Outemu Dustproof Purple vs. Outemu Silent White
An in-depth look at the Outemu Dustproof Purple and the Outemu Silent White switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options to consider are the Outemu Dustproof Purple and the Outemu Silent White. The Dustproof Purple switch is a clicky switch, known for its tactile feedback and audible click sound when pressed. On the other hand, the Silent White switch is a linear switch, offering a smoother keystroke without the audible click. Both switches are categorized as high-quality switches, providing durability and longevity for avid typists and gamers. The Dustproof Purple switch is preferred for those who enjoy the satisfying click feedback, while the Silent White switch is ideal for users who prefer a quieter typing experience. 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
55g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
65g
Bottom-out force
60g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.60 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.30 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
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Outemu Dustproof Purple and Outemu Silent White switches, both switches utilize polycarbonate for their top housing. This choice results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile, perfect for those looking to highlight their typing experience with RGB lighting. The differences lie in their bottom housing material, with the Dustproof Purple featuring a nylon bottom housing for a deeper and fuller sound profile, while the Silent White also opts for a nylon bottom housing but with a relatively softer plastic that absorbs more sound, creating a duller and rounder sound.
Despite the differences in their bottom housing material, both the Dustproof Purple and Silent White switches offer similar acoustical benefits through their polycarbonate top housing. The stiffness of polycarbonate leads to a clear and resonant sound profile, enhancing the overall typing experience. The split between the top and bottom housing materials allows users to feel the impact of the bottom housing when pressing down on a key, while the top housing influences the sound when letting go of a key. This combination results in a balanced and satisfying typing experience for users of both switches.
While the Outemu Dustproof Purple and Outemu Silent White switches share similarities in their polycarbonate top housing, their nylon bottom housing materials offer distinct sound profiles. The Dustproof Purple provides a deeper and fuller sound, thanks to its nylon bottom housing, while the Silent White delivers a slightly duller and rounder sound due to its softer nylon bottom housing. Regardless of these differences, the overall typing experience is enhanced by the combination of these housing materials, allowing users to enjoy a variety of sound profiles based on their preferences and typing style.
Weight
Comparing the Outemu Dustproof Purple clicky switch and the Outemu Silent White linear switch, it is evident that the Dustproof Purple has a higher actuation force and bottom out force compared to the Silent White. The Dustproof Purple has an actuation force of 55 grams and a bottom out force of 65 grams, making it medium-heavy. On the other hand, the Silent White has an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams, which is lighter and more medium in comparison. The weight of a switch is crucial as it impacts the typing experience. Some prefer a lighter switch for extended typing sessions or gaming, while others may opt for a heavier switch for a more substantial feel. In this case, those looking for a lighter feel should consider the Silent White, while those desiring a heavier typing experience should go for the Dustproof Purple. Overall, the actuation and bottom out forces play a significant role in determining the typing experience and feel of the switches, ultimately catering to different preferences and needs.
Travel distance
The Outemu Dustproof Purple clicky switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Outemu Silent White linear switch has a travel distance of 3.3 mm. The Dustproof Purple offers a longer travel distance compared to the Silent White, providing a more pronounced tactile feedback when typing. On the other hand, the Silent White switch offers a slightly shorter travel distance, making it ideal for those seeking a faster and more responsive typing experience. Both switches have their own advantages depending on individual preferences, with the Dustproof Purple being better for those who prefer a deeper key press, and the Silent White for those who prefer a lighter and quicker touch. Ultimately, choosing between the two switches will depend on personal preference and typing style.
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 Purple and Silent White.
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 Outemu Dustproof Purple clicky switch is popular for its satisfying clicky sound that provides auditory feedback with each keystroke. On the other hand, the Outemu Silent White linear switch is known for its quiet operation, making it ideal for those who prefer a more subtle typing experience. The Dustproof Purple switch offers a tactile bump that enhances the typing feel, while the Silent White switch provides a smooth linear keystroke without any tactile feedback. Ultimately, the choice between these switches depends on personal preference in terms of sound and feel. Whether you prefer a loud and clicky typing experience with the Dustproof Purple or a quiet and linear feel with the Silent White, both switches offer high quality performance for your mechanical keyboard needs.
Conclusion
In summary, when considering whether to choose the Outemu Dustproof Purple clicky switch or the Outemu Silent White linear switch, it's important to take into account your preferences for force and sound. If you prefer a slightly heavier bottom out force of 65 grams and enjoy a clicky sound, then the Dustproof Purple may be the better option for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a slightly lighter bottom out force of 60 grams and value a silent typing experience, then the Silent White may be the more suitable choice. Both switches offer a unique typing experience, so ultimately, the decision comes down to your personal preferences in terms of force and sound.
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