Outemu Blue vs. Outemu Silver
An in-depth look at the Outemu Blue and the Outemu Silver switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options to consider are the Outemu Blue, a clicky switch, and the Outemu Silver, a linear switch. The Outemu Blue switch is known for its satisfying click sound and tactile feedback, making it a great choice for typists who enjoy the audible confirmation of keystrokes. On the other hand, the Outemu Silver switch is known for its smooth, linear keystrokes with no tactile bump or audible click, ideal for those who prefer a quieter typing experience. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will come down to personal preference and typing style. 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
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 Silver switches both feature polycarbonate top housings, which create a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to the stiffness of the plastic. This material is ideal for RGB lighting as it is translucent and allows light to pass through, enhancing the aesthetic appeal of the switches. However, the Blue's nylon bottom housing elicits a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to the Silver's nylon bottom housing, which absorbs more sound and creates a duller and rounder sound. This difference in bottom housing material may result in a slightly different typing experience between the two switches.
Despite the differences in bottom housing material, the overall sound profiles of the Outemu Blue and Outemu Silver switches may still be quite similar due to the shared polycarbonate top housing. Both switches will exhibit a sharp, high-pitched sound when pressed, providing a clear and resonant typing experience. The softer nylon bottom housing of both switches absorbs sound to some degree, creating a fuller sound profile but may not have as much of an impact on the overall typing feel as the top housing. Overall, users can expect a similar typing experience in terms of sound when comparing these two switches.
In summary, the choice between the Outemu Blue and Outemu Silver switches may come down to personal preference in terms of sound profile. The Blue switch, with its nylon bottom housing, may offer a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing, while the Silver switch, with the same nylon bottom housing, may provide a slightly duller and rounder sound. Both switches, however, share a polycarbonate top housing that creates a sharp and crisp sound profile, making them suitable options for those who prioritize sound quality in their mechanical keyboard setup.
Weight
The Outemu Blue clicky switch has a slightly higher actuation force of 50 grams compared to the Outemu Silver linear switch, which has an actuation force of 45 grams. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Outemu Silver switch is heavier at 65 grams, while the bottom out force of the Outemu Blue switch is unknown. In terms of weight, the Outemu Silver switch is the heavier option, offering a more substantial typing experience for those who prefer a stronger push feel. On the other hand, the Outemu Blue switch, with its lighter actuation force, may be more suitable for those who prefer a lighter typing experience for longer periods of typing or gaming. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The Outemu Blue clicky switch and the Outemu Silver linear switch both have a travel distance of 4 mm, making them equal in this aspect. This means that when you press down on a key using either of these switches, you will experience the same amount of travel distance from the top to the bottom. While both switches offer the same travel distance, their tactile feedback and actuation force differ, with the Blue switch providing a clicky sound and tactile bump while the Silver switch offers a smooth, linear keystroke. Despite these differences, the travel distance remains consistent, allowing for a similar typing experience in terms of key travel regardless of the switch type chosen.
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 Silver.
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 Outemu Blue clicky switch is best known for its loud and audible click with each key press, providing a satisfying and tactile feedback. On the other hand, the Outemu Silver linear switch is known for its quiet and smooth operation, lacking the audible click of the Blue switch. The sound of a switch is also influenced by factors such as the keyboard body material and the type of keycaps used.
When it comes to feel, the Outemu Blue switch offers a tactile bump when actuated, giving users a sense of confirmation with each key press. In contrast, the Outemu Silver switch provides a linear and consistent keystroke without any tactile feedback or resistance, resulting in a smooth and uninterrupted typing experience. The feel of a switch can also be affected by factors like actuation force and actuation point.
Overall, the Outemu Blue clicky switch and the Outemu Silver linear switch offer distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Blue switch is characterized by its loud click and tactile feedback, making it ideal for those who enjoy audible key presses and a responsive typing experience. On the other hand, the Silver switch provides a quiet and smooth keystroke, appealing to users who prefer a more discreet typing experience. Depending on personal preference and typing style, both switches can offer a satisfying typing experience, albeit with different characteristics.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are someone who enjoys a tactile and clicky typing experience, the Outemu Blue switch would be the way to go. This switch provides a satisfying tactile bump and audible click that many users find enjoyable. On the other hand, if you prefer a smooth and linear typing experience, the Outemu Silver switch with its medium-heavy bottom out force may be more to your liking. This switch does not have the tactile feedback or audible click of the Blue switch, but provides a consistent and smooth typing feel. Ultimately, the choice between the Outemu Blue clicky switch and the Outemu Silver linear switch will depend on your personal preferences for typing feel and sound.
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