Outemu Silent Green vs. Gateron Weightlessness
An in-depth look at the Outemu Silent Green and the Gateron Weightlessness switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to selecting the ideal mechanical keyboard switch, the choice often boils down to personal preference and usage scenario. The Outemu Silent Green switch, a linear switch, is highly sought after for its smooth keystrokes and minimal noise, making it an excellent choice for those who value a quiet typing experience—ideal for shared workspaces or late-night gaming. On the other hand, the Gateron Weightlessness switch stands out with its subtle to moderate tactile feel, delivering a satisfying feedback during typing without being overpowering. This tactile switch strikes a balance between responsiveness and sound profile, appealing to users who enjoy a bit of tactile feedback to enhance their typing experience. While both switches offer distinct advantages, understanding their unique characteristics is essential. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the right switch for your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
50g
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.40 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
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
22mm double-staged spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Outemu Silent Green switches and the Gateron Weightlessness switches significantly differ, creating contrasting sound profiles. The Silent Green features polycarbonate for both its top and bottom housings. This choice leads to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile that is characteristic of polycarbonate, a stiffer plastic. Its translucency not only enhances the aesthetic appeal, especially with RGB lighting, but also contributes to a clearer and more resonant sound signature. In contrast, the Weightlessness switches utilize nylon for both their top and bottom housings. Nylon's softer nature means that it absorbs sound rather than amplifying it, producing a deeper and fuller sound profile. This fundamental difference in material affects both the auditory and tactile experience when using the switches.
When considering how these materials affect their individual sound profiles, the impact of the housing material is further delineated between the top and bottom of the switches. For the Silent Green, the polycarbonate construction results in crisper sounds on release, contributing to a brighter auditory experience overall. This clear and resonant sound is particularly pronounced during key releases, where the qualities of the polycarbonate top housing come into play. Conversely, in the Gateron Weightlessness, the softer nylon absorbs sound and delivers a more subdued experience, impacting the bottom-out sensation as well as the release sound, giving it a more rounded auditory profile.
Ultimately, while both switches utilize different materials for their housings and lead to distinct sound characteristics, the differences are both pronounced and nuanced. Those who enjoy a sharper sound signature will likely prefer the Outemu Silent Green with its polycarbonate construction, while users who favor a warmer, fuller typing experience will gravitate towards the softer nylon of the Gateron Weightlessness. Each switch presents its own unique experience, influenced heavily by the material choices, thus providing distinct yet satisfying alternatives for keyboard enthusiasts.
Weight
The Outemu Silent Green linear switch and the Gateron Weightlessness tactile switch present contrasting actuation forces and an unknown bottom out force for the latter. The Silent Green has an actuation force of 45 grams, which allows for relatively effortless keystrokes, making it suitable for prolonged typing sessions or extended gaming without finger fatigue. In contrast, the Weightlessness has a heavier actuation force of 50 grams, providing a more substantial push feel that some users might prefer for tactile feedback. While the Silent Green registers a tangible bottom out force of 60 grams, the bottom out force for the Weightlessness is not provided. Consequently, although the Silent Green is the lighter switch, offering a smoother typing experience, the Gateron Weightlessness caters to those who might favor a heftier keystroke with an undefined bottom out characteristic. This contrast in weights can significantly affect user experience, with lighter switches being ideal for extensive use and heavier switches appealing to those who enjoy a firmer typing sensation.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Outemu Silent Green linear switch and the Gateron Weightlessness tactile switch, there is a clear distinction between the two. The Silent Green boasts a travel distance of 4 mm, which aligns with the traditional switch preference for deeper keystrokes that many users find satisfying. In contrast, the Weightlessness switch offers a shorter travel distance of 3.4 mm, appealing to those who favor quicker responsiveness, particularly in gaming situations. Therefore, for users seeking a more pronounced tactile feedback and depth, the Silent Green would be the better choice, while those who prefer a snappier feel may opt for the Gateron Weightlessness. As a result, the Silent Green is the longer switch, and the Weightlessness is the shorter one.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron Weightlessness has an MSRP of $6.10 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Weightlessness for $5.50.
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
The Outemu Silent Green linear switch is known for its quieter operation, making it an excellent choice for those who prefer a more subdued typing experience or work in shared environments. While specific sound characteristics aren't detailed, linear switches like the Silent Green generally produce less noise compared to tactile or clicky switches. In contrast, the Gateron Weightlessness tactile switch offers a balanced sound profile that complements its tactile feedback, presenting a subtle to moderate tactile sensation during key presses. This makes the Weightlessness switches more audible than the Silent Green, although the actual sound experience can vary depending on the keyboard frame and keycap material used.
When it comes to feel, the Silent Green is noted for a smooth linear action without any tactile bump, which can provide a more fluid typing experience suitable for rapid typing or gaming. The absence of tactile feedback may appeal to users who enjoy uninterrupted key presses. On the other hand, the Gateron Weightlessness switch features a subtle to moderate tactile feel, providing a distinct bump that gives users physical feedback upon actuation. This tactile response can enhance typing comfort and accuracy for those who appreciate some level of feedback in their keystrokes.
In summary, while the Outemu Silent Green switch emphasizes a quieter and smoother typing experience, the Gateron Weightlessness offers a tactile response that brings a different dimension to the feel of key presses. Choosing between these two switches will largely depend on individual preferences regarding sound and tactile feedback. If you prioritize a quieter operation without tactile bumps, the Silent Green would be the way to go, whereas if you enjoy tactile responses and a balanced sound profile, the Weightlessness is a great option.
Conclusion
To sum up, your choice between the Outemu Silent Green linear switch and the Gateron Weightlessness tactile switch ultimately depends on your personal typing preferences and the environment in which you'll be using your mechanical keyboard. If you value a switch with a smoother and quieter operation, making it ideal for office settings or shared spaces, the Silent Green's medium 60-gram actuation force provides a satisfying yet muted feel that allows for extended periods of typing without causing fatigue or annoyance to those around you. On the other hand, if you're looking for a more tactile experience that gives you feedback with each keystroke, the Gateron Weightlessness switch is designed to enhance your typing experience with its moderate tactile bump, making it a great choice for gaming or programming where precision and responsiveness are crucial. Additionally, the balanced sound profile of the Weightlessness caters well to environments where some audible feedback is appreciated without being overwhelming. Therefore, consider the setting and your typing style: the Silent Green for a quieter, smoother touch and the Weightlessness for engaging tactile feedback.
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