Outemu Silent Grey vs. Outemu Phoenix
An in-depth look at the Outemu Silent Grey and the Outemu Phoenix switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Outemu Silent Grey and the Outemu Phoenix offer distinct typing experiences that cater to different preferences. The Silent Grey is a tactile switch that provides a quiet and highly satisfying typing experience with a pronounced bump and smooth keystroke, making it ideal for those who prefer a more silent but still tactile feel. On the other hand, the Phoenix is a clicky switch with an under-skirt click mechanism, offering a unique and sparkling typing experience with a crunchy and polished sound profile that sets it apart from other clicky switches. Both switches have their own unique characteristics that appeal to different users, but ultimately the choice between the two will come down to personal preference. 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
N/A
Bottom-out force
65g
Bottom-out force
62g
Pre-travel
1.60 mm
Pre-travel
1.80 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
Polycarbonate
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Outemu Silent Grey and the Outemu Phoenix, we see that both switches utilize polycarbonate for their top housing. This material choice results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to polycarbonate's stiffness and clear resonant qualities. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches that will be used with RGB lighting. However, the Silent Grey differs in its use of nylon for the bottom housing, which creates a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to the Phoenix's polycarbonate bottom housing, which enhances clarity and resonant sound.
The nylon bottom housing of the Silent Grey switch provides a unique typing experience with a deeper and fuller sound profile, while the Phoenix's polycarbonate bottom housing emphasizes clarity and resonant sound. The nylon housing's softer plastic absorbs more sound, creating a duller and rounder sound, while the Phoenix's polycarbonate bottom housing maintains a sharper, higher-pitched sound. Both switches share the use of polycarbonate for the top housing, which contributes to a sharp and clear sound profile, especially when combined with RGB lighting. The choice between nylon and polycarbonate for the bottom housing will impact the overall typing experience and sound profile of each switch.
The combination of polycarbonate top housing and different bottom housing materials in the Outemu Silent Grey and Outemu Phoenix switches demonstrates how varying housing materials can affect sound profiles and typing experiences. The bottom housing material, whether nylon or polycarbonate, plays a significant role in the sound and feel of key presses, while the top housing material primarily impacts the sound when keys are released. Understanding the qualities that nylon and polycarbonate bring to switch housings helps users make informed decisions based on their preferences for sound, feel, and aesthetics. Ultimately, both switches offer unique typing experiences and sound profiles due to their housing material choices.
Weight
The actuation force and bottom out force of the Outemu Silent Grey tactile switch and the Outemu Phoenix clicky switch differ slightly in terms of weight. The Silent Grey has a slightly lighter actuation force of 50 grams compared to the Phoenix, whose actuation force is unknown. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Phoenix has a slightly heavier 62 grams compared to the Silent Grey's 65 grams. Overall, the Silent Grey offers a medium-heavy typing experience, while the Phoenix provides a medium one. Both switches cater to different preferences, with the Silent Grey being better suited for those who prefer a heavier typing feel, while the Phoenix may be more suitable for those who prefer a lighter actuation force. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and what type of typing experience the user is looking for.
Travel distance
The Outemu Silent Grey tactile switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, making it a more traditional option, while the Outemu Phoenix clicky switch has a shorter travel distance of 3.3 mm. Gamers may prefer the Phoenix switch for its faster response time due to the shorter travel distance, while those who prefer a more substantial keypress may lean towards the Silent Grey with its longer travel distance. Both switches offer unique advantages, with the Silent Grey providing a more traditional typing experience, and the Phoenix offering a quicker response for gaming. In this case, the Phoenix switch is the shorter option, while the Silent Grey is the longer one, catering to different preferences for keypress depth.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
For 10 switches, the Outemu Silent Grey comes in at $3.10, whereas the Outemu Phoenix comes in at $4.15.
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 summary, the Outemu Silent Grey tactile switch offers a quiet and highly tactile typing experience with a pronounced bump and smooth keystroke, perfect for those who enjoy a satisfying yet silent typing experience. On the other hand, the Outemu Phoenix clicky switch stands out for its unique under-skirt click mechanism, providing a crystalline and sparkling feel and sound profile. While the Silent Grey switch focuses on a quiet and tactile typing experience, the Phoenix switch offers a more distinct and crunchy sound profile. In terms of feel, the Silent Grey switch's description is unknown, while the Phoenix switch is noted for its polished and smooth finish, resulting in reduced friction and smooth key travel. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on individual preferences for sound and feel, but both switches are sure to offer a quality typing experience.
Conclusion
To wrap up, when deciding between the Outemu Silent Grey tactile switch and the Outemu Phoenix clicky switch, consider the type of typing experience you are looking for. If you prefer a quiet and tactile typing experience with a pronounced bump and smooth keystroke, the Silent Grey switch is the way to go. On the other hand, if you enjoy a unique clicky switch with a crystalline and sparkling sound profile, the Phoenix switch is the perfect choice. Both switches offer different characteristics in terms of sound and feel, so make sure to choose based on your personal preferences for your ultimate typing experience.
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