Outemu Gold vs. Outemu Silver
An in-depth look at the Outemu Gold and the Outemu Silver switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Outemu Gold and Outemu Silver offer distinct characteristics that cater to different preferences. The Outemu Gold is a clicky switch, known for its tactile feedback and audible click sound upon actuation. On the other hand, the Outemu Silver is a linear switch, providing a smoother keystroke without any tactile bump or audible click. Each switch has its own advantages and drawbacks, making them suitable for different types of users. The Gold may be preferred by those who enjoy the satisfying click feedback and precise typing experience, while the Silver could be favored by individuals who prefer a smoother and 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
45g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
65g
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Pre-travel
1.60 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
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
The Outemu Gold and Outemu Silver switches both feature polycarbonate top housings, which create a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to the material's stiffness. This makes them ideal for users looking for a more clear and resonant typing experience. Additionally, the translucent nature of polycarbonate allows for the implementation of RGB lighting, enhancing the visual appeal of the switches. With their similar top housings, users can expect comparable sound profiles and aesthetics from both the Gold and Silver switches.
However, when it comes to the bottom housing material, the Outemu Gold utilizes nylon while the Outemu Silver also features a nylon bottom housing. Nylon is known for producing a deeper and fuller sound profile, absorbing more sound than harder plastics. This results in a duller and rounder sound when typing on switches with nylon bottom housings. Despite the difference in bottom housing materials between the Gold and Silver switches, both will offer a similar typing experience in terms of sound and feel due to the shared nylon material in this component.
Overall, the choice between the Outemu Gold and Silver switches may come down to personal preference in terms of sound profile and typing feel. While they both offer the benefits of polycarbonate top housings for a sharp and clear sound, the distinction in bottom housing materials may produce slightly different typing experiences. Whether you prefer a crisper sound with the Gold's polycarbonate bottom housing or a deeper sound with the Silver's nylon bottom housing, both switches are designed to provide a satisfying typing experience with their unique combination of housing materials.
Weight
In comparing the Outemu Gold clicky switch and the Outemu Silver linear switch, it is evident that the actuation force is the same at 45 grams. However, the bottom out force of the Gold switch is lighter at 60 grams, while the Silver switch is heavier at 65 grams. For those who prefer a lighter typing experience for extended periods, the Gold switch would be the better option. On the other hand, individuals looking for a more substantial typing feel may lean towards the Silver switch. Both switches offer a similar actuation force, ensuring that users will get consistent results in terms of triggering keystrokes. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will come down to personal preference in terms of typing feel and weight preferences.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the Outemu Gold clicky switch and the Outemu Silver linear switch is the same, with both switches having a travel distance of 4mm. This means that when pressing down on a key with either of these switches, users will experience the same amount of travel from the top to the bottom. This similarity in travel distance means that whether you choose the Gold clicky switch or the Silver linear switch, you can expect similar results in terms of key press feel and feedback. Overall, both switches offer a consistent travel distance, providing users with a reliable typing experience regardless of their preference for a clicky or linear switch.
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 Gold and Silver.
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 Gold clicky switch is often praised for its distinct and satisfying audible click with each keystroke. On the other hand, the Outemu Silver linear switch is known for its quiet operation without any tactile feedback. The sound produced by these switches will also be influenced by the keyboard and keycaps used in conjunction with them.
Moving on to feel, the Outemu Gold switch provides a tactile typing experience with a noticeable bump at the actuation point, allowing typists to feel each keypress. In contrast, the Outemu Silver switch offers a smooth and consistent keystroke without any tactile feedback, providing a seamless typing experience. The feel of these switches will be a crucial factor in determining which one is more suitable for your typing preferences.
In conclusion, if you prefer a clicky and tactile typing experience, the Outemu Gold switch would be an excellent choice. However, if you prefer a quieter and smoother typing experience, the Outemu Silver switch would be more suitable. It is essential to consider both sound and feel when selecting a mechanical keyboard switch to ensure optimal satisfaction with your typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on your personal preferences and typing style.
Conclusion
In conclusion, when considering whether to choose the Outemu Gold clicky switch or the Outemu Silver linear switch, it's important to take into account your personal preferences. If you enjoy a medium bottom out force of 60 grams and the satisfying clicky sound that the Gold switch provides, then this switch might be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a slightly heavier bottom out force of 65 grams and a smooth, linear feel without any tactile feedback like the Silver switch offers, then this switch could be more suited to your typing style. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches comes down to whether you prioritize the clicky sound and medium force of the Gold or the smooth linear feel and slightly heavier force of the Silver. Consider these factors carefully to determine which switch will enhance your typing experience the most.
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