Outemu Dustproof Black vs. Gateron Weightlessness
An in-depth look at the Outemu Dustproof Black and the Gateron Weightlessness switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When selecting a mechanical keyboard switch, the choice between the Outemu Dustproof Black and the Gateron Weightlessness can significantly influence your typing experience. The Outemu Dustproof Black, a linear switch, is designed for a smooth keystroke without tactile feedback, making it ideal for gamers who prefer rapid key presses and want to avoid any distractions during intense gameplay. In contrast, the Gateron Weightlessness switch offers a tactile feel that provides satisfying feedback with each key press, making it a fantastic option for typists who appreciate the physical response when typing. Its balanced sound profile further enhances the tactile experience, appealing to those who enjoy a quieter yet distinct auditory feedback. While both switches cater to different preferences—smooth, uninterrupted keystrokes versus tactile engagement—each has its own merits depending on your specific needs. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the ideal switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
60g
Actuation force
50g
Bottom-out force
80g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 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 Outemu Dustproof Black and the Gateron Weightlessness, the differences in housing materials distinctly shape their sound profiles and tactile experiences. The Dustproof Black features a polycarbonate top housing, known for its stiffness and translucency, which contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. This material's rigidity enhances resonance, allowing the sound to project more effectively, especially in setups featuring RGB lighting where the clarity of the housing greatly complements the illumination. In contrast, the Weightlessness employs a nylon top housing, a classic material that offers a deeper and rounder sound profile due to its softer, more sound-absorbing qualities. This difference in top housing composition influences the sound of each switch during key releases, showcasing the unique acoustic properties of both materials.
Despite their contrasting top housings, both switches incorporate nylon for their bottom housings, producing similar effects on the overall sound profile when pressing the keys. Both the Dustproof Black and the Weightlessness benefit from nylon's inherent characteristics; the material absorbs sound, creating a fuller and deeper sound when the key bottoms out. Here, the nylon's softness plays a pivotal role in shaping the user's experience, ensuring that upon pressing down, both switches deliver a robust and balanced sound. This shared characteristic in bottom housing means that regardless of the differences in their top materials, users can expect a similar bottom-out experience that emphasizes depth and fullness.
Collectively, the combination of different top and bottom housing materials results in a diverse range of tactile and auditory feedback from both switches. The Dustproof Black, with its polycarbonate top housing, leans towards a brighter, more pronounced sound on release, while the nylon bottom housing enhances the overall depth on impact. Conversely, the Gateron Weightlessness's nylon top provides a more muted sound, complemented by the same sound-favorable qualities of the nylon bottom. This duality showcases how housing materials interact, allowing enthusiasts to choose between switches based on their sound preferences while achieving similar full-bodied results thanks to the shared use of nylon in the bottom housings.
Weight
The Outemu Dustproof Black linear switch and the Gateron Weightlessness tactile switch present a distinct contrast in terms of actuation force. The Dustproof Black requires a heavier actuation force of 60 grams compared to the lighter 50 grams of the Weightlessness switch, making the latter a preferable choice for those who favor a lighter feel, which can enhance typing comfort during long sessions. However, the bottom out force for the Weightlessness switch is unknown, while the Dustproof Black's bottom out force is recorded at 80 grams, indicating a firmer resistance when fully pressed down. This might resonate with users who enjoy a more substantial typing experience, albeit acknowledging that the Weightlessness might not provide the same tactile feedback when fully pressed. Overall, the Dustproof Black is heavier with both its actuation and bottom out forces, whereas the Weightlessness offers a lighter actuation but lacks specific data on its bottom out force.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Outemu Dustproof Black linear switch and the Gateron Weightlessness tactile switch, there is a noticeable difference. The Dustproof Black features a travel distance of 4 mm, which aligns with the most traditional distance for key switches. In contrast, the Weightlessness switch has a shorter travel distance of 3.4 mm. This shorter distance may cater to gamers who favor quicker response times, while the longer travel of the Dustproof Black may appeal to those who prefer a more substantial, deeper feel when typing. Thus, if you're looking for a switch that provides a more immediate response, the Gateron Weightlessness is the better choice due to its 3.4 mm distance. Conversely, if you prefer a switch that offers a hearty depth with each keystroke, the Outemu Dustproof Black, with its 4 mm travel distance, would be more suitable.
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 Dustproof Black 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
When it comes to sound, the Outemu Dustproof Black linear switch is characterized by its muted output, contributing to an overall quieter typing experience. This can be quite appealing for users in shared environments or those who simply prefer a less audible click. In contrast, the Gateron Weightlessness tactile switch offers a balanced sound profile that complements its tactile characteristics, producing a subtle click that can enhance the feedback without being overly loud. Overall, the Dustproof Black will give you a more silent performance, while the Weightlessness strikes a middle ground, providing enough feedback without becoming intrusive.
Regarding the feel, the Dustproof Black linear switch stands out with its smooth actuation, delivering a consistent key press without any tactile bump. This seamlessness can be ideal for users who favor a fluid typing experience, particularly in gaming or fast-paced writing tasks. On the other hand, the Gateron Weightlessness tactile switch provides a subtle to moderate tactile feedback, allowing typists to feel a distinct point of actuation. This tactile response can enhance typing accuracy for those who prefer a bit of feedback while still enjoying a smooth press overall. If you value a straightforward, linear experience, the Dustproof Black will meet your needs, whereas the Weightlessness will cater to those who appreciate that gentle tactile cue.
In summary, the Outemu Dustproof Black linear switch offers an extremely quiet and smooth typing experience, which is particularly beneficial for environments where noise reduction is a priority. The Gateron Weightlessness tactile switch balances sound and tactile feedback effectively, giving a more nuanced sensation while still maintaining a relatively quiet profile. Ultimately, the choice between these switches hinges on whether you prefer a silent linear actuation or a tactile experience that enhances typing pleasure without overbearing sound.
Conclusion
To sum up, choosing between the Outemu Dustproof Black linear switch and the Gateron Weightlessness tactile switch largely depends on your personal preferences and intended use cases. If you gravitate towards a keyboard that provides a significant weight and resistance with a firm bottom-out feel, the Dustproof Black, with its 80-gram actuation force, may be your best choice. This switch is suitable for those who enjoy a more deliberate keystroke experience, which could enhance both typing accuracy and gaming performance, particularly in scenarios that require forceful and precise input. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter touch combined with a subtle tactile feedback, the Weightlessness switch may be more appealing. Its balanced sound profile and moderate tactile feel create a pleasant typing experience without being overly harsh, making it perfect for long typing sessions where comfort is key. Ultimately, your decision should be informed by whether you value the heavier resistance and linear motion of the Dustproof Black or the tactile feedback and lighter actuation of the Weightlessness.
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