Outemu Red vs. Outemu Silent Grey
An in-depth look at the Outemu Red and the Outemu Silent Grey switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options to consider are the Outemu Red and the Outemu Silent Grey. The Outemu Red switch is a linear switch, known for its smooth and consistent keystrokes. On the other hand, the Outemu Silent Grey switch is a tactile switch, offering a quiet yet highly tactile typing experience with a pronounced bump. Both switches have their own strengths - the Red switch is ideal for fast and smooth typing, while the Silent Grey switch is perfect for those seeking a satisfying and quiet typing experience. 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
46g
Actuation force
50g
Bottom-out force
62g
Bottom-out force
65g
Pre-travel
2.10 mm
Pre-travel
1.60 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
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
In comparing the housing materials of the Outemu Red and Outemu Silent Grey switches, both switches utilize polycarbonate for the top housing, resulting in a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile. The use of polycarbonate in the top housing contributes to a clear and resonant sound, making it ideal for switches designed for RGB lighting due to its translucency. On the other hand, the nylon bottom housing of both switches offers a deeper and fuller sound profile, with nylon being a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, creating a duller and rounder sound. Despite the different bottom housing materials, both switches provide a balanced sound experience with a combination of sharpness and depth.
While the top housings of the Outemu Red and Outemu Silent Grey switches are both made of polycarbonate, the differences in their bottom housing materials influence the overall sound and feel of the switches. The nylon bottom housing of the Red switch contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile, while the nylon bottom housing of the Silent Grey switch offers a similar experience. The softer nature of nylon absorbs more sound, resulting in a more muted and rounded sound when compared to switches with harder bottom housing materials. This distinction in bottom housing materials highlights the importance of both top and bottom housing in determining the overall sound quality of a switch.
When it comes to typing experience, the differences in housing materials between the Outemu Red and Outemu Silent Grey switches become more apparent. The impact of the bottom housing on the bottom-out sound and feel is more pronounced in switches with nylon bottom housings, like the Red and Silent Grey models. On the other hand, the top housing material will influence the sound when a key is released. Despite these differences, both switches offer a unique typing experience with a blend of sharpness and depth in sound, making them suitable choices for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts looking for a specific sound profile.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Outemu Red linear switch and the Outemu Silent Grey tactile switch, it is evident that the Red switch is lighter in both categories. The Outemu Red has an actuation force of 46 grams and a bottom out force of 62 grams, while the Silent Grey has an actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 65 grams. Both switches fall within the medium range, with the Red being a bit lighter overall. Individuals who prefer a lighter typing experience may lean towards the Outemu Red, as it allows for longer typing sessions without fatigue. On the other hand, those who prefer a more substantial typing feel may opt for the Outemu Silent Grey due to its slightly heavier actuation and bottom out forces. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and typing style.
Travel distance
The Outemu Red linear switch and Outemu Silent Grey tactile switch have the same travel distance of 4mm. This means that when pressing down on a key with either of these switches, you will experience the same amount of travel distance. Despite having different key feels - the Red is linear while the Silent Grey is tactile, their travel distance remains constant. This similarity ensures that users will get consistent results in terms of key press distance regardless of which switch they choose.
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 Red and Silent Grey.
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 Red linear switch is known for its quiet operation, making it ideal for those who prefer a more discreet typing experience. On the other hand, the Outemu Silent Grey tactile switch lives up to its name by offering a silent typing experience with a satisfying tactile bump. The sound produced by these switches will also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard and keycaps used.
Moving on to feel, the Outemu Red linear switch provides a smooth and consistent keystroke with no tactile feedback, making it a favorite among gamers for its linear feel. In contrast, the Outemu Silent Grey tactile switch offers a pronounced tactile bump that provides tactile feedback during each keystroke, which can be satisfying for those who enjoy a more tactile typing experience.
Overall, both the Outemu Red linear switch and the Outemu Silent Grey tactile switch have their own unique qualities that cater to different preferences. Those who prioritize a quiet typing experience may prefer the Silent Grey, while individuals who prioritize a smooth linear feel may opt for the Red. However, both switches offer high-quality performance and durability, so whichever switch you choose, you can expect reliable and consistent results in your typing experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, when considering whether to choose the Outemu Red linear switch or the Outemu Silent Grey tactile switch, you should consider your typing preferences. If you prefer a smooth and linear typing experience with a medium bottom out force, the Outemu Red switch may be a better choice for you. However, if you enjoy a quiet and tactile typing experience with a slightly heavier bottom out force, the Outemu Silent Grey switch would be more suitable. Ultimately, your decision should be based on whether you prioritize a smooth keystroke or a pronounced tactile bump in your mechanical keyboard switches.
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