Outemu Brown vs. Outemu Silent Grey
An in-depth look at the Outemu Brown and the Outemu Silent Grey switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between the Outemu Brown and the Outemu Silent Grey mechanical keyboard switches, there are some key differences to consider. The Brown switch is best known for its tactile feedback, providing a satisfying bump when pressed. On the other hand, the Silent Grey switch offers a quieter typing experience while still maintaining a high level of tactility. The Brown switch is ideal for those who enjoy a more pronounced tactile response, while the Silent Grey switch is perfect for those who prefer a quieter typing experience without sacrificing tactility. 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
50g
Bottom-out force
65g
Bottom-out force
65g
Pre-travel
1.20 mm
Pre-travel
1.60 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
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
Nylon
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
When comparing the Outemu Brown and Outemu Silent Grey housing materials, both switches utilize polycarbonate for the top housing, resulting in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches intended for RGB lighting. However, while the Brown's top housing uses nylon for the bottom housing, creating a deeper and fuller sound profile, the Silent Grey also utilizes nylon for its bottom housing, resulting in a similar sound profile. The nylon material in the bottom housing absorbs more sound than harder plastics, creating a duller and rounder sound for both switches.
In terms of sound profile, the choice of housing material for the Outemu Brown and Outemu Silent Grey switches brings unique characteristics to the typing experience. While both switches have a similar sharp and crisp sound profile due to the polycarbonate top housing, the Brown's nylon bottom housing offers a deeper and fuller sound compared to the Silent Grey's nylon bottom housing. The materials used in the bottom housing have a significant impact on the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing down on the switch, influencing the overall typing experience.
Overall, the housing materials of the Outemu Brown and Outemu Silent Grey switches play a crucial role in determining the sound profile and typing experience for users. While both switches share the same polycarbonate top housing, the difference in bottom housing material results in distinct sound profiles. The nylon bottom housing of both switches enhances the typing experience by creating a deeper sound, while the polycarbonate top housing contributes to a sharper and crisper sound profile, especially when paired with RGB lighting. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches may come down to personal preference in sound and feel.
Weight
Both the Outemu Brown tactile switch and the Outemu Silent Grey tactile switch have a similar bottom out force of 65 grams, providing a medium-heavy typing experience. However, the Brown switch has a slightly higher actuation force of 53 grams compared to the 50 grams of the Silent Grey switch. This means that the Brown switch requires a slightly heavier touch to register a keystroke. If you prefer a lighter typing experience, the Silent Grey switch might be more suitable for longer typing sessions or gaming. On the other hand, if you prefer a bit more resistance for a more substantial typing experience, the Brown switch would be the better option. Ultimately, both switches offer a tactile typing experience with a medium-heavy bottom out force, providing a satisfying typing experience for different preferences.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the Outemu Brown tactile switch and the Outemu Silent Grey tactile switch is identical, with both switches having a travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when pressing down on a key with either switch, the distance the key travels from the top to the bottom will be the same. Both switches offer a tactile feedback when pressed, but the Silent Grey switch is designed to be quieter than the Brown switch, making it a popular choice for those who value a quieter typing experience. Overall, whether you choose the Outemu Brown or Outemu Silent Grey switch, you can expect to get similar results in terms of travel distance.
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 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
In terms of sound, the Outemu Brown switches are known for offering a moderate level of audible feedback with a subtle tactile bump, making them quieter compared to clicky switches but still providing a satisfying typing experience. On the other hand, the Outemu Silent Grey switches stand out for their quiet operation, perfect for those who prefer a silent environment while typing. The Silent Grey switches have a pronounced tactile bump but are designed to minimize noise, offering a smooth and satisfying typing experience without the loud clacks associated with other switches.
In terms of feel, the Outemu Brown switches are known for providing a tactile typing experience with a slight bump that is noticeable but not overly pronounced. This gives typists a tactile feedback without being too distracting or uncomfortable. The Outemu Silent Grey switches, on the other hand, offer a highly tactile typing experience with a more pronounced bump that is designed to enhance the overall typing feel. The smooth keystroke of the Silent Grey switches combined with the pronounced tactile bump provides typists with a satisfying and precise typing experience.
Overall, while the Outemu Brown and Silent Grey switches may differ in sound and feel, they both offer a tactile typing experience that is highly satisfying. The choice between the two switches depends on personal preference in terms of noise level and the level of tactile feedback desired. Typists who prefer a quieter typing experience without sacrificing tactile feedback may lean towards the Silent Grey switches, while those who enjoy a more moderate sound level and tactile feel may opt for the Brown switches. Ultimately, both switches offer quality performance and a satisfying typing experience for newcomers to the world of mechanical keyboards.
Conclusion
To wrap up, when deciding between the Outemu Brown tactile switch and the Outemu Silent Grey tactile switch, consider your preference for sound and feel. If you prefer a more traditional tactile typing experience without any specific sound preferences, the Outemu Brown switch may be the better choice for you. However, if you value a quieter typing experience with a pronounced bump and smooth keystroke, then the Outemu Silent Grey switch would be the more suitable option. Ultimately, both switches offer a medium-heavy bottom out force of 65 grams, so it really comes down to your personal preference for sound and feel when choosing between the two.
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