Outemu Red vs. Outemu Silver
An in-depth look at the Outemu Red and the Outemu Silver switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Outemu Red and Outemu Silver both offer a linear typing experience, but with some distinct differences. The Outemu Red is known for its smooth and consistent keystrokes, making it a popular choice for gamers and typists who prefer a quieter typing experience. On the other hand, the Outemu Silver is also a linear switch, but it provides a slightly shorter actuation distance, which can be beneficial for those looking for quicker response times. While both switches offer a similar typing feel, the choice between the two ultimately comes down to personal preference and specific 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
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
The Outemu Red and Outemu Silver switches both feature polycarbonate top housings, which create a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to the stiffness of the plastic. This allows for a more resonant sound, especially when using RGB lighting. On the flip side, the Outemu Red and Outemu Silver switches also both have nylon bottom housings, which elicit a deeper and fuller sound profile as the softer plastic absorbs more sound. However, the nylon bottom housing creates a duller and rounder sound compared to the polycarbonate top housing.
While both switches share similar qualities in terms of their polycarbonate top housings, the difference comes in with their nylon bottom housings. The Outemu Red's nylon bottom housing creates a different sound and feel compared to the Outemu Silver's nylon bottom housing. Typing on the Outemu Red switch will result in a deeper and fuller sound profile, while typing on the Outemu Silver switch will produce a duller and rounder sound. This split between the top and bottom housing materials results in a different typing experience for each switch.
In conclusion, the housing materials of the Outemu Red and Outemu Silver switches play a significant role in determining the sound profile and typing experience of each switch. While both switches share polycarbonate top housings that create a sharper and crisper sound, the difference lies in their nylon bottom housings. The Outemu Red switch offers a deeper and fuller sound profile, while the Outemu Silver switch produces a duller and rounder sound. Ultimately, choosing between the two switches will depend on the desired sound profile and typing experience.
Weight
The Outemu Red linear switch has a slightly lighter actuation force of 46 grams compared to the Outemu Silver linear switch, which requires 45 grams of force. Both switches have a medium actuation force, making them suitable for users who prefer a lighter touch. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Outemu Red requires 62 grams, while the Outemu Silver needs 65 grams, making the Silver switch slightly heavier during bottoming out. This difference may appeal to those who prefer a firmer typing experience. Overall, both switches offer similar results in terms of actuation force, but the Outemu Silver provides a slightly heavier bottom out force for users looking for a more substantial typing feel.
Travel distance
The travel distances of the Outemu Red linear switch and the Outemu Silver linear switch are both 4 mm, making them equal in that aspect. This means that when pressing down on a key equipped with either switch, you will experience the same amount of travel distance from the top to the bottom. Therefore, in terms of travel distance, both switches will provide similar results. Overall, while the Outemu Red and Outemu Silver switches may differ in other aspects such as actuation force or actuation point, their travel distance remains consistent at 4 mm each.
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 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
The Outemu Red linear switch is known for its smooth keystrokes and lack of tactile bump or audible click, making it ideal for fast typists who prefer a quieter typing experience. On the other hand, the Outemu Silver linear switch is also smooth, but with a slightly shorter actuation point, allowing for quicker key presses. The sound produced by the Red switch is generally quieter compared to the Silver switch, which may have a slightly more audible sound due to the shorter actuation point. In terms of feel, the Red switch offers a consistent and linear typing experience, while the Silver switch provides a quicker response time thanks to its shorter actuation point. Overall, both switches offer a smooth keystroke, but the Silver switch may be preferred by those who prioritize speed, while the Red switch may be more appealing to those who value a quiet typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the Outemu Red and Silver switches will come down to personal preference and the specific typing needs of the user.
Conclusion
In closing, when it comes to choosing between the Outemu Red and Outemu Silver linear switches, you should consider the differences in bottom out force and sound. If you prefer a lighter key press, then the Outemu Red with its 62-gram bottom out force may be more suitable for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a slightly heavier key press, then the Outemu Silver with its 65-gram bottom out force may be the better option. Additionally, consider the sound and feel of each switch to determine which one aligns more with your preferences. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on your personal typing style and preferences.
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