. If you're looking for a switch with a more tactile and audible feedback, then the Blue clicky switch would be the way to go. On the other hand, if you prefer a smoother and quieter typing experience, the Silent White linear switch would be a better choice for you. Ultimately, consider whether you prioritize sound and feedback or a silent and smooth typing experience when making your decision between these two switches.
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