Outemu Silent Green vs. Outemu Silent Grey
An in-depth look at the Outemu Silent Green and the Outemu Silent Grey switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between the Outemu Silent Green and the Outemu Silent Grey mechanical keyboard switches, you are presented with the decision between a linear switch and a tactile switch. The Outemu Silent Green may appeal to those who prefer a smoother keystroke without any tactile feedback, while the Outemu Silent Grey is perfect for individuals seeking a satisfying typing experience with a pronounced bump and quiet operation. 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
45g
Actuation force
50g
Bottom-out force
60g
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
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
pom
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Outemu Silent Green and Outemu Silent Grey switches play a significant role in shaping the overall sound profile of the switches. Both switches feature a polycarbonate top housing, which is known to create a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound due to its stiffness. This material is especially beneficial for switches that plan to utilize RGB lighting, as the translucency of polycarbonate allows for better light diffusion. However, where they differ is in the bottom housing material. The Silent Green's polycarbonate bottom housing maintains the sharp and resonant sound profile, while the Silent Grey's nylon bottom housing elicits a deeper and fuller sound due to its softer properties that absorb more sound.
In terms of aesthetics, both the Silent Green and Silent Grey switches feature clear housings, indicating the use of polycarbonate material. This choice not only enhances the visual appeal of the switches but also contributes to the sound characteristics by providing a clear and resonant tone. The use of polycarbonate in the top housing of the switches further emphasizes the crisp sound profile when the keys are released. On the other hand, the nylon bottom housing of the Silent Grey switch creates a rounder and duller sound when pressed, showcasing a different tactile experience compared to the Silent Green switch with its polycarbonate bottom housing.
Overall, while the Silent Green and Silent Grey switches share similarities in their polycarbonate top housing, the use of different bottom housing materials sets them apart in terms of sound profile and tactile feedback. The stiffer polycarbonate material in the Silent Green switch results in a sharper sound profile, whereas the softer nylon material in the Silent Grey switch produces a deeper and fuller sound. Both switches offer unique typing experiences based on the combination of their top and bottom housing materials, catering to a variety of preferences among mechanical keyboard enthusiasts.
Weight
The Outemu Silent Green linear switch has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams compared to the Outemu Silent Grey tactile switch, which has an actuation force of 50 grams. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Silent Green requires 60 grams, while the Silent Grey requires 65 grams, making the Silent Grey the heavier option overall. The lighter actuation force of the Silent Green may make it more suitable for those who prefer a lighter typing experience for extended periods of time, while the heavier Silent Grey may appeal to those who enjoy a more substantial push feel when typing. Both switches provide a medium to medium-heavy feel, offering similar results in terms of force but with slight variations in weight.
Travel distance
The Outemu Silent Green linear switch and the Outemu Silent Grey tactile switch both have a travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when you press down on a key using either of these switches, you will feel the key travel a distance of 4 mm from the top to the bottom. In this case, the travel distance for both switches is equal, so you can expect similar results in terms of key travel and feel when using either switch. The design of these switches allows for a consistent and smooth typing experience, making them popular choices for those who prefer a quieter keyboard option.
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 Silent Green 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
In terms of sound, the Outemu Silent Green switch is known for producing a quieter typing experience compared to many other mechanical switches on the market. On the other hand, the Outemu Silent Grey switch is also known for its quiet operation but with the added benefit of a tactile bump, providing feedback to the user during typing. The Silent Green switch may be preferred for those who prioritize a quieter typing environment, while the Silent Grey switch is suitable for individuals who appreciate both tactile feedback and reduced noise levels.
When it comes to feel, the Outemu Silent Green switch offers a linear typing experience, meaning there is a consistent force required throughout the keystroke without any tactile bump. On the other hand, the Outemu Silent Grey switch provides a tactile bump that can be felt when the key is actuated, offering a more tactile typing experience. The Silent Green switch may appeal to individuals who prefer a smoother keystroke without any interruption, while the Silent Grey switch is ideal for those who enjoy the tactile feedback provided by the bump during typing.
In conclusion, the Outemu Silent Green and Silent Grey switches offer distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Silent Green switch provides a quieter typing experience without any tactile feedback, while the Silent Grey switch offers both a quiet operation and tactile bump for enhanced typing satisfaction. Depending on personal preferences for noise levels and typing feedback, individuals can choose between the two switches to suit their needs. It is important to consider the overall typing experience desired, as well as other factors such as keycap and keyboard choice, in selecting the most suitable switch for individual use.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you're looking for a quieter linear switch with a medium bottom out force, the Outemu Silent Green would be a great choice. On the other hand, if you prefer a more tactile typing experience with a slightly higher bottom out force, the Outemu Silent Grey would suit you better. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches will come down to your personal preference for typing feel and sound. Consider your typing style and the environment you'll be using the keyboard in when making your choice. Make sure to test out both switches if possible to see which one feels more comfortable for you.
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