Outemu Gold vs. Gateron Weightlessness
An in-depth look at the Outemu Gold and the Gateron Weightlessness switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When exploring the world of mechanical keyboard switches, the Outemu Gold and Gateron Weightlessness stand out for different reasons and cater to distinct preferences among typists and gamers. The Outemu Gold is a clicky switch, characterized by its audible feedback that provides an engaging typing experience ideal for those who enjoy the satisfying sound of key presses. On the other hand, the Gateron Weightlessness offers a tactile feel that delivers a subtle to moderate bump, making it a great choice for users who prefer a more muted auditory experience while still receiving feedback on their keystrokes. The balanced sound profile of the Weightlessness switches complements their tactile characteristics, positioning them as a versatile option for both typing and gaming. While the Outemu Gold switches boast a lively sound and feel that can enhance the typing experience for those who thrive on auditory cues, the Gateron Weightlessness appeals to gamers and typists seeking a quieter, yet responsive feel. 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
N/A
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.40 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
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
The Outemu Gold and Gateron Weightlessness switches employ different materials for their top housings, which significantly affects their sound profiles. The Gold features a polycarbonate top housing, lending a sharper and more resonant sound when typed on. This is largely due to polycarbonate's stiffer nature, which allows for a crisper auditory feedback that can be enhanced with RGB lighting due to the material’s translucence. In contrast, the Weightlessness utilizes a nylon top housing, which provides a deeper, fuller sound profile. The softer characteristics of nylon absorb sound, creating a more muted and rounded auditory experience. This fundamental difference in materials means that the Outemu Gold will appeal to those seeking a brighter sound signature, while the Weightlessness caters to individuals preferring a warmer and more subdued acoustic impression.
When considering the bottom housings, both the Outemu Gold and Gateron Weightlessness incorporate nylon material. This commonality ensures that, despite the divergence in their top housing materials, both switches can produce a deeper and fuller sound profile due to the nylon's effective sound absorption characteristics. As the bottom housing plays a significant role in the bottom-out sound and feel when a keystroke is completed, users can expect a consistent tactile experience from both switches. The nylon's inherent properties will create a semblance of acoustic depth in the bottom-out sound across both keyboards, even if the top housing differs significantly.
Ultimately, the distinct sound profiles and greater audio characteristics demonstrated by the Gold and Weightlessness switches reflect the unique materials used in their top housings. While the Gold’s polycarbonate top offers a crystalline treble and brighter resonance, the Weightlessness’ nylon top yields a softer and more rounded auditory profile. However, the similarity of nylon in the bottom housings ensures a convergence in tactile feel and sound quality at the actuation point. Thus, for those who appreciate the nuances of sound and feel in mechanical switches, exploring both options will provide insights into how diverse materials can shape the overall typing experience.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Outemu Gold clicky switch and the Gateron Weightlessness tactile switch, one can observe some interesting differences. The Outemu Gold has an actuation force of 45 grams, which is on the lighter side, providing a comfortable typing experience, especially suited for long work sessions or gaming. In contrast, the Gateron Weightlessness features a slightly heavier actuation force at 50 grams, which may appeal to those who prefer a more substantial feel while typing. However, the Weightlessness has an unspecified bottom out force, making it difficult to directly compare the two switches in that regard. Nevertheless, while the Gold's bottom out force is measured at 60 grams, indicating a medium level of resistance when pressing down fully, users who prefer the lighter actuation of the Outemu Gold would likely appreciate its overall use for extended periods. In summary, the Outemu Gold is the lighter option in terms of both actuation and bottom out force, while the Gateron Weightlessness offers a heavier actuation force without a defined bottom out force.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Outemu Gold clicky switch and the Gateron Weightlessness tactile switch, the differences are quite notable. The Outemu Gold features a travel distance of 4 mm, which aligns with the traditional standard and provides a more pronounced feel with a deeper key press. In contrast, the Gateron Weightlessness comes in at a shorter travel distance of 3.4 mm, catering to those who prefer quicker response times often favored by gamers. This shorter distance may feel more abrupt to some users, while others may appreciate the swifter actuation. Ultimately, if you are looking for a more responsive experience, the Gateron Weightlessness would be the better choice due to its shorter travel distance, whereas the Outemu Gold would be ideal for those who enjoy the depth of a 4 mm travel.
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 Gold 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
The Outemu Gold clicky switch does not have a distinctive sound profile that stands out, while the Gateron Weightlessness tactile switch is appreciated for its balanced sound, which is subtle and does not overpower the typing experience. This means that if you prefer a quieter environment, the Weightlessness might be a better fit, as it avoids the louder clicky sounds that are often associated with clicky switches like the Gold. However, the overall sound experience will also heavily depend on your choice of keyboard construction and keycaps, so there may be some overlap in overall acoustics.
In terms of feel, the Outemu Gold switch lacks a detailed characterization, making it difficult to gauge its tactile feedback accurately. On the other hand, the Gateron Weightlessness provides a subtle to moderate tactile experience that can enhance typing precision and comfort. This makes the Weightlessness particularly appealing to users who appreciate a tactile bump that isn’t too pronounced, striking a good balance for both typing and gaming.
In summary, while the Outemu Gold clicky switch doesn’t have distinguished qualities influencing its sound and feel, the Gateron Weightlessness tactile switch is recognized for its moderate tactile feedback and balanced sound. As a newcomer, you might find the Gateron Weightlessness more satisfying due to its tactile nature, which can typically enhance your typing experience. Ultimately, your personal preference will guide you to discover which qualities resonate with your desired typing style.
Conclusion
To wrap up, your choice between the Outemu Gold clicky switch and the Gateron Weightlessness tactile switch ultimately depends on your specific typing preferences and the environment in which you plan to use your keyboard. If you lean towards a more audible typing experience and enjoy the tactile feedback that comes with a medium bottom-out force of 60 grams, the Outemu Gold is an excellent choice, particularly for gaming or situations where key presses need to be easily identifiable through sound and sensation. On the other hand, if you favor a quieter, subtler experience with a more moderate tactile feel, the Gateron Weightlessness would be more suitable. It is especially recommended for office environments or shared spaces where noise might be a concern, allowing you to enjoy a smooth typing experience without disturbing others. Ultimately, consider what aspects of typing are most important to you—whether it’s the clicky feedback of the Gold or the balanced, understated feel of the Weightlessness—to make the best choice for your mechanical keyboard journey.
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