Outemu Green vs. Gateron Weightlessness
An in-depth look at the Outemu Green and the Gateron Weightlessness switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When exploring the world of mechanical keyboards, two distinct switches stand out for their unique characteristics: the Outemu Green and the Gateron Weightlessness. The Outemu Green, a clicky switch, is favored by typists who enjoy a pronounced auditory feedback that adds a satisfying "click" with each keystroke, making it ideal for those who crave an engaging typing experience. In contrast, the Gateron Weightlessness switch offers a more subtle to moderate tactile feel, which, while still providing a sense of feedback, does so with a more muted sound profile. This makes the Gateron Weightlessness ideal for users who seek a quieter typing experience without sacrificing tactile response. Choosing between these two switches often boils down to personal preference: whether you desire the loud, clear feedback of the Outemu Green or the balanced, quieter engagement of the Gateron Weightlessness. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
65g
Actuation force
50g
Bottom-out force
80g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
2.20 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
When comparing the housing materials of the Outemu Green and the Gateron Weightlessness, one of the most striking differences lies in the top housing composition. The Outemu Green utilizes polycarbonate for its top housing, which is known for producing a sharper and crisper sound profile due to its stiffness. This material’s translucency also makes it a favorable choice for RGB lighting enthusiasts, as it allows for a bright illumination through the switch. In contrast, the Gateron Weightlessness features a nylon top housing. Nylon is a softer plastic, which contributes to a much rounder and deeper sound profile. As a result, these two switches showcase distinct auditory characteristics derived from their differing top housing materials.
On the bottom housing front, both the Outemu Green and Gateron Weightlessness switches utilize nylon. This commonality means that the bottom-out sound and feel of both switches will present a fuller and deeper auditory experience, as nylon’s tendency to absorb sound characteristics contributes to a more subdued sound overall. This consistent material choice in the bottom housing indicates that users will experience a degree of similarity in terms of the tactile feedback when bottoming out, regardless of the differences in the top housing that predominantly influence the sound when releasing the key.
Ultimately, the disparity in the top housing materials of the Outemu Green and Gateron Weightlessness creates a unique duality in sound profile and user experience. While the Green's polycarbonate top lends itself to a sharper sound that enhances the RGB aesthetic, the Weightlessness's nylon top cultivates a softer auditory engagement. However, with both switches utilizing nylon for their bottom housings, users can expect a comparable solidity in the feel and sound when actuating each switch. This combination of contrasting top housings and shared bottom materials ensures a varied yet cohesive typing experience across both switches, enabling users to select based on their preference for sound profile while still enjoying similar results in actuation feedback.
Weight
When comparing the Outemu Green clicky switch to the Gateron Weightlessness tactile switch, there are noticeable differences in their actuation forces. The Outemu Green requires a relatively heavy actuation force of 65 grams and has a bottom out force of 80 grams, making it a suitable choice for users who prefer a more substantial typing experience. In contrast, the Gateron Weightlessness boasts a lighter actuation force of 50 grams, which can be beneficial for longer typing sessions, but its bottom out force remains unspecified. This leaves ambiguity regarding how it feels when bottoming out. In terms of weight preference, the Outemu Green is heavier and may be favored by users who like a pronounced feel, while the lighter actuation force of the Gateron Weightlessness caters to those who enjoy a softer touch. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will largely depend on individual preferences for typing experience and comfort.
Travel distance
When comparing the Outemu Green clicky switch and the Gateron Weightlessness tactile switch, there is a notable difference in travel distance. The Outemu Green has a travel distance of 4 mm, making it the longer option, while the Gateron Weightlessness measures 3.4 mm, which is shorter. This difference plays a significant role in the feel and responsiveness of each switch. Users who favor a tactile experience and prefer a more pronounced feedback may gravitate toward the Outemu Green due to its longer travel distance, which provides a deeper keypress. Conversely, those who prioritize swift response times might find the Gateron Weightlessness more appealing, as its shorter travel distance allows for quicker actuation. In essence, if you prefer a hearty depth and a more deliberate typing experience, the Outemu Green is the better choice; however, for those who seek fast results with less travel, the Weightlessness would be preferable.
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 Green 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
When it comes to sound, the Outemu Green clicky switch is characterized by its pronounced click noise, which provides a distinct auditory feedback with each key press. This clicky nature makes it particularly satisfying for typists who enjoy an audible confirmation of their keystrokes. In contrast, the Gateron Weightlessness tactile switch offers a more subtle sound profile that complements its tactile feel. While it doesn’t produce a loud click, this switch still delivers a balanced sound that aligns well with its tactile characteristics, making it a good fit for those who prefer quieter operation without sacrificing feedback.
In terms of feel, the Outemu Green switch delivers a firm resistance with a strong tactile bump and a noticeable click at the actuation point. This tactile feedback is designed to enhance the typing experience, providing a clear indication of when the key has been activated. Conversely, the Gateron Weightlessness switch features a subtle to moderate tactile feel, allowing for a gentler typing experience. This balance ensures that users receive tactile feedback without the intensity of a full click, making it suitable for longer typing sessions where comfort is a priority.
In summary, the Outemu Green and Gateron Weightlessness switches cater to different preferences in the mechanical keyboard landscape. The Green excels in providing an assertive sound and tactile feedback, ideal for users who love a strong auditory and physical reaction from their keys. Meanwhile, the Weightlessness offers a balanced option prioritizing a more subdued auditory profile and moderate tactile response, appealing to individuals seeking a smoother typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will hinge on one’s desired sound and feel, ensuring that both can deliver satisfying results based on personal preference.
Conclusion
To conclude, when deciding between the Outemu Green clicky switch and the Gateron Weightlessness tactile switch, your choice ultimately hinges on your typing preferences and the kind of experience you’re looking for. If you enjoy a heavier key feel and appreciate the auditory feedback of a pronounced click, the Outemu Green is an excellent choice, especially if you have a heavier hand or prefer a tactile response that clearly signals when a key has been activated. This switch is ideally suited for those who like a more robust typing experience, although its 80 grams of bottom-out force may feel taxing during prolonged use for some individuals. On the other hand, if you prefer a gentler touch with a more subtle tactile feedback, the Gateron Weightlessness is likely to suit you better. These switches provide a balanced sound profile that will be less intrusive, making them great for quieter environments or extended typing sessions where fatigue could be a concern. Ultimately, the switch you choose should reflect your personal comfort, typing style, and the kind of sound experience you desire to enhance your mechanical keyboard setup.
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