Outemu Red vs. Outemu Silent White
An in-depth look at the Outemu Red and the Outemu Silent White switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the decision can be overwhelming with the wide array of options available. Two popular choices to consider are the Outemu Red and Outemu Silent White switches. The Red switch is a linear switch known for its smooth keystrokes and lack of tactile feedback, ideal for gamers who prefer a consistent keypress. On the other hand, the Silent White switch is also a linear switch, but it features dampening to reduce noise during typing, making it a great choice for those working in quiet environments or late at night. Both switches have their own unique qualities that cater to different preferences and needs. 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
45g
Bottom-out force
62g
Bottom-out force
60g
Pre-travel
2.10 mm
Pre-travel
1.60 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.30 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
Stainless steel
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Outemu Red and Outemu Silent White switches, both switches feature a polycarbonate top housing that creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to polycarbonate's stiffness, which leads to a clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate is especially useful for RGB lighting. However, when it comes to the bottom housing, the Red utilizes a nylon material, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon's softer composition absorbs more sound, creating a duller and rounder sound compared to the polycarbonate bottom housing of the Silent White.
The differences between the nylon and polycarbonate materials used in the housing of the Outemu Red and Outemu Silent White switches can impact the overall typing experience. While both switches feature a sharp and crisp sound profile due to the polycarbonate top housing, the Red's nylon bottom housing creates a deeper and fuller sound compared to the Silent White's polycarbonate bottom housing. This results in a difference in sound and feel when typing on the switches. Furthermore, the split qualities of the top and bottom housings play a role in the sound profile when pressing down and letting go of keys on the switches.
Overall, the housing materials used in the Outemu Red and Outemu Silent White switches contribute to their unique sound profiles and typing experience. The polycarbonate top housing of both switches creates a sharp and resonant sound, ideal for those who prefer a clear typing feedback. However, the nylon bottom housing of the Red switch produces a deeper and fuller sound, while the Silent White's polycarbonate bottom housing absorbs sound for a duller and rounder typing experience. These differences in housing materials showcase how material composition can impact the overall sound and feel of mechanical switches.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Outemu Red linear switch and the Outemu Silent White linear switch, there are some similarities and differences to consider. The actuation force of the Red switch is slightly heavier at 46 grams compared to the 45 grams of the Silent White switch, making the Silent White the lighter option. Both switches have a medium bottom out force, with the Red switch requiring 62 grams and the Silent White switch requiring 60 grams. This means that while the actuation forces are similar, the Red switch will provide a slightly heavier typing experience when bottoming out. For those who prefer a lighter touch for extended typing sessions, the Silent White switch may be more suitable, while the Red switch may appeal to those looking for a more substantial typing feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two would depend on personal preference for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The Outemu Red linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Outemu Silent White linear switch has a travel distance of 3.3 mm. In this case, the Outemu Silent White has a shorter travel distance compared to the Outemu Red. The Red switch offers a more traditional 4 mm travel distance, while the Silent White provides a shallower 3.3 mm distance. Gamers looking for faster response times may prefer the Silent White switch with its shorter travel distance. On the other hand, those who enjoy a deeper key press may lean towards the Outemu Red switch with its longer travel distance. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for travel distance and key press feel.
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 White.
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 often praised for its quiet operation, making it a popular choice for those who prefer a more discreet typing experience. On the other hand, the Outemu Silent White linear switch is also known for its quietness due to the dampening material inside the switch, providing a similar sound profile to the Red switch. Ultimately, both switches offer a quiet typing experience, making them suitable for shared workspaces or environments where noise is a concern.
In terms of feel, the Outemu Red linear switch is favored for its smooth and consistent actuation, making it ideal for fast-paced typing and gaming. The Silent White switch is also known for its smooth actuation, but with the added benefit of reduced key wobble and a dampened bottom out, giving it a more cushioned feel compared to the Red switch. Both switches provide a satisfying typing experience, with the Silent White switch offering a slightly softer and more cushioned feel.
Overall, the Outemu Red linear switch and the Outemu Silent White linear switch are both excellent choices for those looking for a quiet and smooth typing experience. While the Red switch may appeal to users who prioritize speed and responsiveness, the Silent White switch offers a quieter and more cushioned feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches comes down to personal preference and the specific needs of the user, as both switches are capable of delivering a satisfactory typing experience.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Outemu Red linear switch and the Outemu Silent White linear switch, consider the following guidelines. If you prioritize a slightly higher bottom out force of 62 grams for a more pronounced key press feedback and prefer a standard mechanical keyboard sound profile, the Outemu Red switch may be the better choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a slightly lower bottom out force of 60 grams for a lighter touch and prioritize a quieter typing experience, the Outemu Silent White switch could be the more suitable option. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preferences for key feel, sound, and typing experience.
Mentioned in this article
