Outemu Brown vs. Outemu Silver
An in-depth look at the Outemu Brown and the Outemu Silver switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When looking to purchase a mechanical keyboard switch, it is important to consider the different options available to determine which one best suits your typing preferences. Two popular choices to compare are the Outemu Brown, a tactile switch, and the Outemu Silver, a linear switch. The Outemu Brown switch is known for its tactile feedback, providing a slight bump when pressed, making it ideal for typists who prefer a more tactile typing experience. On the other hand, the Outemu Silver switch is known for its smooth linear action, with no tactile feedback, offering a fast and consistent typing experience. Both switches have their own unique characteristics that cater to different typing styles and preferences. 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
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
The Outemu Brown and Outemu Silver both feature polycarbonate top housings, which create a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to the stiffness of the plastic. This leads to a more clear and resonant sound overall. The aesthetic advantage of using polycarbonate in the housing is also mentioned, as it is particularly useful for RGB lighting due to its translucency. This makes both switches suitable for users looking for a switch with a distinct sound profile and a visually appealing design.
On the other hand, the nylon bottom housings of the Outemu Brown and Outemu Silver offer a different typing experience compared to the top polycarbonate housing. Nylon is known for providing a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing, as it is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. This split in housing materials between the top and bottom of the switch allows users to feel the qualities of each material when pressing down on the switch, impacting both the typing sound and feel during use.
While both the Outemu Brown and Outemu Silver feature similar housing materials in terms of their polycarbonate top housings, the difference in their nylon bottom housings provides a unique typing experience for each switch. The split in housing materials allows for a complementary combination of sound profiles, with the top housing influencing the sound upon key release and the bottom housing impacting the bottom-out sound and feel. Overall, users can expect a distinct and satisfying typing experience from both switches, with the choice between the two depending on personal preference for sound and feel.
Weight
The Outemu Brown tactile switch has a higher actuation force of 53 grams compared to the Outemu Silver linear switch, which has an actuation force of 45 grams. However, both switches have the same bottom out force of 65 grams, making them medium-heavy in terms of overall force required. The Brown switch provides a more substantial typing experience with a slightly heavier actuation force, while the Silver switch offers a lighter touch for longer typing or gaming sessions. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for lighter or heavier actuation forces.
Travel distance
Both the Outemu Brown tactile switch and the Outemu Silver linear switch have a travel distance of 4 mm, making them equal in this aspect. When comparing the two switches, it's important to note that the Brown switch offers a tactile bump during actuation, providing feedback to the user when the keypress is registered. On the other hand, the Silver switch is a linear switch, meaning it moves smoothly up and down without any tactile bump or audible click. Despite their differences in operation, both switches offer the same travel distance, ensuring a consistent typing experience for users. Ultimately, whether you prefer the tactile feedback of the Brown switch or the smooth linear action of the Silver switch, you can expect a similar travel distance with both options.
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 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
When it comes to sound, the Outemu Brown tactile switch is often noted for its quiet and subtle typing experience. On the other hand, the Outemu Silver linear switch is mentioned for its smooth and relatively quiet operation. Keep in mind that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by the keyboard chassis and keycaps used.
In relation to feel, the Outemu Brown tactile switch is commended for its tactile bump that provides a noticeable feedback during typing. In contrast, the Outemu Silver linear switch is known for its smooth keystrokes without the tactile bump, offering a consistent feel across all key presses. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will depend on personal preference for either a tactile feedback or a linear feel.
Considering the differences in sound and feel between the Outemu Brown tactile switch and the Outemu Silver linear switch, it is crucial to test both switches firsthand to determine which one aligns better with your typing preferences. Whether you prefer a tactile typing experience with a tactile bump (Outemu Brown) or a smooth linear feel without the tactile bump (Outemu Silver), both switches offer their own unique qualities that can cater to different typing styles. By understanding the subjective qualities of each switch, you can make an informed decision on which one suits your typing needs best.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Outemu Brown tactile switch and the Outemu Silver linear switch, you should consider your preferences in terms of sound and feel. If you enjoy a tactile response with a slight bump when pressing down the keys, then the Outemu Brown switch would be a suitable choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a smoother and more consistent keystroke without any tactile feedback, the Outemu Silver switch would be a better option. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches will come down to your personal typing style and what feels most comfortable to you. So, take into account your preferences and choose the switch that best aligns with your typing needs.
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