Outemu Dustproof Black vs. Outemu Silent Green
An in-depth look at the Outemu Dustproof Black 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 Dustproof Black and the Outemu Silent Green. The Dustproof Black is a linear switch, while the Silent Green is also a linear switch. The Dustproof Black is known for its durable design featuring dustproof technology, ensuring longevity and reliability. On the other hand, the Silent Green is recognized for its quiet operation, making it ideal for those who prefer a quieter typing experience. Both switches have their own unique qualities that cater to different 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
60g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
80g
Bottom-out force
60g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 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
Polycarbonate
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The main difference between the housing materials of the Outemu Dustproof Black and the Outemu Silent Green lies in their bottom housings. The Dustproof Black features a nylon bottom housing, which creates a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer plastic composition. On the other hand, the Silent Green utilizes a polycarbonate bottom housing, known for its sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile resulting from its stiffer plastic properties. This contrast in bottom housing materials ultimately affects the overall typing experience and sound produced by each switch.
Conversely, both the Dustproof Black and the Silent Green switches share a polycarbonate top housing, which leads to a clear and resonant sound profile with a sharper, higher-pitched tone. This similarity in the top housing material results in comparable sound characteristics between the two switches. Additionally, the use of polycarbonate is beneficial for switches that incorporate RGB lighting, as its translucency allows for the illumination of colors to shine through the housing.
Overall, the differences in housing materials between the Outemu Dustproof Black and the Outemu Silent Green contribute to unique typing experiences for users. While the Dustproof Black's nylon bottom housing provides a deeper sound profile, the Silent Green's polycarbonate bottom housing offers a crisper and more resonant sound. The similarities in their polycarbonate top housings ensure a consistent tone quality, especially for those interested in RGB lighting effects. Understanding the impact of housing materials on sound profiles can help users make informed decisions based on their preferences for keyboard switches.
Weight
The Outemu Dustproof Black linear switch and the Outemu Silent Green linear switch have notable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Dustproof Black has a heavier actuation force of 60 grams and a bottom out force of 80 grams, providing a more substantial typing experience for those who prefer a stronger push feel. On the other hand, the Silent Green has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams, making it a more suitable option for individuals looking for a lighter typing experience for extended periods of time. The lighter actuation force of the Silent Green makes it a popular choice for those who type for long durations, such as during work or gaming sessions. In contrast, the heavier actuation force of the Dustproof Black caters to users who prefer a more robust typing feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on personal preference and typing style.
Travel distance
Both the Outemu Dustproof Black linear switch and the Outemu Silent Green linear switch have the same travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when pressing down on a key using either switch, you will experience the same amount of travel distance. Therefore, the travel distance of both switches is equal, resulting in similar typing experiences for users. The consistent 4 mm travel distance ensures a consistent feel when typing on keyboards using either of these switches.
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 Dustproof Black 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
When it comes to sound, the Outemu Dustproof Black linear switch is known for its quieter operation compared to other mechanical switches. Its design includes features that help reduce noise during typing, creating a more pleasant and stealthy typing experience. On the other hand, the Outemu Silent Green linear switch is specifically designed to minimize sound, offering a nearly silent typing experience that is ideal for shared workspaces or late-night typing sessions when you don't want to disturb others. Both switches offer a quieter typing experience, with the Silent Green likely being slightly quieter due to its focus on noise reduction.
Moving on to feel, the Outemu Dustproof Black linear switch is known for its smooth and consistent keystrokes, providing a satisfying typing experience for those who prefer linear switches. The Dustproof design also helps to prevent dust and debris from affecting the switch performance, ensuring its longevity. On the other hand, the Outemu Silent Green linear switch offers a similar smooth keystroke experience, but with a focus on silent operation. The Silent Green switch provides a soft and cushioned feel with each key press, making it comfortable for extended typing sessions.
In conclusion, both the Outemu Dustproof Black and Outemu Silent Green linear switches offer excellent choices for those looking for a quieter typing experience. The Dustproof Black switch provides a smooth and consistent feel with reduced noise levels, while the Silent Green switch takes it a step further by offering near-silent operation. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on your preference for noise level and typing feel, but rest assured that both switches will provide a high-quality typing experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Outemu Dustproof Black and Outemu Silent Green linear switches, you should consider a few key factors. If you prefer a heavier bottom out force of 80 grams and are not concerned about noise levels, the Dustproof Black may be the better choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter bottom out force of 60 grams and value a quieter typing experience, the Silent Green switch might be more suitable for your needs. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches will depend on your personal preferences for typing feel, sound, and actuation force. Consider these factors carefully to determine which switch aligns best with your typing style and preferences.