Outemu Dustproof Blue vs. Outemu Silent Grey
An in-depth look at the Outemu Dustproof Blue and the Outemu Silent Grey switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
Mechanical keyboard enthusiasts often face the dilemma of choosing between clicky switches, like the Outemu Dustproof Blue, or tactile switches, like the Outemu Silent Grey. The Dustproof Blue switch is known for its satisfying clicky sound and tactile feedback, making it a popular choice for those who enjoy a more audible typing experience. On the other hand, the Silent Grey switch offers a quiet typing experience with a pronounced bump and smooth keystroke, ideal for those who prefer a more subtle feedback. 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
50g
Actuation force
50g
Bottom-out force
65g
Bottom-out force
65g
Pre-travel
2.20 mm
Pre-travel
1.60 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
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
Nylon
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Outemu Dustproof Blue and the Outemu Silent Grey, both switches use polycarbonate for their top housings. This material creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to its stiffness, providing a clear and resonant sound. Aesthetically, the translucent nature of polycarbonate is ideal for switches with RGB lighting. As for the bottom housings, both switches utilize nylon, known for producing a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon's softness allows it to absorb more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound when typing on these switches.
Despite both switches sharing the same housing materials for their top and bottom housings, the overall sound profiles may differ depending on how these materials are utilized. The bottom housing plays a significant role in the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing down on the switch, while the top housing impacts the sound when releasing a key. This split in housing materials allows for a more dynamic typing experience, with the qualities of each material contributing to different aspects of the sound and feel of the switches.
In terms of performance, the Outemu Dustproof Blue and Outemu Silent Grey may offer similar results due to their shared use of polycarbonate and nylon in their housing materials. The stiffer nature of polycarbonate provides a crisp and resonant sound, while the softer nylon absorbs more sound for a fuller sound profile. These qualities, when combined in the top and bottom housings of each switch, create a tactile and satisfying typing experience for users looking for a variety of sound and feel options. Ultimately, both switches offer a premium typing experience with unique sound profiles thanks to their carefully selected housing materials.
Weight
The Outemu Dustproof Blue clicky switch and the Outemu Silent Grey tactile switch have the same actuation force of 50 grams and bottom out force of 65 grams, making them both medium-heavy switches. The actuation force is the force needed to trigger a keystroke, while the bottom out force measures how much pressure is required to press the key all the way down. When comparing the weight of the switches, some may prefer the lighter feel of the switches for longer typing or gaming sessions, while others may prefer a heavier push for a more substantial typing experience. Both switches offer similar results in terms of actuation and bottom out forces, so the choice between them will ultimately come down to personal preference in terms of typing feel.
Travel distance
Both the Outemu Dustproof Blue clicky switch and the Outemu Silent Grey tactile switch have the same travel distance of 4mm. This means that when you press down on a key with either of these switches, you will feel the same amount of travel distance. However, the feel and sound of the switches are different. The Dustproof Blue switch is clicky, providing a satisfying tactile feedback accompanied by an audible click when pressed, ideal for those who enjoy a more pronounced typing experience. On the other hand, the Silent Grey switch is tactile but has a quieter operation, making it a suitable option for those who prefer a more subtle typing experience without sacrificing the tactile feedback. Overall, while both switches have the same travel distance, they cater to different preferences in terms of typing feel and sound.
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 Blue 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
The Dustproof Blue clicky switch is known for its clicky sound and tactile feedback, making it a popular choice for those who enjoy a satisfying typing experience with audible feedback. On the other hand, the Outemu Silent Grey tactile switch provides a quiet typing experience with a pronounced tactile bump. This makes it suitable for those who prefer a more subtle typing experience without the loud clicky noise associated with mechanical keyboards.
When it comes to sound, the Dustproof Blue switch produces a loud clicky sound with each keystroke, which can be satisfying for some users but distracting for others. In contrast, the Silent Grey switch is designed to minimize noise, offering a quieter typing experience that is ideal for shared workspaces or late-night typing sessions.
In terms of feel, the Dustproof Blue switch provides a tactile feedback with each keystroke, allowing for better accuracy and responsiveness. On the other hand, the Silent Grey switch also offers a tactile bump, but with a smoother keystroke compared to the clicky nature of the Dustproof Blue switch.
Overall, both switches have their own unique qualities that cater to different preferences. If you are looking for a loud and tactile typing experience, the Dustproof Blue switch may be the way to go. However, if you prefer a quieter typing experience with tactile feedback, the Silent Grey switch would be the better option. Ultimately, it comes down to personal preference and the type of typing experience you are looking to achieve.
Conclusion
In conclusion, when choosing between the Outemu Dustproof Blue clicky switch and the Outemu Silent Grey tactile switch, it really comes down to your preference for sound and feel. If you enjoy a loud and clicky typing experience, the Dustproof Blue switch is the way to go. However, if you prefer a quieter typing experience with a tactile bump, the Silent Grey switch would be the better choice for you. Ultimately, both switches offer a medium-heavy bottom out force of 65 grams, so the deciding factor will be whether you prioritize sound or feel in your mechanical keyboard switches. Consider your personal preferences and typing environment to make the best choice for your needs.
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