Outemu Green vs. Gateron Zero Degree 0°
An in-depth look at the Outemu Green and the Gateron Zero Degree 0° switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Outemu Green and Gateron Zero Degree 0° offer two distinct typing experiences. The Outemu Green is a clicky switch, providing a tactile and audible feedback with each keypress. On the other hand, the Gateron Zero Degree 0° is a linear switch, offering a smooth and quiet typing experience. Whether you prefer the satisfying click of the Green switch or the silent precision of the Zero Degree 0°, both switches cater to different preferences and typing styles. 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
45g
Bottom-out force
80g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
2.20 mm
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 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
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
20mm extended spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Outemu Green and Gateron Zero Degree 0° switches share many similarities. Both switches boast a polycarbonate top housing, known for creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to the stiffness of polycarbonate, which leads to a more clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucent nature of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches designed with RGB lighting in mind. These similarities in top housing material indicate that users can expect comparable sound profiles and aesthetics from both the Outemu Green and Gateron Zero Degree 0° switches.
However, where the two switches differ is in their bottom housing materials. The Outemu Green features a nylon bottom housing, which provides a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to the Gateron Zero Degree 0°'s polycarbonate bottom housing. Nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound when typing on switches that utilize it. This distinction in bottom housing material between the two switches may lead to a slight variation in typing experience and sound feedback for users, with the Outemu Green offering a potentially more muffled and rounded sound compared to the crisper sound of the Gateron Zero Degree 0°.
Ultimately, the division of different housing materials between the top and bottom of a switch plays a significant role in dictating the overall sound and feel of the switch. While the top housing primarily influences the sound when a key is released, the bottom housing has a greater impact on the bottom-out sound and feel when a key is pressed. Thus, the combination of polycarbonate and nylon in the Outemu Green and Gateron Zero Degree 0° switches respectively ensures a balanced and dynamic typing experience, with each housing material contributing its unique qualities to the overall sound profile of the switch.
Weight
The Outemu Green clicky switch has a heavier actuation force and bottom out force compared to the Gateron Zero Degree 0° linear switch. The Green requires 65 grams of force to actuate a key and 80 grams to bottom out, while the Zero Degree 0° only needs 45 grams to actuate with an unknown bottom out force. This makes the Green switch suitable for those looking for a more substantial typing experience, while the Zero Degree 0° switch is a lighter option, allowing for longer typing sessions without fatigue. Both switches offer different benefits depending on individual preferences, with the actuation force and bottom out force playing a significant role in determining typing comfort and experience.
Travel distance
The Outemu Green clicky switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, making it slightly longer than the Gateron Zero Degree 0° linear switch with a travel distance of 3.6 mm. Both switches fall within the traditional range of travel distances, but the Green switch offers a bit more depth compared to the Zero Degree switch. Gamers looking for faster response times may prefer the shorter travel distance of the Zero Degree switch, while those who enjoy a more substantial keypress may opt for the Green switch. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on personal preference for travel distance and keypress feel.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron Zero Degree 0° has an MSRP of $6.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Zero Degree 0° 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 known for its satisfying clicky sound that provides auditory feedback with each key press. On the other hand, the Gateron Zero Degree 0° linear switch is designed to minimize noise with its silent typing experience, thanks to its innovative self-padding design and dual-rail structure. Both switches offer different sound profiles, with the Green being more audible and the Zero Degree 0° focusing on silent typing.
In terms of feel, the Outemu Green switch is known for its tactile feedback and clicky response, providing a distinct bump and audible click during each keystroke. In comparison, the Gateron Zero Degree 0° linear switch offers a smooth and consistent typing experience, with a soft and elastic feel that absorbs sound and reduces noise. The Green switch provides a tactile feel, while the Zero Degree 0° switch prioritizes smoothness and stability for a quiet typing experience.
Overall, when choosing between the Outemu Green clicky switch and the Gateron Zero Degree 0° linear switch, it ultimately comes down to personal preference. If you enjoy a clicky and tactile typing experience with audible feedback, the Outemu Green switch would be the way to go. However, if you prefer a smooth and silent typing experience with a soft and elastic feel, the Gateron Zero Degree 0° switch would be a better fit. Both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different typing preferences, so it's important to consider what sound and feel you prefer in a mechanical keyboard switch.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a mechanical keyboard switch with a heavy bottom out force and a satisfying clicky sound for typing, gaming, or programming, the Outemu Green switch would be a great choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a switch with a lighter touch and a smooth, silent typing experience, especially suited for office or shared space environments, the Gateron Zero Degree 0° linear switch would be the ideal option. Consider your priorities and preferences in terms of force, sound, and feel when deciding between these two switches to find the best fit for your typing needs.
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