Outemu Dustproof Red vs. Outemu Silent Grey
An in-depth look at the Outemu Dustproof Red and the Outemu Silent Grey switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Outemu Dustproof Red and Outemu Silent Grey offer distinct typing experiences for users. The Dustproof Red is a linear switch known for its smooth keystrokes and lack of tactile feedback, making it ideal for fast typists and gamers who prefer a consistent feel. On the other hand, the Silent Grey switch provides a quiet and highly tactile typing experience with a pronounced bump, making it perfect for those seeking a satisfying yet silent switch. While the Dustproof Red is favored for its smoothness, the Silent Grey stands out for its tactile feedback. 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
45g
Actuation force
50g
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
65g
Pre-travel
2.00 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 Red and Outemu Silent Grey switches, it is evident that both utilize polycarbonate for the top housing. Polycarbonate is known for creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to its stiffness. This material is ideal for switches that plan to incorporate RGB lighting, as its translucency allows for light to shine through. On the other hand, the bottom housing of both switches is made of nylon, which produces a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon is softer than polycarbonate, absorbing more sound and resulting in a duller and rounder sound.
The differences between the Dustproof Red and Silent Grey lie in the sound characteristics created by their respective housing materials. The Dustproof Red, with its polycarbonate top housing, will have a sharper and more resonant sound profile when keys are released. In contrast, the Silent Grey, with its nylon bottom housing, will provide a deeper and fuller sound when keys are pressed down. This divergence in sound profiles showcases how the choice of housing material can significantly impact the overall typing experience and sound of a keyboard.
Ultimately, while the housing materials of the Outemu Dustproof Red and Outemu Silent Grey switches differ in their top and bottom components, they both offer unique sound profiles. The combination of polycarbonate and nylon in each switch allows for a balanced mix of sharpness and depth in sound. Users can expect a clear and resonant sound when pressing down on keys with the Dustproof Red, while experiencing a deeper and fuller sound when releasing keys with the Silent Grey. Overall, the housing materials play a crucial role in shaping the overall typing experience and sound of the switches.
Weight
Comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Outemu Dustproof Red linear switch and the Outemu Silent Grey tactile switch, we can see that the Dustproof Red is lighter in both aspects, with an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams. On the other hand, the Silent Grey is slightly heavier, with an actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 65 grams. Both switches fall within the medium range, but the Silent Grey leans towards the medium-heavy side. Those who prefer a lighter typing experience may lean towards the Dustproof Red, which allows for longer periods of typing without fatigue. In contrast, the Silent Grey offers a more substantial typing experience due to its heavier actuation and bottom out forces. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on personal preference for typing feel and intensity.
Travel distance
Both the Outemu Dustproof Red linear switch and the Outemu Silent Grey tactile switch have a travel distance of 4mm, making them equal in terms of the distance the switch travels from the top to the bottom. When pressing down on a key with either of these switches, you will experience a similar feel and feedback despite the difference in their design. The Dustproof Red linear switch offers a smooth and consistent keystroke without any tactile bump, while the Silent Grey tactile switch provides a subtle tactile feedback with a quiet typing experience. Regardless of the slight variation in their design, both switches offer a reliable and comfortable typing experience for users.
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 Red 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
When it comes to sound, the Outemu Dustproof Red linear switch is known for being relatively quiet compared to other linear switches due to its dustproof design. On the other hand, the Outemu Silent Grey tactile switch is specifically designed to provide a quiet typing experience, making it ideal for quiet environments or shared spaces. The Silent Grey switch incorporates a tactile bump that provides feedback while typing, which can result in a softer sound compared to linear switches without sacrificing the satisfying tactile feel.
In terms of feel, the Outemu Dustproof Red linear switch offers a smooth keystroke with no tactile bump, providing a consistent typing experience. On the other hand, the Outemu Silent Grey tactile switch is designed to provide a pronounced bump and tactile feedback to enhance typing accuracy and overall typing experience. The Silent Grey switch gives a more pronounced tactile feel compared to the linear Dustproof Red switch, which can cater to those who prefer a more tactile typing experience.
Overall, if you are looking for a quiet and tactile typing experience, the Outemu Silent Grey switch would be the better choice. However, if you prefer a linear switch with a quieter operation, the Outemu Dustproof Red switch would also be a good option. Keep in mind that the sound and feel of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard housing and keycaps used. Ultimately, choosing between these two switches will depend on your personal preference for typing feel, sound, and the environment in which you will be using your keyboard.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the Outemu Dustproof Red linear switch and the Outemu Silent Grey tactile switch, you should consider your typing preferences and needs. If you prefer a linear switch with a lighter bottom out force and are not concerned about noise levels, the Dustproof Red may be the better choice for you. On the other hand, if you are looking for a tactile switch with a slightly heavier bottom out force and prioritize a quiet typing experience, the Silent Grey switch would be more suitable. Ultimately, your decision should be based on whether you prioritize typing feel or noise level in your mechanical keyboard switch choice. Consider these factors carefully to determine which switch will best meet your needs and enhance your typing experience.
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