Outemu Silent Grey vs. Outemu Silent White
An in-depth look at the Outemu Silent Grey and the Outemu Silent White switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Outemu Silent Grey and Outemu Silent White stand out as popular options for different reasons. The Outemu Silent Grey is a tactile switch that offers a quiet and highly tactile typing experience. With a pronounced bump and smooth keystroke, these switches are perfect for those seeking something satisfying and silent. On the other hand, the Outemu Silent White is a linear switch with a different feel and sound profile. While both switches offer a silent typing experience, the Silent White provides a linear keystroke without the tactile feedback found in the Silent Grey. Deciding between these two switches will ultimately depend on personal preference and typing style. 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
50g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
65g
Bottom-out force
60g
Pre-travel
1.60 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 terms of housing materials, both the Outemu Silent Grey and the Outemu Silent White feature polycarbonate top housings. This choice results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile for both switches. The stiffness of polycarbonate contributes to a clear and resonant sound profile, making it ideal for switches intended for use with RGB lighting. Furthermore, the translucency of polycarbonate adds an aesthetic appeal to both switches, creating a visually pleasing effect when paired with lighting.
Where the Silent Grey and Silent White differ is in their bottom housing material. The Silent Grey utilizes a nylon bottom housing, which gives it a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to the Silent White. Nylon is known for its softer plastic composition, which absorbs more sound than harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound when typing on switches made with this material. This distinction in bottom housing material showcases how different combinations of housing materials can impact the overall sound and feel of a switch.
While the housing materials of the Outemu Silent Grey and the Outemu Silent White vary in terms of bottom housing, both switches ultimately provide similar results in terms of sound profile and typing feel due to their shared polycarbonate top housing. Whether it's the sharper, higher-pitched sound of the top housing or the deeper, fuller sound of the bottom housing, both switches offer a unique typing experience that caters to different preferences. The split in housing materials allows for a balance in the overall sound profile when typing on these switches, showcasing the importance of considering both top and bottom housing materials in switch design.
Weight
When comparing the Outemu Silent Grey tactile switch and the Outemu Silent White linear switch, it is evident that the Silent Grey has a slightly heavier actuation force of 50 grams compared to the Silent White's 45 grams, making the Silent White the lighter option. In terms of bottom out force, the Silent Grey also requires more pressure at 65 grams compared to the Silent White's 60 grams. Both switches fall within the medium weight category, with the Silent Grey being on the heavier side. The actuation force of a switch is crucial for triggering keystrokes, while the bottom out force measures the pressure required to press all the way down. Individuals who prefer a lighter typing experience for extended periods may opt for the Silent White, while those seeking a more substantial typing feel may lean towards the Silent Grey for a heavier push. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the Outemu Silent Grey tactile switch is 4 mm, while the Outemu Silent White linear switch has a travel distance of 3.3 mm. The Silent Grey has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Silent White, making it better suited for those who prefer a deeper key press. On the other hand, the Silent White offers a slightly shorter travel distance, which can appeal to gamers looking for a faster response time. Both switches fall within the range of traditional travel distances, with the Silent Grey being on the longer side and the Silent White being slightly shorter. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for key press depth and responsiveness.
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 Grey 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 Silent Grey switch is known for being extremely quiet, perfect for environments where noise may be a concern. On the other hand, the Silent White switch also offers a silent typing experience, making it suitable for those who prefer linear switches without the clicking sound. The sound produced by both switches will be minimal and not distracting, providing a pleasant typing experience.
In terms of feel, the Outemu Silent Grey switch is praised for its tactile feedback, as it features a noticeable bump when the key is actuated. This tactile feedback can enhance typing accuracy and provide a satisfying typing experience. On the other hand, the Silent White switch offers a smooth keystroke without any tactile bump, making it ideal for those who prefer a linear feel. Both switches are designed to provide a comfortable typing experience, whether you prefer a tactile bump or a smoother keystroke.
Overall, the Outemu Silent Grey and Silent White switches offer excellent choices for individuals seeking a quieter typing experience with different preferences in terms of tactile feedback. While the Silent Grey switch is tactile and quiet, the Silent White switch is linear and silent, catering to different typing preferences. Whether you choose the Silent Grey for its tactile feel or the Silent White for its smooth keystrokes, both switches will provide a satisfying and quiet typing experience for your mechanical keyboard setup.
Conclusion
To sum up, in choosing between the Outemu Silent Grey tactile switch and the Outemu Silent White linear switch, consider the typing experience you prefer. If you enjoy a tactile feedback with a pronounced bump and smooth keystroke, the Silent Grey switch may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a quieter typing experience with a linear feel, the Silent White switch might be more suitable. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preferences in terms of tactility and noise level. Make sure to test out both switches if possible to see which one suits your typing style best.
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