Outemu Brown vs. Outemu Silent Green
An in-depth look at the Outemu Brown and the Outemu Silent Green 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 Brown, a tactile switch, and the Outemu Silent Green, a linear switch. The Outemu Brown switch is best known for its tactile feedback, providing a slight bump when the key is actuated. This can be preferred by typists who enjoy feeling the key press as they type. On the other hand, the Outemu Silent Green switch is known for its smooth and quiet operation, making it a great option for those who prefer a more subtle typing experience. Both switches have their own unique characteristics that cater to different preferences and typing styles. 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
53g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
65g
Bottom-out force
60g
Pre-travel
1.20 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 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
Polycarbonate
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Outemu Brown and Outemu Silent Green switches, both switches have a polycarbonate top housing. This material creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to its stiffness, making it ideal for switches that will be used with RGB lighting. However, while both switches share this feature, the Outemu Brown has a nylon bottom housing, which elicits a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to the Silent Green's polycarbonate bottom housing. This contrast in the bottom housing materials results in a difference in the overall sound and feel of typing on these switches.
In terms of sound profile, the Outemu Brown's combination of polycarbonate top housing and nylon bottom housing creates a unique typing experience with a blend of sharp high-pitched tones from the top housing and a deep, full sound from the bottom housing. On the other hand, the Outemu Silent Green's consistent use of polycarbonate in both top and bottom housing results in a more uniform sound profile that is sharp and crisp throughout. While the Silent Green offers a more consistent sound experience, some users may prefer the varied tones produced by the Brown's combination of housing materials.
Overall, the use of different housing materials in the Outemu Brown and Outemu Silent Green switches highlights the impact that these components have on the sound and feel of typing. The nylon bottom housing of the Brown provides a softer typing experience with a deeper sound profile, while the polycarbonate housing of the Silent Green offers a sharper and more consistent sound. Whether you prefer the unique blend of tones from the Outemu Brown or the consistent crispness of the Silent Green, both switches showcase how housing materials can significantly influence the overall typing experience.
Weight
In comparing the Outemu Brown tactile switch and the Outemu Silent Green linear switch, the key difference lies in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Brown switch has a higher actuation force of 53 grams and a higher bottom out force of 65 grams, making it a medium-heavy switch. Conversely, the Silent Green switch has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams, making it a medium switch. The actuation force affects the trigger of a keystroke, while the bottom out force measures the pressure required to fully press a key. Some users may prefer the lighter Silent Green switch for longer typing sessions or gaming, while others may opt for the heavier Brown switch for a more substantial typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on individual preferences for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Outemu Brown tactile switch and the Outemu Silent Green linear switch, both switches have the same travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when you press down on a key with either switch, you will experience the same amount of travel. The tactile nature of the Brown switch provides a subtle bump feedback during the keystroke, while the linear Silent Green switch offers a smoother keystroke without any tactile feedback. Despite these differences in feel, the travel distance remains consistent between the two switches, making them equally suitable for typing or gaming depending on personal preferences.
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 Brown and Silent Green.
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 Brown tactile switch is best known for its moderate tactile feedback, providing a slight bump when a key is actuated. This results in a typing experience that is responsive and satisfying for many users. In terms of sound, the Outemu Brown is known to produce a quiet sound when pressed, making it suitable for environments where noise may be a concern.
On the other hand, the Outemu Silent Green linear switch is best known for its smooth keystrokes with no tactile bump. This results in a silent typing experience, making it ideal for shared workspaces or late-night typing sessions where noise levels must be kept to a minimum. The Silent Green switch is also known for its consistent actuation force across all keys, ensuring a uniform typing experience.
In conclusion, if you prefer a tactile typing experience with a quiet sound, the Outemu Brown switch would be the better choice for you. However, if you prioritize a silent typing experience with smooth keystrokes, the Outemu Silent Green switch would be more suitable. Keep in mind that the overall typing feel and sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard design and keycap material. Ultimately, both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences, so choosing between the two would depend on your personal typing preferences.
Conclusion
To sum up, when making the decision between the Outemu Brown tactile switch and the Outemu Silent Green linear switch, you should consider your preference for typing experience. If you enjoy the tactile feedback and slight bump of the Brown switch, as well as a medium-heavy bottom out force, then that switch may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a smoother keystroke with a medium bottom out force and want to minimize noise, then the Silent Green switch might be more suitable for your needs. Ultimately, your decision should come down to your personal typing preferences and whether you prioritize tactile feedback or quiet operation in your mechanical keyboard.
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