Outemu Silent Green vs. SP-Star Duck
An in-depth look at the Outemu Silent Green and the SP-Star Duck switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Outemu Silent Green and the SP-Star Duck offer unique experiences for users. The Silent Green is a linear switch, known for its silence during key presses, making it a great choice for those who prefer a quiet typing experience. On the other hand, the Duck is a tactile switch that provides a gentle tactility when typing, along with a clean and crispy sound profile. If you're looking for a switch that is categorized as quiet and smooth, the Silent Green may be the way to go. Alternatively, if you prefer a switch that is categorized as neutral, mild, buttery, and polished, the Duck might be more to your liking. 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
N/A
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
58g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 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
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Gold plated
Housing materials
Both the Outemu Silent Green and the SP-Star Duck keyboards feature polycarbonate top and bottom housings, which results in a similar sharp, high-pitched, and crisp sound profile. Polycarbonate's stiffness contributes to a clear and resonant sound quality, making it ideal for switches intended for use with RGB lighting. The translucency of polycarbonate also adds an aesthetic appeal to the overall look of the switches.
Despite both keyboards using polycarbonate for their housing materials, the Outemu Silent Green and SP-Star Duck may offer slight variations in sound and feel due to possible differences in design and construction. The bottom housing of a switch has a more significant impact on the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing affects the sound when releasing a key. This means that even with the same housing material, subtle differences in design can lead to unique typing experiences between the two keyboards.
In conclusion, the use of polycarbonate in both the top and bottom housings of the Outemu Silent Green and the SP-Star Duck keyboards results in a similar sound profile. However, slight differences in design and construction may lead to variations in typing experience and sound. Both keyboards benefit from the stiffness and clarity that polycarbonate provides, as well as the added aesthetic appeal of the material's translucency. Regardless of these slight differences, users can expect a sharp, high-pitched sound when typing on switches with polycarbonate housings.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Outemu Silent Green linear switch and the SP-Star Duck tactile switch, we can see some differences. The Silent Green has an actuation force of 45 grams, while the Duck's actuation force is unknown. However, both have a medium bottom out force, with the Silent Green at 60 grams and the Duck at 58 grams. The Silent Green is lighter in terms of actuation force, which may be preferred by those looking for a lighter typing experience for longer sessions. On the other hand, the Duck offers a slightly heavier bottom out force, providing a more substantial typing feel for those who prefer a stronger push. In terms of overall force required, both switches offer a similar typing experience, making them both good options depending on personal preference.
Travel distance
Both the Outemu Silent Green linear switch and the SP-Star Duck tactile switch have the same travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when you press down on a key with either of these switches, the distance the key travels before registering the keystroke will be identical. This similarity in travel distance ensures that users will experience a consistent typing feel regardless of which switch they choose. Additionally, the equal travel distance of both switches allows for a smooth and fluid typing experience, making them both suitable options for individuals looking for a switch with a moderate travel distance.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The SP-Star Duck has an MSRP of $5.80 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Duck for $5.40.
The Outemu Silent Green comes in at $3.10 per 10 switches.
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 Silent Green switch is known for its quiet operation, making it a great choice for those who prefer a more discreet typing experience. On the other hand, the SP-Star Duck switch has a neutral sound profile, offering a moderate level of noise that is suitable for various settings. Both switches offer a pleasant typing sound that is not overly loud or distracting, allowing for a peaceful work environment.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the Outemu Silent Green is known for its smooth linear action, providing a consistent keystroke with minimal resistance. In contrast, the SP-Star Duck switch offers a mild tactile feedback, making it ideal for those who prefer a more subtle tactile typing experience. Additionally, the Duck switch is described as buttery and polished, indicating a smooth and refined typing experience that is comfortable and effortless.
Overall, both the Outemu Silent Green and SP-Star Duck switches offer their own unique qualities that cater to different preferences. While the Silent Green is favored for its quiet operation and smooth linear feel, the Duck switch appeals to users looking for a gentle tactile typing experience with a clean and crispy sound profile. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and the desired typing experience, but rest assured that both options will provide a satisfying and enjoyable typing experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a switch with a slightly higher bottom out force and a linear typing experience, the Outemu Silent Green switch would be a good choice. On the other hand, if you prefer a more subtle tactile typing experience with a lower bottom out force, the SP-Star Duck tactile switch might be more suitable for you. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preferences in terms of typing feel and sound profile. Both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different typing styles, so choose the one that best fits your needs and preferences.
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