Outemu Blue vs. Gateron Weightlessness
An in-depth look at the Outemu Blue and the Gateron Weightlessness switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Outemu Blue and Gateron Weightlessness provide distinct yet appealing choices for different types of users. The Outemu Blue switch is characterized as a clicky switch, known for its audible and tactile feedback that many typists enjoy for its satisfying sound with each keystroke. This can enhance the typing experience, particularly for those who appreciate a more traditional feel reminiscent of vintage typewriters. In contrast, the Gateron Weightlessness switch is categorized as a tactile switch, distinguished by its subtle to moderate tactile feel that strikes a balance between feedback and quiet operation. Its sound profile complements the tactile sensations, making it a great option for users who prefer a smoother typing experience without the loud click. Ultimately, the choice between these switches may depend on personal preference for auditory feedback versus a quieter, yet still responsive feel. 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
N/A
Pre-travel
2.20 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.40 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
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
22mm double-staged spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Outemu Blue and the Gateron Weightlessness switches, it is clear that a stark contrast exists in their top housing compositions. The Outemu Blue features a polycarbonate top housing, which is known for producing a sharper and higher-pitched sound profile. This quality is attributed to the stiffer nature of polycarbonate, allowing for increased clarity and resonance. Additionally, polycarbonate's translucency makes it a desirable choice for users who prioritize RGB lighting effects. In contrast, the Gateron Weightlessness utilizes a nylon top housing, a classic option that yields a deeper and fuller sound profile. The softer properties of nylon contribute to better sound absorption, resulting in a duller and rounder auditory experience. This fundamental difference in materials directly affects the auditory feedback provided by each switch when typing.
On the other hand, both the Outemu Blue and Gateron Weightlessness use nylon for their bottom housings. This consistency in material choice means that the bottom-out feel and sound when pressing down on the switch will be similar across the two models. Nylon is known for its ability to absorb sound, leading to a more muted and rounded bottom-out effect. Consequently, while the top housings diverge in their acoustical characteristics, the employed nylon for the bottom housing creates a certain degree of uniformity in terms of tactile feedback and auditory response. For users, this can result in a harmonious balance when engaging with both switches, as the deeper sound profile from the nylon bottoms offers a familiar weightiness regardless of the distinct personality imparted by the respective top housings.
Ultimately, the combined effect of both top and bottom housing materials in the Outemu Blue and Gateron Weightlessness switches showcases how varying compositions influence overall performance. The Outemu Blue, with its polycarbonate top and nylon bottom, provides a bright and resonant sound when key releases are engaged, while maintaining a consistent feel during key presses thanks to the nylon base. Conversely, the Gateron Weightlessness supports a unified tone influenced predominantly by its nylon top and bottom housings, which fosters a deliciously deep typing experience. While each switch presents unique auditory attributes stemming from their top housings, the nylon-based bottom housings offer users a reliable foundation that ties their experiences together, ensuring enjoyable and satisfying keystrokes across both options.
Weight
When comparing the Outemu Blue clicky switch and the Gateron Weightlessness tactile switch, both switches possess the same actuation force of 50 grams, meaning they require the same effort to register a keystroke. However, since the bottom out forces for both switches are unavailable, direct comparisons on that aspect remain inconclusive. Consequently, while users can anticipate a similar keystroke activation experience from both switches due to their equal actuation forces, the lack of bottom out force data leaves some uncertainty in terms of how they feel when pressed all the way down. Both switches, sharing the same actuation force, cater well to users who appreciate light-to-moderate typing experiences, allowing for longer sessions without fatigue.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Outemu Blue clicky switch and the Gateron Weightlessness tactile switch, there is a notable difference: the Outemu Blue has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Gateron Weightlessness measures 3.4 mm. This means that the Outemu Blue switch offers a longer travel distance, which aligns with traditional key feel and depth often favored by typists who enjoy a more pronounced feedback. In contrast, the shorter travel distance of the Gateron Weightlessness switch may appeal to gamers seeking quicker response times, as shorter travel distances are becoming more common in gaming switches. Ultimately, if you prefer a hearty depth in key presses, the Outemu Blue would be the ideal choice, while those who lean towards a more responsive and faster feel may benefit from the Gateron Weightlessness.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron Weightlessness has an MSRP of $6.10 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Weightlessness for $5.50.
The Outemu Blue comes in at $3.10 per 10 switches.
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 switch is characterized by its distinct clicky sound, which can be quite loud and pronounced. This auditory feedback makes it a popular choice among typists who enjoy the sharp sound that accompanies their keystrokes. Conversely, the Gateron Weightlessness switch presents a more balanced sound profile; while it offers tactile feedback, it does not produce the same level of auditory intensity as the Blue switch. The relatively quieter operation of the Weightlessness allows for a more subdued typing experience, making it more suitable for shared or quiet work environments, although both switches' sound levels can also vary based on the keyboard construction and keycap materials used.
When it comes to feel, the Outemu Blue switch provides a very tactile and slightly rough experience due to its click mechanism. This tactile bump is easily identifiable and adds to the engaging feel of each keystroke, often favored by those who communicate through typing. On the other hand, the Gateron Weightlessness switch offers a more subtle to moderate tactile feel. This switch provides a gentler tactile response, giving a satisfying yet understated feedback without the pronounced clickiness of the Blue. The Weightlessness's softer touch may appeal to users who prefer a less aggressive tactile sensation while retaining some degree of feel.
In conclusion, the Outemu Blue and Gateron Weightlessness switches cater to different preferences regarding sound and feel. The Blue is ideal for typists who enjoy a loud click and more pronounced tactile feedback, while the Weightlessness offers a quieter, more subdued experience with a moderate tactile response. Both switches can deliver satisfying typing experiences, but your choice will ultimately depend on whether you prioritize sound or a balanced tactile feel.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the Outemu Blue clicky switch and the Gateron Weightlessness tactile switch ultimately depends on your typing preferences and environment. If you enjoy an audible click and prefer a more pronounced feedback with each keystroke, the Outemu Blue would likely be your best choice; it's ideal for typists who appreciate the nostalgic feel of classic mechanical switches and want to enjoy that satisfying sound as they type. However, if you prefer a quieter typing experience without compromising on tactile feedback, the Gateron Weightlessness is an excellent option. Its subtle to moderate tactile feel provides a balanced typing experience, making it suitable for both office environments and home use without distracting others. Therefore, consider the context in which you'll be using your keyboard and your preference for sound and feel; this will ultimately guide you towards the switch that best fits your needs.
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