Outemu Green vs. Gateron Type S
An in-depth look at the Outemu Green and the Gateron Type S switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Outemu Green, a clicky switch, with the Gateron Type S, a linear switch, it's important to note that each switch offers unique features that cater to different preferences. The Outemu Green is best known for its satisfying clicky sound and tactile feedback, making it a popular choice for typists who enjoy auditory and tactile cues while typing. On the other hand, the Gateron Type S stands out for its smooth and quiet linear action, providing a more subdued typing experience that may be preferred by those who value a more neutral sound profile. 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
65g
Actuation force
55g
Bottom-out force
80g
Bottom-out force
65g
Pre-travel
2.20 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 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
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
18mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Outemu Green and the Gateron Type S switches offer distinct characteristics that affect the sound profile and feel of the switches. The Green's polycarbonate top housing creates a sharper, higher-pitched sound, while the Type S's nylon top housing produces a deeper and fuller sound. The stiffer nature of polycarbonate contributes to a more clear and resonant sound, whereas nylon's softer characteristics absorb more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. While both materials have their own unique qualities, they each provide a different auditory experience for the user.
In terms of the bottom housing, both the Green and Type S switches utilize nylon, which contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile. Due to nylon's ability to absorb sound, the bottom housing plays a significant role in the bottom-out sound and feel of the switch. This results in a more consistent typing experience as the bottom housing impacts the sound and feel when pressing down on the key. Although both switches use the same material for the bottom housing, the overall typing experience may still differ based on the other components of the switch.
Overall, the choice of housing material for a switch can greatly impact the typing experience. The Green's combination of a polycarbonate top housing and a nylon bottom housing results in a mix of sharp and clear sound characteristics. In contrast, the Gateron Type S's use of nylon for both top and bottom housings creates a deeper and fuller sound profile. Despite their differences, both switches provide a unique auditory experience for users, with the top housing influencing the sound when releasing a key and the bottom housing affecting the sound and feel when pressing down. Ultimately, the choice between the Outemu Green and the Gateron Type S switches will depend on individual preference for sound and typing feel.
Weight
The actuation force and bottom out force of the Outemu Green clicky switch and the Gateron Type S linear switch differ in weight. The Outemu Green clicky switch has a heavier actuation force of 65 grams and a bottom out force of 80 grams, providing a more substantial typing experience. In contrast, the Gateron Type S linear switch is lighter with an actuation force of 55 grams and a bottom out force of 65 grams, making it more suitable for longer typing sessions or gaming. While the Outemu Green clicky switch offers a heavier push feel, the Gateron Type S linear switch provides a medium-heavy weight, allowing users to choose based on their preference for typing comfort and feedback. Ultimately, the weight of the switch plays a significant role in determining the typing experience, with some users preferring a lighter touch for extended use and others opting for a heavier feel for a more tactile typing experience.
Travel distance
Both the Outemu Green clicky switch and the Gateron Type S linear switch have a travel distance of 4 mm, making them equal in this aspect. When pressing down on a key with either of these switches, you will experience the same amount of travel from the top to the bottom. This means that the tactile feedback and typing experience provided by both switches will be similar in terms of the distance traveled. Overall, both switches offer a consistent feel and actuation depth for users, making them reliable choices for different preferences in mechanical keyboards.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
For 10 switches, the Outemu Green comes in at $3.10, whereas the Gateron Type S comes in at $4.70.
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 Green clicky switch is known for providing a satisfying audible click with each press, which can be quite loud and aggressive. On the other hand, the Gateron Type S linear switch offers a more subdued and neutral sound profile, making it a better option for those looking for a quieter typing experience. The Type S strikes a balance between being audible without being overly disruptive, catering to a wider range of users depending on their sound preferences and environment.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the Outemu Green clicky switch is recognized for its tactile feedback and pronounced actuation force, providing a satisfying and responsive typing experience. On the contrary, information on the specific feel of the Gateron Type S linear switch is not provided in the given details. However, given that it is a linear switch with a 65g bottom-out weight, it can be inferred that the Type S offers a smooth keystroke without the tactile bump present in clicky switches like the Outemu Green.
In conclusion, the Outemu Green clicky switch and the Gateron Type S linear switch offer distinct sound profiles and tactile feels, catering to different preferences and typing styles. The Green switch provides a loud and tactile typing experience, suitable for those who enjoy a clicky response, while the Type S switch offers a more subdued sound and a smooth keystroke, ideal for users looking for a quieter and more linear typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on individual preferences in terms of sound, feel, and typing habits.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are someone who enjoys a heavier keystroke and a more audible typing experience, the Outemu Green clicky switch would be a great choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a weightier keystroke but with a more subdued sound profile, the Gateron Type S linear switch may be more suited to your preferences. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal typing style, sound preferences, and whether a heavier or lighter bottom-out force is more comfortable for you. Both switches offer unique qualities and it is important to consider what factors are most important to you when choosing between them.
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