Outemu Purple vs. Outemu Silver
An in-depth look at the Outemu Purple and the Outemu Silver switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, there are various options to consider, each offering unique characteristics. Among these are the Outemu Purple, a tactile switch, and the Outemu Silver, a linear switch. The Purple switch provides a tactile feedback with a slight bump when pressed, making it a popular choice for typists who prefer a satisfying typing experience. On the other hand, the Silver switch offers a smooth and consistent keystroke without any tactile feedback, making it preferred by gamers who prioritize fast and precise actions. 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
50g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
65g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.60 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
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
When comparing the housing materials of the Outemu Purple and Outemu Silver switches, it is evident that both switches utilize polycarbonate for their top housings. This material provides a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to its stiffness, making it ideal for switches intended for RGB lighting. The use of polycarbonate in the top housing of both switches ensures a similar sound experience and aesthetic appeal, as they both allow for the passage of light to create a visually appealing look.
However, when it comes to the bottom housings, the Outemu Purple features a nylon material while the Outemu Silver also utilizes nylon for its bottom housing. Nylon is known for creating a deeper and fuller sound profile as it is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. This difference in bottom housing material may lead to a slightly different typing experience between the two switches, with the Outemu Purple likely providing a deeper sound compared to the Outemu Silver.
In terms of overall typing experience, the bottom housing material plays a significant role in the sound and feel of the switch when pressed down, while the top housing material influences the sound when releasing the key. Therefore, while both the Outemu Purple and Outemu Silver switches have similar top housings made of polycarbonate, the use of nylon for the bottom housing in both switches may result in slightly different typing experiences in terms of sound and feel. However, overall, both switches are likely to provide a satisfying typing experience with their unique combination of housing materials.
Weight
When comparing the Outemu Purple tactile switch and the Outemu Silver linear switch, it is clear that the Silver switch is the lighter of the two. The Purple switch has an actuation force of 50 grams, slightly heavier than the Silver's 45 grams. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Silver switch requires 65 grams, whereas the Purple switch's bottom out force is unknown. For those who prefer a lighter touch for extended typing or gaming sessions, the Outemu Silver switch would be the better choice. On the other hand, for those who enjoy a more substantial typing experience with a heavier push feel, the Outemu Purple switch may be more suitable. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
Both the Outemu Purple tactile switch and the Outemu Silver linear switch have a travel distance of 4 mm, which means that they both provide a consistent typing experience in terms of travel distance. Despite this similarity, they are designed to offer different typing experiences. The Outemu Purple tactile switch provides a tactile bump during key press, which can enhance typing accuracy and provide a satisfying typing feedback. On the other hand, the Outemu Silver linear switch offers a smoother keystroke without the tactile bump, which can result in faster typing speeds. In terms of travel distance, users can expect consistent performance from both switches, but the typing experience will vary based on the switch type.
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 Purple 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 Purple tactile switch is known for its slightly louder and more pronounced click compared to the Outemu Silver linear switch, which is described as having a quieter and more subtle sound. The sound of a switch can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard's construction and the keycaps used.
In terms of feel, the Outemu Purple switch provides a tactile feedback and a slight bump when pressed, giving users a more tactile typing experience. On the other hand, the Outemu Silver switch offers a smooth linear movement without any tactile feedback, providing a consistently smooth typing feel.
Overall, the choice between the Outemu Purple tactile switch and the Outemu Silver linear switch ultimately comes down to personal preference. If you prefer a more tactile typing experience with a slight bump and audible click, the Purple switch may be the better option for you. However, if you prefer a smooth and linear typing feel with a quieter sound, the Silver switch would be more suitable. Both switches are durable and offer a satisfying typing experience, so you can expect similar quality results regardless of your choice.
Conclusion
To sum up, when considering whether to choose the Outemu Purple tactile switch or the Outemu Silver linear switch, you should opt for the Purple if you prefer a switch with a lighter bottom out force and a tactile feedback. The Purple switch would be a good choice for someone who types frequently and enjoys the tactile bump that can help with typing accuracy. On the other hand, if you prefer a switch with a moderate-heavy bottom out force and a smoother keystroke, the Silver switch would be the better option. The Silver switch is ideal for those who prefer a linear switch for fast-paced typing or gaming, as it provides a consistent feel without the tactile bump. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preferences for typing experience and sound.
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