Outemu Silent Grey vs. Outemu Silver
An in-depth look at the Outemu Silent Grey and the Outemu Silver switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Outemu Silent Grey and Outemu Silver offer unique typing experiences to suit different preferences. The Outemu Silent Grey Switches are renowned for providing a quiet and highly tactile typing experience, with a pronounced bump and smooth keystroke that appeals to those seeking a satisfying and silent switch. On the other hand, the Outemu Silver switch, although lacking specific information, is categorized as a linear switch, which typically provides a smooth keystroke without a tactile bump. Depending on your typing preferences, the Silent Grey may be ideal for those who enjoy a tactile feel, while the Silver may be preferred by those who prioritize a smoother keystroke. 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
65g
Pre-travel
1.60 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
Overall, both the Outemu Silent Grey and the Outemu Silver switches utilize polycarbonate as their top housing material, providing a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The stiffness of polycarbonate contributes to a clear and resonant sound, making it ideal for those looking for a distinct typing experience. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it perfect for RGB lighting setups, adding a visual element to the switches.
On the other hand, the Silent Grey and Silver switches differ in their bottom housing material, with the Silent Grey utilizing nylon while the Silver also uses polycarbonate. The nylon bottom housing of the Silent Grey creates a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to the Silver, as nylon is softer and absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. This difference in bottom housing material gives each switch a unique typing experience, with the Silent Grey offering a more cushioned feel upon bottoming out.
Despite the difference in bottom housing material, both the Outemu Silent Grey and Silver switches provide a balance in sound and feel due to the distinct qualities each housing material brings. While the top housing influences the sound profile when a key is released, the bottom housing has a greater impact on the sound and feel when a key is pressed down. This split between the top and bottom housing allows users to experience a variety of tactile and auditory feedback when typing on these switches.
Weight
The Outemu Silent Grey tactile switch and the Outemu Silver linear switch have some similarities and differences in terms of actuation force and bottom out force. The actuation force of the Silent Grey is 50 grams, while the Silver is lighter at 45 grams. Both switches have a bottom out force of 65 grams, making them medium-heavy in that regard. Those who prefer a lighter touch may lean towards the Outemu Silver for a more effortless typing experience, while those who enjoy a bit more resistance may find the Silent Grey to be more satisfying. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will depend on personal preference and typing style.
Travel distance
Both the Outemu Silent Grey tactile switch and the Outemu Silver linear switch have a travel distance of 4 mm, meaning that pressing down on either key will result in a similar amount of travel. The similarity in travel distance between these two switches suggests that users can expect a consistent typing experience in terms of how far down the key travels. However, the tactile nature of the Silent Grey switch may provide a more pronounced feedback compared to the smoother linear action of the Silver switch. Despite this difference in feel, the travel distance remains the same for both switches, allowing for a consistent typing experience regardless of the tactile preference.
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 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
Overall, comparing the Outemu Silent Grey tactile switch to the Outemu Silver linear switch, the Silent Grey offers a quieter typing experience with a tactile bump and smooth keystroke, perfect for those looking for a satisfying yet silent switch. On the other hand, the Silver switch provides a linear feel without any tactile feedback. When it comes to sound, the Silent Grey is known for being quieter compared to the Silver switch, but actual sound can be influenced by other components of the keyboard setup. In terms of feel, the Silent Grey offers a tactile experience while the Silver provides a smooth linear feel. Depending on personal preference, both switches have their own benefits and it is important to consider what type of typing experience you prefer before making a decision between the two.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Outemu Silent Grey tactile switch and the Outemu Silver linear switch, consider the type of typing experience you prefer. If you value a quiet and tactile typing experience with a pronounced bump and smooth keystroke, then the Outemu Silent Grey switch is a great choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a linear switch with a medium-heavy bottom out force and no tactile bump, the Outemu Silver switch may be more suitable for your preferences. Ultimately, the decision comes down to personal preference in terms of sound and feel while typing. Choose the switch that aligns best with your typing style and preference for a satisfying typing experience.
Mentioned in this article
